Q: I would like to know the single representative from Georgia who voted against the firefighter cancer insurance, and I’d like to know who were the three Democrats who crossed over from Jeff Sessions being confirmed.
–Trish Zepp, Dunwoody
A: In the Georgia General Assembly, House Bill 146 would provide additional insurance for firefighters who are diagnosed with certain types of cancer related to their line of work. It overwhelmingly passed the House Feb. 7 in a 171-1 vote.
The lone dissenting vote was cast by Rep. Matt Gurtler, R-Tiger, who said on his Facebook page that he cannot “support mandates that take away from local control.” The bill now moves to the state Senate.
Sponsored by Republican Reps. Micah Gravely of Douglasville, Brian Strickland of McDonough, John Meadows of Calhoun, Christian Coomer of Cartersville, Jay Powell of Camilla and Bruce Williamson of Monroe, the bill would also require a monthly benefit if a firefighter is unable to keep working.
In the U.S. Senate, only one Democrat crossed party lines to vote in favor of colleague Sen. Jeff Sessions’ (R-Ala.) confirmation for U.S. Attorney General. Sen. Joe Manchin (D-W.V.) was the lone Democrat to break ranks in the otherwise party-line vote.
The final vote confirming Sessions Feb. 8 was 52 in favor, 47 opposed, with Sessions voting “present.”
Fast Copy News Service wrote this column; Keith Still contributed. Do you have a question? We’ll try to get the answer. Call 404-222-2002 or email q&a@ajc.com (include name, phone and city).
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