Over the past 11 weeks, we have spent countless hours debating the fine details of legislation that have been presented throughout the legislative session. We are now just two legislative days away from Sine Die and now more than ever, we are feeling the pressure of our constitutional duty to pass legislation that will positively impact constituents.
One of the first pieces of legislation the Senate passed this week was Senate Bill 852, which relates to students who have been enrolled in and attended a public school for more than half of an academic school year and move to a new attendance zone. This bill would allow those students who move with in the same school system to remain enrolled at their initial public school for the remainder of the academic year. Counties in our district have several schools in the same school system that are in different attendance zones. This would allow students to finish out the year with their friends and teachers and focus on their academics rather than worrying about changing schools mid-year. I am thankful that this legislation passed, as it will positively impact the students and families of District 43.
House Resolution 279, which designates March 21 of every year as Single Parent Day in the state of Georgia, was passed in the Senate on Monday. The number of single parents has more than doubled in the past 25 years, so I am glad to see these individuals being recognized, as well as bring awareness to ways we can help single parents in Georgia.
On Wednesday, I carried House Bill 718 which relates to the children of military parents. HB 718 would grant children of military veterans a maximum of five excused school absences per year. By granting these excused absences, the children of United States Military and National Guard members would be able to attend military affairs sponsored events, which would help eliminate the burden that is put on active duty parents or guardians and allow them to spend more time together as a family. I am so glad that the Senate and House could come together to support our military families who sacrifice so much for us.
We also debated and discussed the Fiscal Year 2019 General Budget which is estimated at roughly $26 billion. As legislators, our one constitutional requirement is that we pass a balanced budget. This bill has been assigned to a conference committee where we will work out the kinks in the allocations and ensure that all state agencies will be fully funded through the next fiscal year.
HB 834 would allow rental agreements to be terminated when there are cases of domestic violence within a home. Unfortunately, this is an issue that occurs at an alarming rate, however we believe this bill will help victims of domestic violence to leave the situation they are in and move forward with their lives.
As we move into the final week, please let me know if you have any questions about legislation. If you are ever at the Capitol, please let me know! I would love to have the opportunity to speak with you about issues that would effect our community.Senator Tonya Anderson represents the 43rd Senate District, which includes portions of DeKalb, Rockdale and Newton counties. She may be reached by email at tonya.anderson@senate.ga.gov.
