Stick with local papers

I have the privilege of being with a group of newspaper publishers at the Georgia Press Association's winter gathering in Atlanta this week. It is one of those times I wish my momma and daddy were still around to see the crowd their little boy is hanging out with these days. Momma would be pleased; Daddy would be surprised.

State needs Medicaid expansion

Last week in Sen. Steve Gooch's editorial he spoke of the horrors of implementing ObamaCare. He gave us some biased figures meant to convince people that Gov. Nathan Deal's refusal to implement the health care provisions in this act is good for the people of Georgia.

We can make a difference

The Dawsonville Downtown Development Authority, or DDA, has partnered with the University of Georgia's Carl Vinson Institute of Government to focus on how best to attract new businesses, support existing businesses and improving the sights and sounds of the downtown area - short and long term. It sounds exciting, doesn't it?

Session has started

The 2013 Legislative Session has officially started. I was honored to be sworn in as your 9th State House District Representative on Monday morning.

Georgia’s health care future

My family and I have been lucky enough to escape the terrible flu that is going around (knock on wood). Sure, we've had a few sniffles, but nothing that some tissues and a movie night at home couldn't fix. For the most part, we have escaped the long waits in the waiting room at the doctor's office.

Looking forward to serving

I can honestly say that 2012 was an exciting year for my family. We have been humbled by the tremendous support we received as I was elected to fill the state house seat being vacated by Amos Amerson.

Life lessons from a child

Dear Cameron Charles Yarbrough: Over the years it has been a tradition at the first of the year to impart some words of wisdom in this space to your father, uncle and cousins, who double as my grandsons.

Man thankful for kindness

Back during the month of September, my wife and I were riding our motorcycle to Florida through your town. I had stoped for gas at a local station but all I had was a $100 bill, which they could not make change for.

Georgia’s budget situation

I know I am "preaching to the choir" when I say December has been a busy month for my family. Christmas gatherings, community programs and events, finding the perfect gifts for loved ones - our calendar has certainly been full. There won't be much of a break between the holidays and the 2013 legislative session for me, but I don't mind. I am humbled by your support in this year's election, and consider it an ...

The same ol’ song list

I own 49 CDs of holiday music. For you young people, a CD is what music was recorded on prior to iTunes and MP3s. I know I have that many because every holiday season I have to remove 49 CDs from my CD player that holds 300 discs. I put in the holiday music and let her rip for the season.

Sorry Mayans, but there is a new year ahead

I was hoping that for once the Mayans would be right about something and that the world would have ended on Dec. 21 as they had said it would. That would have taken care of the fiscal cliff and all the politicians that caused it. A little fire and brimstone would serve them right.

In the midst of it all, Christmas

As I write this, 'tis a few days before Christmas and all is not well. As you read it, the "right jolly old elf" will have taken his reindeer out of sight, but beneath the rooftop, what will have changed?

Six terms,12 years and more than 600 weeks of columns

After six terms, 12 years, and more than 600 weeks of newspaper columns, it's time to pass the mantle as your state representative to a new generation of leaders. State Rep.-elect Kevin Tanner takes over with the start of the new Legislative Session in January.

I wish I could have been there

This column was a favorite of my friend, Otis Brumby Jr., publisher of the Marietta Daily Journal and Neighbor Newspapers, who passed away earlier this year. It is dedicated to his memory. I wish I could have been there. In Bethlehem.

Funding challenges for education during recession

During my 12 years in the General Assembly, we have always been in some form of a recession. While economists say the recession ended in 2009, you can't tell it from our housing market and unemployment records. This has created ongoing challenges in funding education at all levels. Budget cuts have affected higher education much more than K-12 (two of the House Committees I serve on).

Mayor mulls run against Gov. Deal

David Pennington, the mayor of Dalton, is making noises about challenging incumbent Gov. Nathan Deal in the 2014 Republican primary. Say what?

Session has ended

The legislative session has ended, and Gov. Nathan Deal has now either signed or vetoed every bill that passed the General Assembly.

What’s next for Georgia?

The debate surrounding second amendment rights received national attention a few weeks ago as the U.S. Senate voted down a bill that would require expanded background checks for firearm purchases.

Senior triumphs, inspires

Thankful for the community support

We just wanted to say thank you to everyone who supported the Lady Tigers basketball team this season.

The continued budget cuts

Senator Gooch recently wrote about the final budget for Georgia for fiscal year 2014.

Concert supports recovery

Relay for Life is a stunning example of what the caring, compassionate and hard-working people who live in Dawson County can accomplish.

Nothing to do but dress as Big Bird

RING! RING!

Ensuring returns on state’s transportation investment

When I was named chair of the Senate Transportation Committee in January, it was becoming clear that there could be some struggles with producing a balanced FY 2014 budget for Georgia.

Brings back memories of Atlanta attack

When the terrorist attacks occurred in Boston during the running of the Boston Marathon, memories came flooding back of our own dark days in Atlanta. It was 17 years ago, July 27, 1996, when those of us who were a part of the Atlanta Committee for the Olympic Games had our worst fears realized. A pipe bomb detonated in the Centennial Olympic Park during the middle weekend of that worldwide celebration, killing two people and ...

You never really get back home

A friend and I met up in the massive Frankfurt airport's central lobby just by coincidence.

Education, Medicaid are areas of concern

One of the most challenging tasks the Georgia General Assembly takes on each year is sorting through the state's finances. Unlike legislation, the budget isn't something that can be carried over to the next biennial year.

Does this column sound familiar?

Has it really been 43 years since the first "Earth Day?" I remember it well; that's when I became an environmentalist.

Legislators need a push

It turns out that you can go home again. I recently established a chair in crisis communications leadership at the Grady College of Journalism and Mass Communi­cations at my beloved University of Georgia. UGA President-elect Jere Morehead, along with Dink NeSmith, chairman of the Board of Regents came for the ceremony and both made my family and me feel warmly welcomed on campus. That is something we haven't felt at my alma mater for a long time.

Team is UGA’s best-kept secret

They are the best University of Georgia athletic team you have likely never heard of. They have won five national titles and go into next week's national championships one of the favorites to win it all again.