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7/22/09 Sen. Don Balfour
(R-Gwinnett) today took office as president of the National
Conference of State Legislators (NCSL) at the organization’s
annual legislative summit in Philadelphia. The first
legislator from Georgia to be elected to NCSL office,
Balfour will lead the bipartisan Conference in serving the
nation’s state lawmakers and advocating for their interests
before Congress.
“I have dedicated my political career to serving the people
of Georgia, and am humbled by the
opportunity to serve the states of this nation as president of
such an esteemed organization,” said Balfour. “NCSL is at
the forefront of bringing state legislatures together to develop
public policy that will strengthen our country and the lives of
its citizens. I look forward to working with state leaders
from across the nation to enhance the state legislatures’
influence in the federal system.”
Sen. Balfour has been an influential member of NCSL
throughout his legislative career. Prior to his election as
president, Balfour served as vice president and is a member of
the executive committee. He will serve as president in
2009-2010. Known for his work in helping Georgia
pass some of the strongest ethics and eminent domain laws in the
nation, Sen. Balfour’s colleagues agree that his leadership
skills will serve him well as NCSL president.
“This is truly a great day for our state,” said Lt. Governor
Casey Cagle. “Senator Balfour is one of our strongest and
most experienced Senators with over 17 years championing
conservative policy and representing his Gwinnett constituents
admirably. Now heading one of the most prominent
legislative organizations in the nation, Senator Balfour’s
expertise and forward-thinking mindset give NCSL a tremendously
capable leader who will do an outstanding job as president.”
Balfour’s longtime colleague, Sen. Eric Johnson (R-Savannah), remarked: “Senator Balfour
is a driving force in some of the most important political
issues facing our state. I greatly respect his commitment
and dedication to serving our citizens. We are lucky to have
such a seasoned leader representing the state of
Georgia in one of the most
influential legislative organizations. The states are getting a
strong leader at NCSL as we face record deficits and
unemployment challenges.”
“I am proud to serve alongside Senator Balfour in
representing the citizens of Gwinnett County,” said Sen. Renee Unterman
(R-Buford). “Throughout my years in the Senate, I have
watched him fiercely champion the issues that are important to
his constituents. He is committed to doing all he can to
help those he represents, and I am confident that he will serve
as NCSL president with the same determination and convictions
that have made him a cornerstone in the Georgia legislature.”
NCSL is a bipartisan organization that serves the legislators
and staffs of the nation’s 50 states, its commonwealths and
territories. NCSL provides research, technical assistance and
opportunities for policymakers to exchange ideas on the most
pressing state issues. The Conference is an effective and
respected advocate for the interests of state governments before
Congress and federal agencies.
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