The Georgia General Assembly returned to the Gold Dome on Monday, January 22, for the third week of the 2019 legislative session. This week, we spent more time meeting in our committees to consider proposed legislation. By the end of a busy and productive week, a number of bills passed out of their respective committees, and we completed Legislative Day Seven before nearly one million visitors arrived in Atlanta to celebrate Super Bowl LIII on Sunday, February 3.
Public Safety Committee

Last week, I attended my first Senate Public Safety Committee. We unanimously passed Senate Bill 25. This legislation, sponsored by Sen. Bill Heath (R – Bremen), would clarify existing law relating to when a driver encountering a school bus must stop if they are driving on a divided highway. Under SB 25, the vehicle does not need to stop if there is a separation by a grass median or any unpaved area or physical barrier. The goal of this legislation is to increase safety for our children while also clarifying for our citizens the appropriate time to keep driving when encountering a school bus.
Communication Workers Association

On Tuesday, I was able to meet a group of Communication workers at the Capitol and give them a tour of the Senate Chambers. As someone who has fought for fair pay and benefits for employees for over 30 years, it was an honor to host this special group of folks and introduce them to Majority Leader Mike Dugan, as well as Senators Matt Brass and Blake Tillery.
Mayor's Day 2019

Senator Randy Robertson, Columbus Mayor Skip Henderson, and Representative Richard Smith
Monday was Mayor's Day and we kicked it off bright and early with a breakfast at the Freight Depot where hundreds of Georgia's Mayors and city officials gathered to hear from Governor Kemp, Lt. Governor Duncan, and Speaker Ralston. It was great to see LaGrange Mayor Jim Thornton and his wife, Corrine, as well as Hogansville Mayor Bill Stankiewicz, Columbus Mayor Skip Henderson, Columbus City Manager Isaiah Hughley.

Theresa and I got a special treat on Monday afternoon as we were walking down the hall at the Capitol. We ran into former Mississippi Governor Haley Barbour. I have long admired and respected Governor Barbour for his leadership during Hurricane Katrina. Many of you have heard my stories of my time in Pearl River, Mississippi in the weeks following the destruction of Katrina. Governor Barbour was accessible, decisive, and showed incredible command. It was an honor to meet him and share our experiences. You never know who you'll meet in the halls under the Gold Dome!
Birthday Shout-Out!

On Sunday, we celebrated the birthday of our daughter, Sarah Elizabeth. It was a treat to be in the same city on her special day and spend time together. Theresa and I are so proud of Sara Elizabeth!