by Sen. Mike Dugan (R – Carrollton)

The General Assembly just wrapped up week nine of this year’s legislative session, giving us just eight days to finish vetting and voting on legislation before Sine Die. This week the Senate transitioned from Senate to House Bills and stayed busy in committee meetings to get legislation moving through our chamber and onto the Senate Floor. Two days this week were dedicated solely to committee meetings to work out the logistics of these bills, however in the other three days we passed a major piece of legislation and had a very honorable visitor.

On Monday, the Senate passed one of our only mandatory responsibilities as state legislators, which is agreeing on a fiscally efficient budget, allocating money to the areas that need it most. The Amended Fiscal Year 2018 budget, or House Bill 683, passed the Senate Floor on Monday. This bill consists of a detailed outline of exactly where every penny of your tax dollars is going. This is such an important task for us to ensure that we are listening to the citizens of Georgia and allocating the appropriate amounts of money to improvements in our systems that are necessary. This single piece of legislation is so impactful to all of the citizens of Georgia and I look forward to seeing its effect.

On Tuesday the Senate Economic Development and Tourism Committee convened to discuss a few pieces of legislation. One in particular was very special to myself and members of the committee. House Bill 831 would establish the Georgia’s Employment First Act, providing people with disabilities equal learning opportunities in areas such as training and compensation. Several citizens that would be affected by this bill came to the committee meeting to speak in support of it. Among these individuals was a young man named Josh Wells. When it was the appropriate time, Mr. Wells made a motion to pass this bill through our committee and I am proud to say that I will be carrying this bill in the Senate Chamber.

Also on Wednesday, a member of the 2nd Airborne Infantry Ranger Company visited the Senate Chamber. Daniel Boatwright served as a U.S. Army Ranger in the Korean War and is now one of the only members of his Company still alive. As a Ranger myself, it was such an honor to stand beside this man who sacrificed so much for our country. We were more than honored to host him at the state Capitol for such a memorable moment hearing him speak to our body and honoring him for his service.

Our days to turn legislation into law this year are coming to an end. If you ever have a chance to visit the Capitol in the next few weeks, please don’t hesitate to reach out, and if you don’t have the opportunity, please contact my office with any questions or concerns. I’d be happy to help.