This week in the Senate, 2014 Jan. 20-24

This Week in the Senate
January 20-24, 2014
Review the week in pictures with the Georgia State Senate's Facebook Photo Essays!
A Message from Senate President Pro Tempore David Shafer
The Senate has completed its second week of the 2014 legislative session. Governor Deal signed the first piece of legislation into law, HB 310, which effectively moves Georgia's primary elections for state elections and to the same schedule set by the District a Court for federal elections.
SB 297, which passed the Senate today and now goes to the House, clarifies the filing and reporting process for local candidates.
The House has been at work as well, today passing their version of FY14 Amended Budget. The Senate will begin a line-by-line review next week to ensure we are using taxpayer dollars as wisely and efficiently as possible.
On a personal note, SR 414, a constitutional amendment prohibiting any increase in the state income tax, received a strong "do pass" recommendation from the Senate Finance Committee. This measure now moves to the Senate Rules Committee.
MONDAY, JANUARY 20
State Holiday Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
TUESDAY, JANUARY 21
Senate Recognizes Armstrong Day Sponsored by Buddy Carter (R-Pooler), Senate Resolution 753 recognizes January 22, 2014, as Armstrong Day at the State Capitol. Armstrong Atlantic State University's College of Health Professions has been leading the University System of Georgia in producing health care professionals since 2007. SR 753
Senate Commends TCSG Student Organizations The Senate commended the Technical College System of Georgia's student organizations for their outstanding student leadership and success. Senate Resolution 754, sponsored by Bill Cowsert (RAthens), recognizes and commends student organizations such as Phi Beta Lambda, SkillsUSA, the National Technical Honor Society and others. SR 754
Smith-Barnes Elementary School History

Senate Resolution 755, sponsored by Emanuel Jones (D-Decatur), urges the Henry County Board of Education to preserve the historical nature of the elementary school. Smith-Barnes Elementary opened its doors in 1955 and has a significant history within the community. SR 755
WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 22
Georgia STEM Day Sen. John Albers (R-Roswell) sponsored Senate Resolution 757 to highlight the importance of STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) education by recognizing May 9, 2014, as Georgia STEM Day at the State Capitol. SR 757
Deborah Bailey Marshall Honored for her Work Senate Resolution 758 honors the life and memory of Deborah Bailey Marshall and her work as a public servant. The resolution, sponsored by Sen. Bill Jackson (R-Appling), commends her service on the Columbia County Board of Elections from 1984 to 2012. SR 758
Service Providers Commended Sen. Renee S. Unterman (R-Buford) sponsored a resolution to commend the Service Providers Association for Developmental Disabilities for their work and service to people of Georgia. Senate Resolution 759 recognizes the association's work to treat every individual with respect and dignity as they provide needed support. SR 759
Recognizing Suicide Prevention Action Network of Georgia, Inc. Sen. Renee Unterman (R--Buford) sponsored Senate Resolution 760 commending the Suicide Prevention Action Network of Georgia, Inc. The network has created effective suicide prevention coalitions throughout Georgia, by engaging in education and awareness efforts statewide. SR 760
Honoring MTI Baths on their 25th Anniversary The Senate adopted Senate Resolution 761, sponsored by Sen. Renee Unterman (R--Buford), congratulating MTI Baths on the 25th anniversary of its founding. MTI Baths is an innovative manufacturer and marketer of custom-built and handcrafted premium kitchen and bath products. SR 761
Nelson Mandela and MADIBA Day Senate Resolution 762, sponsored by Sen. Donzella James (D--Atlanta) and Sen. Gail Davenport (D--Jonesboro), was adopted by the Senate on Wednesday. The resolution honors the life and memory of Nelson Mandela and recognizes December 15, 2014, as MADIBA Day at the Georgia State Capitol. Madiba is Mandela's family name, which is used as a sign of respect and affection. SR 762
THURSDAY, JANUARY 23
Senate Honors the Red Cross

Senate Resolution 764, sponsored by Sen. David Shafer (R-Duluth), commends the American Red Cross for 100 years of service in Georgia. The American Red Cross is a national non-profit organization dedicated to providing disaster relief and emergency management services.SR 764
Children's Day January 23, 2014, was recognized as Children's Day at the State Capitol. Sen. Lindsey Tippens (RMarietta) sponsored Senate Resolution 765 to recognize the important role Georgia's children hold for the state's future. In addition, the resolution commends the efforts of Georgia state agencies and non-profit organizations dedicated to improving the welfare of Georgia's young people. SR 765
People Making Progress Sponsored by Sen. Fran Millar (R-Atlanta), Senate Resolution 766 recognizes the dedicated and faithful work of People Making Progress. Over the past 25 years, People Making Progress has worked to improve the lives of individuals with developmental disabilities. The organization also partners with the Assistance League of Atlanta and has helped many adults with disabilities find employment opportunities and achieve their full potential. SR 766
Ola High School Softball Team Senate Resolution 767 commends the Ola High School Softball Team for winning the 2013 AAAAA State Championship. The Mustangs won six straight games before capturing the title. Their diligence and training demonstrates the same qualities found in players at the highest level of the sport. The resolution was sponsored by Sen. Rick Jeffares (R-McDonough). SR 767
Commending Conservation Sgt. Christopher Hodge, Conservation Ranger 1st Class David Brady and Conservation Sg.t Mark Carson The Senate adopted Senate Resolutions 770,771 and 773, sponsored by Sen. William Ligon (RBrunswick), commending three outstanding individuals from the Georgia Department of Natural Resources Law Enforcement Division. The Senate recognized Conservation Sgt. Christopher Hodge and Conservation Ranger 1st Class David Brady for their efforts to rescue an individual from an overturned boat. The Senate also acknowledged Conservation Sgt. Mark Carson and his efforts to protect a local resident and a fellow officer from falling off a bridge.SR 770, 771 & 773
Recognizing Susan Hudson Sen. William Ligon (R-Brunswick) sponsored Senate Resolution 772, which commends Susan Hudson for her efforts with the Lighthouse Homeschool Co-Op. The Lighthouse Homeschool CoOp provides a Christ-honoring environment for homeschool families and brings children and parents together for positive social interaction and encouragement. SR 772
Honoring Conservation Cpl. Michael Crawley Senate Resolution 774, sponsored by Sen. Jesse Stone (R-Waynesboro), recognizes Conservation Cpl. Michael Crawley for his dedicated service to the State of Georgia and for his heroic efforts to rescue four people lost along the Ogeechee River. SR 774
Adjournment Resolution House Resolution 1108 was adopted to set the legislative calendar through Day 24 on February 18, 2014. To view the legislative calendar, click here. HR 1108

FRIDAY, JANUARY 24
Senate Passes Senate Bill 297 Senate Bill 297, which cleans up and clarifies minor questions related to campaign disclosure rules in local candidate elections, passed the Senate by a vote of 46 to 6. The bill exempts local officials from filing campaign finance disclosure reports for contributions or expenditures totaling less than $2,500. The bill was sponsored by Sen. Butch Miller (R Gainesville) and now moves to the House of Representatives for consideration. SB 297
Remembering Roger Sheridan Senate Resolution 780, sponsored by Sen. Rick Jeffares (R-McDonough), was adopted to honor the life and memory of Roger Sheridan. Sheridan was believed to be the oldest serving mayor in Georgia and gave inspiration to many through his high ideals, morals, and deep concern for his fellow citizens. SR 780
Congratulating the Northwest Whitfield County High School Lady Bruins Softball Team Senate Resolution 784, sponsored by Sen. Charlie Bethel (R-Dalton), was adopted to recognize and commend the Northwest Whitfield County High School Lady Bruins softball team on their 2013 GHSA Class AAAA State Championship. SR 784
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