State lawmakers are in Athens this week to prep for the upcoming session of the General Assembly.

The Biennial Institute Conference gives new lawmakers some training and veteran legislators information and exploration of issues for the 40 day legislative session which begins next month. Hosted by UGA’s Carl Vinson, institute lawmakers will get updates on the tri state water war and the state’s settlement regarding mental health services.
There’s also a session dedicated to the state’s finances, The Georgia ports, and Health Care Reform. On Tuesday Governor Elect Nathan Deal will address conferees. The Special Council on Tax Reform is giving a session, but it’s final report on revamping the state’s tax structure won’t be ready until the start of the session. It’s recommendations can only get an up or down vote from lawmakers.

Tags: lawmakers, UGA, mental health, Tri state water war, tax reform, Biennial Institute Conference, veteran legislators, Carl Vinson, Georgia ports, Governor elect Nathan Deal, Special Council