ATLANTA (Jan. 14, 2016) | Senate Majority Leader Bill Cowsert (R – Athens) on Thursday released the 2016 Republican Caucus legislative agenda.
“In this year’s legislative session, the Republican majority will focus its efforts on protecting Georgia’s status as the best state in the nation to live, work, and worship,” said Sen. Cowsert. “Georgia prospers when its citizens feel physically safe, feel financially safe, and feel safe from over-reaching government influence on all aspects of their private lives. I am proud to be a member of this diligent and forward-thinking Senate caucus.
Lt. Gov. Casey Cagle echoed Sen. Cowsert’s sentiments.
“The legislative priorities outlined by the Republican Caucus are a clear indication that the Senate is ready for business,” said Lt. Gov. Cagle. “Georgia has always been the kind of place you want to raise your family, and it is our goal to make it the safest, most dynamic place to do business. We have outlined several key areas where we will focus our time and resources, and I look forward to working with our senators to advance these initiatives.”
The 2016 Republican Caucus legislative priorities are as follows:
- Protecting Georgia Citizens – The Senate Republican Caucus will conduct a comprehensive assessment of Georgia’s anti-terrorism plan and any potential safety vulnerabilities; and, in response to such findings, will work to provide the necessary level of funding and appropriate legislative response to enhance the state’s safeguards against potential terrorist attacks within Georgia.
- Protecting Access to Care – As we work to protect access to care for all Georgians, the Senate Republican Caucus will address the rural healthcare needs by focusing on workforce development, telemedicine, improvement in EMS services and improved access and quality of care.
- Protecting Teachers Ability to Teach – As the Senate Republican Caucus works to improve the quality of education in order to support a vibrant economy, we will look to enhance flexibility for testing requirements, allowing teachers to focus more of their time and energy on teaching.
- Protecting the First Amendment – The Senate Republican Caucus stands united and is committed to the protection of the First Amendment freedoms for all Georgians.
- Protecting the Future of the Disabled – The Senate Republican Caucus will ease the financial strains faced by individuals with disabilities and their families by making a tax-free account available to cover qualified expenses such as education, housing and transportation.
- Protecting the Unborn – The Senate Republican Caucus will work to protect the unborn by expanding women’s access to pregnancy resource centers and their counseling and family planning services.
- Protecting Small Businesses – The Senate Republican Caucus will continue the tradition of always protecting a small business’ ability to guard against government intrusion and overreach.
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For Immediate Release:
January 14, 2016
For Information Contact:
Jennifer Yarber, Director
Jennifer.yarber@senate.ga.gov
404.656.0028