Each year, on the second Monday of January, the Georgia Legislature gavels in for a 40 day session.
Hundreds of paid lobbyists flock to the Capitol to “work the velvet ropes," but it is always difficult for your average Chatham County constituent to get to Atlanta to talk with their elected officials.
Many bills are discussed and voted on during the first few months each year, but with all votes occurring on weekdays, your average citizen might feel unheard.
Now is your opportunity to have your voice heard.
On Friday, December 6, state lawmakers are meeting at at the Savannah Convention Center, Jasper Boardroom, 1 International Drive to hold the Chatham County Legislative Delegation Pre-Legislative Forum.
To reserve a 15 minute slot of their undivided attention, email Donna Harley at Donna.Harley@house.ga.gov or call 404-656-5115.
“This is one of my favorite times of the year, because all of the Chatham Delegation is in one place with open ears, minds and hearts to listen to our constituents,” said Rep. Craig Gordon. “It’s a great learning opportunity for me personally.”
“For all groups looking to get in front of the Chatham delegation this is the time,” said Rep. Ron Stephens. “A gentle reminder we are looking at budget cuts this year.”
The state is looking at sweeping 4% - 6% statewide budget cuts.
One such cut proposed by the GBI to the Governor would affect the processing of DNA rape kits, which is already woefully underfunded, by eliminating three forensic scientists and two lab technicians.
It is always a good idea to have your concerns listed on a piece of paper with your contact information, that way your elected officials can follow up with you.
So whether you have a question, problem that needs to be fixed, a great idea for legislation, an opinion to share about a bill or an issue, or you just want to convey some good news about things going on in our community, your elected officials will be ready to greet you and listen - but you must have a reserved spot on the agenda, so call now because slots are filling up fast.
SCCPSS Calendar
There are few SCCPSS School Board issues that bring greater attention than the academic school calendar. It is talked about by parents and teachers in carpool lines, coffee shops, and at the proverbial water coolers across Chatham County.
This month, the calendar proposed by the administration, which had teachers starting back on July 27 and students returning on August 3, was pulled from the Board agenda because the outcry of parents, staff, and stakeholders was deafening.
Board Members are currently receiving comments from their constituents for development of a revised calendar that they will eventually vote on for the 2019 - 2020 school year.
Contact your School Board members now to make comments about start date, holidays, half-days, etc.
Joe Buck, President
(912) 354-0155
joe.buck@sccpss.com
Julie Wade, District 1
(912) 332-2455
julie.wade@sccpss.com
Dionne Hoskins-Brown, District 2
(912) 484-5437
dionne.hoskins-brown@sccpss.com
Connie Hall, District 3
(912) 596-9414
cornelia.hall@sccpss.com
Shaun Kachmar, DIstrict 4
(912) 695-6984
shawn.kachmar@sccpss.com
Irene Hines, District 5
(912) 355-2410
irene.hines@sccpss.com
David Bringman, District 6
(912) 961-4032
david.bringman@sccpss.com
Michael Johnson, District 7
(912) 604-0797
Michael.Johnson2@sccpss.com
Tonua Howard-Hall, District 8
(912) 441-5471
tonia.howard-hall@sccpss.com
