This week in the Senate, 2014 Jan. 27-31

This Week in the Senate
January 27-31, 2014
Review the week in pictures with the Georgia State Senate's Facebook Photo Essays!
A Message from Senate President Pro Tempore David Shafer
"This week was challenging for the Georgia General Assembly. Senate business was suspended on Wednesday, January 29 and Thursday, January 30 because of the adverse weather conditions. However, these two days will be counted towards the 40 days we are allowed by the State Constitution.
"We are a little behind, but we will rapidly catch up. Sen. Jack Hill and our budget staff worked through the snow storm, and Senate Leadership will be receiving appropriations subcommittee reports today. We expect to vote on the amended budget next week as originally scheduled."
MONDAY, JANUARY 27
National Guard Day Sen. Jack Hill (R-Reidsville) sponsored Senate Resolution 775, which recognized January 27, 2014, as National Guard Day at the Georgia State Capitol. The Senate was joined by several members of the National Guard both at home and abroad via Skype. Trey Balfour, son of Sen. Don Balfour (R-Snellville) was able to speak with his father and the Senate with other members of the 48th Infantry Brigade Combat Team. The National Guard embodies the principles of selflessness, service and strength of human spirit. SR 775
TUESDAY, JANUARY 28
Honoring He Beom Kim Sen. David Shafer (RDuluth) presented Senate Resolution 798 to He Beom Kim, Consul General of the Republic of Korea in Atlanta. The resolution honors the Republic of Korea as one of the strongest allies and trading partners of the United States, and also acknowledges the many contributions of the Korean American community both in Georgia and worldwide. Sen. Shafer also presented the Consul General with Senate Resolution 737, which recognized January 13 as Korean American Day. SR 798
Skin Cancer Awareness Sponsored by Renee S. Unterman (R-Buford), Senate Resolution 768 recognizes January 28, 2014, as Skin Cancer Awareness Day at the State Capitol. Although Melanoma and other skin cancers are one of the most preventable types of cancer, they can also be the most fatal. The Resolution also

acknowledges the work of those trying to increase community awareness, including the Atlanta Dermatological Association and Skin Cancer Awareness Network Foundation. SR 768
Congratulating Mr. and Mrs. Harold Peacock The Senate adopted Senate Resolution 779, congratulating Mr. and Mrs. Harold Peacock on their 50th wedding anniversary. The resolution was sponsored by Sen. Mike Dugan (R-Carrollton). SR 779
Senate Recognizes Tourism, Hospitality, and Arts Day Sens. Frank Ginn (R-Danielsville), Bruce Thompson (R-White), Mike Dugan (R-Carrollton), John Albers (R-Roswell), Hardie Davis (D-Augusta) and Donzella James (D-Atlanta) sponsored Senate Resolution 787 to highlight the economic and cultural significance of the arts, music and agribusiness sectors. The resolution also recognizes January 28, 2014, as Tourism, Hospitality and Arts Day at the State Capitol. SR 787
WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 29
Senate business suspended due to severe weather conditions.
THURSDAY, JANUARY 30
Senate business suspended due to severe weather conditions.
FRIDAY, JANUARY 31
New Charter for City of Avalon House Bill 664, which provides for a new charter for the City of Avalon, passed the Senate unanimously by a vote of 47 - 0. Sponsored by Rep. Dan Gasaway (R-Homer) and carried in the Senate by Sen. John Wilkinson (R-Toccoa), the charter changes the name from the Town of Avalon to the City of Avalon. The City of Avalon's governing authority shall include a mayor and a city council composed of five members. HB 664
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