Georgia lawmakers headed back to work Monday as they began a new 40-day session in Atlanta, with the House setting a tone of independence while some members of the Senate grappled with new rules they felt made the chamber’s work less transparent.
Members in both chambers were also officially sworn in, with many legislators surrounded by family in what is largely a ceremonial first day. Lawmakers' heavy lifting does not truly begin until the end of the month, clearing the way for Gov. Nathan Deal to take center stage this week with his State of the State speech and the unveiling of what's expected to be a record state budget of about $24.6 billion.
Deal, Lt. Gov. Casey Cagle and Speaker David Ralston, R-Blue Ridge, will also address the Georgia Chamber of Commerce's annual early morning "Eggs & Issues" breakfast Tuesday at the Georgia World Congress Center.
“It is my hope we will begin this work with a spirit of optimism and with a commitment to the ideals of civility, mutual respect and decorum,” Ralston told the House on Monday. “We represent distinct districts. We each have an obligation to give a voice to those who look to us for leadership.”
Ralston, re-elected to his position Monday on a 169-6 vote — with all the "no" votes coming from Democrats, including Minority Leader Stacey Abrams, D-Atlanta — said in a wide-ranging speech upon his re-election that all members had an obligation to work together for all Georgians.
“Regardless of political party, whether you are rural, urban or suburban, regardless of gender, age, ethnicity or sexual orientation, you are each a member of this people’s House,” he said.
But Ralston also appeared to send a message to Deal, telling members it was 50 years ago that the House wrested away power from the governor to elect its own speaker and appoint its own committee chairmen.
“While we are proud of the partnerships we enjoy with the executive branch, partnerships that are good for Georgia, we must be reminded the power to legislate for the will of the people will be honored and protected by this body,” Ralston said.
The governor, however, did not take Ralston’s speech as an insult or a threat.
“David Ralston has been and will continue to be a friend,” Deal Chief of Staff Chris Riley said. “His acceptance speech as speaker was appropriate for the House.”
At the same time in the Senate, President Pro Tem David Shafer, R-Duluth, accepted his re-election as the chamber's top member and promptly warned his colleagues to take lobbyists' attentions at the Capitol with a grain of salt.
“In the 15 years I’ve served, I’m embarrassed to tell you I’ve gained over 50 pounds. But every January, I’m surrounded by people who tell me how good I look,” Shafer said, before adding, “Do not look for love or validation in any form in this building. Because there is none to be had.”
The Senate also made rules changes that included limiting members time in the well of the chamber for “points of personal privilege,” which is often how members of the minority party make arguments against certain issues or bills. The rules also affirm that the chamber will continue its practice of not broadcasting its meetings.
"The Senate is taking a back seat on transparency and openness in government," said Senate Minority Whip Vincent Fort, D-Atlanta.
Legislative session coverage
To see more of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution's coverage from the Georgia General Assembly's legislative session, go to http://www.myajc.com/georgia-legislature/. To track particular bills and resolutions, check out the Georgia Legislative Navigator at http://legislativenavigator.myajc.com/. You can also follow the proceedings on Twitter at http://twitter.com/GAPoliticsNews or on Facebook at http://facebook.com/gapoliticsnewsnow.
