Werkheiser sworn in for second term in State House

Evans County resident Bill Werkheiser was sworn in for his second term in the Georgia House of Representatives Monday morning in Atlanta.

Werkheiser, a Republican, represents Tattnall, Evans, and a portion of Wayne counties. He was elected after an uncontested primary election in the heavily conservative district in 2014.

During the 2015-16 legislative session, Werkheiser served on the Industry & Labor, the Information & Audits, and the State Properties committees. Those could change after the Georgia General Assembly begins committee work.

Locally, Werkheiser sponsored legislation to allow the Tattnall Board of Education members to stagger their terms and he hosted “Refugee Day” at the State Capitol during both sessions. In 2016, his claim to fame was the notification of water contamination legislation he passed on behalf of Wayne County.

He also carried legislation to allow state government council members to meet by video conference instead of appearing in person, though the bill never passed. Werkheiser came under fire in 2016 after he allowed another member of the House to vote his machine while he traveled to Jesup.

The legislature meets for 40 non-consecutive days beginning in January and adjourning by the first week in April. Because there are no elections in 2017 for anyone in the legislative branch, there is no rush to adjourn early and have legislators return to their districts to campaign.

Medicaid expansion, education reform to replace Governor Deal’s failed Opportunity School District amendment, and casinos are all expected to be contentious topics this session.

Make sure to check AllOnGeorgia frequently for the latest information and vote tallies as session continues.

If you need to contact Representative Werkheiser during the legislative session, you can do so by:

• Telephone: CAPITOL: 404.656.0126  DISTRICT: 912.654.3610
• Email: bill.werkheiser@house.ga.gov
• In-person: 411-E Coverdell Legislative Office Bldg. Atlanta, GA 30334