David's blog

Through much of 2007, I served as a member of the Senate Study Committee
on the Shortage of Doctors and Nurses in Georgia. The Final Report of
our committee can be reviewed by clicking on the attached PDF below.

Last week I addressed the Bioenergy Conference held at University of Georgia facility in Tifton. More than 700 people registered to attend the event. The three day conference included presentations on biomass electric power generation and the development of liquid fuels such as ethonal and butonal from Georgia grown agricultural products. Renewable energy promotes energy independence and rural economic development. Additionally, development of renewable energy will decrease greenhouse gases and increase fuel diversity which serves as an economic hedge against weather events such as hurricanes. We have a great opportunity in this state. Georgia's farmers are some of the most productive in the world. We are the largest poultry producing state. Additionally, our state is blessed with great timber resources which are ideal for biomass electric generation. We have worked hard to attract some of the country's premier research programs to the University of Georgia and Georgia Tech. Unfortunately, Georgia is falling behind with regard to renewable energy development because our state government has not been bold. Our electric utilities have done little to promote alternative energy. The state needs to do more to promote liquid fuel use and development. Incredibly, there are leas than a dozen pumps in Georgia where people can purchase E85 ethonal. I am working on legislation for consideration in the 2008 Session to promote renewable energy in Georgia. We have a long way to go.

It was a great honor to deliver the Commencement Address yesterday during the 2007 Decatur High School graduation exercises. The evening could not have been better. The members of the Class of 2007 were enthusiastic in their support of each other and demonstrated why Decatur High School is such a great place. The gathered crowd of family, friends, alumni and community members numbered at least two thousand. For the first time in 25 years, Decatur High School conducted its graduation ceremony on campus in its stadium. Congratulations to first year principal Lauri McKain-Fernandez and her team for a great year. Thank you again for the privilege of being included in the celebration. As I said at the conclusion of my remarks last night, I expect great things from the Decatur High School Class of 2007.

Thank you to the members of the Belvedere Civic Club and the residents of Clairmont Place for their hospitality this week.

I thoroughly enjoyed being part of the annual Chicken Dinner Fundraiser in support of the Belvedere Civic Club which was held at Knollwood Elementary School on Monday evening. Anne Brown, Nadine Ali and the rest of the team are doing a great job building community in Belvedere.

Many thanks also to Mary Nell and Bill for inviting me to address the Wednesday morning coffee at Clairmont Place. The turnout was great. I look forward to visiting with you again soon.

EMS Award

I am pleased to be a recipient of the 2007 Star of Life Award from the Georgia Association of Emergency Managment Services providers. I remain committed to the establishment of a statewide trauma care network for Georgia.

GCV Award

I have also again been honored wtih the Georgia Convervation Voters 2007 Environmental Leadership Award. I was very happy to play a role in protecting Georgia's precious natural resources during the recent Session.

Summer 2007

The Governor's decision to rescind his veto of the 2007 mid-year budget helped the state avoid a Special Session of the General Assembly. I will be traveling throughout the district this Summer listening to voters. Early this summer, I am scheduled to deliver the Commenement Address at Decatur High School, visit the Belvedere Civic Club's annual chicken dinner, and address the Commerce Club on the subject of local government and my Township proposal. If you would like me to visit your community please contact my Senate office at 404-463-1376.