WILLIAMS: Week One Under the Gold Dome

Published 4:09 pm Saturday, January 25, 2025

The first week of the 2025 Legislative Session has officially come to a close. It is a privilege to return to work under the Gold Dome, where I remain steadfast in my commitment to addressing the issues that matter most to Georgians across our great state.

This legislative session is already off to a strong start. Gov. Kemp has laid out a bold vision, focusing on initiatives that include increasing funding for school safety, enhancing our skilled workforce, providing aid to families impacted by Hurricane Helene, and continuing to expand access to affordable healthcare for hardworking Georgians. By investing in high-demand, high-skill, and high-wage career opportunities, we are taking critical steps to secure Georgia’s economic future.

While the first week has been productive, much work remains. Among the most pressing issues is supporting recovery efforts for communities devastated by Hurricane Helene. Many families, farmers, and small businesses are still grappling with the aftermath of this catastrophic storm, particularly in Baldwin County, which was hit hard by this storm. Gov. Kemp’s announcement of $100 million in initial funding is an essential first step, but we know the road to recovery will be long and require sustained effort.

The Senate is committed to ensuring these communities have the necessary tools to rebuild. This includes expediting financial assistance, streamlining permitting processes for rebuilding critical infrastructure and working with federal and local partners to address gaps in relief. The resilience of these communities is a testament to the strength of Georgians, and we will do everything in our power to support those they represent.

During his annual “State of the State” address, Gov. Kemp also highlighted the urgent need for tort litigation reform. Unfortunately, according to the American Tort Reform Foundation, Georgia has earned a reputation as having one of the most challenging legal climates in the country. We must work to reduce skyrocketing insurance premiums and ensure that businesses are not weighed down by frivolous lawsuits or excessive litigation costs.

On a personal note, I am proud to announce I have been reappointed chairman of the Senate Committee on Retirement. I am grateful to be given the opportunity to improve the quality of life for Georgia’s retirees, who have worked their entire lives to serve this great state. This legislative session, I will also serve as the Secretary of the Senate Committee on Public Safety, as a member of the Senate Committees on Ethics, Higher Education, and State and Local Government Operations, and as an Ex-Officio member of the Senate Committee on Rules. It is an honor beyond measure to serve the people of the 25th Senate District on each of these committees.

Please don’t hesitate to contact my office with any legislative concerns. I look forward to seeing many of you soon under the Gold Dome.

—State Sen. Rick Williams serves as chairman of the Senate Committee on Retirement. He represents the 25th Senate District, which includes Baldwin, Butts, Jasper, Jones and Putman County, as well as portions of Henry County and a small portion of Bibb County. He may be reached by phone at 404-656-0052 or by email at Rick.Williams@senate.ga.gov.