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State Senate Unanimously Passes Legislation Designating Georgia “Purple Heart State”

ATLANTA (March 3, 2014) | Today, Sen. Ed Harbison (D- Columbus), Chairman of the Senate Military, Veterans and Homeland Security Committee, led the unanimous passage of Senate Bill 276 which would proclaim Georgia a “Purple Heart State.”

“The Purple Heart decoration is held in high regard as a true testament to our service men and women who so gallantly served these United States,” said Sen. Harbison.  “Our veterans deserve every accolade for their dedication and sacrifice to our nation.  I applaud my colleagues in the Senate for supporting this simple yet wide reaching measure that will greatly impact Georgia’s hero’s and their families.”

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 the House of Representatives for consideration.

For Immediate Release

Contact:

Adam Sweat, Communications Specialist

[email protected]

404.656.0028

Sen. Ed Harbison Awarded Vietnam War Commemoration Certificate of Appreciation

ATLANTA (February 21, 2014) | Sen. Ed Harbison (D- Columbus), Chairman of the Senate Military, Veterans and Homeland Security Committee, was recently awarded the Vietnam War Commemoration Certificate of Appreciation for his dedicated service to Georgia’s veterans.  With over two decades of service in the State Senate, the Department of Defense cited his unwavering commitment to the service men and women of Georgia with numerous legislative efforts aimed at enhancing veteran’s quality of life.

“I would like to thank the Vietnam War Commemoration for this distinguished honor,” said Sen. Harbison.  “Throughout my time in the U.S. Marines, I gained a true understanding of what it means to serve and protect the citizens of this great nation.  My work as a state senator has only deepened my commitment to public service and allowed me the opportunity to advocate on behalf of the courageous men and women who serve in our armed forces. Although we have made significant strides, there is still much to be done and I look forward to continuing my work in the senate for years to come.”

The 2008 National Defense Authorization Act authorized the Secretary of Defense to conduct a program to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Vietnam War. The commemorative program includes activities and ceremonies to achieve the following objectives:

  1. To thank and honor veterans of the Vietnam War, including personnel who were held as prisoners of war (POW), or listed as missing in action (MIA), for their service and sacrifice on behalf of the United States and to thank and honor the families of these veterans.
  2. To highlight the service of the Armed Forces during the Vietnam War and the contributions of Federal agencies and governmental and non-governmental organizations that served with, or in support of, the Armed Forces.
  3. To pay tribute to the contributions made on the home front by the people of the United States during the Vietnam War.
  4. To highlight the advances in technology, science, and medicine related to military research conducted during the Vietnam War.
  5. To recognize the contributions and sacrifices made by the allies of the United States during the Vietnam War.

For more information on the Vietnam War Commemoration, please visit:http://www.vietnamwar50th.com/.

Sen. Harbison Featured in NCSL Magazine

ATLANTA (August 14, 2013) – Sen. Ed Harbison (D– Columbus) was recently featured in the National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL) State Legislatures Magazine’s July/August edition in an article titled GI Jobs .

“As a veteran, there is no greater issue facing our service men and women than assisting our hero’s in their transition back to civilian life,” said Sen. Harbison.  “I’m honored NCSL choose to highlight our state’s work in allowing veterans to apply their military training for professional licensure.  I look forward to continuing my work on the Veterans, Military and Homeland Security Committee as we seek to eliminate barriers military men and women face when they return home from serving these United States.”

The article features ways state legislatures are addressing employment for veterans upon their completion of service.  Armed service members gain invaluable skills overseas serving our country that can be applied in professional careers at home.  Georgia has taken a leading role in implementing laws to assist veterans in obtaining employment based on trade skills learned during service.

For the full article, please visit: http://www.ncsl.org/magazine/gi-jobs_sl-magazine-july-2013.aspx.

Sen. Harbison Recognizes Dr. Archie Rainey

ATLANTA (March 21, 2013) –Senator Ed Harbison (D-Columbus) co-sponsored Senate Resolution 425 which recognizes Dr. Archie Rainey, a recipient of the Meritorious Service Award from the Peace Officers Association of Georgia.

“Dr. Rainey is a true example of a man committed to serving his community,” said Sen. Harbison.  “His time at Columbus State University has produced numerous law enforcement officials with invaluable skills that make Georgia a safer place.  Dr. Rainey is a pillar of our community and I cannot think of an individual more deserving of this distinguished award.”

Dr. Rainey was given this award due to his involvement in creating a pool of contemporary law enforcement executives ready to meet the challenges of protecting Georgia’s citizens.

A veteran of the United States Army, Dr. Rainey is the Director of Georgia’s Law Enforcement Command College at Columbus State University.  He was instrumental in the creation of the curriculum that provides graduate level studies for peace officers in training.  With over 20 years of teaching experience, Dr. Rainey has educated individuals that went on to serve in the Georgia State Patrol, the Georgia Bureau of Investigation, the Georgia Department of Natural Resources and the Georgia Department of Corrections.

Sen. Harbison Leads Passage of Resolution to Protect Fort Benning

ATLANTA (March 4, 2013) –Senator Ed Harbison (D-Columbus) led the unanimous passage of Senate Resolution 201 which asks the Department of the Army carefully consider the socioeconomic impact the Programmatic Environmental Assessment for Army 2020 Force Restructuring will have on Fort Benning.“The proposed cuts to the Department of the Army would have a devastating effect on the people of the 15th district and surrounding areas,” said Sen. Harbison.  “Fort Benning is essential to the economic vitality of Columbus and we must call on our elected officials in Washington to halt any reduction in active duty and civilian personnel.”

According to the Assessment, a reduction of 7,100 active duty and civilian personnel would result in a 17,815 loss in total population, which represents a 5.74 percent decrease in the region, a 3.16 percent loss of sales volume, a 4.99 percent drop in regional income, and 5.94 percent loss in regional nonfarm employment, which has the potential to affect low-income populations the most negatively.

Sen. Harbison Named Chairman of Veterans, Military and Homeland Security Committee

ATLANTA (January 15, 2013) – Senator Ed Harbison (D-Columbus) has been named the Chairman of the Senate Veterans, Military and Homeland Security Committee for the 2013- 2014 term by the Senate Committee on Assignments.

“It is an honor and a privilege to once again serve my constituents as the Chairman of this invaluable committee,” said Sen. Harbison.  “There is a lot of work to be done but I am confident that, with the help of my colleagues, we can address the needs and concerns of our hero’s: the men and women who have selflessly served our country in the armed forces.”

This committee handles legislation and oversight related to Georgia’s Department of Defense, military personnel, Department of Homeland Security, emergency response organizations, and organizations providing service to military veterans.

“I’m humbled to preside over a Senate that is strongly unified and filled with individuals that are hard-working, intelligent and dedicated to solving problems,” Lieutenant Governor Cagle said. “I look forward to working hand-in-hand with Chairman Harbison, who is extremely well-versed and passionate about this important subject matter, to deliver Georgians real results on the major issues facing this State.”

“We are fortunate to have a wealth of talent and experience in the State Senate,” said President Pro Tem David Shafer (R-Duluth). “I have every confidence in our new committee leadership team.”

Once a piece of legislation is introduced in the Senate, it is assigned to a Committee, depending on its topic.  If the Committee gives the legislation a “do pass” recommendation, then the proposed law is sent to the Rules Committee for consideration.  The appointed chairs will oversee the operation and order of Senate committee meetings, including calling for action on bills, resolutions or other matters assigned to that committee.

The first term of the 152nd Legislative Session of the Georgia General Assembly convened January 14, 2013 at the Georgia State Capitol.

Sen. Harbison Champions Veterans Legislation

ATLANTA (March 7, 2012) – Senator Ed Harbison (D-Columbus) led the unanimous passage of Senate Bill 473 which will extend the eligibility for Purple Heart license tags to include service members on active duty or in reserves.

“Men and women throughout the entire state have made great sacrifices for our country by serving in our armed forces,” said Sen. Harbison.  “I was disheartened to discover that recipients of this distinguished award had to wait until retirement to receive their license tag.  I am proud that my colleagues in the Senate supported this measure to honor veterans both past and present.”

Ms. Kim Kapacziewski, of Columbus, GA, brought this issue to Sen. Harbison earlier this legislative session.  Her husband, SFC Kapacziewski, is a veteran amputee still serving in the armed forces.  He was given his Purple Heart license tag but was asked to return it when the Georgia Department of Veteran Services realized he was still active personnel.

Currently, the Purple Heart license tag is only available to discharged veterans who received a Purple Heart citation. By amending the definition of a “Veteran,” this legislation expands availability of the tag to include recipients who are currently serving on active duty or in the reserves.

Senator Harbison’s Bill Ending Sales of Synthetic Marijuana Passes Senate

ATLANTA (March 24, 2010) – Sen. Ed Harbison’s (D-Columbus) legislation (SB 498) ending the sales of synthetic marijuana in Georgia passed the Senate today with a unanimous vote.  Recently, sale of synthetic marijuana also known as K2 or spice, have ballooned across the state. This bill would make the sale of these substances illegal, and add them to Schedule 1 on Georgia’s controlled substance list. Harbison was inspired to create the legislation after Atlanta area teens were hospitalized as a result of using the drug.

“Georgia citizens need to be protected from products that may cause irreversible harm to their bodies,” said Sen. Harbison.  “Teens assume these drugs are harmless because they are so easily accessible.  These drugs, however, are so dangerous it’s sending our young people to the emergency room.”

Additional substances on Schedule 1 of Georgia’s controlled substance list include heroin and meth. Use or sale of these substances carry the most severe penalties and are highly addictive.  Synthetic marijuana is ten times stronger than marijuana, and cannot be detected by drug testing.

“These drugs are not harmless recreational substances, but actually potent concoctions of harmful materials that can cause a variety of problems.  The manufactures for these products do not put the ingredients on packaging, and do not have to follow any type of regulated standards,” said Sen. Harbison.  “We need to act now before we have an epidemic of people addicted to these substances.”

Harbison will continue to gain support for the legislation as it goes to the House.

Senate approves supplemental budget for FY 2010

The Georgia Senate voted Feb. 18 to approve a $17.4 billion amended state budget for the remainder of fiscal year 2010, which ends June 30. The revised budget is reduced by $1.2 billion from the original budget for this year and reflects a 23 percent decline in state revenues over the past two years.

The Senate version of HB 947 rejects an attempt by Gov. Sonny Perdue to take $33 million in lottery revenues out of the HOPE Scholarship program to pay for other scholarships currently funded by general revenues and restores $17.4 million in state equalization grants to low-wealth school districts, which the governor had proposed to eliminate.

The Senate also added $1.8 million to the Department of Revenue budget for the hiring of more employees to process income tax returns and avoid repeating last year’s severe delays in refunds to taxpayers and delays until next year the payment of $14 million to private “disproportionate share” hospitals to compensate them for medical treatment of indigent patients.

Unfortunately, HB 947 cuts another $281 million in Quality Basic Education funding to local school systems, bringing the total school cuts under the Perdue administration to almost $2.5 billion. These cuts short-change our public school students and force property owners to make up the difference in higher local school taxes. The budget also forces teachers and other state employees to take three additional unpaid furlough days between now and June 30.

HB 947 now goes to a conference committee to resolve differences in the Senate and House of Representatives versions of the budget.

Long Adjournment: Immediately after adopting the 2010 supplemental budget, the Senate voted 35-17 to take an 18-day recess for the stated purpose of allowing Appropriations Committee members to give undivided attention to the fiscal year 2011 budget. Continued declines in revenues have lawmakers genuinely concerned over Gov. Perdue’s rosy forecast of a 4.2 percent budget increase for next year. I voted against the adjournment resolution because, in addition to the budget, the state has major problems to be addressed. The legislature should remain in session and work overtime on a daily basis, if necessary, to do the people’s business. But a majority went along with the proposal, and the full Senate and House are now in official recess until March 8.

Economic Development: Legislation that would create an economic development council of state lawmakers to evaluate all state-funded activities that support Georgia’s economic development strategy received unanimous approval in the Senate. SB 374 would establish a council of Senators and House members for the purpose of reviewing current goals, tax exemptions and credits, as well as activities and expenditures of the Department of Economic Development. The bill is now under consideration in the House.

Kidney Patients: The Senate voted unanimously to approve legislation that would allow persons who are under age 65 but eligible for Medicare because of disability or end-stage kidney disease to purchase Medicare supplemental health insurance. SB 316 is primarily intended to help kidney patients pay expenses for dialysis treatments. It would also save the state $20 million over five years. SB 316 now goes to the House for its consideration.

Senator Harbison’s Fallen Veterans Bill Passes Senate

ATLANTA (Feb. 19, 2010) – Sen. Ed Harbison’s (D-Columbus) Fallen Veterans Bill (SB 355) overwhelmingly passed Senate on Thursday.  The bill designates that a deceased veteran’s remains go to the individual listed on their U.S. Department of Defense Record of Emergency Data or DD Form 93.  This bill will alleviate any discrepancies among family members regarding the final resting place of the deceased veteran.

“I’ve seen so many families struggling to decide where the final resting place should be for their fallen solider. With the passage of this bill, families will no longer have to deal with this issue while grieving the loss of a loved one,” said Sen. Harbison.  “This bill can take away some of the stress families go through in making this difficult decision and hopefully aid in the healing process.”

Sen. Harbison served in the Vietnam War and uses his experiences as a veteran to craft meaningful and innovative legislation to benefit military families.  The bill will now go onto the House for voting.