Martin Luther King Jr. Day, First Week at the Gold Dome and Budget Hearings

Posted January 21, 2013 By Kyle Hayes Capitol Corner

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and Community Service

Martin Luther King
“Life’s most persistent and urgent question is, What are you doing for others?

-Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

This Monday, January 21st, is a day that we honor one of the icons of the Civil Rights Movement and one of the most influential leaders in American history, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.  While he is best known for his endeavor to end discrimination against African-Americans and all races in the United States, the other half of his legacy is a mission that still lives on in our communities today.  Dr. King frequently spoke of service and called all Americans to impact their communities by being active in churches, charities and service organizations.  Today, there are many organizations in our community that live Dr. King’s message each day.  Spencer’s Habitat for Humanity works to provide low income families with affordable housing.  One of our local churches, Athens Church, recently gave 600 service hours and raised $145,000 for local organizations in a season they called “Be Rich”.  Countless organizations from the University of Georgia impact our community each day by tutoring children with working parents, helping our homeless population connect with services and shelters, and raising money for organizations of all kinds.

The efforts of our community members will make more of a difference in the lives of our neighbors than anything government or businesses can do.  The interns from our campaign were honored to be involved in the community through the campaign and many have returned to continue their service during the legislative session.  Spencer frequently reminds us how honored he is to be involved in the community in so many different ways.  On this special day, we call upon our neighbors and friends to give any amount of time you can to help your community and to thank all who have given their time to make Athens such a special place.

The First Week at the Gold Dome

While watching the Falcons leave it all on the field Sunday, I discussed with Spencer his first week under the Gold Dome in Atlanta.  Here is what he said:

“The first week has been a little like the first week of school.  I have been learning my way around the Capitol and meeting the other members of the legislature I will be serving with.  We had many meetings and lunches discussing the issues that effect our state.  We also had the State of the State address from Governor Deal.  One of the most exciting events of the week was getting my committee assignments.  I will be serving on the Science and Technology committee, Budget and Fiscal Affairs Oversight committee and the Human Relations and Aging committee.  I am excited about the important work that we will be doing in these committees and can’t wait to get the ball rolling.”

We will be updating Capitol Corner with things going on in Spencer’s committees as well as other news from under the Gold Dome as the legislative session goes on.

Budget Hearings

This upcoming week the legislature will hold budget hearings on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday.  During these hearings, Spencer will be learning about the status of funding important investments in our state like education.  We will be analyzing the governor’s budget proposal and working towards goals Spencer set in the campaign.

You can follow along with these hearings.  You can watch them live here and check out the Governor’s budget proposal here.

As always, Spencer and the rest of our team thank you for the opportunity to serve Athens.  It is truly an honor.  Thank you and have a wonderful day!