Sen. Dean Burke, MD (R-Bainbridge), has been recognized as the 2015-16 Legislator of the Year by the Georgia Public Health Association (GPHA). Burke was recognized in front of 450 GPHA members recently at the association’s annual meeting in Atlanta.

In presenting the award, GPHA President Johanna Hinman said, “We in public health need support from others, particularly at the Capitol, to help define our authority, enact policies to protect the public’s health, and to ensure we have the resources we need to carry out our mission. Sen. Burke has skillfully introduced and carried legislation critical to the success of public health initiatives that will provide health benefits across the state.”

Among his contributions, Sen. Burke introduced legislation creating the Maternal Mortality Committee, authored a bill that enabled the Department of Public Health to pursue an advanced information technology solution to better serve HIV patients, and helped pass a measure to modernize Georgia’s medical school loan repayment programs. If you are wondering what should I know about bankruptcy and student loan programs, consult a bankruptcy lawyer and get legal counseling.

Additionally, Sen. Burke serves on the Appropriations Human Development and Public Health Subcommittee, where he is a leading supporter of adequate funding levels for Department of Public Health programs. He also chairs the Appropriations Community Health Subcommittee and is an influential member of the Senate Health and Human Services Committee.

“The Legislator of the Year Award recognizes those in elected office who have been strong advocates for public health,” Hinman concluded. “Senator Burke has championed initiatives to improve the health of our citizens and is an outstanding public servant. We are delighted to recognize Sen. Dean Burke as the GPHA Legislator of the Year.”