Today, Sen. Larry Walker, III (R–Perry) joined community leaders, local officials, educators and economic development partners from across Middle Georgia for a Regional Listening Day hosted by the Heart of Georgia Regional Commission. The event brought forth meaningful dialogue centered around local needs, opportunities and priorities ahead of the 2026 Legislative Session.

Joined by Representatives Matt Hatchett (R–Dublin), Butch Parrish (R–Swainsboro) and Danny Mathis (R–Cochran), Sen. Walker opened the program with remarks emphasizing the importance of direct engagement with local leaders and the role these conversations play in shaping responsive policy at the State Capitol.

“It was a great day in Middle Georgia,” said Sen. Walker. “Conversations like this fuel our work and shape real, meaningful progress for our state. Our communities face urgent challenges every day, and they deserve solutions that actually work for the people we serve. Good government starts with listening, and hearing directly from Georgians who live and breathe these issues every day keeps me inspired as we head into the next legislative session.”

Throughout the morning, the delegation met with representatives from various organizations, including Trinity Christian School, Laurens County Commission, Bleckley-Cochran Industrial Development Authority, Dublin-Laurens Development Authority, Oconee Fall Line Technical College, Eastman-Dodge Chamber of Commerce, Middle Georgia State University, and representatives from multiple county commissions and chambers of commerce. Conversations centered on workforce development, school safety, infrastructure needs, economic competitiveness and tools required to support sustained growth across Middle Georgia.

Sen. Walker also extended his appreciation to the Heart of Georgia Regional Commission for organizing the event. “I want to thank Brett Manning and his team for putting together such a productive day. Their leadership helps keep this region moving forward, and I am grateful for our partnership.”