GEORGIA HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
PUBLIC INFORMATION OFFICE
ROOM 505, LOB 30334
404-656-5082     1-800-282-5800

Daily Report Number 36
March 24, 2004

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Lawmakers took time this morning to say good-bye to one of the House’s most respected members. Representative Larry Walker, who has served in the Georgia legislature for more than 31 years, formally addressed House members to announce his retirement, and say good-bye to his fellow legislators. Elected in 1972, Walker served as administrative floor leader for former Governor Joe Frank Harris. Later, Walker was elected by his fellow representatives to serve as Majority Leader in the Georgia House of Representatives, a post he held from 1986-2002. These opportunities allowed Rep. Walker to be a very influential participant in many of the initiatives that have made Georgia the leader of the New South. He will retire from office at the end of his present term.

Representative Walker expressed his heartfelt thanks to the many current and former members and staff who have been an integral part of his service to this state. He also conveyed his deepest respect and admiration for the men and women who choose to serve Georgia as members of the Georgia House of Representatives. Finally, he extended his most sincere gratitude to his family, who have been so generous in allowing him to sacrifice considerable time and effort to his legislative duties.

Members broke into a standing ovation as the House Clerk finished reading HR 1692 which honors Rep. Walker for his years of dedicated and distinguished service to the citizens of Georgia. Mr. Walker will be missed as a sharp legal mind, brilliant orator, and highly effective legislator. He will be remembered as a gentleman, a statesman, and most of all a good man.

The House passed only two pieces of legislation this morning. They are:

• SB 405 (166-2)- mainly updates Georgia code dealing with banking and finance. The legislation also seeks to level the playing field between federal and state banks and credit unions by brining state and federal banking laws in close compliance.
  
• SB 418 (168-0)- would outlaw female genital mutilation and piercing in Georgia, regardless of religious or cultural custom.
  Lawmakers will be back in session tomorrow at 10:00 a.m. for the 37th legislative day.

Georgia House of Representatives
Public Information Office

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