I was asked to serve on the Committee on Assignments. This committee interviewed legislators and studied their requests, made by application, to determine who would be best suited for the positions of leadership on committees. Newly-elected members were also assigned to their committees. Each newly elected member had the opportunity to send in request forms and state exactly what committees interested them and where they would like to serve.
This process of assignment took approximately 25 hours for Assignment Committee members (over four days) and considerably more time by the Speaker (Glenn Richardson), because he had to assign office space and the House floor seat assignments.
No legislation passed this first week but a number of bills were assigned to committee by the Speaker. This process is performed each morning immediately after the devotion given by the Chaplin. The Clerk of the House (Robbie Rivers) reads the bills and the Speaker assigns them to the committee that handles the type of legislation.
I have been working, along with a number of other legislators, on a statewide transportation bill to improve our roads and bridges throughout all 159 counties in Georgia, as well as improve major interstate interchanges in our state. This bill looks at all modes of transportation: rail, (passenger and freight), light rail, airports and transit and includes opportunities for concession and public private projects.
I will keep you informed on the progress and additional details as I move this concept forward.
Continue to contact me with your emails and calls at 404-656-7153; vance.smith@house.ga.gov. I look forward to seeing you if the opportunity arises and you have a chance to visit the Capitol during the session. I extend an open invitation to each of you.
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