Supreme Court of Georgia Appointments by Gov. Nathan Deal
I wish to extend my congratulations to three dear friends appointed by Gov. Nathan Deal to high office in our State’s Judiciary. I applaud the Governor’s choice, and I am very excited about the future of our High Court for decades to come. On August 22, 2018, Sarah Hawkins Warren of Atlanta was appointed as a justice of the Supreme Court of Georgia. On September 14, 2018, Gov. Nathan Deal appointed the Honorable Charlie Bethel as a justice of the Supreme Court of Georgia and Honorable Christian A. Coomer to the Court of Appeals of Georgia.
As former Solicitor General for the State of Georgia, Justice Warren is an exceptional candidate and person. She has served our state with intelligence and grace, and she will continue to do so in her new role as Justice on our Supreme Court. As former Judge on the Court of Appeals of Georgia, Justice Bethel is an intelligent, impartial and conservative person who will be a great addition to Georgia’s Highest Court. Justice Coomer is my dear friend, former suite-mate and House member representing District 14. He is a faithful Christian, strong leader, and discerning. I know both Justice Coomer and Justice Bethel to be strong family-men, loyal Georgians, good lawyers with a good sense of humor.
I look forward to their long service to the people of Georgia in the Judiciary.
Sources: gov.georgia.gov
Read More2016 Republican Primary Debate
Next Wednesday, September 16, 2015, there will be two debates on CNN for the Republican Primary. The first will be at 6pm ET, and the second at 8pm ET. The candidates will continue to discuss their views on the issues and will include: Perry, Santorum, Jindal, Pataki, and Graham at 6pm, followed by: Trump, Bush, Walker, Huckabee, Carson, Cruz, Rubio, Paul, Christie, Kasich, and Fiorina at 8pm.
The moderators will be: Jake Tapper, Dana Bash and Hugh Hewitt.
I’m interested in getting your opinions, so be sure to tune in!
Read MoreRep. Andy Welch Named Chairman of House Appropriations Subcommittee on Public Safety
PRESS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Wednesday, June 17, 2015
Contact: Betsy Lynch
(404) 656-3996
betsy.lynch@house.ga.gov
ATLANTA – The Georgia House of Representatives’ Committee on Assignments named State Representative Andy Welch (R-Locust Grove) as the Chairman of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Public Safety. The House Committee on Assignments, which consists of 22 House members and is chaired by House Speaker David Ralston (R-Blue Ridge), is charged with making all House committee assignments for the members of the Georgia House of Representatives.
“I am grateful to Speaker Ralston and the members of the Committee on Assignments for this promotion and opportunity to further serve the people of the 110th District and this great State,” said Rep. Welch. “Overseeing the budget of those agencies and the men and women who have dedicated their lives to protecting our citizens from harm and ensuring justice for all Georgians is central to the subcommittee’s work. I look forward to chairing such an important subcommittee.”
The Subcommittee on Public Safety is charged with overseeing the budgets for the Attorney General’s Office, Departments of Corrections and Defense, Georgia Bureau of Investigations, Georgia State Patrol, and the Judicial branch, just to name a few. Rep. Welch will also continue his service on the Code Revision, Judiciary, Juvenile Justice, and Regulated Industries committees.
For a complete list of all House Committee assignments, please click here.
Representative Andrew Welch represents the citizens of District 110, which includes portions of Butts, Henry, and Newton Counties. He was elected into the House of Representatives in 2010, and currently serves as the Chairman to the Appropriations Subcommittee on Public Safety. He also serves on the Code Revision, Judiciary, Juvenile Justice, and Regulated Industries committees.
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Read More450 New Jobs Announced
With the announcement of 450 new jobs in Henry County, Georgia’s rating of best state for business is once again the confirmed.
Governor Deal has lead Georgia with sound economic policies and we will continue to see companies like TSYS expand and grow. We need to continue to push for new opportunities where our children can find good paying jobs here where we live.
Deal: Georgia-based TSYS to create up to 450 jobs in McDonough
Gov. Nathan Deal announced today that TSYS, a global payments company headquartered in Columbus, will create up to 450 jobs through a new contact center in Henry County.
“TSYS’s decision to expand in Georgia is a testament to our state’s top-ranked business climate and qualified workforce,” said Deal. “Businesses that choose to locate here are finding it easy to expand here, and I have no doubt that our state will continue to provide this growing company with the necessary resources to remain globally competitive.”
The 62,000-square-foot TSYS facility, located at 3500 Loop Road, will house a new contact center that will provide back-up capabilities for its existing center in Columbus. This expansion will offer customer service, risk and fraud management, collections, dispute and chargeback servicing, back office support and full call center servicing solutions. Slated to open later this year, the new facility will provide substantial opportunities to expand TSYS’s services, supporting organic growth and generating business with new and existing clients. (continue)
The Assembly of State Legislatures (a.k.a the “Mount Vernon Assembly”)
INDIANAPOLIS (June 12-13, 2014) –
Georgia State Representative Andy Welch along with Representatives Bruce Williamson, Buzz Brockway, Tim Barr, and Paulette Braddock as well as Senator Bill Cowsert from Georgia joined a bi-partisan group of over 100 state legislators representing 33 states at the Indiana Statehouse in Indianapolis this past June 12 and 13. The Assembly of State Legislatures (a.k.a the “Mount Vernon Assembly”) gathered to continue work toward a recommendatory set rules and procedures for a future state-led convention for proposing amendments to the U.S. Constitution as authorized by Article V of the Constitution. This Indianapolis meeting is a continuation of our efforts that began in on December 7, 2013 at George Washington’s historic Mount Vernon estate in Virginia.
The Assembly did not consider any specific constitutional amendments. Rather, its focus is on building the framework needed to hold a potential amendment convention in the future, should one be called by the states under Article V of the U.S. Constitution. The meeting was open to the public and was streamed live.
The Executive Committee assigned Representatives Welch and Braddock to serve on the Judiciary Committee. After a long afternoon of discussion and debate regarding the process for a state-initiated application for a convention and the manner of the Congressional call for such a convention, the committee recommended the formation of two subcommittees. The Applications Subcommittee will review and determine the validity and effect of all existing applications filed by the States with Congress calling for an Article V convention. The Call Subcommittee will analysis the process, form and manner of Congress’s duty to call a convention of the states for the purpose proposing amendments to the U.S. Constitution.
The Judiciary Committee voted unanimously to recommend Rep. Andy Welch for chair of the Applications Subcommittee. Welch accepted the nomination but only after requesting and receiving the blessing of the Committee to add Senator Marv Hagedorn from Idaho as a co-Chair. Welch mused that “Peaches and Potatoes can make a good combination.” The Application Subcommittee anticipates completing its work in about 3 months, which will help inform the Assembly at its next meeting in December of this year.
Representatives Williamson and Brockway, assigned to the Planning, Communications and Finance Committee, worked with the committee to outline the structure of the Assembly and initiated discussions regarding the next meeting location in December and funding. Rep. Williamson proposed holding the next meeting in Atlanta. Serving on the Rules and Procedures Committee, Rep. Barr and Sen. Cowsert participated in debate regarding the particular rules and procedures to be recommended to govern a future convention of the states.
In the closing session, Welch and Williamson engaged in amendments and debate regarding the language of a resolution approved unanimously by the body. In short, the resolution requests that each state send a bi-partisan delegation of at least 3 currently elected legislators to the next gathering of the Assembly in December.
When asked about the import of the Assembly, Welch stated: “The fact that such a large and diversified group of state delegates has now met twice, with more meetings to come, regarding a convention to amend the U.S. Constitution is indicative that Congress has failed to address the legitimate redresses of citizens and states across this nation. When Congress falls deaf to the people, the drafters of our Constitution authorized the States to act by proposing amendments at a convention of the states. The Assembly of State Legislatures is one of many groups calling on the States to listen to the American people and lead. I am honored and excited to be a part of this movement.”
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Gov. Deal Signs Balanced Budget Compact, Co-Sponsored by Rep. Welch
PRESS RELEASE
| FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: |
Contact: Betsy Lynch |
| Monday, April 29, 2014 | |
Gov. Deal Signs Balanced Budget Compact,
Co-Sponsored by Rep. Welch
ATLANTA—State Representative Andy Welch (R–McDonough) commented today on Governor Nathan Deal signing House Bill 794, otherwise known as the Compact for a Balanced Budget. Co-sponsored by Rep. Welch, HB 794 calls for an Article V constitutional convention with the intent of amending the United States Constitution to include a balanced budget requirement for Congress.
“I want to thank lead sponsor, Rep. Paulette Braddock, our colleagues in the House and Senate for supporting the Compact, and I want to thank the Governor for signing the legislation so that Georgia becomes the leader in the push for a Balanced Federal Budget,” said Rep. Welch. “The Compact for a Balanced Budget contains a constitutional amendment that will bring an end to Congressional fiscal irresponsibility and cap the Federal debt. With nearly 17.6 trillion dollars in debt, 107% of our Gross Domestic Product, this measure is needed to stop Washington from continuing to borrow against the future financial liberty of our children and grandchildren.”
HB 794 proposes to enter the state of Georgia into a compact with other states as part of an effort to require the federal government to balance its budget. This compact will bind all participating states to an agreed upon convention agenda, which intends to prevent a “run-away convention.” HB 794 also creates a Compact Commission that will lobby other states to join the compact.
“The compact approach is, by far, the most transparent and secure approach to achieving a state-initiated amendment. It provides the greatest protection against a run-away convention or a time and resource wasting ‘Do-Nothing’ constitutional convention,” added Rep. Welch.
The Compact’s approach and amendment language is the product of thoughtful drafting and extensive constitutional research spearheaded by Nick Dranias at the Goldwater Institute. The Goldwater Institute is a non-profit organization whose mission is to protect freedom and prosperity. Rep. Welch worked closely with Dranias to tailor fit the language of the Compact for Georgia.
“The amendment language in the Compact is exceptionally well-drafted,” said Rep. Welch. “If ratified by other states, the amendment would force Congress to balance its budget, establish a national debt limit, force the president to prioritize spending if spending comes within 98 percent of the debt limit, and require a two-thirds vote in Congress to raise any existing taxes. The higher threshold for tax increases would ensure that the budget is balanced in a more preferable manner: such as through spending cuts, elimination of tax exemptions, or a shift to consumption-based taxes like the “Fair Tax” model.”
Article V of the U.S. Constitution provides states with the right to make amendments to the U.S. Constitution by means of a constitutional convention. In order for a constitutional convention to be called, at least two-thirds, or 34 states, must petition on the same subject. Twenty states have already filed petitions on the subject of a balanced budget amendment. The Compact for a Balanced Budget has been passed by the Alaska House of Representatives and awaits Governor Parnell’s signature. It is expected to be taken up by several other state legislatures this year.
Governor Deal signed HB 794 on April 12, 2014.
For more information about HB 794, please click here.
Representative Andrew Welch represents the citizens of District 110, which includes portions of Butts, Henry, and Newton Counties. He was elected into the House of Representatives in 2010, and currently serves as the Vice Chairman on the Code Revisions Committee and the Appropriations Subcommittee on Economic Development. He also serves on the Judiciary, Juvenile Justice, and Regulated Industries committees.
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Read MoreGovernor Signs HB 135, 494 Sponsored by Rep. Welch
PRESS RELEASE
| FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: |
Contact: Betsy Lynch |
| Wednesday, April 30, 2014 | |
Governor Signs HB 135, 494 Sponsored by Rep. Welch
ATLANTA—State Representative Andy Welch (R–McDonough) wrapped up a successful 2014 legislative session after Governor Deal signed into law two bills that Rep. Welch sponsored. House Bill 135 was signed into law on Tuesday, April 15 and 494 on Tuesday, April 29, 2014.
“I appreciate the Governor’s support and endorsement of these bills,” said Rep. Welch. “HB 135 works to eliminate ‘gotcha’ litigation tactics which waste municipal tax-dollars that could have been spent settling cases rather than litigating them.”
HB 135 requires that ante litem notices, or a notice of intent to sue, specify the amount of damages sought against a municipal corporation. According to the bill, the notice must be served to the mayor or to the chairperson of the city council or commission personally, by certified mail, or by overnight delivery. HB 135 states that the amount of damages specified constitutes a settlement offer, but is not binding in a court case if the municipal corporation does not settle.
House Bill 494 allows any owner of a private airstrip to make a written notice to an owner of a nearby utility line to request the installation of safety markers. This legislation gives the Department of Transportation the authority to create the fee schedule for installation, as well as the rules and regulations necessary to implement this new section.
“I would like to thank the bill co-sponsors for their support on this measure,” said Rep. Welch. “HB 494 strikes the appropriate balance between the property rights of private airstrip owners and reasonably protections for the flying public and utility ratepayers.”
In addition to House Bills 135 and 494, House Bill 794, also sponsored by Rep. Welch, was signed by Governor Deal on April 12, 2014.
For more information about these bills, please click here.
Representative Andrew Welch represents the citizens of District 110, which includes portions of Butts, Henry, and Newton Counties. He was elected into the House of Representatives in 2010, and currently serves as the Vice Chairman on the Code Revisions Committee and the Appropriations Subcommittee on Economic Development. He also serves on the Judiciary, Juvenile Justice, and Regulated Industries committees.
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Read MoreCompact for a Balanced Budget Signed
April 12, 2014 Governor Deal signed HB 794, the Compact for a Balanced Budget Paulette Rakestraw Braddock and I sponsored in the State House and Hunter Hill carried for us in the State Senate. As the first State to enact the Compact, Georgia will serve as the Chair at the Constitutional Convention under the Compact. This a tightly drawn law. It limits all delegates appointed by each state to the Compact to adopting only the amendment language contained in the Compact. You can read exactly what is being proposed as the balanced budget amendment on page 3 of the Compact. The amendment is exceptionally well-drafted: forcing Congress to adopted balanced budgets, establishing a debt limit, forcing the President to prioritize spending if spending comes within 98% of the debt ceiling, requiring a 2/3 majority for Congress to raise any existing taxes so that cutting spending, eliminating tax exemptions, or shifting to a consumption-based tax like the Fair Tax are the preferred approaches over raising taxes in order to achieve a debt-free future for generations of Americans to come. This was a historic moment in Georgia’s and hopefully our Nation’s history. I would be remiss if I did not extend a special thank you to Julianne Thompson for her testimony during hearings and grassroots leadership, to Nick Dranias of Goldwater Institute for his legal advice and brilliance in constructing the Compact, and Chip Napolitano of the Compact for America for his passion and drive for fiscal liberty.
HB794 Passes both House and Senate in GA
Now that both the Georgia Senate and House have passed HB794, it will head to Governor Deal’s desk. Standing up for what is right for this country starts at home, this bill calls for The Compact for a Balanced Budget. The Goldwater Institute help design the notion the states need to take the lead in reining in the sizable federal budget. You can read there press release here .
http://andywelchforhouse.com/?p=830
Read MoreMcDonough Officials Crack Down on Drug Paraphernalia
The Henry Daily Herald posted an article highlighting a bill Rep. Andy Welch sponsored to allow the city courts to enforce the state paraphernalia law. Click here to read the article. You can also click here to see Rep. Welch’s State Capitol Facebook Page. On this page you can view Rep. Welch in action on the House floor working for District 110.
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