ROME – State Senator Preston Smith (R-Rome) is bringing the entire Senate leadership to Northwest Georgia on Thursday, October 23^rd.  The visit will focus on highlighting the impact of the Northwest Georgia regions’ medical community on education, economic development and healthcare.  “I have planned this trip because it allows me the opportunity to demonstrate the significance of this region to the state and to showcase its richness,” said Smith.  Prior to the visit, Smith has spent considerable time briefing his colleagues on the history of the area and the important regional issues of transportation, water, healthcare, education and economic development. 

Ten Senators and their staffs are planning to fly in two airplanes into Rome’s Richard B. Russell airport on Thursday morning about 10:45am.  The leadership who are planning to attend include:

-      Sen. Eric Johnson, President Pro Tempore

-      Sen. Bill Stephens, Majority Leader

-      Sen. Don Balfour, Majority Caucus Chairman & Chairman of Rules Committee

-      Sen. Tommie Williams, Majority Caucus Vice-Chairman & Chairman of Transportation Committee

-      Sen. Renee Unterman, Majority Caucus Treasurer & Chair of State & Local Gov’t Operations Committee

-      Sen. Jack Hill, Chairman of Appropriations Committee

-      Sen. Mitch Seabaugh, Majority Whip & Chairman of Regulated Industries & Utilities Committe

Additionally, the entire Northwest Georgia Senate Delegation will also be present:

-      Sen. Preston Smith, Administration Floor Leader

-      Sen. Jeff Mullis, Chairman of Economic Development and Tourism Committee and

-      Sen. Don Thomas, Chairman of Health & Human Services

During their stay, the Senators will visit The Harbin Clinic (11:10am), Regional Radiation Oncology Center (11:55am), Floyd Medical Center (12:20pm), Redmond Regional Medical Center (12:50pm) and have lunch at State Mutual Insurance Company (1:15pm). 

“This region is blessed by its rich history and abundant natural resources.  We have an extremely important role to play in the Governor’s vision of a ‘New Georgia’” said Smith.  “I wanted my fellow Senators to experience and realize the value of this region to the State. We have discussed the preservation of our water, the need for the US411 connector between I-75 and US41 and the impact of our region’s medial industry on education, economic development and healthcare.  We have also focused upon the importance of reasonable civil justice reform to increase access to quality, affordable healthcare and the work of the Northwest Georgia Cancer Coalition in seeking a regional designation of excellence.” 

            Smith stated that he believes Northwest Georgia is gaining prominence at the State Capitol.  “When you look at the influential positions held by the Senators from Northwest Georgia, you see an increasing prominence of the region’s representation in the legislature” said Smith.  “The entire Coosa River Basin and surrounding region is protected by a team of Senators who work together to protect its resources and interests.”  That team includes Sen. Don Thomas, M.D. (R-Dalton), Chairman of the Health & Human Services Committee, Sen. Jeff  Mullis (R-Chickamauga), Chairman of Economic Development & Tourism, Sen. Preston Smith (R-Rome), Administration Floor Leader, and Sen. Bill Stephens (R-Canton), Senate Majority Leader.  “All of us agree on the urgency of working as a team to advocate the interests of our constituents and protecting our region’s natural resources,” said Smith.