The Capitol Express: February 16, 2019

The Capitol Express

The Georgia General Assembly met Monday, February 11th to begin our fifth week of the 2019 Legislative Session. As the session progresses, and bills begin to move out of committees, the Floor Sessions will involve more legislation -- please use the Daily Legislative Reports link in the right panel of this email to see the daily work and reach out to me with your thoughts or if I can be of assistance.

This week in House Higher Education Committee we passed forward HB 42, by Rep. Scot Turner and others. HB 42 would prohibit the revokation of professional licenses when an individual is behind in payments of a student loan -- revoking a license so the individual cannot work does not seem like the best way to gain payment. The bill does not prohibit other debt collections methods and does not forgive the debt. HB 42 enjoys bipartisan support and am please to be a co-sponsor.

We also learned more about the Georgia Path2College 529 Plan that is a great vehicle to save money for college -- click here to learn more! Would be pleased to host a meeting and have folks for Georgia Path2College out to answer questions -- who's interested? Click here to send email with your interest.

Really want The Capitol Express to be an asset for you as citizens of the 49th District. Please spread the word, forward the email, and let me know the items you'd like to see highlighted.

Please encourage your friends and neighbors to go to www.martinforgeorgia.com to learn more and to join our list for legislative updates by clicking the link "Join Our Mailing List" in the frame on the right of this email.

We will convene convene for Legislative Day 17 on Tuesday, February 19th.

If I can be of service please contact me via the information below.

Yours in Service for Georgia,

Representative Chuck Martin
District 49
E-mail: chuck@martinforgeorgia.com
On the web: www.martinforgeorgia.com
Phone: (404) 656-5064
Address: 417 Capitol Building, Atlanta, GA 30334

House Passes HB 63 - Step Therapy

House Bill 63 requires health benefit plans to utilize certain clinical review criteria to establish step-therapy protocols, and provides for a determination process for patients and their doctors to petition for an override of these protocols. The passage of this measure places healthcare decisions closer to the patient and their doctor -- putting patient care first. The measure passed the House by a vote of 162 - 1, I voted in YES. Link to full text of the bill: HB 63

Recognizing Milton Eagles Football - Class 7A Champs for 2018

Great to have the Eagles and representatives from Milton High School down to the Capitol on Friday, February 8th. Congratulations to the Eagles, fly high, on the field and in the classroom. Link to resolution: HR 148

Recognizing Blessed Trinity Football - Class 4A Champs for 2018

Great to have the team and representatives from Blessed Trinity Catholic High School down to the Capitol on Monday, February 11th. Congratulations to the Titans for being back to back Class 4A Football Champions. Link to full resolution: HR 70

Recognizing Georgia's Research Universities

We welcomed all four of Georgia's research universities on Tuesday, February 12th.

Augusta University

Georgia State University

Georgia Institute of Technology

University of Georgia

Was able to get at least two of the mascots and presidents together -- thanks for President Peterson, Rep. Bert Reeves, "Buzz", "Hairy Dawg", and President Morehead for standing with Rep. Reeves and I. As Chairman of the House Higher Education Committee I am committed to working with USG, TCSG and all interested parties to provide the very best opportunities for Georgia students to complete their education and join the growing Georgia economy. We can do this together!