SR15: SR15 Strolling Thunder Day; recognize February 6, 2025

This resolution does not change any Georgia law. Instead, it formally recognizes February 6, 2025 as Strolling Thunder Day at the state capitol. The day is organized by GEEARS: Georgia Early Education Alliance for Ready Students, a nonprofit that brings families with young children to meet with lawmakers and discuss issues affecting babies and toddlers. The resolution cites statistics about early childhood in Georgia, including that more than 635,000 children under five live in the state, nearly one in five children under five live in poverty, and one in ten babies are born with low birth weight. It notes state investments such as Georgia's Lottery-Funded Pre-K program. The Senate directs its Secretary to distribute copies of the resolution to the public and press.

• Formally recognizes February 6, 2025 as Strolling Thunder Day at the Georgia state capitol.
• Directs the Secretary of the Senate to prepare and distribute copies of the resolution to the public and press.
• Cites statistics on child poverty, low birth weight, and early childhood investment in Georgia without creating new programs or funding.
• Acknowledges the advocacy work of GEEARS, a nonprofit focused on early childhood education, without granting it any legal authority or funds.

This resolution mainly affects the Georgia Senate itself, GEEARS and the families it brings to the capitol for the event, and the public and press who may receive copies of the resolution. It does not impose duties on state agencies or the public.

Because this is a ceremonial resolution rather than a law, it does not change funding, rules, or rights for Georgia families. Its practical effect is limited to marking a day of recognition and giving visibility to early childhood advocacy at the capitol.

• The whereas clauses describe the rationale, citing that over 635,000 children under five live in Georgia and nearly one in five live in poverty.
• The resolving clause formally designates February 6, 2025 as Strolling Thunder Day at the state capitol.
• A further resolution directs the Secretary of the Senate to make copies available to the public and the press.

1. 2025-01-16Senate Read and Adopted (Senate)
2. 2025-01-15Senate Hopper (Senate)

• Brian Strickland (R, SD-042)Primary sponsor
• Kay Kirkpatrick (R, SD-032)
• Josh McLaurin (D, SD-014)
• Nikki Merritt (D, SD-009)
• Clint Dixon (R, SD-045)

• early childhood education
• child poverty
• legislative recognition
• Georgia Senate resolutions