[ January 25, 2021 ] The General Assembly has begun their work for the 156th meeting of Representatives elected from all over our state. It was good to walk into the People?s House on Monday and be sworn in with Marcia by my side. Since this is a new group of legislators who had just been elected, we had lots of reorganization to do for the next two years. New folks who had been elected don?t have office assignments yet, committee chairmen haven?t been selected yet. Due to Covid caution, all 180 of us are spread out over three rooms to increase social distancing. Oh yes, we are being tested twice a week to try to keep it as safe as possible for everyone.

It has always been a very solemn and powerful moment when you are sworn in. You have been through the elections, and now the responsibility is in your hands to represent the folks in your area and around the state the best you can. Have to say, I look around and walk through the Capitol rotunda almost every morning to feel the honor of having the opportunity to be your Representative.

We elect the Leadership of the House, and we elected David Ralston (R-Blue Ridge) again as our Speaker as well as Jan Jones (R-Milton) as our Speaker Pro tem. The House also elects the Clerk, Messenger, Doorkeeper, and Postman. All of these are very important jobs to make the House run smoothly. Due to Covid we are not having Pages this session, and I am very sad about that. I will miss the folks from home being there for the day.

On Thursday morning we had a community friend, Max Caylor, as our Pastor of the Day. As you can imagine, he did a wonderful job giving us words of wisdom and action. Later that day Governor Kemp gave his State of the State Address. His message outlined what was accomplished over the last year, despite the impacts brought by COVID-19. While the pandemic has impacted economic activity across the state, we are on track to bounce back and fully recover through our continued efforts of conservative spending and a balanced budget. Most importantly, no new budget cuts will be necessary, and Gov. Kemp has called for more than $647 million in the Amended Fiscal Year 2021 budget for K-12 education, which will fully fund enrollment growth.

Governor Kemp also elaborated on his plans for increased broadband internet access, an enhanced freight transportation network, increased protections for human trafficking victims, PPE tax credits to pharmaceutical and medical companies, and continued expansion of access to quality medical care across our state. As the legislative session continues, I will update you on all items regarding the Governor?s agenda.

A word on Vaccines, I know most of you who are eligible to receive the Covid vaccine have had a terrible time getting an appointment. I want you to know I have told the Governor and his folks in charge what is going on out in the counties. After you cut through the poor process Dept. of Public Health has put in place, the problem is the number of vaccine shots available for Georgians to use. It is only 120,000 per week. 40,000 shots have been directed towards our Nursing Home and Assisted-living Georgians. That means the supplies are very tight all across America, and the two companies producing it are making all they can. DPH has promised a new, better appointment system in the near future. I am sorry for the current system and your flustration; I have passed it up the chain.

I thank you for the honor of allowing me to be your Representative in the Georgia House. As always, I greatly appreciate any feedback I receive from my constituents, and I welcome you to contact my office for questions or concerns about the legislative session. My Capitol office number is 404-656-7153 my home 770-893-2039, and my email address is rick.jasperse@house.ga.gov. Please contact me anytime.