ATLANTA — Sunday, state lawmakers gathered around the table for the 61st Annual Wild Hog Supper.
It's not only a time to commune over smoked pork, but it's also the unofficial kick-off of the legislative session.
The Department of Agriculture partnered with Feeding Georgia to help battle food insecurity in our state.
Before state leaders went to work, they helped fundraise through the dinner.
Tyler Harper is Georgia's Commissioner of Agriculture. He said he's putting farmers at the forefront.
"Most Georgians don't even know the role that the department plays in their life," Harper said. "And it's important that we have the resources we need at the department to do that."
One way to bring everyone together is with a hot meal by way of a whole hog.
Harper said there are a few issues he wants to put on the minds of legislative leaders. For example, most of North Georgia is in a severe drought. And Harper wants to ensure the protection of farmland in the state of Georgia.
"We saw a 90% loss in our peach crop this past year," Harper added. "So, there's always those weather-related issues that we're working to address to help ensure that our farmers can bounce back stronger than ever before."
Before sinking their teeth into some pork, State Majority Leader Chuck Efstration discussed what issues leaders are sinking their teeth into. One of the priorities is public safety.
"We need to make sure that Georgians feel safe, that our police officers know that they're supported," Efstration said.
Efstration said leaders are looking at law enforcement compensation as well. Another priority is protection against hate crimes and hate speech.
"I was the author of the Hate Crimes Law, which passed several years ago," Efstration said. "And anti-Semitism is the next step. We need a Georgia law to clarify the definition of anti-Semitism so that these crimes can be properly identified, prosecuted, and punished accordingly."
Then, there's our schools.
"Early childhood education and literacy continue to be major issues we're focused on," Efstration said.
Efstration also mentions the issue of Georgia's fiscal strength. He's focused on making sure Gov. Brian Kemp's tax cut proposal is passed.
"I think it's going to be a great, very productive legislative year," Efstration said. "I think all Georgians will be proud of the work that we're doing here at the Capitol. And I can't wait to get started tomorrow."
11Alive will be at the station Capitol as the legislative session begins Monday at 10 a.m.