OVERVIEW of the
SENATE RESEARCH OFFICE
(404) 657-0929 FAX
The Senate Research Office is celebrating 25 years of service to the Georgia State Senate. Created in 1975, Senate Research serves all Senators and the Lt. Governor with objective information and analysis.
By using a wide array of resources, including the internet, Senate Research has access to the latest, most accurate information available from all states, the federal government, and other public interest and professional sources.
The Senate Research Office provides support to individual Senators on issues of policy development and both background and comparative research for state-wide and local legislation. In addition, Senate Research also:
- Staffs interim and standing committees;
- Identifies public policy trends;
- Produces study committee reports;
- Summarizes legislation;
- Gathers information on programs including cost analysis, program elements, and success.
PUBLICATIONS
Senate Research produces several documents which provide a comprehensive overview of the current business of the Senate and are introduced at various times during the year. These documents include:
- Session Highlights - provides a brief summary of selected legislation enacted by the Georgia General Assembly following each legislative session.
- Standing Committee & Interim Study Committee Reports - as Senate Committees examine various issues, reports are released which include any findings, recommendations, or legislative proposals a committee deems appropriate.
CONFIDENTIALITY
All requests are confidential and all documents and files of the Senate Research Office are not subject to public inspection under the Open Records Act ( O.C.G.A 50-18-72(a) (8) .
HOW TO REQUEST INFORMATION
Requests for information and research can only be initiated by an individual Senator, or the Lt. Governor. Requests can be initiated by telephone, email, or written correspondence. Requests are assigned to the policy analyst with expertise in the specific area to be researched. All requests for information and research will be completed within two weeks, unless a shorter, specific date is set. All information and research results can be communicated to the Senator by email, diskette, or written document.
STAFF AND POLICY RESPONSIBILITIES
Eric Robinson , Director. B.A., University of Georgia; M.P.A., University of Georgia. Committee and policy assignments include: Public Safety and Homeland Security; State Institutions and Property; and Economic Development and Tourism. Email: erobinso@legis.state.ga.us
Jill C. Fike , Deputy Director. B.A., Florida State University. Committee and policy assignments include: Banking and Financial Institutions; Finance; and Regulated Industries and Utilities. Email: jturman@legis.state.ga.us
POLICY ANALYSTS
Alexander Azarian , B.A., Rhode Island College; M.A., Providence College. Committee and policy assignments include: Insurance and Labor; and State and Local Government Operations. Email: aazarian@legis.state.ga.us
Jeff Breedlove , Georgia State University. Committee and policy assignments include: Ethics; Transportation; Science and Technology; and Veterans and Military Affairs. Email: jbreedlo@legis.state.ga.us
Asenith Dixon , B.A., University of Georgia; M.S., Urban Policy Studies, Georgia State University.Committee and policy assignments include: Agriculture and Consumer Affairs; Natural Resources and the Environment; and Retirement. Email: adixon@legis.state.ga.us
Kay Hall , B.A., Spelman College; J.D., University of Richmond School of Law. Committee and policy assignments include: Health and Human Services; and Children and Youth. Email: khall@legis.state.ga.us
Marcia Rubensohn , B.A., Emory University; J.D., Emory University. Committee and policy assignments include: Interstate Cooperation; and Judiciary. Email: mrubenso@legis.state.ga.us
Julie Windom , B.S., State University of West Georgia; J.D., Georgia State University. Committee and policy assignments include: Education; Higher Education; Reapportionment and Redistricting; and Rules. Email: jwindom@legis.state.ga.us
ADMINISTRATIVE STAFF
Lisha Thompson, Office Manager.
Email: lithomps@legis.state.ga.us