Sen. Regina Thomas Ends Senate Term

Senator Regina Thomas ATLANTA - Senator Regina Thomas (DSavannah), will end her term as state Senator of the 2nd District on January 11, 2009. Sen. Thomas has represented District 2 for almost 15 years, first serving in the House o f Representatives from 1995 to 1998 and then in the Senate beginning in 2000. Senator-Elect Lester Jackson (D-Savannah) will succeed Thomas on January 12, 2009, when the legislative session convenes.

"Nothing is forever, and it was time for me to leave Atlanta," said Sen. Thomas of her decision not to seek re-election. "It has been my honor to serve the people of Chatham County, and I am humbled by their support and trust in me as their leader."

Sen. Thomas consistently classified herself as a public servant rather than a politician, focusing on education, healthcare, economic and environmental issues during her terms in office. Her service to the state and District 2 has been well documented, including securing nearly $7 million in local assistance grants and budget appropriations for Chatham County. She leaves office with a reputation of noted passion for people, and worked hard to open doors for those without connections.

Come January, Sen. Thomas will focus her attention on spending time with her family, including husband Ervin J. Thomas, Sr., a retired police sergeant, her four children and nine grandchildren. She will remain active in her district by attending community meetings, concentrating on the same issues she promoted in the Senate. "Savannah is my home, and I am a stakeholder," added the Senator.

"While I will be focusing more on my family now, I will still keep a close eye on what is happening at the Capitol," Sen. Thomas noted. "I leave my constituents in the capable hands of Senator-Elect Jackson, who has had a successful legislative career in the House of Representatives since 1998."

In addition to helping her district, Sen. Thomas will also assist Senator-Elect Jackson in his transition to the Senate. Senator-Elect Jackson and his colleagues face many important issues going into the 2009 session, including the state budget, transportation, education and healthcare.

Constituents can keep abreast of the news from the state Capitol by visiting the Senate website at www.senate. ga.gov. Users can watch a live broadcast of the Senate in chamber, read daily session reports, listen to weekly radio updates, and utilize an easy-to-use bill search to track legislation.