This week in the Senate [Jan. 18-22, 2016]

This Week in the Senate
January 18 - 22, 2016

Georgia State Senate Press O ce Sta
Jennifer Yarber Director Adam Sweat Sr. Communications Specialist Brittany Wagner Communications Specialist Brett Johnson Broadcast Specialist Gavriella Coffman Communications Associate Andrew Allison 2016 Legislative Aide Jessie Powell 2016 Legislative Aide Jacob Hamilton 2016 Legislative Intern Tyna Duckett Photographer
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Securing Georgia's Fiscal Future
is week we took o Monday to observe and celebrate the life of a great Georgian, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., a religious leader whose church based social movement helped transform every facet of American life. Although derided as a "social radical" by the business and political leadership of his day, any thoughtful appraisal of his life leaves no doubt as to the critical importance of the role of men and women of faith play in public life.
Tuesday we hit the ground running with a joint budget hearing of the Senate and House Appropriations Committees. After hearing directly from the Governor and a number of agency and department heads at the joint meeting, the committees broke out into subcommittees, which met throughout the week to begin line by line scrutiny of the proposed budget.
A number of interesting pieces of legislation were introduced and assigned to committee. Work in earnest on these bills will begin next week when our standing committees will have their rst meetings.
Friday ended early with the Governor's order to close state buildings at noon but a handful of sta ers continued working to nish this update. My thanks to the many men and women who serve the Senate in sta capacities and help make our legislative function as e ciently as possible.
Sen. David J. Shafer President Pro Tempore, Georgia State Senate
MONDAY, JANUARY 18
Celebrating Martin Luther King, Jr. Day e General Assembly took a long holiday weekend
in observance of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day on Monday, January 18. Hundreds attended the annual commemorative service held at Ebenezer Baptist Church in Atlanta including Lt. Gov. Casey Cagle, U.S. Sen. Johnny Isakson (R GA) and U.S. Rep. Sanford D. Bishop, Jr. (GA - 02). Photo credit: www.history.com
TUESDAY, JANUARY 19
Budget Hearings In response to Gov. Nathan Deal's budget recommendations, the House and Senate Appropriations Committees held hearings focused on economic trends and forecasts in order to adequately fund essential state services. Senators received brie ngs from various heads of state agencies, including Richard Woods, Superintendent of the Georgia Department of Education, and Clyde Reese, Commissioner of the Georgia Department of Community Health.

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 20
Together Georgia Day at the Capital Sen. Fran Millar (R - Atlanta) sponsored Senate Resolution 708 establishing January 20 as "Together Georgia Day" at the Capitol. Sen. Millar commended Together Georgia and its partners for their diligent work in providing care to Georgia's children and families. Along with Sen. Millar, Together Georgia President John Blend spoke to senators about the importance of protecting Georgia's youth. - SR 708
THURSDAY, JANUARY 21
Joint Appropriation Subcommittee Meetings e House and Senate Appropriation Subcommittees concluded joint hearings today that began on Wednesday,
January 20. Over the two-day period, state agencies presented their additional funding requests to legislators, who will use this information to nalize the FY 2016 amended budget and the FY 2017 general budget.
More information on Governor Deal's budget recommendations for AFY 2016 and FY 2017 can be found online at opb.georgia.gov.
CLICK HERE for a direct link to the Governor's budget report for AFY 2016.
CLICK HERE for a direct link to the Governor's budget report for FY 2017.
FRIDAY, JANUARY 22
Atlanta Metropolitan State College Day at the Capitol e Senate passed a resolution recognizing January 22 as Atlanta Metropol-
itan State College Day at the Capitol. Sen. Vincent Fort (D Atlanta) commended the college on their growth and success. Atlanta Metropolitan State College currently enrolls more than 3,000 students, most of which are Georgia residents. Atlanta Metropolitan State College President Gary A. McGaha was presented with the resolution by Sen. Nan Orrock (D - Atlanta). - SR 706
Adjournment Date Set e Senate, in conjunction with the House of Representatives, set the nal adjournment date of the second session
of the 153rd Georgia General Assembly for ursday, March 24, 2016. Crossover day is scheduled for Monday, February 29. e Senate will also break for several committee-only days. - SR 1114
Sen. Michael Williams anks the Senate for eir Support rough Son's Injury Sen. Michael Williams (R - Cumming) thanked the Senate for their continual outpouring of prayer, love and support when his eldest son, Ammon, fell from a longboard and was in critical condition last July. Ammon made a full recovery and joined his father in the Senate today as a page.

The Georgia State Senate will reconvene at 10:00 a.m. on MONDAY, JANUARY 25.