2007 Legislative Session Underway; Lt. Governor Introduces Measures to Expand on Success of Charter Schools, Career Academies

  January 2007

Lt. Governor Cagle introduced the 2 key pieces of his legislative agenda in January that would expand on the success of Charter Schools and increase the number of career academies throughout the state.  SB 39 —the Char­ters Systems Act would allow entire school systems to petition for charter status, increasing local control over education decisions. SB 68 —the Ca­reer Academies Act would grant incentives for the start up of 5 new ca­reer academies throughout the state.  Career Academies partner with technical colleges and the local business community to provide alternative educational paths for students who want to gain a technical certificate that guarantees employment.  For more information on theses or any other bills before the Legislature, go to the General Assembly's website at www.legis.state.ga.us .  

Casey unveils his Charter Systems Act at a press conference at Tech High in At­lanta on January 18th.  State School Superintendent Kathy Cox; Sen. Dan Weber (R-Dunwoody), chairman of the Senate Education Committee; and Rep. Brooks Coleman (R-Duluth), chairman of the House Education committee were there to show their support.

Lt. Governor Inaugurated January 8th

January 8th was not only the first day of the 2007 Leg­islative Session, it was also Inauguration Day in Geor­gia.  Governor Sonny Perdue, Lt. Governor Cagle, and the rest of state's constitutional officers took their oath of office in Atlanta's Philips Arena. 

Speaking to an audience numbering several thousand, Casey thanked all of those who helped him achieve what he called "a dream come true."  He also ex­pressed his commitment to rise above politics and put the needs of our state first and promised to work to­wards creating a Georgia in which every citizen has the opportunity to realize success.

THIS MONTH IN PICTURES

Casey learns about school projects at Tech Day at the Capitol on January 23rd. 

The Lt. Governor and the rest of the House and Senate leadership speak out at a press conference on January 22 in support of Delta Air Lines' desire to remain an independent company.

LOOKING AHEAD TO FEBRUARY