New state legislators Stacey Abrams, Randy Nix, and Allen Peake, left to right, get an orientation into the basics of the state budgeting process from members of the House Budgeting Office and House Appropriations Committee, at front table in photo below.

Dan Rahn, M.D., explains the findings of the special commission that he chaired to examine the Certificate of Need Program. Panelists are, left to right, Sen. Don Balfour and Rep. Austin Scott.

Erroll Davis, chancellor of the University System of Georgia, replies to a question during the discussion group on education policy. He is joined by, left to right, Frieda Hill, assistant commissioner, Department of Technical Education; Kathy Cox, state superintendent of schools; Rep. Brooks Coleman, chair of the House Education Committee; Sen. Dan Moody, chair of the Senate Education and Youth Committee; and Ben Scafidi, Georgia College and State University.

Speaker of the House Rep. Glenn Richardson introduces the new representatives during the opening session of the 25th Biennial Institute.

Jay Powell, mayor of Camilla and GMA president-elect, presents his views on intergovernmental relations from a small community perspective during a session exploring the legislative issues surrounding that topic. Also on the panel was Sam Olens, far left, commissioner from large metro Cobb County, as well as Harry Hayes, Vinson Institute faculty member.

Participants at the first Biennial in 1958

New legislators at the special Orientation Day at the Capitol on November 16, 2006

University System of Georgia Chancellor Erroll Davis provides legislators with some insights of the status of higher education in the state.

Georgia Supreme Court Chief Justice Leah Sears, left, talks with newly elected Rep. Mike Glanton.

Kathy Cox, state superintendent of schools, comments during a panel discussion on education issues, while Chancellor Erroll Davis looks on.

Carol Couch, director of the state’s Environmental Protection Division, makes a point during a session on the environment.

Rep. Judy Manning answers a question during a session on public policy related to the needs of Georgia families and children.

Pres. Michael Adams of the University of Georgia addresses legislators at the Biennial.

Zell Miller, who served as a legislator, lieutenant governor, and governor before going to the United States Senate, provided a retrospective on 50 years of legislative training during the opening session of the 25th Biennial Institute.

Gov. Sonny Perdue outlines his agenda at the closing luncheon of the Biennial.