Hagan Shares Potential Effects of State House Elections

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State Representative Leesa Hagan spoke to the Vidalia Kiwanis Club about the potential effects of the November Election on the State House of Representatives during the Kiwanis Club’s meeting on July 30.

“Around 90 incumbent state representatives have opposition. Does that mean half the House could be turned over? Absolutely not,” Hagan emphasized. “There are only 8 seats that are really in play – what I mean is most districts, whether they are represented by a republican or a democrat, have their election determined in the Primary Election because they are so heavy one way or the other, there is really no way that the seat will flip in November. There aren’t many seats that are really close enough that they are in play in November.”

She went on to explain that the potential change in party for the metropolitan Atlanta districts was not a new concept, as the constituents within the area often changed. “The population in Atlanta is constantly moving in and out, so it can switch every two years,” she said.

Hagan assured the audience this change would minimally effect the House’s efficiency, stating most bills were bipartisan bills anyway.

During her presentation, Hagan also informed the audience about current study and working committees, which meet during the Legislature’s off-time to look into issues which the constituents are facing. “We are a part-time legislature officially, but very few of us are part-time with the work because there is always something that needs to be done,” she remarked.

She clarified that though the Legislature can only meet for a maximum of 40 days by law, leaders often meet throughout the year in study and working committees to explore options for providing for Georgians’ needs. “Something that is left out in school when we are educating our kids about the legislature is the committee process. One important thing we do when we are not in session is study committees,” she shared. “It is a group of legislators, and frequently other stakeholders and professionals that are relevant to the topic that can help us get some insight, that meet. It helps guide us as we are looking at legislation for the next year.”

Hagan continued, “You never know what’s going to happen between now and January. We can study something all summer and depending on what happens between now and then, it can just not be a priority anymore because we don’t know what’s coming. We anticipate based on what needs we see what legislation we need to try to get passed in the next session.”

According to the State Representative, these study committees are enacted by legislation during the annual Legislative Session and only act until the noted dissolution date, which is usually the end of the year. These committees may only feature State Representatives or Senators, and a few are even known as Joint committees, as they are made up of leaders from both legislative bodies.

Currently, Hagan serves on a study committee that studies the impact of healthcare, transportation, education, and more on Rural Georgia, while State Senator Blake Tillery serves on a study committee to investigate state licensing issues. Hagan said other study committees currently meeting include committees to investigate opiod alternatives, the safety of nicotine products, and the efficiency of the prison system.

Hagan also works in a working committee – which is similar to a study committee but does not require legislation to create the committee – on medication shortages.

Nevertheless, before concluding her address, Hagan ensured the audience of her focus on best serving her constituents. “The rural economy is my priority. Almost everything falls under that in some way, but that is my biggest priority,” she emphasized.