Georgian elected president of national black legislative group

<p>A Georgia lawmaker has been elected president of the National Black Caucus of State Legislators.</p><p>State Rep. Calvin Smyre, D-Columbus, was elected as the group's eighth president during its annual conference this week.</p><p>"I am deeply honored to have been chosen," Smyre said.</p><p>Smyre will lead the nonpartisan group's efforts to craft legislation that he hopes will influence public policy to improve quality of life issues.</p><p>"When we push for public policy to address education, health care and jobs, we should do so by showing how this policy will affect families," Smyre said.</p><p>The organization, founded in 1977, boasts more than 600 members in 44 states. Smyre will replace outgoing leader Mary H. Coleman, a Mississippi state representative.</p><p>"Calvin has a unique perspective on and depth of knowledge about the legislative process," she said. "I am certain that NBCSL will achieve even greater prominence under his leadership."</p><p>___</p><p>On the Net:</p><p>HASH(0x1cd985c)</p>