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156th Georgia General Assembly Update

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On January 11, members of the Georgia Legislature were officially sworn in to begin the first session of the 156th Georgia General Assembly. While a few changes were necessary to mitigate exposure to COVID-19, one tradition remained the same: reciting the Oath of Office at the beginning of the first legislative day. This oath represents our pledge to you to always act in the best interest of the state.

No legislation carries as much importance each year as our appropriations bills, and this year is no exception. Each session, the General Assembly passes two budgets: an amended version of the current fiscal year budget and the general budget for the next fiscal year.

Last year, our budget process encountered many difficulties due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Thankfully, our economy has remained strong in the face of unprecedented adversity, and tax revenues have rebounded at a higher-than-expected rate. While there may still be some challenges related to allocating funding to each area that needs it, we are in a much better economic position than expected, and our final budget will reflect that.

I have been working on many legislative proposals that address a few key areas important to all Georgians. Our elections process is one area in need of improvement. While the exact nature of the changes we intend to make are still being discussed, our ultimate goal is to ensure that the will of the public is fully recognized and to put additional safeguards in place, so every legal vote is securely counted.

Over the last few years, Georgia has cultivated a strong economic climate due, in part, to strong tax credits and incentives. While the economic benefit that some of these tax credits provide are unquestionable, we may not be seeing the kind of return we expected on others. For this reason, we need to take a thorough look at the tax credits we offer and evaluate the benefits the state is receiving.

Also, I am continuing to push for a raise in the Fulton County Senior Homestead Tax Exemption to ease the financial burden placed upon our senior citizens.

Another bill I have continued to work on is the Max Gruver Act. This bill is named after a Roswell resident who died after taking part in unsafe "hazing" rituals during a fraternity's initiation process. This is an important measure that will enhance school safety and reduce unnecessary injuries or deaths taking place on college campuses.

I also intend to pass a few bills related to public safety. Last summer, the country saw demonstrations by individuals raising awareness of acts of injustice. I fully support the right of citizens to peacefully assemble and exercise their First Amendment freedoms. However, several protests (including here in Georgia) became dangerous and destructive. These kinds of demonstrations are at the core of the Combating Violence, Disorder, Looting and Law Enforcement Protection Act, which will safeguard those who wish to exercise their First Amendment rights, but also make clear that hostile acts towards businesses, our public safety community, or other demonstrators will not be tolerated. On the theme of public safety, I am also working to strengthen our state's E911 network.

While all these bills are important and necessary for Georgia, they represent only a small fraction of the legislation currently being considered. I will keep everyone in District 56 updated on these and other important measures discussed in the Senate.
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February 2021
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Senator John Albers

Senator John Albers

Senator John Albers
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