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General Assembly Remains in Suspension

An important announcement came during the ninth week of session as Speaker of the House David Ralston and Lt. Governor Geoff Duncan made the decision to suspend the 2020 legislative session until further notice due to the growing threat of COVID-19 (coronavirus) across the state and country. The suspension is out of an abundance of caution and in the interest of health and safety of my colleagues in the General Assembly, our staff, and the public. We suspended the legislative session indefinitely after we adjourned for Legislative Day 29 on Friday, March 13.

Keeping Them Honest: Shining a Light on Healthcare Costs in Georgia

The previous week was particularly exciting, as cross over day took place under the gold dome. As equally as exciting is our legislative body’s commitment to providing drug price transparency to the people of Georgia. On Tuesday, Senate Bill 482 passed, laying the foundation for Georgia to have an All-Payer Claims Database (APCD). An APCD allows you as a citizen to access health care costs for a variety of services within the state. From the data collected the database will be able to identify disparities, measure the use of certain health care services, and improve the coordination of care. All in all, this bill gives you, the patient, the power to make more informed health care decisions. Just think, do you know how much a doctor’s visit, a joint replacement, or surgery actually costs? Or, why is it that we can easily access and know the costs of products and services in other industries, but not in health care? Senate Bill 482 helps to answer these questions and allows Georgia to join 37 other states in providing access to the true costs of health care services.

I remain dedicated to serving your interests as your State Senator.

Please feel free to contact me with your thoughts or concerns on pending issues, or whenever I can be of service. My legislative offices are:

301-A Coverdell Legislative Office Bldg.

Atlanta, GA 30334

Phone: (404) 656-0040

1906 Legette Drive

Bainbridge, GA 39819

Phone: (229) 243-6267

You can also stay in touch by visiting our website at http://www.senate.ga.gov/spo/en-US/SenateVideo.aspx to watch a live stream of the Senate in action, as well as archived committee meetings, and review legislation that we are considering.

Follow me on facebook for updates throughout the year.

I am honored to serve Senate District 11. Thank you for allowing me to be your Senator.

Sincerely,

Senator Dean Burke