Happy Thanksgiving and other news from state Rep. Williamson

Dear Friends, 
Happy Thanksgiving! Vickie and I send our warmest wishes to everyone for a joyful holiday season. We’re truly grateful to be part of this wonderful community, and it’s a privilege to represent you at the Capitol.

Government Shutdown Finally Ends The longest federal government shutdown finally ends. After 43 days of Senate Democrats voting against a clean bipartisan continuing resolution, eight Democrats finally decided to vote to reopen the federal government. Right now, the federal government is funded until January 30th. With this deadline looming, Congress must work on and pass the ten remaining appropriation bills. There is a “limited” minibus that was also passed. This minibus funds SNAP and VA programs through September 30th. Back pay for federal workers will also be issued. Cell Phone Bans are Improving Teacher & Student Well-Being The Distraction-Free Education Act, HB 340, was passed last session, banning cell phones in grades K-8. Kennesaw State University, in collaboration with Marietta City Schools, conducted a study. They found that cell phone bans increased student engagement and improved teacher well-being. As quoted from the MDJ, “At the Marietta Sixth Grade Academy, the team found 100% of teachers surveyed agreed that the cell phone ban improved student engagement, classroom management, and peer interaction, while 90% reported feeling less stressed, more supported, and more fulfilled in their work.” Insurance Commissioner John King Approves a State Farm Filing Reducing Insurance Rates by 3% This rate reduction means that State Farm customers have seen an average 10% drop in their rates over the past year, King said in a release. “We’re going to continue fighting to position Georgia as a leader in affordable coverage, marketplace stability, and strong protections for families,” King said. Goodbye PennyUS Treasurer Brandon Beach announced the end of the production of the penny. In May, President Trump ordered the US Mint to stop the production of the penny as a cost-saving measure. Producing pennies costs almost 4 cents each, and ending production would save taxpayers $54 million annually.

I had a great time at the Walton County Soil & Water Conservation District Dinner this month. I had a chance to meet some of the award-winning FFA members from Walnut Grove Schools at the dinner. We also recognized Sonny Turner with a House of Representatives Resolution honoring his service.