February 21, 2024 Gold Dome Download February 21, 2024 Today, we wish you a very happy kickoff to the 2024 election cycle in Georgia! Early voting is now underway for the March 12th presidential primary. It will run for three weeks, now through March 8th. If you plan on voting in this election by mail, you must request your absentee ballot by March 1st. You can look up your early voting location and hours - or request an absentee ballot - by visiting mvp.sos.ga.gov. Now on to your regularly scheduled programming: in this week's edition of the Gold Dome Download, we recap a few major immigration, elections, and economic initiatives passed by the General Assembly last week. We've now reached the point in session where most bills are being debated and amended in committee - but with Crossover Day fast approaching, you can expect to see some significant movement in the coming weeks. The Legislative Lowdown Have you seen the latest Legislative Lowdown? Get all the highlights from last week at the Gold Dome in less than a minute. Click HERE or on the image below to watch! Legislation on the Move Economy Senate Bill 340 About: Tax exemptions for gun safety accessories Sponsor: Senator Kay Kirkpatrick To read the bill, CLICK HERE. Status: Passed the Senate Elections Senate Bill 212 About: A bill to end probate court activities and duties relating to elections Sponsor: Senator Max Burns To read the bill, CLICK HERE. Status: Passed the Senate House Bill 977 About: A bill to expand the number of risk-limiting audits Sponsor: Representative John LaHood To read the bill, CLICK HERE. Status: Passed the House Public Safety Senate Resolution 543 About: A resolution to support increased border security Sponsor: Senator Steve Gooch To read the resolution, CLICK HERE. Status: Passed House Resolution 1019 About: A resolution to support increased border security Sponsor: Representative Steven Sainz To read the resolution, CLICK HERE. Status: Passed Other News to Know Georgia Sends Additional National Guard Reinforcements to the Border Last week, Governor Brian Kemp, Lt. Governor Burt Jones, and Speaker of the House Jon Burns announced the state will deploy Georgia National Guard reinforcements to the Southern Border in order to aid Texas in its Operation Lone Star mission. They will assist in the construction of a forward command post on the Texas border with Mexico. Since Joe Biden took office, over 8.5 million illegal immigrants have crossed into our nation. But as a result of the Texas Guard's Operation Lone Star actions, over 56,000 pounds of meth, 458 million doses of fentanyl, and $51 million in currency have been seized. To read the Governor's official press release, CLICK HERE. To read more about Operation Lone Star, CLICK HERE. Legislator Spotlight Senator Steve Gooch (SD-51) Senator Steve Gooch serves as the Senate Majority Leader. He represents the 51st Senate District of Georgia, including his hometown of Dahlonega. He is a member of the Appropriations, Finance, Redistricting, Regulated Industries & Utilities, Transportation, and Administrative Affairs Committees. Last week, his resolution to support increased security at the border passed. To learn more about Senator Gooch, CLICK HERE. Representative Steven Sainz (HD-180) Representative Steven Sainz serves Georgia's 180th House District in St. Marys. He is Chariman of the Special Rules Committee and Secretary of the Economic Development Committee. He also serves as a member of the Appropriations, Creative Arts, Defense & Veterans Affairs, Government Affairs, Judiciary Non-Civil, Public Safety, Technology, and Ways & Means Committees. Last week, his House Resolution to support increased security at the border passed. To learn more about Representative Sainz, CLICK HERE. Greater Georgia Update We're less than one week away from our free event, The New Conservative Coalition: Black Leaders of Georgia. Join us as we hear from State Rep. Mesha Mainor, Albany City Commissioner Jalen Johnson, Let's Win for America Chairman Kelvin King, Blexit State Director Micahelah Montgomery, and emcee former State Rep. Melvin Everson. Space is limited, so CLICK HERE to secure your spot today! Find your Legislators Did you know you can look up your state senator and state representative on the My Voter Page? Visit www.mvp.sos.ga.gov to find out who represents you at the State Capitol - and while you're there, double-check your voter registration to make sure it's up to date! What We're Reading AJC - Kelly Loeffler: Judge should remove Fani Willis, voters should reject her Fox 5 - Whistleblowers in Fulton County DA Fani Willis' office reportedly eager to testify Capitol Beat - Major changes looming for Georgia’s film tax credit AJC - Timeline of allegations against Fulton DA Fani Willis AP - Georgia to use $10 million in federal money to put literacy coaches in low-performing schools 11 Alive - Early voting starts Monday in Georgia for presidential primaries To learn more, visit www.greatergeorgia.com and follow along on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram to stay up to date with the latest information. DONATE HERE! Greater Georgia | P.O. Box 550988, Atlanta, GA 30355 Unsubscribe [email protected] Update Profile | Constant Contact Data Notice Sent by [email protected]