Get ready for a busy January. Gov. Nathan Deal plans his inauguration the same day that lawmakers reconvene for the start of another frenzied legislative session.
The governor's inaugural committee on Monday unveiled the schedule for a series of four events over three days in January celebrating the start of the Republican's final term in office.
It kicks off on Saturday, Jan. 10 with a statewide volunteer day - called "With A Servant's Heart" - that was launched as part of his 2011 inauguration.
The governor and his family will then gather on Monday, Jan. 12 at Mt. Paran Church for a prayer service. That's the same day lawmakers begin their annual 40-day session.
The actual inauguration will be held later Monday afternoon at the new Liberty Plaza under construction outside the statehouse. Workers are now scrambling to finish the park in time for the celebration, and the Georgia Building Authority's director pledges it will be done even if he has to pour the concrete himself.
Perhaps the biggest bash of all, the governor's 2015 Inaugural Gala, will be held the evening of Thursday, Jan. 15. The details and ticket prices haven't been set yet, but they'll be added later to this website. This would be his first inaugural gala, as the 2011 party was canceled amid bruising winter weather.
That's just the start of a crowded January political calendar. The governor is also expected to outline his budget plans and roll out more specifics of his second-term agenda in his annual State of the State address shortly after his inauguration. House Speaker David Ralston, Lt. Gov. Casey Cagle and leading Democrats typically unveil their agendas during early January events as well.
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