ATLANTA – State Representatives Jan Tankersley (R-Brooklet), Amy Carter (R-Valdosta), Katie Dempsey (R-Rome), Scott Hilton (R-Peachtree Corners) and Butch Parrish (R-Swainsboro) joined Governor Nathan Deal to recognize Georgia Down Syndrome Day in conjunction with World Down Syndrome Day at the State Capitol on Tuesday, March 21, 2016.
“Mrs. Deborah Johnson, a personal friend, contacted me last summer and was very passionate in her request for the State of Georgia to declare a Georgia Down Syndrome Day,” said Rep. Tankersley. “Mrs. Johnson and other community-based support 
groups across the state are raising awareness of Down syndrome and celebrating the many accomplishments of these individuals like independent living, gainful employment and participation in recreational and faith-based social activities. It has been a pleasure to work with Governor Deal to establish Georgia Down Syndrome Day, and I look forward to next year’s organized event at the Capitol. Just as the title of Mrs. Johnson’s book about her brother with Down syndrome implies, these individuals are “Down Right Special.””
Georgia Down Syndrome Day was established by a proclamation signed by the governor and was held to pay tribute to the approximately 6,000 babies born with Down syndrome in the U.S. each year and the more than 400,000 individuals living with Down syndrome in the U.S..
“I am a father of a child with Down syndrome, and I am grateful to Governor Deal for bringing recognition to our community,” said Rep. Hilton. “As a state representative, it is an honor to serve as a champion and voice for families across the state with special needs.”
Down syndrome is the most commonly occurring chromosomal abnormality, resulting when a person possesses three copies of the 21st chromosome instead of the usual two copies. Down syndrome affects individuals of all races, backgrounds and socioeconomic statuses. Research and early intervention have generated improvements in the length and quality of life of individuals living with Down syndrome, but continued efforts in genetic research would further improve, correct, or prevent some of the challenges associated with the condition.
*Editor’s Note: a photograph of Representatives Tankersley, Carter, Dempsey, Hilton and Parrish and Governor Nathan Deal has been attached to this press release for your convenience. Pictured left to right: Sen. Butch Miller, Rep. Parrish, Rep. Carter, Rep. Tankersley, Gov. Deal, Rep. Hilton, Rep. Dempsey and Sen. Jack Hill.
Representative Jan Tankersley represents the citizens of District 160, which includes portions of Bryan and Bulloch counties. She was elected into the House of Representatives in 2010, and currently serves as the Chairman of the Intragovernmental Coordination Committee. She also serves on the Appropriations Subcommittee on Economic Development and the Agriculture & Consumer Affairs and Natural Resources & Environment committees.
Representative Amy Carter represents the citizens of District 175, which includes portions of Brooks, Lowndes, and Thomas counties. She was elected into the House of Representatives in 2006 and is currently the Chairman of the Appropriations Subcommittee on General Government. She also serves on the Agriculture & Consumer Affairs, Education, Governmental Affairs, Higher Education, and the Small Business Development committees.
Representative Katie Dempsey represents the citizens of District 13, which includes portions of Floyd County. She was elected into the House of Representatives in 2006, and currently serves as the Chairman of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Human Resources. She also serves on the Economic Development & Tourism, Energy, Utilities, & Telecommunications, Health & Human Services, Higher Education, Rules, and Transportation committees.
Representative Scott Hilton represents the citizens of District 95, which includes portions of Fulton and Gwinnett counties. He was elected into the House of Representatives in 2016, and currently serves on the Education, Health & Human Services, and Intragovernmental Coordination committees
Representative Butch Parrish represents the citizens of District 158, which includes portions of Bulloch, Candler, Emanuel, and Jenkins counties. He was elected into the House of Representatives in 1984, and currently serves as the Chair of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Health. He also serves on the Banks & Banking, Economic Development & Tourism, and the Rules committees.
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