ATLANTA – State Representative Heath Clark (R-Warner Robins) was recently presented with the 2016 Legislative Service Award by the Association County Commissioners of Georgia (ACCG). ACCG honored Rep. Clark with this award during the Houston County Commission meeting on September 20, 2016, in Warner Robins, Ga.
“I am honored to receive this award; however, I would be remiss if I did not recognize those who also worked on HB 772,” said Rep. Clark. “I want to thank the members of the Houston County delegation, Representatives Buddy Harden, Bubber Epps, Robert Dickey, Shaw Blackmon, and Senators Kennedy and Walker, for their work, along with Chairman Stalnaker who presented us with the idea and need for this legislation. I am grateful to work with the best delegation in the General Assembly.”
Rep. Clark was honored for sponsoring House Bill 772 which would resolve issues with second Saturday voting. HB 772 states that if the second Saturday of advance voting in any general, primary, or runoff election falls on a federal holiday or holiday weekend, then the third Saturday prior to these elections would become the Saturday for advanced voting. This bill addressed the potential staffing issues at polling locations.
“ACCG is thankful to Rep. Clark for his work on HB 772,” said ACCG Associate Legislative Director Todd Edwards. “This bill helps to prevent decreased voter participation and the unforeseen challenges associated with staffing polling stations around holidays.”
Additionally, ACCG recognized Rep. Clark for his involvement in discussions concerning county taxpayer legislation and for his role in addressing additional ACCG concerns during the 2016 legislative session.
“ACCG is proud to recognize this year’s Legislative Service Award recipients for their devoted service to Georgia’s counties,” said ACCG Executive Director Ross King. “Their efforts are a true reflection of government working collaboratively for the overall benefit of its citizens.”
ACCG’s Legislative Service Awards recognize Georgia House and Senate members who demonstrate distinguished leadership and interest in working with county governments for the benefit of Georgia’s citizens. Rep. Clark was selected for his work on House Bill 772, a bill which resolved issues with absentee ballots and advance voting.
ACCG is Georgia’s county association and works on behalf of county officials and their communities by providing public policy and legislative advocacy, leadership development, civic and community engagement initiatives, insurance and retirement programs that specialize in local government needs and other cost-saving programs. Formed in 1914 when county officials came together to help fund the state’s first highway department, ACCG today serves as a catalyst for advancing Georgia’s counties.
For more information on HB 772, please click here.
For more information on ACCG, please click here.
*Editor’s Note: A photo of Rep. Clark with ACCG Associate Legislative Director Todd Edwards and the Houston County Board of Commissioners is attached for your convenience (photo credit: ACCG).
Representative Heath Clark represents the citizens of District 147, which includes portions of Houston County. He was elected into the House of Representatives in 2014, and currently serves on the Defense & Veterans Affairs, Public Safety & Homeland Security, and Science & Technology committees.
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