House Media Services Office
House Speaker David Ralston Names Rep. Len Walker Chairman of the Higher Education Committee
ATLANTA- Representative Len Walker (R-Loganville) has been named chairman of the House Higher Education Committee. House Speaker David Ralston (R-Blue Ridge) made the announcement during the first week of the legislative session. Continue reading “
House Speaker David Ralston Names Rep. Len Walker Chairman of the Higher Education Committee
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ATLANTA – On Friday January 15th, House Speaker David Ralston (R-Blue Ridge) appointed Representative Sean Jerguson (R-Holly Springs) to the Special Committee on Small Business Development and Job Creation — a new standing committee in the Georgia House of Representatives. Continue reading “House Speaker David Ralston Appoints Sean Jerguson to New Special Committee on Small Business Development and Job Creation”
ATLANTA — This week State Representative Amy Carter (D-Valdosta) cosponsored and helped author House Bill 977, which would prevent a school system from increasing the pay of administrators when that school system has decided to furlough other school employees.
“If teachers, cafeteria workers, bus drivers, and custodians are making sacrifices then administrators should not be receiving raises,” said Representative Amy Carter. “As a teacher, I understand how frustrating it might be to see administrators receive pay raises while others have to make sacrifices by being furloughed. House Bill 977 will not only ensure a greater sense of equality among school employees, but it will also help maintain morale of non-administrative workers during these tough times.”
Under House Bill 977, “If any local board of education furloughs teachers, paraprofessionals, cafeteria workers, bus drivers, custodians, support staff, or other non-administrative positions during a school year, such local board of education shall not use any state funds to provide a salary increase for the local school superintendent or administrators during such school year.”
The bill also requires any school board that tries to bypass state funds to give an administrator or superintendent a pay raise to explain the reasoning during a public hearing for community input. They would also have to give seven days’ notice of the public hearing through a legal notice in a local newspaper of publication.
Co-authors on House Bill 977 include state Representatives Ed Rynders (R-Leesburg), Edward Lindsey (R-Atlanta), Fran Millar (R-Dunwoody), and Jay Powell (R-Camilla).
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Representative Amy Carter represents the citizens of District 175, which includes portions of Lowndes County. She was elected into the House of Representatives in 2006, and is currently the Secretary of Higher Education. She also serves on the Appropriations, and Children & Youth Committees and a Special Committee on Small Business Development and Creation.
ATLANTA — Today state Representative Harry Geisinger (R-Roswell) introduced House Resolution 1177, which would provide an opportunity for Georgia voters to amend the state constitution to allow horse racing and pari-mutuel wagering in Georgia. The amendment could lead to the creation of thousands of jobs throughout Georgia. Continue reading “New Amendment Would Bring Jobs and Revenue”
Georgia House of Representatives to Participate in Clinton Bush Relief Effort for Haiti
Bi-partisan group of House members to hold fundraiser
ATLANTA- House Speaker David Ralston (R-Blue Ridge) today announced a fundraiser, House Helping Haiti, to benefit the Clinton Bush Haiti Fund. The event will take place on Thursday, February 11th from 5:30-7:00PM at the Georgia Railroad Freight Depot.
“The people of Haiti have experienced unbelievable loss and destruction since the earthquake on January 12th,” said Speaker David Ralston. “I believe that we are in the position to help this nation get back on its feet. That is why House Republicans and Democrats are joining together in a bi-partisan effort to host a fundraiser to bring much needed funds to Haiti to help provide people with food, water, and other supplies.”
Former Presidents Bill Clinton and George W. Bush have joined forces to lead a major relief effort to benefit Haiti.
“We appreciate the opportunity to join in the effort to help our neighbors in Haiti,” said Rep. Dubose Porter. “When tragedy hits we need to pull together as one people to help those in need with our thoughts and prayers.”
In addition to Speaker Ralston and Minority Leader Porter (D-Dublin), the host committee will include the following members of caucus leadership in the Georgia House of Representatives: Speaker Pro-Tem Jan Jones (R-Milton), Majority Leader Jerry Keen (R-St. Simons), Majority Whip Edward Lindsey (R-Atlanta), Majority Caucus Chairwoman Donna Sheldon (R-Dacula), Majority Caucus Vice-Chairman Jeff May (R-Monroe), Majority Secretary/Treasurer Allen Peake (R-Macon), Minority Whip Carolyn Hugley (D-Columbus), Minority Caucus Chairman Calvin Smyre (D-Columbus), Minority Caucus Vice-Chairwoman Nikki Randall (D-Macon), Assistant Minority Whip Rob Teilhet (D-Smyrna), Minority Secretary Kathy Ashe (D-Atlanta), and Minority Treasurer Don Wix (D-Mableton).
“I appreciate the efforts of House Minority Leader DuBose Porter, Minority Whip Carolyn Hugley and all of the Minority Caucus leadership for their partnership in this very worthy cause,” Speaker Ralston added.
The Georgia Railroad Freight Depot is located on Martin Luther King, Jr. Drive, between Courtland Street and Central Avenue. Contributions will be accepted at the door the day of the event at the discretion of the donor.
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