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State Institutions and Property Committee Holds Hearing on ESPC Program

ATLANTA (June 28, 2017) | The Senate State Institutions and Property Committee, chaired by Sen. Ed Harbison (D – Columbus), met today to discuss the Energy Savings Performance Contracting (ESPC) Program, created by Senate Bill 194 and Senate Resolution 1231 during the 2010 legislative session.

“This meeting serves as an informative report of the benefits this program provides to various state agencies across Georgia,” said Sen. Harbison. “This project has a proven record of success through the millions of dollars in savings it has provided shown by the testimony from the Department of Corrections, Board of Regents, GDOT and Georgia World Congress Center. I am thankful for everything our state and the Georgia Environmental Facilities Authority has done to promote energy conservation among our state agencies.”

The meeting featured reports on the overall success of the ESPC program from Hal Gibson from the Department of Corrections, Alan Travis from the Board of Regents, Mike Dover from the Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT), and Frank Poe and staff members from the Georgia World Congress Center. They were accompanied by Kevin Clark from the Georgia Environmental Facilities Authority and Kathy Robb from the Georgia Energy Services Coalition who presented an overview of the program and its function.

Senator Ed Harbison Hosts International Military Students at the State Capitol

ATLANTA (January 17, 2017) | Sen. Ed Harbison (D – Columbus) hosted a group of students from the International Military Student Office (IMSO), located in Ft. Benning, Georgia, on Friday, Jan. 13, 2017. He was joined by Sen. Matt Brass (R – Newnan), Sen. Gail Davenport (D – Jonesboro) and Sen. Michael Williams (R – Cumming).

“The opportunity to host and meet the students from the IMSO is one that I always enjoy,” said Sen. Harbison. “I am happy to introduce them to the Georgia Senate and give them an overview of the function and processes in our state government. Meetings like these are the first step in successful foreign relations and I am glad to play a small part in ensuring a prosperous future for our nation and its allies.”

The IMSO serves as the headquarters for all international students at Fort Benning. All IMSO students learn about the different levels of the U.S. government during their stay in this country. This helps to give them an understanding of our way of life, as well as the government and military operations within it.

To learn more about the International Military Student Office at the U.S. Army Maneuver Center of Excellence, follow this link: http://www.benning.army.mil/infantry/199th/IMSO/

Senate Chairmen for the 154th Georgia General Assembly

ATLANTA (January 10, 2017)  |  The Senate Committee on Assignments has announced the full list of standing committee chairmen for the first session of the 154th Georgia General Assembly:

  • Agriculture and Consumer Affairs Committee: Sen. John Wilkinson (R – Toccoa)
  • Appropriations Committee: Sen. Jack Hill (R – Reidsville)
  • Banking and Financial Institutions Committee: Sen. William Ligon (R – Brunswick)
  • Economic Development and Tourism Committee: Sen. Mike Dugan (R – Carrollton)
  • Education and Youth Committee: Sen. Lindsey Tippins (R – Marietta)
  • Ethics Committee: Sen. Dean Burke (R – Bainbridge)
  • Finance Committee: Sen. Chuck Hufstetler (R – Rome)
  • Government Oversight Committee: Sen. Bill Heath (R – Bremen)
  • Health and Human Services Committee: Sen. Renee Unterman (R – Buford)
  • Higher Education Committee: Sen. Fran Millar (R – Atlanta)
  • Insurance and Labor Committee: Sen. Burt Jones (R – Jackson)
  • Interstate Cooperation Committee: Sen. Donzella James (D – Atlanta)
  • Judiciary Committee: Sen. Jesse Stone (R – Waynesboro)
  • Natural Resources and the Environment Committee: Sen. Frank Ginn (R – Danielsville)
  • Public Safety Committee: Sen. Tyler Harper (R – Ocilla)
  • Reapportionment and Redistricting Committee: Sen. Ben Watson (R – Savannah)
  • Regulated Industries and Utilities Committee: Sen. Rick Jeffares (R – McDonough)
  • Retirement Committee: Sen. Ellis Black (R – Valdosta)
  • Rules Committee: Sen. Jeff Mullis (R – Chickamauga)
  • Science and Technology Committee: Sen. Bruce Thompson (R – White)
  • Special Judiciary Committee: Sen. Curt Thompson (D – Tucker)
  • State and Local Governmental Operations Committee: Sen. John Albers (R – Roswell)
  • State Institutions and Property Committee: Sen. Ed Harbison (D – Columbus)
  • Transportation Committee: Brandon Beach (R – Alpharetta)
  • Urban Affairs Committee: Sen. Lester Jackson (D – Savannah)
  • Veterans, Military and Homeland Security: Sen. Hunter Hill (R – Atlanta)

For additional information and full committee lists, please visit the Georgia Senate website.

Georgia Arts Standards Commission Selection Committee Selects Sculptor for Martin Luther King Jr. Statue

ATLANTA (June 23, 2016) | Sen. Ed Harbison (D – Columbus) was a member of the Georgia Arts Standards Commission Selection Committee tasked with selecting the sculptor who will erect a statue of Martin Luther King Jr. on Capitol grounds. After a thorough search, the Committee announced Martin C. Dawe as the projects’ sculptor.

“The Georgia Arts Standards Commission Selection Committee is confident in its selection of Martin C. Dawe,” said Sen. Harbison. “Dawe has a proven track record of artistic achievement and we look forward to finally taking the long overdue step to create a statue honoring the life, legacy and memory of Martin Luther King Jr. on Capitol grounds.”

Other members of the Selection Committee included Rep. Calvin Smyre (D – Columbus), a representative from the King Estate, Chairwoman of the Georgia Arts Standards Commission Carrie Ashbee and Georgia Capitol Museum Registrar Karin Johnston.

Gov. Deal first announced plans for the statue at last year’s Martin Luther King, Jr. memorial ceremony. The Committee expects the completed statue to be unveiled in early 2017.

# # # #

For Immediate Release:
June 23, 2016

For Information Contact:

Ines Owens, Acting Director
Gavriella Coffman, Communications Associate
[email protected]
404.656.0028

Sen. Ed Harbison Presented with Martin Luther King, Jr. Unity Award

ATLANTA (January 21, 2016) | Sen. Ed Harbison (D – Columbus) was honored with the Martin Luther King, Jr. Unity Award by the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity on January 18, 2016.

The award was presented as part of the 30th annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Unity Award Breakfast at the Columbus Convention and Trade Center. The theme of the event was “Keeping the Dream Alive: A Call to Service for the Greater Good.”

“I am proud to be the recipient of such a prestigious award, but let us not forget the unsung heroes of the civil rights movement; people like my mother, who will never be honored with any award,” said Sen. Harbison. “We can use this award as a call to action to never stop trying to bridge the barriers in our communities, just as Dr. King would want us to do.”

Sen. Harbison was recognized for his many contributions to the Columbus community, including his service as a former member of the Muscogee County School Board. He was also named one of the 50 most influential African-Americans in Columbus.

The MLK Jr. Unity Award was established “to recognize the contributions of an individual who has made a positive impact on the community by fostering harmonious racial and cultural relations.”

Sen. Ed Harbison to Honor Fellow Georgia Vietnam Veterans

ATLANTA (September 30 , 2015)  |  Sen. Ed Harbison (D – Columbus) has been asked to participate in two ceremonies in Columbus, Ga. to award Vietnam Veterans with certificates and pins to show appreciation for their dedication and service.

“I am deeply honored to share my support and the community’s appreciation of my fellow military men and women, and I thank them for allowing me the opportunity to do so,” said Sen. Harbison. “As a United States Marine Corps Veteran, I understand the dedication and sacrifice these heroes have made, and I look forward to providing recognition where it is greatly deserved.”

The first “Certificate and Pin” ceremony will be hosted by the Retired Sergeants Major Association on Saturday, October 3, 2015 at 9 a.m., and will take place at the Columbus Community Events Center on Steam Mill Road. The second will be hosted by Eddie I. Roberts American Legion Post 333 on Saturday, October 10, 2015 at 1:30 p.m. at the Faith Tabernacle Community Church.

Sen. Harbison was chosen to present at these events because of his service to his community, the state of Georgia and to the United States. He will be joined by The Georgia Department of Veterans Service in support of the “Certificate & Pin” events on both Saturdays.

Sen. Ed Harbison Salutes Life of Georgia Veteran and Friend

ATLANTA (April 22 , 2015)  |  Georgia Veterans Affairs Commissioner and World War II Veteran, Pete Wheeler, passed away on Tuesday at the age of 92. Wheeler had been commissioner of the department since 1952 and was the state’s longest-serving agency head.

“I am fortunate and honored to have become friends with Pete Wheeler 23 years ago, and to have worked side by side with such a remarkable man,” said Sen. Harbison. “He is an iconic figure in veterans’ service, and dedicated his life to being a true friend to our state’s veterans. Pete’s remarkable contributions to thousands of veterans will not be forgotten, and he will be missed by all who had the great pleasure of knowing him.”

In 1954, after being appointed as commissioner, Wheeler joined efforts with Georgians to encourage the celebration of Veterans Day as a federal holiday. He was forced to take time off in 2014 due to medical reasons, but stayed active in his position by communicating daily with his office as making sure business was cared for. Wheeler was a highly respected and admired leader, not only in his community, but all over the country.

Upon request of Gov. Nathan Deal, flags will be flown at half-staff in Wheeler’s honor on Monday.

Sen. Ed Harbison Recognized by Georgia Military Officers Association of America

ATLANTA (April 16 , 2015)  |  The Georgia Military Officers Association of America recently presented Sen. Ed Harbison (D – Columbus) with the 2014 Joseph C. Barto, Jr. Service Award for his support of Georgia Veterans.

“Although it is a great honor to receive this prestigious award, the real honor is supporting my fellow military veterans who place their lives on the line for our country,” said Sen. Harbison. “I am humbled to have the opportunity to work with organizations such as this one, and I look forward to creating and passing more legislation in support of veterans.”

The Joseph C. Barto, Jr. Award recognizes Sen. Harbison’s lifetime achievement, service and support of Georgia’s veterans through his furtherance of veteran issues in the General Assembly. In 2014, Sen. Harbison served as Chairman of the Senate Veterans, Military and Homeland Security Committee and sponsored legislation to establish Veterans’ Accountability Courts in Georgia.

Bill Allowing Military Experience to Count for Technical College Academic Credit Gains Senate Approval

ATLANTA (February 17 , 2015)  |  Sen. Ed Harbison (D – Columbus) sponsored Senate Bill 18, a bill that allows the Technical College System of Georgia (TCSG) to accept prior work experience and skills learned through the Military for academic credit. SB 18 passed the Georgia Senate today by a vote of 53-0. SB 18 ensures that members of Georgia’s military have the opportunity to apply the knowledge gained through their service to their academic careers.

“Georgia must provide every opportunity for the men and women who serve in our military to advance their academic careers,” said Sen. Harbison. “Georgia’s military members have received world class training and education in their respective fields. These men and women who have made immense sacrifices for our country deserve to be given the opportunity to put these valuable skills to use in our workforce. Allowing Technical Colleges to grant academic credit for knowledge gained through military service gives deserving veterans in Georgia an additional pathway to a successful future.”

SB 18 will now head to the House of Representatives for consideration.

State House of Representatives Unanimously Passes Legislation Designating Georgia “Purple Heart State”

ATLANTA (March 17, 2014) | Today, the Georgia House of Representatives passed Senate Bill 276 by a vote of 167–0. Sen. Ed Harbison (D- Columbus), Chairman of the Senate Military, Veterans and Homeland Security Committee, sponsored SB 276 which would proclaim Georgia a “Purple Heart State.”

“I would like to thank my colleagues in the House for their swift action on such an important piece of legislation,” said Sen. Harbison.  “The bill goes a long way in ensuring our veterans receive every accolade for their distinguished service and sacrifice for our great nation.  I look forward to Gov. Deal’s prompt action on SB 276 so that Georgia will forever be known as a “Purple Heart State.””

If signed into law, this legislation designates Georgia as a “Purple Heart State,” honoring our combat wounded veterans for their service and sacrifice in allowing the United States of America to maintain its independence.

SB 276 will now head to Gov. Nathan Deal’s desk for consideration.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

Jennifer Yarber, Director

Adam Sweat, Communications Specialist

[email protected]

404.656.0028