Submitted photo: John Corbett, District - 174 

During Week Four, state lawmakers welcomed thousands of guests to the Capitol, vetted legislation in committee, and passed important bills on the House floor.

This week, we also continued work on the Fiscal Year 2018 amended and FY 2019 budgets. We are constitutionally mandated to pass a balanced budget before Sine Die on March 29 and are committed to crafting a funding bill that reflects our values as a state.

Strengthening Our Economy

This week, I was proud to introduce HB 796, which would bring back the sales tax holiday in 2018. The proposed date, Aug. 4, 2018, provides a single shopping day free of state sales tax. These tax holidays are mutually beneficial for both consumers — who are able to purchase important goods and businesses — who see an uptick in sales. I will keep you up to date on this bill’s progress as it moves through the House.

Improving Local Communities

The City of St. Marys Improvement Act was introduced this week. As an original co-sponsor, this legislation is aimed at providing the City of St. Marys with the ability to create community districts that improve local infrastructure, public services and facilities.

Supporting Military Families

To streamline the process of identification and processing for driver’s licenses, fees, waivers and other state program applications, I co-sponsored HB 691. This bill allows valid military IDs to be used as proof of Social Security number. This simple change will drastically reduce the burden on many military members and their families.

Raising Awareness for Learning Disabilities

To help raise awareness of the special challenges associated with educating dyslexic students, I introduced HR 1017. This House resolution encourages all schools to recognize the profound impact that this learning disability has on our students.

Recognizing Rep. Amy Carter

This week, I was proud to join my colleagues on the House floor to honor Rep. Amy Carter and the impact she has made under the Gold Dome and throughout South Georgia. We wish her the very best on her next journey as the executive director of advancement at the Technical College System of Georgia.

Bringing Health Care to You

This past week was Tele-Health Awareness Week under the Gold Dome. The hallways and offices at the Capitol were filled with advocates working hard to ensure that high-quality health care is readily available in all parts of Georgia.

I had the privilege of co-sponsoring HR 915, which recognizes the importance of improving access to quality health care in all parts of our state, including rural Georgia.

As always, it is an honor to represent you and District 174 in the Georgia General Assembly. If you ever need any assistance, please call (404) 656-0287), e-mail John.Corbett@House.Ga.Gov or engage on Facebook.

Rep. John Corbett is the District 174 state representative.