Sen. Gooch: Week 3 in the Ga. General Assembly
News February 4, 2020
By: Sen. Gooch (R — Dahlonega)
Sen. Steve Gooch
This week the Georgia General Assembly had a full week, meeting for five legislative days with plenty of committee work in between. Overall, this was a successful week for the Senate, as we saw another important bill receive passage in our chamber.
While last week legislators were focused squarely on the budget, this week saw us broaden our scope to committee work. Over the 2019 interim, I chaired a Senate Study Committee that was tasked with taking a closer look at the role of personal mobility devices (such as electric powered scooters) and how best to ensure the safety of the rider and any pedestrians or vehicles the scooter may encounter. These considerations were included in Senate Bill 159, which I presented to the Senate Transportation Committee on Tuesday. We were careful as a state not to provide regulations that were too strict and gave great flexibility to counties and municipalities in how they wish to regulate the use of these devices in their communities. The bill received favorable consideration from the Senate Transportation Committee and will hopefully be considered for a vote by the full Senate in the next few weeks.
Tuesday, the Senate took up House Bill 444 for a vote. This bill proposes a cap on the number of dual enrollment classes a student may earn credit for at 30 hours. This will ensure that this popular and beneficial program will be able to continue for years to come by lessening the cost of the program. HB 444 would also make sure that our students our using the dual enrollment classes for core courses that are easily transferable, so that they may be used a wider number of colleges and universities. These small adjustments will not have any effect on the majority of students who participate in the dual enrollment program and will ensure that it remains sustainable for future generations of students to enjoy.
The proper maintenance of our roads, bridges and highways is always one of the top priorities of the General Assembly each year. As the number one state in the nation in which to do business for six straight years, we know this would not have been possible without efficient infrastructure. On Thursday, we heard a presentation by the Commissioner of the Georgia Department of Transportation in a joint meeting of the Senate and House Transportation Committees in order to hear an update on GDOT’s ten-year plan for our roadways. I am encouraged and optimistic by GDOT’s vision and I looking forward to working with their team to continue to ready our infrastructure for the logistics needs of the next decade.
The Senate will meet next week for legislative days ten through thirteen. We are still early in the session, but the groundwork is currently being laid out to ensure each and every legislative day will be well spent. As always if there is ever anything I can do for you please do not hesitate to reach out to me or my office.
Fetch Your News is a hyper local news outlet that covers Dawson, Lumpkin, White, Fannin, Gilmer, Pickens, Union, Towns and Murray counties as well as Cherokee County in N.C. FYN attracts 300,000+ page views per month, 3.5 million impressions per month and approximately 15,000 viewers per week on FYNTV.com and up to 60,000 Facebook page reach. If you would like to follow up-to-date local events in any of those counties, please visit us at FetchYourNews.com
State Sen. John Wilkinson will run for 9th Dist. Congress
News January 29, 2020
ATLANTA — Dist. 50 State Sen. John Wilkinson (R-Toccoa) today became the first candidate to announce he will run for the 9th district congressional seat. The announcement came from Wilkinson’s Atlanta office shortly after Doug Collins announced his intention to run for the Unites States Senate on Fox News.
The Ninth District includes Banks, Dawson, Elbert, Fannin, Franklin, Gilmer, Habersham, Hall, Hart, Jackson, Lumpkin, Madison, Rabun, Stevens, Towns, Union and White counties.
The Toccoa Republican is a five-term state senator who has chaired the Agriculture and Consumer Affairs Committee the last eight years. He lists his occupation as teacher/farmer.
In making the announcement, Wilkinson said, “This is a critical time in our country and we need an experienced conservative voice willing to stand up for the values residents of North Georgia hold dear. For the past eight years, in Atlanta, I have fought to eliminate useless red tape and regulation of business, defend the sanctity of all life, and fought for our constitutional rights guaranteed by the 2nd Amendment. I look forward to continuing that fight in Washington.”
He received his Bachelor of Science in Agriculture and Masters in Education at the University of Georgia. He and his wife, Debbie, have been married for forty years. They have two adult children and five grandchildren. The Wilkinson’s attend Tates Creek Baptist Church, where Sen. Wilkinson serves as a Deacon.
Dist. 9 State Rep. Kevin Tanner (R-Dawsonville) told Fetch Your News Tuesday he is seriously considering the race and will decide in the next few days.
State Sen. Steve Gooch said he will not be a candidate.
Other names that have been mentioned as potential candidates in the 9th district congressional race include District 8 State Rep Matt Gurtler and Dist. 10 State Rep. Paul Broun.
Fetch Your News will continue to update the list of candidates.
Fetch Your News is a hyper local news outlet that covers Dawson, Lumpkin, White, Fannin, Gilmer, Pickens, Union, Towns and Murray counties as well as Cherokee County in N.C. FYN attracts 300,000+ page views per month, 3.5 million impressions per month and approximately 15,000 viewers per week on FYNTV.com and up to 60,000 Facebook page reach. If you would like to follow up-to-date local events in any of those counties, please visit us at FetchYourNews.com
Who will replace Rep. Collins when he runs for Senate?
News January 28, 2020
Rep. Doug Collins
Rep. Doug Collins (R-Georgia) is widely expected to announce his campaign for U.S. Senate against Sen. Kelly Loeffler in the coming days. Loeffler was appointed by Gov. Brian Kemp to complete the term of former Georgia Sen. Johnny Isakson, who resigned at the end of last year because of health concerns.
Republicans may need to look no further than Dawsonville to answer that question.
District 9 State Rep. Kevin Tanner said today “I am giving it serious consideration and I will make a decision in the next few days.”
Qualifying for the race will take place in March and the Republican Primary will be held in May.
State Rep. Kevin Tanner
Tanner, a four-term representative is chairman of the House Transportation Committee and serves on the Appropriations, Education and Special Rules committees. He has more than 27 years of public service.
“This is an unexpected opportunity,” he said. “It’s not something I had planned on or thought about. But I have had a tremendous outpouring of colleagues and constituents calling on me to run.”
He added, “When I have a decision like this to make, I try to do so prayerfully. I want to do what is in the best interest of my family and the constituents in the 9th District.”
Sen. Steve Gooch (R-Dahlonega) said he will not be a candidate at this time.
“I believe it is a good opportunity for somebody to run for an open seat, but it won’t be me,” he told Fetch Your News. “I’m happy doing what I’m doing here. But the three main reasons I won’t run are my three sons, Samuel, Seth and Sawyer. They are in public school now and they need a full-time Dad. This just isn’t the right time for me to leave and go to Washington.”
Should Tanner pull the trigger on a run for the U.S. House of Representatives that will leave an open seat in the Georgia House.
One name that surfaced multiple times today as a potential replacement for Tanner is Lumpkin County attorney Zack Tumlin.
Fetch Your News reached out to Tumlin for comment, but he could not be reached before deadline.
Fetch Your News is a hyper local news outlet that covers Dawson, Lumpkin, White, Fannin, Gilmer, Pickens, Union, Towns and Murray counties as well as Cherokee County in N.C. FYN attracts 300,000+ page views per month, 3.5 million impressions per month and approximately 15,000 viewers per week on FYNTV.com and up to 60,000 Facebook page reach. If you would like to follow up-to-date local events in any of those counties, please visit us at FetchYourNews.com
Gooch, Tanner will be featured speakers at GOP meeting
News April 3, 2019
Sen. Steve Gooch
DAWSONVILLE, Ga. — State Senator Steve Gooch and State Rep. Kevin Tanner will be the featured speakers when the Dawson County Republican Party meets Monday (April 8) at 7 p.m. in the Bowen Arts Center.
This will be the first meeting since the election of a new slate of officers at the County Convention. The new officers include Seanie Zappendorf (chairperson), Mike Berg (first vice chair) Pepper Pettit (second vice chair), Dale Smart (secretary) Katie Hulsebus (treasurer) and Norman Samples (committee member at-large).
Light snacks and refreshments will be available at the reception with doors opening at 6:30 p.m.
Sen. Gooch and Rep. Tanner are expected to bring those who attend up to date on the recently concluded General Assembly.
Major bills that passed and are on the way to Gov. Brian Kemp’s desk, include:
Rep. Kevin Tanner
A ban on almost all abortions once a fetal heartbeat is detected;
The addition of new touchscreen voting machines that print a paper ballot;
Licensing of six private companies to produce and sell low-grade cannabis oil.
The Ninth Congressional District Convention will take place April 13 at the Dillard House in Rabun County where district level delegates and alternate delegates will be elected along with a Ninth District chair, first vice chair, second vice chair, third vice chair, treasurer, assistant treasurer, secretary and assistant secretary.
The state convention is set for May 16-18 in Savannah.
For information about the Dawson County Republican Party, call Dale Smart at (404) 456-8258 or Seanie Zappendorf at (678) 643-9019.
Fetch Your News is a hyper local news outlet that covers Dawson, Lumpkin, White, Fannin, Gilmer, Pickens, Union, Towns and Murray counties as well as Cherokee County in N.C. FYN attracts 300,000+ page views per month, 3.5 million impressions per month and approximately 15,000 viewers per week on FYNTV.com and up to 60,000 Facebook page reach. If you would like to follow up-to-date local events in any of those counties, please visit us at FetchYourNews.com
Sen. Steve Gooch issues press release in support of Casey Cagle for governor
News July 16, 2018
DAHLONEGA, Ga. — On July 24th, it is vitally important that we cast our ballots for a strong leader who is prepared to be our state’s next CEO. As your state senator, I want you to know that I’m 100% behind Casey Cagle for governor. I have served with him for 8 years in the senate now and I am confident that he is the best choice on the ballot.
Casey is a proven, consistent leader who has always delivered for our state – as well as our community and North Georgia. Due to his leadership as Lt. Governor, Georgia has been named the number one state to do business for five straight years, and we’ve added nearly 700,000 jobs and 40,000 new businesses. This year, Casey was the leader who fought to deliver the largest tax cut in Georgia history.
Casey has also led to advance nationally renowned education reform measures – including the Charter Systems Act, College and Career Academy Network, and GA CATT apprenticeship program – which have been integral in transforming Georgia’s one-size-fits-all education system into a revolutionary model that puts students first. Not every student needs to get a four year liberal arts degree to be successful, and Casey is leading to prioritize workforce development so that all Georgia’s students graduate from high school with post-secondary experience or technical training that gives them the skills to attain rewarding careers.
Casey has stood up for our conservative principles his entire career. He has led to outlaw and defund sanctuary cities in Georgia, expand gun rights (earning him an A+ rating from the NRA), protect innocent life (earning him the Champion for Life.
Please join me in supporting Casey Cagle and voting to elect him as our next Governor on July 24th. I have been honored to serve as your Senator and I look forward to working with the next Governor to continue the progress we have made.
Steve Gooch
State Senator
District 51
State lawmakers Gooch, Williams and Raffensperger are featured speakers at Dawson Co. GOP meeting
News April 18, 2018
Sen. Steve Gooch
DAWSONVILLE, Ga. — State Senator Steve Gooch (R-Dahlonega) was the featured speaker at the Dawson County Republican Party meeting Tuesday at The Bowen Center for the Arts.
The event drew many office holders and political candidates like gubernatorial candidate Sen. Mike Williams (R-Cumming), State Rep. Brad Raffensperger (R-Johns Creek), chairwoman of the Dawson County Board of Education and candidate for Secretary of State Karen Armstrong, , and her opponent Joe Stapp.
Dawsonville Mayor Mike Eason, former County Commission Chairman Mike Berg, County Commissioner Sharon Fausett and Tim Satterfield, who will replace Jimmy Hamby on the Board of Commissioners in January, were also in attendance.
Gooch said, “This was one of the most successful sessions in the eight years I’ve been in the General Assembly. We passed the first income tax cut in Georgia history.” The tax was cut by one-quarter of a percent this year and will be cut by one-half percent next year.
Sen. Mike Williams
He cited fully funding Quality Based Education (QBE) for the first time since it was passed in 1985, the distracted driving bill that makes it illegal for a driver to touch their cell phone and increased funding for school safety as accomplishments during the recent session of the General Assembly.
Williams was the first elected official in Georgia to publicly endorse Donald Trump for president. Like Trump, Williams is primarily self-funding his campaign. “We’re relying on the people who know me best to donate five, 10 or 20 dollars to help carry us across the finish line,” he said. “That is important because when I reach the governor’s office, who am I going to be beholden to? It’s not the big lobbyists. It’s the people of Georgia.”
Raffensperger is a structural engineer and licensed general contractor. “I own two manufacturing plants in Georgia, and I have worked on construction projects all over the United States,” he said. “I have seen first hand how some states make it easy to do business and some states make it hard. As your next secretary of state, my job is to make it easy to do business in the state of Georgia.”
State Rep. Brad Raffensperger
Raffensperger, a former Johns Creek city councilman, said he is the only person running for secretary of state who has a 100 percent voting record from the Faith and Freedom Coalition.
“Look back on my legislative and city council voting record and you will find I’ve always tried to protect the small business owner, taxpayers, life and the second amendment,” Raffensperger stated.
Fetch Your News is a hyper local news outlet that covers Dawson, Lumpkin, White, Fannin, Gilmer, Pickens, Union, Towns and Murray counties as well as Cherokee County in N.C. FYN attracts 300,000+ page views per month, 3.5 million impressions per month and approximately 15,000 viewers per week on FYNTV.com and up to 60,000 Facebook page reach.If you would like to follow up-to-date local events in any of those counties, please visit us at FetchYourNews.com
From left, Tim Satterfield, Mike Berg, Sen. Mike Williams and Sen. Steve Gooch.
Candidate Qualifying Begins Monday in Dawsonville
News, Politics March 6, 2016
DAWSONVILLE, Ga. –It’s qualifying week for political hopefuls in Dawson County and all across Georgia.
Election Superintendent Glenda Ferguson said incumbents and newcomers seeking public office must officially declare their candidacy between Monday, March 7 and Friday, March 11. Qualifying will take place from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily except Friday when qualifying ends at noon.
Dist. 4 County Commissioner Julie Nix will seek a fifth term in office but two familiar faces will be leaving the Board of Commissioners. After 12 years in office, Commission Chairman Mike Berg said he will not seek reelection. and Dist. 2 Commissioner James Swafford, who served two terms, has announced he is stepping down also.
The county will also lose a veteran law enforcement officer in Billy Carlisle, who is retiring after 18-years of service as Sheriff. Jeff Johnson, Tony Wooten, Frank Sosebee and Jeff Perry have announced they will campaign for the open position.
Other county offices up for election this year include: Clerk of Court, Coroner, Surveyor, Magistrate Judge and Probate Judge. Both State Senator Steve Gooch, who represents the 51st District, and State Rep. Kevin Tanner who represents Dist. 9 are also up for reelection.