We have now completed day 12 of the Legislative Session and things are moving quickly. Committees are meeting and passing bills daily. We are in full swing and I look forward to keeping you updated as we progress at the Gold Dome.
We passed the first two bills of the session this week, each designed to serve the citizens of Georgia in their own ways. On Thursday, we passed Senate Bill 85, a bill I sponsored that will allow breweries to sell beer directly to consumers for drinking both on and off premises. The sales are limited to 288 ounces per customer per day, but I’m thrilled that we have taken a step in the right direction to help our small businesses grow. I look forward to working with the House of Representatives to secure SB 85’s passage in their chamber.
Also on Thursday, we passed SB 70, which will extend the sunset provision for hospital provider payment fees from June 30, 2017, to June 30, 2020. These fees are necessary for obtaining federal funding for Medicaid financing used by our local hospitals for their Indigent Care Trust Fund.
On Wednesday, the Senate paused in a moment of solidarity as we honored and commended the lives of Sergeant Patrick Sondron and Deputy Daryl Smallwood with Senate Resolutions 59 and 61, respectively. Their commitment to protecting others led them to losing their lives too early while serving in the line of duty in November 2016. Both served the state of Georgia in a capacity I can never truly understand and for that, I am thankful.
As most of you are aware, the Atlanta Falcons are playing in Super Bowl LI this weekend. The Falcons have an unprecedented support system willing, ready and able to “Rise Up” on their behalf here in Senate District 17 and across the state. On behalf of the Senate and myself, I’m wishing the Falcons the best of luck as they play for the title of Super Bowl Champions!
I am committed to serving you under the gold dome. I take every phone call and email into consideration when making my decisions, so feel free to reach out if you ever need anything. Rise Up!
Sen. Rick Jeffares serves as Chairman of the Regulated Industries and Utilities Committee. He represents the 17th Senate District which includes portions of Henry, Rockdale and Newton counties. He may be reached by phone at 404.651.7738 or by email at rick.jeffares@senate.ga.gov.
