Let the Race Begin

Thoughts thus far about the 2021 Georgia Legislative Session

Before I dive into the nuts and bolts of the 2021 session, I just want to say how welcoming the CBA community has been to me. I am happy and excited to be here and I greatly enjoy the work I am doing on behalf of Georgia’s community banking industry. The work so far with CBA has been enlightening and. I am particularly grateful for the guidance and mentorship of Lori Godfrey and being able to learn from one of Georgia’s top lobbyists is a privilege!

The

2021 Georgia Legislative Session felt like it began as an Olympic sprint that has turned into a marathon that just keeps racing along. 2020 and 2021 have been historical in many ways and I believe this session will go down in political history as unique and challenging. The pandemic is once again forcing legislators and lobbyists to utilize technology to do the work of the people. It has required growth and perseverance by everyone involved and made my first session as a community bank lobbyist especially memorable. With all the complexities of this year added on to what usually is already a hectic 40 legislative days, it is a wonder that anyone can manage everything going on under the dome. The speed at which the Georgia legislators are working is neck breaking. In just six weeks, more than 800 bills have been dropped. The budget and legislation related to the pandemic passed through the House and Senate at warp speed. Lori and I have been working diligently to keep track of the legislation and changes happening in real time for our community banks and updating the CBA of GA Weekly Update and Advocacy Blog to keep you informed. The blog is a centralized place for you to see our weekly updates and to view legislation that we are tracking.

Tyler Eck

Government and Regulatory Relations Associate Community Bankers Association of Georgia

While the use of technology has provided easier access to and review of committee meetings, the impersonal aspects of technology have made forging the one-on-one relationships I was hoping to develop my first year more difficult, but not impossible. As I’m sure you know, there was a large amount of turnover this last election cycle. There are many freshman legislators that, like me, are still learning the ropes. While the virtual environment does make it challenging, Lori and I have been able to secure appointments with many freshman legislators that are on the committees we work with often. We have been focused on ensuring they know the differences between community banks and other financial services providers. Fortunately, many are familiar with community banks and some even bank with of our local community banks.

My first day down at the Capitol representing CBA proudly. Masks up!

The Dome today stands out against the sky as I ended my first day at the Capitol for CBA.

After the 2021 regular legislative session, CBA will be hosting a variety of advocacy events that we hope you can join us for. In addition to hosting our annual clay shoots and TopGolf events, this year, we will be adding something new—CBA Town Hall Talk Tour. CBA will be partnering with NFIB (www.nfib.com) to host these several grass root advocacy events throughout the state, with the intent to bring federal and state legislators together with community banks and their small business customers.

In closing, let me say that it is a pleasure to serve and represent you. Forging strong relationships between CBA’s members and our legislators is my top priority and will help me become the most effective advocate I can be for Georgia’s community banking industry. I would like for our members to know that I am here for you, and I urge you to reach out to me at any time with any concerns or questions that you may have. Thank you all for the opportunity to serve and for all you do for your communities and the great state of Georgia.

Since committee meetings limit in person attendance, the twitter feed and the Capitol’s staff and support team have been the real backbone for keeping everyone up to date.

House Banks and Banking Committee:

Greg Morris Chairman Bill Yearta • Vice Chairman Randy Nix Secretary Kimberly Alexander Member Erick Allen Member Jasmine Clark** Member Clint Crowe** Member Robert Dickey Member Demetrius Douglas Member Emory Dunahoo Member Gloria Frazier Member Lee Hawkins Member Penny Houston Member Carolyn Hugley** Member David Knight Member Regina Lewis-Ward** Member Pedro Marin Member Billy Mitchell Member Beth Moore Member Butch Parish Member Clay Prickle Member Trey Rhodes Member Will Wade** Member Dale Washburn Member Bruce Williamson Member

Senate Banking and Financial Institutions Committee:

Matt Brass** Chairman John Kennedy Vice Chairman Ed Harbison Secretary Jason Anavitarte ** Member Clint Dixon ** Member Sonya Halpern ** Member Emanuel Jones ** Member Jennifer Jordan Member Butch Miller Member Bruce Thompson • Ex-Officio