Athens, Ga. – The University of Georgia’s Carl Vinson Institute of Government recently received high praise from the well of the Georgia House of Representatives. Representatives gathered there on April 29, the final day of the 2010 legislative session, to “recognize and commend” the institute through House Resolution 2173.
Rep. Pat Dooley from Cobb County read the resolution aloud before the legislative body, citing multiple ways in which the Vinson Institute serves governments in Georgia. The resolution states that “for over 80 years, the Carl Vinson Institute of Government has been helping state and local officials improve their understanding of critical issues, improve their leadership skills, and improve quality of life for the people of Georgia.”
The sponsors of the resolution were all recent graduates of the Georgia Legislative Leadership Institute, a program sponsored by the Vinson Institute. GLLI provides leadership training to new legislators who have been nominated by leaders in the House and Senate. In addition to training, GLLI participants explore the issues of the day with nationally renowned policy experts, helping them to become more informed decision makers.
“We are honored that the House of Representatives chose to recognize our organization in this way,” said Jennifer Frum, Vinson Institute interim director. “I think the resolution underscores the close relationships we’ve developed over the decades with lawmakers at the state and local levels. We do our best to provide them with the help they need to successfully fulfill their missions and serve Georgians.”
The Vinson Institute is a public service organization at UGA that works with Georgia’s city, county, and state governments. The institute provides officials and employees at all levels of government with training, research, and technical assistance to help them improve effectiveness and achieve greater efficiency.
The Vinson Institute has coordinated GLLI since 2005. The program is authorized by the Georgia General Assembly Training Institute and takes place every two years. It is a complement to the Biennial Institute for Georgia Legislators, which occurs on alternate years. The Biennial Institute follows elections and provides all General Assembly members with the chance to meet prior to the upcoming session and learn more about the issues facing the legislature.
