Today is the first day of the 2015 session unburdened by ceremony. But that doesn't mean nothing is happening. It's time to look for new membership lists of House and Senate committees.
Aaron Gould Sheinin, the AJC's eyes in the House, has scored this tidbit, among others:
Powell, an attorney, was first elected in 2008. He takes over the House's primary tax-writing committee from the retired Rep. Mickey Channell, R-Greensboro.
Given the possibility of an increase in the state gas tax, this appointment is an important one.
The House and Senate convene at 10 a.m., but little action is expected.
The first Joint Transportation committee meeting of the session will start at 2. On the agenda is the confirmation of Russell McMurry as director of planning for the Georgia DOT, but it would be surprising if lawmakers didn’t dip a toe into the topic of the week, given the strong statements from Gov. Nathan Deal, Lt. Gov. Casey Cagle and House Speaker David Ralston in support of raising revenue for transportation.
The governor will start picking members of two big-time study commissions that will review education funding and medical marijuana practices before heading out to his inaugural bash at the Gwinnett Arena.
Today is the last day the House and Senate will gather formally until Monday, Jan. 26. They won’t be in town Friday when the governor releases his budget plan, but many will be back for budget hearings next week.
You say you want to make your plans through mid-February? Here's the schedule lawmakers approved on Wednesday:
Tuesday Jan. 27: Day 6
Wednesday Jan. 28: Day 7
Thursday Jan. 29: Day 8
Monday, Feb. 2: Day 9
Tuesday, Feb. 3: Day 10
Wednesday, Feb. 4: Day 11
Monday, Feb. 9: Day 12
Tuesday, Feb. 10: Day 13
Wednesday, Feb. 11: Day 14
Thursday, Feb. 12: Day 15
Your welcome.
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