The Emanuel Retired Educators Association met Wednesday, November 15, in the Swainsboro Middle School Media Center. SMS Principal David Miller and Assistant Principal Angela Young provided an enthusiastic welcome to the group and encouraged members to visit the school any time. A delicious meal was provided by Principal Miller and the SMS Food Service Staff. The highlight of the meeting was a legislative update from Senator Max Burns and Representative Butch Parrish. Senator Burns, Vice Chairman of the Senate Committee on Higher Education, stated that the Georgia legislature would be focusing on literacy and on school safety in the coming session. He added that Georgia invests about $13 billion annually for K-12 education. Representative Parrish, Chairman of the Special Committee on Healthcare, shared positive steps being made to make healthcare more affordable, particularly in the rural areas. He also added that Georgia continues to maintain its AAA bond rating which reflects the state's proven willingness and ability to maintain fiscal balance, as well as a broad-based, growth-oriented economy. Both Senator Burns and Representative Parrish shared heartfelt memories of teachers who had so positively affected their lives, and the two expressed their continuing, strong support of public education. We are indeed fortunate to have these two officials representing us in Atlanta, and we very much appreciate the time they spend with the Emanuel Retired Educators Association.
