It’s been another productive week under the Gold Dome. We have just completed week nine and 32 legislative days of the 2019 session and have accomplished a great deal! During the last 32 legislative days, the House has passed over 160 pieces of legislation! These bills will have a positive impact on hard-working Georgians for years to come and I have been blessed to share many of them with you! This past week the House passed House Bill 316 which changes Georgia’s voting method. I have provided a short description of the bill for you below.

House Bill 316

HB 316 changes our voting method by introducing a ballot-marking device with a paper ballot that can be audited. This bill also extends the notice period required for the closing or moving of an existing voting precinct, implements extensive corrective measures for absentee ballots, and extends the amount of time a voter can be inactive prior to being removed from Georgia voter rolls.

Our new voting system will:

  • Use secure touchscreen ballot markers that are not connected to the internet.
  • Produce verifiable paper ballots that voters can verify before submitting.
  • Have the ability to be audited to ensure election accuracy.
  • Provide greater accessibility for disabled voters and voters who speak foreign languages.

To learn more about House Bill 316 click here.

Amended Budget for Fiscal Year 2019

This past week, Governor Brian Kemp, Lt. Governor Geoff Duncan, Speaker David Ralston, and other leaders from the House and Senate gathered to sign the Amended Budget for Fiscal Year 2019. This budget invests in the following:

  • Public education.
  • Expands school security initiatives.
  • Increases access to healthcare in rural communities.
  • Helps farmers and agri-businesses impacted by Hurricane Michael.

Above all, this budget puts hardworking Georgians first!

Stay Up-to-Date:

Once again, if you are interested in learning more about all that goes on during the Legislative session then the Georgia House of Representatives website has everything you need to stay up to date and informed. From press releases to live video broadcasts of the House Floor, you can experience your state government in action up close. Click here to learn more.

If you have any questions or concerns regarding these committees please do not hesitate to reach out to me.

With only 8 legislative days left in the 2019 Legislative Session, the countdown to the end of the session is on. If you find yourself in Atlanta during this session, I encourage you to visit me at my Capitol office! Also, please do not hesitate to call or email me if you have any questions or concerns regarding any current or upcoming legislation. My Capitol office is located at 401-D Coverdell Legislative Office Bldg, 18 Capitol Square SW, Atlanta, GA 30334. My office phone number is 404.656.0152.  I can also be reached via email at Dale.Washburn@house.ga.gov.

Thank you for allowing me to be your State Representative. I am blessed and honored to have the opportunity. God bless you and your family.

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