Week One Session Update
On Monday, January 11, 2010, we began the second session of the 150th General Assembly. As our first order of business, the House quickly began the process of electing a new Speaker of the House and Speaker Pro Tempore--the two highest ranking positions in the Georgia House of Representatives. After hearing the candidates, the House of Representatives elected David Ralston as House Speaker and Jan Jones as House Speaker Pro Tem. Both won with broad, bi-partisan support.

During his acceptance speech, Speaker Ralston discussed the challenges that we face as a state. However, he also noted that we should view these issues as opportunities and as a chance to make significant changes that will ultimately better our state.

Although Speaker Pro Tem Jones is now the highest ranking woman in the history of the Georgia General Assembly, she did not focus on her own accomplishments. Rather, she reminded us of the high standards that we, as elected officials, should hold ourselves to and that our first priority is to represent the people of Georgia.

On Wednesday, January 13, Governor Sonny Perdue addressed a joint session of the House and Senate during his final State of the State address. Governor Perdue echoed the sentiments of the new leadership in the House. Quoting Thomas Paine, Governor Perdue reminded members of the General Assembly that good fathers and mothers ask for hard times and sacrifice during their lives so that those same challenges might be avoided by their children.

Governor Perdue, Speaker Ralston, and Speaker Pro Tem Jones all know and understand that Georgians are facing great challenges. However, we must remember that these are opportunities, not insurmountable obstacles. Like good fathers and mothers, we must also be ready to accept these opportunities and be willing to make the necessary sacrifices for the next generation. You elected me to do what is right for our district as well as all of Georgia, and I am eager to make the most of that opportunity.

House PAGE Program Information
With the 2010 Legislative Session underway, it's time to get in your applications for the House of Representatives' PAGE program. The Page program provides students a first hand opportunity to observe and participate in their state government. The application and welcome packet are available for download (in Adobe PDF format) below.
PAGE Application
PAGE Welcome Packet

Women's Safety Forum Safety Tips
The Women's Safety Forum was a overwhelming success, and I was glad to be a part of what I hope was a way to empower women in our community. Commander Eugene Bell from the Valdosta Police Department shared these great tips with those in attendence, and you can now download a copy of them in PDF format here.

Not Sure What District You're In?
You can download a map of Georgia's 175th district
here, or visit Congress.org's Elected Officials finder to determine what district you're in. Just type in your address and the site will do the rest of the work for you.