SR588: SR588 Strolling Thunder Day; recognize January 29, 2026

26 LC 129 0672 Senate Resolution 588 By: Senators Hickman of the 4th, Watson of the 11th, Ginn of the 47th, Still of the 48th and Payne of the 54th A RESOLUTION Recognizing January 29, 2026, as Strolling Thunder Day at the state capitol; and for other1 purposes.2 WHEREAS, our brains grow faster during the first few years of life than at any later point3 in our lives; and4 WHEREAS, nearly 640,000 children under age 5 reside in communit ies across Georgia,5 representing the state's future leaders; and6 WHEREAS, children's early experiences and relationships lay the foundation for future7 learning, health, and behavior; and8 WHEREAS, proper nutrition, medical care, and high-quality early education are all essential9 building blocks for a child's development; and10 WHEREAS, Georgia has made ga ins in supporting young children an d their families in11 recent years, including historic investments in Georgia's Lottery-Funded Pre-K, an increased12 emphasis on early increased emphasis on early childhood mental health, and the creation of13 a state child tax credit; and14 S. R. 588 - 1 - 26 LC 129 0672 WHEREAS, despite this, many of Georgia's families with young ch ildren continue to15 struggle to meet high standards of health, education, and family stability; and16 WHEREAS, for example, nearly one in five of Georgia's children under age 5 live in17 poverty, and one in ten of its babies are born with low birthweight; and18 WHEREAS, Georgia Early Education Alliance for Ready Students (GEEARS), a nonprofit19 organization, has brought families from across Georgia to share the joys and challenges of20 raising young children with Georgia's lawmakers for Strolling Thunder at the state capitol;21 and 22 WHEREAS, Strolling Thunder emphasizes the importance of priorit izing our youngest23 learners in public policy-for stronger families, vibrant communities, and a prosperous state;24 and25 WHEREAS, Georgia's future begins with babies and all Georgians can help make sure that26 families have the resources and support they need to give their babies a strong start in life.27 NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE that the members of this body28 recognize January 29th, 2026, as Strolling Thunder Day at the state capitol.29 BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Secretary of the Senate is authorized and directed30 to make appropriate copies of this resolution available for distribution to the Georgia Early31 Education Alliance for Ready Students.32 S. R. 588 - 2 -