2016 Legislative Session – Week 4 Underway

Mr. Gregory B. Levett, Sr., was honored on Sunday, January 31, at St. Philip AME in the beautiful fellowship hall for his outstanding achievement of being named as the Funeral Director of the year in North America by American Funeral Director magazine. I was glad to participate in the celebration of Mr. Levett’s years of service to our community.

As an educator and a mother, the wellbeing of Georgia’s children has been and will always be a top priority of mine. Last Tuesday during Human Trafficking Awareness Day at the Capitol, I stood at the front of the Senate chamber with Senator Renee Unterman and others in support of last year’s passage of Senate Bill 8, or Rachel’s Law, and highlighted the many ways Georgians can step in to help end human trafficking.

Kasey McClure is a living example of someone who is actively working to help those most affected by human trafficking, women and girls in the sex trade industry.  McClure visited the Capitol as part of Human Trafficking Awareness Month to talk about 4Sarah, a Conyers-based organization McClure founded to encourage vulnerable women, give them strength to leave adult entertainment, and make life changes through education, work training, and safe living conditions. For more information, please visit the 4Sarah website.

This week we are fully involved in the committee process. Each bill will travel through its assigned committee, which determines whether the bill will move to the Senate floor for a full vote. The public is always welcome to attend committee meetings, where legislation is fully examined.

Don’t forget! Today is the last day to register to vote in March 1 Presidential Primary.

Also, the deadline for submissions for our art contest with the theme ‘District 43, My Home,’ is coming up soon. The contest is for artists of all ages and skill levels. Details are available here.

If you’d like to receive periodic emails specific to your interests in District 43, visit my website at www.janicevanness.com and sign up for my newsletter. I’m honored to serve as your senator. Please don’t hesitate to reach out to me with your concerns and questions. My door and phone lines are always open.

Senator JaNice Van Ness represents the 43rd Senate District, which includes portions of DeKalb, Newton and Rockdale counties. She may be reached at 404.463.2598 or by email at janice.vanness@senate.ga.gov.