Recognizing the Leadership and Service of David Ralston

Floor Speech

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Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the leadership and service of David Ralston, who recently announced that he would be ending his tenure as Speaker of the Georgia State House of Representatives.

David has been Speaker since 2010 and has overseen some of the most historic legislative accomplishments in our State's history.

He attended Young Harris College and North Georgia College, where he earned his bachelor's degree with honors. He then went on to graduate from the University of Georgia School of Law. An attorney by trade, Speaker Ralston started his career in public service in 1992 when he was elected to the Georgia State Senate.

In 2002, David was elected to the Georgia State House of Representatives and was chosen as Speaker in 2010. During his term as Speaker, he presided over the enactment of landmark legislation, including the State's first-ever income tax cut in 2018.

In the wake of the murder of Ahmaud Arbery, he led the effort to create and pass the State's hate crime law. Earlier this year, he was one of the greatest proponents of the legislation, saying that this bill was his ``only priority'' for 2022. The bill was a complete revamp of the State's mental health care services and passed with unanimous support.

He has been heralded as fair, thoughtful, and level-headed by those on both sides of the aisle. While he will still serve in the Georgia State House of Representatives, his presence on the dais will be missed.

A committed public servant, statesman, and a dear friend, I thank David Ralston for his leadership and for being a great suitemate when we served together in the Georgia State House of Representatives.

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