2011 Georgia General Assembly – Page 3

Murphy: Immigration reform bill offers tweak to existing laws

January 28, 2011 Express Telegraph

By Sen. Jack Murphy My colleague, Sen. Bill Heath, possibly said it best. Georgians, he said, are known world wide for our hospitality and common sense. But when we look at the rising rates of illegal aliens and the staggering financial burden it places on our residents, it is time for our common sense to take precedence over our hospitality. This week, I am submitting legislation intended to make it more difficult for illegal aliens

Deal hammers message of smaller government

January 16, 2011 Express Telegraph

Since taking office, Gov. Nathan Deal has focused his message on fiscal conservatism and reducing the size of the state government – a message that has seemingly resonated with GOP lawmakers statewide.

Deal: ‘Let us be frugal and wise’

January 10, 2011 Express Telegraph

Rebuking a growth in government, Gov. Nathan Deal in his inaugural address called on Georgians to assume personal responsibility, saying he will continue to fight Washington over the healthcare reform Congress passed last year. “The evolution of society has infringed on much of the elbow room our ancestors enjoyed and government has been asked to regulate our actions as we bump into each other in our frantic search for success,” the governor said. Deal, who

A look back at 2010’s hotly contested elections

December 31, 2010 Express Telegraph

ATLANTA – Here is a brief recap of 2010 elections headlines in Georgia: Democrats jump ship, join GOP: A number of Democratic state lawmakers and a Hall County commissioner decided they could better serve their constituents if they were Republicans. Case in point: Rep. Doug McKillip from the state’s liberal stronghold of Athens switched sides, saying, “by joining the House Republican Caucus, I can best represent my community and help move beyond partisanship and the

Orrock honored by Progressive States Network

December 7, 2010 Express Telegraph

ATLANTA — State Sen. Nan Orrock, D-Atlanta, will be honored today by the Progressive States Network with the 2010 State Progressive Leader Award. Orrock will be presented with this award at the Legislative Leadership Retreat in Atlanta. “It's a true honor to be recognized by such a prestigious organization as the Progressive States Network. We must continue our work of supporting working families through effective policy,” Orrock said in a news release. “I look forward

Deal taps Butterworth to serve as administration’s Senate floor leader

December 6, 2010 Express Telegraph

ATLANTA — State Sen. Jim Butterworth, R-Clarkesville, was appointed Friday by Gov.-elect Nathan Deal to serve as a Senate Administration Floor Leader for the 2011-2012 Senate term. “I am extremely honored by this appointment from Governor-elect Deal. The common-sense, conservative ideals that we share are exactly what Georgia needs to grow and develop into a leader on the national stage,” Butterworth said in a news release. “I look forward to working with the Senate and

Longtime state senator changes to GOP

November 29, 2010 Express Telegraph

A long time Democratic state legislator from South Georgia on Monday switched to the majority party. State Sen. Tim Golden joined the Republican party, further bolstering the party’s lead in the state Senate. Republicans now control 36 seats in the state Senate to the Democrats’ 20, according to The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. “With his 20 year record of service and pro-jobs philosophy, Sen. Golden will become an integral part of Republican Party efforts from day one,”

Powell leaves Democrats, joins GOP

November 10, 2010 Express Telegraph

ATLANTA – State Rep. Alan Powell, a Democrat from Hartwell, is switching parties, saying that he can better represent his constituents by serving in the state legislature as a Republican. “My duty is to represent the citizens of my district the best I can,” The Hartwell Sun quoted Powell as saying. “I think my voice can be better heard on the other side.” The newspaper also quoted Powell as saying: “It does not mean I’m

Ga. House Republicans elect new leaders

November 9, 2010 Express Telegraph

State Rep. David Ralston, R-Blue Ridge, has been nominated by the Georgia House Republican Caucus to again serve as Speaker of the House during the 2011 Georgia General Assembly. “I am both honored and humbled to receive such overwhelming support from the House Republican Caucus to continue serving as Speaker of the House,” Ralston said in a statement. “I am fortunate to serve alongside so many quality men and women who selflessly give of their

New Republican leaders elected in state Senate

November 9, 2010 Express Telegraph

Republicans in the state Senate have selected a number of new leaders in advance of the 2011 General Assembly. Sen. Tommie Williams, R-Lyons, was nominated for president pro tempore, and Sen. Chip Rogers, R-Woodstock, will continue to serve as majority leader. The full Senate will vote Jan. 11 whether to confirm Williams’ appointment. State Sen. Cecil Staton, R-Macon, will serve as the Senate Majority Whip. “Georgians spoke loud and clear last week that strong, conservative