Last week, the state capitol was full of activity and excitement as the beginning of the 2019 legislative session saw the inauguration of Gov. Brian Kemp, an energetic leader with a vision to continue the progress made by Gov. Nathan Deal.

In his inaugural speech, Kemp adopted coach Billy Henderson’s “It can be done” motto. He talked about cutting taxes, funding education, standing with farmers, protecting our values and providing high-speed internet to rural areas. He also called for unity across political and racial lines, with emphasis on working together to improve our great state.

I couldn’t agree more! It’s important to the future of our state that we respect each other, even when we have differences, so that we can collaborate on issues that affect all Georgians. I have friends on both sides of the aisle under the gold dome and, although we don’t always see eye to eye on many issues, we often agree to disagree in positive ways that foster professionalism and communication so that we can serve our constituents to the best of our ability.

The Committee on Assignments published the committee appointments for the next two years. I was very pleased to learn that I was selected to be the chairman of the Public Safety and Homeland Security Committee. As the first director of the Georgia Office of Homeland Security and as the former commissioner of the Georgia Department of Public Safety, I believe my background and experience will serve me well.

In addition, I will continue to serve on the Appropriations Subcommittee on Transportation, Economic Development and Tourism, and Transportation Committees. I will also serve on the Defense and Veterans Affairs, and I have always thoroughly enjoyed the interaction with the military and our veterans. I have always believed that the primary purpose of government is the protection of its citizens and I am thrilled to continue my life’s work to make our state and country as safe and secure as possible.

As the session continues, I will keep you informed about matters that are important to our community with these weekly updates and I encourage you to be engaged in this process. I also encourage the students in our district to take advantage of a great opportunity to receive a hands-on education about our state’s legislative process by serving as a page in the House of Representatives.

For more than 50 years, the page program has connected Georgia’s students to the legislature and it’s always my pleasure to see students from our district at the capitol! For more information about this program, please go to http://www.house.ga.gov/en-US/HousePageProgram.aspx.

It’s always my great honor to represent you in the State House. I’ll serve you to the best of my ability and will always keep our community in mind with each decision I make. Please contact me with your questions and concerns as the session continues. I can be reached at bill.hitchens@house.ga.gov or at 404.656.0152. Thank you for allowing me to represent you!