This Week in the Senate
February 2 - 6, 2015

Georgia State Senate Press O ce Sta
Jennifer Yarber Director Adam Sweat Sr. Communications Specialist Emily Williams Communications Specialist Brett Johnson Broadcast Specialist Brittany Wagner Communications Associate Natalie Rossetti 2015 Legislative Aide Gavi Coffman 2015 Legislative Aide Ike Duru 2015 Legislative Intern Tyna Duckett Photographer
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A Message from Senate President
Pro Tempore David Shafer
is week, the Senate passed a bill that will allow hardworking high school students to pursue more advanced education and career objectives at an earlier pace. Senate Bill 2 will help students better prepare to enter a competitive job market, as well as reinforce the message to companies looking to move to Georgia that we have skilled and capable employees for hire.
Subcommittees of the Senate Appropriations Committee held meetings throughout the week to carefully review House Bill 75, the Fiscal Year 2015 amended budget, down to the last line item. Senate Leadership received subcommittee reports ursday at its "green door" meeting. e bill will be presented to the Senate Appropriations Committee on Monday, and it is anticipated the full Senate will vote on the bill later next week.
MONDAY, FEBRUARY 2
University of West Georgia Day Senate Resolution 86, sponsored by Sens. Mike Dugan (R - Carrollton) and Mike Crane (R - Newnan) recognized February 2, 2015, as University of West Georgia Day at the Georgia State Capitol and commended the university for their continued growth and economic impact. University president Dr. Kyle Marrero addressed the Senate and was joined by the university's o cial mascot, Wol e. - SR 86
TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 3
Postsecondary High School Diploma Bill Passes Unanimously Senate Bill 2, sponsored by Sens. Lindsey Tippins (R - Marietta), Freddie Powell Sims (D - Dawson), Bill Cowsert (R - Athens), John Wilkinson (R - Toccoa), Fran Millar (R - Atlanta) and John Albers (R - Roswell), passed the Senate with unanimous support. SB 2 will authorize local boards of education to award a high school diploma to a student that completes certain requirements relating to postsecondary coursework. e Technical College System of Georgia will work with the State Board of Education to perform an annual evaluation of workforce shortages, and create training programs in those speci c areas. - SB 2
Georgia Southern University Day Sens. Jack Hill (R - Reidsville), David Shafer (R - Duluth), Bill Cowsert (R - Athens), Fran Millar (R - Atlanta), Tommie Williams (R - Lyons) and Frank Ginn (R - Danielsville) sponsored Senate Resolution 118, recognizing February 3, 2015, as Georgia Southern University Day at the Capitol. University president Dr. Brooks Keel addressed the Senate and congratulated Georgia Southern's football team on winning the 2014 Sun Belt Championship. - SR 118

Equine Youth Day Sens. John Wilkinson (R - Toccoa), Tyler Harper (R - Ocilla), Ellis Black (R - Valdosta), and Butch Miller (R - Gainesville) sponsored Senate Resolution 89, recognizing February 3, 2015, as Equine Youth Day at the Capitol. SR 89 also commended several young equestrians from Georgia for reaching the highest level of distinction in regional, national, and world level equestrians competitions. - SR 89
Sen. Butch Miller Recognizes Judge Cli Jolli Sen. Butch Miller (R - Gainesville) sponsored Senate Resolution 128 commending Judge Cli Jolli on his outstanding public service. Judge Jolli faithfully served the Hall County Juvenile Court System from 1992 to 2014. He is speci cally recognized for his leadership and commitment to the children and families of Hall County. - SR 128
Georgia Piedmont Technical College Day Sens. Ronald Ramsey (D - Lithonia), Gloria Butler (D - Stone Mountain), and Emanuel Jones (D - Decatur) sponsored Senate Resolution 124, commending Georgia Piedmont Technical College and recognizing February 3, 2015, as Georgia Piedmont Technical College Day at the Capitol. Georgia Piedmont Technical College has served the citizens of DeKalb, Rockdale, Newton, and Morgan counties for over 53 years by training over 150 Georgians to serve in over 42 di erent law enforcement agencies throughout the state. - SR 124
Sen. Ellis Black Recognizes Echols County Drama Club Sen. Ellis Black (R - Valdosta), sponsored Senate Resolution 112, commending the Echols County Drama Club for winning the Georgia High School Association Area 2A One-Act Play Competition on October 20, 2014. e group captivated the audience and judges alike with its musical production of Perseus Bayou: e Search for the Cajun Medusa. - SR 112
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 4
State of the Judiciary Address e Honorable Chief Justice Hugh P. ompson of the Supreme Court of Georgia
delivered his annual State of the Judiciary Address to inform the joint session of the current status of our judicial system, along with challenges and opportunities the system may face. He highlighted the lack of accessibility to legal services in Georgia, especially among poor and rural populations. Chief Justice ompson stressed the importance of preparation for Georgia's population growth and the General Assembly's support in providing more resources to probate court judges and sta .
Veterinary Medicine Day Sens. John Wilkinson (R - Toccoa), Tyler Harper (R - Ocilla), Ellis Black (R - Valdosta) and Butch Miller (R - Gainesville) sponsored Senate Resolution 90, recognizing February 4, 2015, as Veterinary Medicine Day at the Capitol. SR 90 also commends veterinary medicine professionals for their contributions to improve the health and welfare of Georgia's animals. - SR 90

Local Entertainment Producer Recognized Sens. Valencia Seay (D - Riverdale), Donzella James (D - Atlanta), Michael Rhett (D - Marietta), Gloria Butler (D - Stone Mountain), Steve Henson (D - Tucker) and Freddie Powell Sims (D Dawson) sponsored Senate Resolution 37, commending Atlanta television and music producer Satchel B. Jester. Jester has been in the entertainment industry for 15 years and has worked with talents such as Outkast, Sean "P. Diddy" Combs, the Wayans Family and the late Whitney Houston. He will now serve as executive producer on a lifestyle makeover show debuting later this year. -SR 37
American Heart Association's Go Red Campaign Sens. Renee Unterman (R - Buford), Valencia Seay (D - Riverdale), Nan Orrock (D - Atlanta), Gail Davenport (D - Joneboro), Gloria Butler (D - Stone Mountain) and Horacena Tate (D Atlanta) sponsored Senate Resolution 115, recognizing the American Heart Association's "Go Red for Women" movement. In celebration of the 12th National Wear Red Day on February 6, 2015, "Go Red for Women" is strongly urging all women across America to wear red and raise awareness for women's heart health. - SR 115
Georgia State University Day Sens. Lindsey Tippins (R - Marietta), Fran Millar (R - Atlanta), John Wilkinson (R - Toccoa), Hunter Hill (R - Atlanta), Renee Unterman (R - Buford) and Freddie Powell Sims (D Dawson) sponsored Senate Resolution 103, commending Georgia State University on their accomplishments and recognizing February 4, 2015, as Georgia State University Day at the Capitol. Legislators welcomed Georgia State University president Dr. Mark Becker, as well as students, faculty and alumni to the Capitol. SR 103
Prostate Cancer Awareness Day Sens. Bill Cowsert (R - Athens), Steve Henson (D - Tucker), Renee Unterman (R - Buford), Charlie Bethel (R - Dalton), Dean Burke (R - Bainbridge) and Ben Watson (R Savannah) sponsored Senate Resolution 117, commending Kurt Gelfand and recognizing February 4, 2015, as Prostate Cancer Awareness Day at the State Capitol. Kurt Gelfand, a prostate cancer survivor, started an awareness campaign called "Save Our Dads" to raise awareness and support for the disease. SR 117
The Georgia State Senate will reconvene for DAY 12 on Monday, February 9, at 11:00 a.m.
e Senate Press O ce wishes
Emily Williams
the best of luck on her new career adventure!
We will miss you!