Sen. Ross Tolleson: Update from the Capitol

Your Georgia Desk:

TOLLESON: Update from the Capitol

By: Sen. Ross Tolleson (R- Perry)

Week two of the legislative session was a shorter week with Monday being a non-session day due to the State of Georgia and the rest of the country honoring the birthday of Dr. Martin Luther King.  Ceremonies were held all over the State to honor this great American and the legacy that he began for the equality of all Americans.

During this second week, we got into full swing as bills began the committee process of being examined and vetted through hearings.  It remains my continued honor to serve our state as the Chairman of the Senate Natural Resources and Environment Committee.  This committee addresses issues such as energy resources and development, including regulation and conservation.  After countless hours of work this past year by the Jekyll Island Oversight Committee, who worked closely with groups from the Jekyll Island Authority, Green Law and Georgia Conservancy, to name a few, the Senate Natural Resources Committee heard testimony on Senate Bill 296.

SB 296 sets a maximum acreage limit of 1,675 acres of developable land; a 78 acre increase from the already 1,597 acres of developed land on Jekyll.  This bill would change the previous existing law from a 35 percent limitation, which caused ambiguity due to tidal changes, erosion and other natural changes.  The committee was grateful to have a number of people from different groups testify in favor of the bill.  The additional 78 acres designated by this bill is to be used in the follow ways:  (1) 12 acres for the expansion of the existing campground, which is daily turning away those wishing to bring their campers and families, because of the lack of space; (2) 46 acres to be used for public health, public safety or public recreation and; (3) 20 acres to be available for unrestricted uses in the future.

The committee was especially honored to have former Lieutenant Governor Pierre Howard at the meeting.  Members expressed their appreciation for his time and service to the State of Georgia as he gave testimony in support of the bill. All sides have come together to work to preserve and beautify one of Georgia’s most treasured assets.

In addition to protecting Jekyll Island, a meeting was held this week to bring the agricultural and environmental communities together to discuss water preservation and conservation in the state.  We are constantly working to protect our God-given natural resources and ensure that water is plentiful for future generations.

It is always nice to have families from the 20th district visit the Capitol.  The Matt Moseley family of Bonaire visited this week and I hope they enjoyed seeing the political process in action.  If you have the opportunity to visit, it is an enlightening experience.

For the next several months, I will be spending a lot of time at the Capitol working for you this Session.  If there are any issues you wish to have addressed, I would love to hear from you.  I look forward to continuing my service on behalf of my constituents in the 20th Senate District.  Georgia is on the right track.  I am confident that the steps we take this year will mean lasting prosperity for future generations of Georgians.