From the upper chamber 2007 January 8

Report for Monday, January 8, 2007
The first day of the 2007 legislative session was called to order by Secretary of the Senate Robert Ewing.
Secretary Ewing greeted the Senate and welcomed members to the 2007 session. He then recognized Senator Eric Johnson of the 1st to offer his greetings.
Sen. Johnson led the Senate in the Pledge of Allegiance, and introduced the Chaplain of the Day, Pastor Jeff Vines of Savannah Christian Church, who led the Senate in the daily devotional.
Secretary Ewing then asked the Clerk to read a directive from the Secretary of State's office certifying the election of the Senators for all 56 State Senate districts.
After the morning roll call, Sen. Chip Pearson of the 51st introduced Judge Andrew C. Fuller of Hall County, who will swear in the incoming state Senators.
The incoming Senators took the Oath of Office and were officially sworn in for the 2007-2008 term.
Secretary Ewing recognized Majority Leader Tommie Williams of the 19th, who nominated Sen. Johnson for the office of President Pro Tempore of the Senate. Minority Leader Robert Brown of the 26th then seconded the nomination. Majority Leader Williams took the well to speak to the nomination. Sen. Williams then moved that nominations be closed.
Without objection, Secretary Ewing declared Sen. Johnson to be President Pro Tem of the Senate.
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Doorkeeper Lorenzo Wallace then announced the arrival of President Pro Tem Johnson to the Senate chamber. The Senate stood in applause to welcome the incoming President Pro Tem.
Sen. Johnson took the rostrum to speak on the accomplishments of the Senate during his tenure as President Pro Tem. He mentioned that tomorrow, Lieutenant Governor Casey Cagle will preside over the Senate.
Majority Whip Mitch Seabaugh of the 28th then nominated Robert Ewing as Secretary of the Senate. Minority Whip David Adelman of the 42nd seconded the motion. Majority Leader Williams moved that the nominations be closed.
Without objection, Robert Ewing was elected Secretary of the Senate. Doorkeeper Lorenzo Wallace then announced the arrival of Secretary Ewing to the Senate chamber. The Senate stood in applause to welcome the incoming Secretary.
Sen. Dan Moody of the 56th nominated Lorenzo Wallace as Sergeant-at-Arms, and the motion was seconded by Sen. Tim Golden of the 8th. Sen. Moody took the well to speak to the nomination. Majority Leader Williams again moved that the nominations be closed.
Without objection, Lorenzo Wallace was elected Sergeant-at-Arms. A doorkeeper then announced the arrival of Sergeant-at-Arms Wallace to the Senate chamber. The Senate stood in applause to welcome the incoming Sergeant-at-Arms, and he took the rostrum to speak to the Senate.
Sen. Seabaugh took the well to speak on the election of Secretary Ewing.
Sen. Don Thomas of the 54th then introduced the Doctor of the Day, Dr. Bobby Kaufman of Sandy Springs, and Beverly Lee who runs the Medical Aid Station at the Capitol.
Senate Resolution 1, notifying the House of Representatives that the Senate has convened, was read and adopted by a vote of 47 to 0.
SR 2, notifying the Governor that the Senate has convened, was read and adopted by a vote of 49 to 0.
Sen. Johnson then appointed a committee to notify the Governor that the Senate has convened, consisting of Senators Ronnie Chance of the 16th, Bill Heath of the 31st, Joseph Carter of the 13th, Jack Murphy of the 27th, Nan Orrock of the 36th, Ron Ramsey of the 43rd, Gail Davenport of the 44th, Bill Cowsert of the 46th and Lee Hawkins of the 49th.
SR 3 was read, which contains the new rules of the Senate for the 2007 session.
The Secretary read Amendment 1 by Sen. Heath of the 31st, which makes minor alterations to the rules of the Senate. Sen. Don Balfour of the 9th took the well to speak to
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the resolution and to explain the changes to the Senate rules. He yielded to questions from Sens. Preston Smith of the 52nd, Vincent Fort of the 39th and George Hooks of the 14th.
Sen. Steve Thompson of the 33rd took the well to speak to SR 3 and Amendment 1. He yielded to questions from Sen. Smith.
Sen. Heath took the well to explain Amendment 1. He yielded to questions from Sens. Thompson and Ralph Hudgens of the 47th.
Sen. Balfour again took the well in support of SR 3 and the accompanying Amendment 1.
Amendment 1 was adopted by a vote of 41 to 0.
SR 3 was adopted by a vote of 44 to 10.
SR 8 was read, and Sen. Williams took the well to speak to the resolution. SR 8 adjusts certain powers of the Committee on Assignments, among other housekeeping measures.
SR 8 was adopted by a vote of 52 to 2.
SR 9 was read, ordering a joint session of the House and Senate for the purposes of the inauguration of Governor Sonny Perdue and Lt. Governor Cagle. Sen. Williams took the well to speak to the resolution.
SR 9 was adopted by vote of 42 to 0.
Sen. Johnson appointed a committee to notify the Governor of the joint session, consisting of Sens. Moody, Golden, Seabaugh and Adelman, Majority Leader Williams and President Pro Tem Johnson.
There were no unanimous consents.
Sen. Valencia Seay of the 34th took the well on a Point of Personal Privilege to thank members of the Senate for their condolences on the recent passing of her father.
Pro Tem Johnson then recognized former Sens. Brian Kemp and Hugh Gillis on the floor of the Senate.
Following the announcements, Majority Leader Williams moved to stand adjourned until 10:00 a.m., Tuesday, January 9.
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From the Upper Chamber Monday, January 8, 2006
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