As we all know, last week was an extremely unusual one in our state.
With snow and ice completely gridlocking Atlanta and abnormal winter temperatures closing schools and businesses throughout the state, including in our community, it will be one we will not soon forget.  
Before state offices were closed on Tuesday, the House of Representatives got as much done as possible in the short amount of time we were in session.
We passed House Resolution 1162, a resolution I co-sponsored that recognizes the 40th anniversary of the Consulate General of Japan in the Southeast and inviting the consulate to be recognized by the House.
Georgia has become a model for welcoming Japanese companies to the Southeast; currently, there are 570 Japanese-affiliated offices in the state employing more than 30,000 people.
The Consulate General of Japan strengthens cultural, political and economic ties between Japan and Georgia, and I was pleased to honor them in this resolution.
As Atlanta officials learn from the mistakes made during the frustrating and dangerous events of last week, many meetings and plans are being put into place to ensure a more proactive response should there be another emergency weather event.
Several hundred Chatham County citizens traveled to Atlanta on Tuesday, Jan. 28, for Chatham County Day. Although it was canceled, we were grateful to hear that our friends and colleagues were safe.
I look forward to getting back to work as the session resumed this week. Please contact me if I can be of service to you in any way. Your input and concerns are important to me.
I can be reached by calling 404-656-5115, emailing ron.stephens@house.ga.gov, or writing to State Rep. Ron Stephens, 226 CAP, State Capitol, Atlanta, GA 30334.