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Gold Dome Update 
Highlights from the House 
Monday, June 15 brought the reconvening of our Georgia General Assembly under the Gold Dome. In the coming days, we will work to complete our legislative session which was adjourned in March prior to legislative day 40. Over the next few days, we rework the House version of the budget for the Fiscal Year 2021 as this is our main priority and the only thing we are constitutionally mandated to complete prior to the beginning of our state’s new fiscal year which begins July 1.


Budget Progress
 

 As a result of COVID-19, the budget will endure intense challenges. It will be the job of the legislative and executive branches to attack these challenges, prioritize and plan long-term recuperation for the FY 2021 Budget. Despite our session recess, members of the Senate and House Appropriation Committees have been hard at work analyzing and essentially reworking the entire budget.

To put the difficulty of this year's budget rework in such a short amount of time into perspective- between the Governor’s office, state agencies and the general assembly, we usually work on a budget for more than a year prior to taking a vote each session. We will continue to update you on all budget happenings as we have a clearer understanding of how we will work to ensure the well being of our state’s economic health.

Economic Development

Despite the challenges our state and nation face, Georgia has still been recognized for our ongoing economic development efforts. We are pleased to announce that Georgia recently received its 12th Shovel Award recognizing state and local economic development efforts for job creation and business opportunity expansion. This award is timely as we continue to see Georgia’s economy improve since COVID-19 restrictions were lifted. A noticeable jump in economic activity for the state and a decrease in unemployment claims have been recorded. Our state is being touted as a national model for how quickly the economy can bounce back to pre-pandemic levels.

Executive Order Update

As we make our way further into the Summer season, many Georgians will be choosing to travel with friends and family. Based on the Governor’s most recent executive order, effective June 16, the shelter-in-place order has been lifted for most residents over the age of 65. However, to protect those living in close quarters at risk for more quickly spreading the virus, nursing and assisted living homes have been advised to continue to shelter-in-place. Additionally, restrictions on the amount of people allowed to gather at once continue to be loosened.

Georgians are still required to practice social distancing while in public areas and wear face coverings when not eating or drinking. For more information on this executive order, visit: https://gov.georgia.gov/executive-action/executive-orders/2020-executive-orders . Also, please feel free to reach out directly to us if you have any questions or concerns.

Georgia Primary Elections

As you all know, the 2020 primary elections were held Tuesday, June 9. While many races were determined, there were some where no candidate received the required 50%. This means runoff elections are needed to determine the outcome prior to our General November elections. The Secretary of State has scheduled run-off elections for Tuesday, August 11. Please be sure to mark your calendars now if you voted in the primary and are eligible to vote in a runoff election.

Speaking of elections, our Georgia House Speaker, David Ralston, has tasked our House Governmental Affairs Committee to explore the voting problems our constituents faced during the June 9 primary elections. Local officials, precinct captains and poll workers did their very best under extreme circumstances which included the use of new voting machines, COVID-19 protocols and a record number of absentee ballots, to name a few.

When problems occur on Election Day, it can be very painful for all involved. And voters are not interested in who or what is at fault; the voters want and deserve solutions. The bottom line is that people experienced challenges exercising their right to vote. Our committee will work together to learn about voters’ concerns and how we can help. Voting should be simple and fair. We must do better.
If you would like to keep up with all happenings under the Gold Dome, you can do so from the comfort of your own home, thanks to modern technology. We live stream all floor sessions as well as Committee meetings each day. Simply visit the Georgia General Assembly website for our daily calendar.

If you have questions or concerns, please feel free to contact us at any time. Also, be on the lookout for updates throughout the remainder of the year to keep you informed on what we are doing to ensure simple, smart and effective government within the great state of Georgia. 

Respectfully,
Shaw Blackmon
Representative of Georgia's 146th House District

Contact COVID-19 Hotline
The State of Georgia has a new COVID-19 hotline. If you believe that you are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19 or have been exposed to the novel coronavirus, please contact your primary care doctor or an urgent care clinic. Please do not show up unannounced at an emergency room or health care facility.
Hotline: (844) 442-2681
Representative Shaw Blackmon
District 146

Phone: 404-463-7583
Address: 401-K State Capitol
Atlanta, Georgia 30334