COLUMN: Sen. Carden Summers: Week One Under the Gold Dome

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 dedicated to addressing the issues and advocating for the best interests of Senate District 13 and all of Georgia. This legislative session is already off to a strong start, and Governor Brian 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.

In his "State of the State" address, Governor Kemp discussed his top priority, tort reform. I have prioritized tort reform over the last few sessions, and I'm optimistic about this Senate's ability to pass these reforms during the 2025 Legislative Session.

I am proud to have introduced Senate Bill 13, legislation designed to authorize the Georgia Environmental Finance Authority to finance and perform duties related to projects involving natural gas facilities.

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 in Senate District 13 and throughout the state are still grappling with the aftermath of this catastrophic storm. Governor 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.

At the Annual Eggs and Issues breakfast hosted by the Georgia Chamber of Commerce, 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 frivolous lawsuits or excessive litigation costs do not weigh down businesses.

I am thrilled to announce my reappointment as Chairman of the Banking and Financial Institutions Committee. I am deeply grateful to Lt. Governor Burt Jones and the Senate Committee on Assignments for their continued trust in my leadership.

In addition to this role, I will serve as Vice Chair of the Senate Committee on Regulated Industries and Utilities and as a member of the Senate Committees on Economic Development and Tourism and Agriculture and Consumer Affairs. Through these committees, I am committed to upholding the Senate's dedication to keeping Georgia the number one state for business.

I am honored to serve the people of the 13th Senate District. Please don't hesitate to contact my office with any legislative concerns, and I hope to see you soon under the Gold Dome.

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Sen. Carden Summers serves as Chairman of the Senate Committee on Banking and Financial Institutions. He represents the 13^th Senate District which includes Ben Hill, Berrien, Crisp, Irwin, Lee, Tift, Turner, and Worth County, as well as a part of Coffee County. He may be reached at 404.463.5258 or by email at [email protected].

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