Sen. Ed Harbison Reappointed Legislative Officer for Georgia MOPH

PRESS RELEASE
Contact: Andrew Allison, Director
Kessarin Horvath, Communications Specialist
[email protected]
404.656.0028

ATLANTA (April 19, 2021) | On Saturday, April 17, 2021, Sen. Ed Harbison (D – Columbus) was reappointed to serve as Legislative Officer for the Department of Georgia Military Order of the Purple Heart (MOPH).  

“While serving as a member is an honor in it of itself, I am grateful for the opportunity to continue my position as Legislative Officer and promote the ideas and goals of this organization,” said Sen. Harbison. “The Military Order of the Purple Heart represents some of the finest examples of bravery and service, and the men and women of this community share a collective commitment to service. I wholeheartedly believe in expanding resources to our veterans who have made selfless sacrifices in order to defend us and our country, and I vow to continue to promote legislation that has their best interests in mind.” 

Chartered by the United States Congress, MOPH is a war veterans organization that provides membership exclusively to the combat wounded and military individuals who have been awarded the Purple Heart medal. The mission of the Georgia Department is to “foster an environment of goodwill and camaraderie among Combat Wounded Veterans, promote patriotism, support necessary legislative initiatives, and most importantly, provide service to all Veterans and their families in the state of Georgia.” For more information, please view the link here: https://www.gamoph.org

Senator Ed Harbison to Host Hygiene Product Distribution Drive with Local Church Ministry

ATLANTA (December 16, 2020) | After learning of the growing need for hygiene products for students throughout Senate District 15, Sen. Ed Harbison (D – Columbus) will be distributing hygiene products to local school leaders on Friday, December 18, 2020 in conjunction with F.A.I.T.H. (Feeding Accepting Inspiring The Hurting), a local ministry based out of Columbus, GA. The distribution drive will take place outside the office of F.A.I.T.H. sponsor James Gant.

WHO:               Sen. Ed Harbison

WHAT:             Hygiene Product Distribution Drive

WHEN:             Friday, December 18, 2020 at 9:00am

WHERE:           State Farm –James Gant

531 Veterans Parkway

Columbus, GA 31901

The distribution drive will begin at 9:00am and supplies will be distributed to education leaders throughout Senate District 15. For more information, contact F.A.I.T.H. founder Patricia Gant at [email protected].

Senator Ed Harbison Appointed To Serve On The Georgia Joint Defense Commission

ATLANTA (September 25, 2020) | Sen. Ed Harbison (D – Columbus) was appointed by Lt. Governor Geoff Duncan on Tuesday to serve as a member of the Georgia Joint Defense Commission.

“Having the opportunity to represent the heroic individuals who have answered the call to serve their country on the Georgia Joint Defense Commission is truly an honor,” said Sen. Harbison. “Having served in the United States Marines and as an inductee into the Georgia Military Veterans Hall of Fame for my work with veterans, I understand the crucial role all branches of the armed forces play in keeping our homeland safe. With major military installations across the state, Georgia plays a critical role in maintaining the operations of the United States Military. I look forward to contributing my knowledge to this Commission and ensuring Georgia remains at the forefront of our country’s military operations.”   

The Georgia Joint Defense Commission was established in 2018 as a result of Senate Bill 395. Comprised of 19 individuals, the Commission is tasked with advising the Governor and General Assembly on matters concerning the military both nationally and statewide.

To learn more about the Georgia Joint Defense Commission and view the full text of Senate Bill 395, visit: http://www.legis.ga.gov/legislation/en-US/Display/20172018/SB/395.

Sen. Ed Harbison Appointed to Serve on the Senate COAM Study Committee

ATLANTA (August 18, 2020) | Sen. Ed Harbison (D – Columbus) was appointed by Lt. Governor Geoff Duncan last week to serve on the Senate COAM Study Committee.

“The formation of this committee was a bipartisan effort that cleared the Senate with overwhelming support,” said Sen. Harbison. “It is imperative that lawmakers reexamine the guidelines surrounding the COAM industry to ensure that all rules and regulations set forth by the Georgia Lottery are properly met. I am grateful that Lt. Governor Duncan has entrusted me to serve in this capacity.”          

The other Senate members appointed to serve on this committee are as follows:

Senator John F. Kennedy, Chairman (R – Macon)

Senator Brandon Beach (R – Alpharetta)

Senator Brian Strickland (R – McDonough)

Senator Larry Walker (R – Perry)

Pursuant to Senate Resolution 1024, this committee was formed to examine the regulations surrounding Coin Operated Amusement Machines (COAM) in Georgia. To read the full text of SR 1024, please visit: http://www.legis.ga.gov/Legislation/en-US/display/20192020/SR/1024.

Senator Ed Harbison to Host Press Conference to Discuss Georgia Unemployment Benefits

ATLANTA (August 4, 2020) | Sen. Ed Harbison (D – Columbus) will host a press conference on Wednesday, August 5 to discuss the Georgia Department of Labor’s (GDOL) continued response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The event will be held in Columbus, GA and Sen. Harbison will outline his concerns with the GDOL’s handling of increased unemployment claims.

WHO:               Sen. Ed Harbison

WHAT:             Press Conference Discussing Unemployment Benefits

WHEN:             Wednesday, August 5, 2020 at 11:00am

WHERE:           Georgia Department of Labor

700 Veterans Parkway

Columbus, GA 31901

Sen. Harbison will be joined by Rep. Carolyn Hugley, Rep. Calvin Smyre and Rep. Debbie Buckner. This event is a part of a series of press conferences that will be hosted by Democratic legislators who are members of the Clayton, Atlanta, Fulton, Gwinnett, Cobb and South Fulton delegations.

2020 Session Weeks 7 and 8

Greetings from your state Capitol. Today marks a very important deadline within the General Assembly- Crossover Day. Before midnight our bills must pass our respective chambers in time for our legislation to be considered for this term. As adjournment is set for April 2nd, we have hit full speed in doing our best to pass legislation which will benefit our state and her citizens. 

Last week was eventful as I had the opportunity to welcome some very special visitors to the Capitol, including my daughter-in-law, Kamesha Harbison, who served as Doctor of the Day. These medical professionals are recognized and then stay for the duration of one session day to provide medical support to the members and staff of the Georgia General Assembly.

I also had the great pleasure of hosting leaders from Macon and Chattahoochee counties. These individuals had the opportunity to hear presentations from the Economic Development rural initiative team, as well as, from the GA Dept. of Transportation. I sincerely appreciated all for taking the time to make their way to Atlanta to represent our district concerns.

In addition to our regularly scheduled session, our Georgia Secretary of State also hosted qualifying week for the upcoming election cycle. After much prayer and consideration, I am excited to announce that I will be seeking re-election to continue my service as your state Senator within the Georgia General Assembly. I sincerely appreciate the guidance and wisdom so many have lent over the years and I am grateful to have your support as we continue to work in unison for the betterment of our district and state.

You can read more about Senate happenings in my full reports below. I will continue to update you throughout the legislative session. If you need anything at all, please let me know. Again, I thank you for your continued support and much needed prayers. It is an honor to serve you. Be blessed my friends!

Ed Harbison
Senator of the 15th