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House Speaker Glenn Richardson Press Releases
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: August 10, 2005
CONTACT: Michelle Hitt (404) 656-5020 E-mail Michelle
Speaker Richardson Opens House to All Georgians
House Committee Meetings Go Live on the World Wide Web
ATLANTA Georgia Speaker of the House Glenn Richardson (R-Hiram) today announced that he is throwing open the doors of Georgia government to everyone. In a press conference held at the State Capitol, Richardson unveiled his latest effort to bring the workings of the House to all Georgians by broadcasting House committee meetings live over the internet. When the General Assembly is in session both the House and the Senate floors are streamed live over the internet, but this will be the first time that House Committee meetings will be broadcast live over the internet as well.
Richardson and House leaders are committed to opening up government and increasing access to all Georgians. The new Virtual House of Representatives will give the public the more opportunities to observe their government in action.
"We are throwing open the doors of government and letting Georgians see for themselves how their elected officials are working for them," Richardson said. "I've seen the way business has been impacted by the growing use of the internet during my lifetime, and it's time to bring the Georgia House of Representatives into the 21 st century as well."
"We are trying to put state government back into the hands of the people, and open this House beyond its Metro Atlanta border to every home in Georgia. In this day and age, Georgians shouldn't have to drive all day just to see their government in action."
Anyone with a computer and internet access will be able to log on and see their legislators at work.
Georgia will become only the 7 th state in the nation to stream committee meetings live on the web. 17 states currently web cast floor action during the legislative session, 2 stream audio only of floor action, and 4 stream audio only of committee meetings.
To watch, visit http://www.legis.state.ga.us/legis/2005_06/house/index.htm and follow the on-screen instructions.
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