Pearson appointed Vice Chairman of Senate Transportation Committee

ATLANTA - Lt. Governor Casey Cagle has appointed Sen. Chip Pearson (R-Dawsonville) as vice chairman of the Senate Transportation Committee. He succeeds Sen. Jim Whitehead, Sr. (REvans) who left the state Senate to run for higher office.

The Senate Transportation Committee considers all legislation that relates to highway safety and the regulation of intrastate common carriers, including railroads, buses, trucks, vessels, pipelines and civil aviation. Also included are inland waterways and any other means of transportation.

"Senator Pearson is a close friend and someone who understands the transportation needs of our state and wants to do what is best for Georgia," stated Lt. Gov. Cagle upon the announcement. "I am very confident in his abilities and look forward to seeing the fruition of his work as vice chairman."

Sen. Pearson is currently serving his second term in the Senate. In 2006, he was appointed chairman of the Senate Economic Development Committee, and he also serves on several key Senate Committees including: Appropriations, Rules, Administrative Affairs, Insurance and Labor, and the influential Committee on Assignments.

"It is always an honor when your work is recognized by leadership," stated Sen. Pearson. "During my tenure in the Senate, I have worked hard to find common-sense solutions to the transportation issues in our state. Transportation is one of the most important issues affecting us currently, and I am pleased that Lieutenant Governor Cagle has faith in my ability to serve as vice chair on this key committee."

This summer, Sen. Pearson will also serve on the Joint Senate and House Study Committee on Transportation Funding. The study committee plans to meet across the state to evaluate the ways that Georgia funds all of its transportation needs, and to be sure that those dollars are spent wiselyand efficiently.

Sen. Pearson was elected to the Georgia Senate in 2004. He is the founder and CEO of Pecos, Inc. and Paramont Grading Company. He and his wife Jill are the proud parents of three children - Madeleine, Mary Anna and Edward, and they have been residents of Dawson County for more than 18 years.