Tuesday, February 5, 2008

Day 11- February 5, 2008

Tonight on Lawmakers, backlash over Friday’s Department of Transportation Board vote, legislation allowing consumers greater freedom to freeze their credit reports passes its Senate committee, Governor Perdue announces plans to revamp the Department of Human Resources, the Statewide Water Plan gains final passage in the Senate, and an exclusive interview with House Democratic Leader, Representative DuBose Porter.

In a move many view as retaliation to Friday’s DOT Board vote, House Speaker Glenn Richardson demoted four members of House committees from their positions. Representatives Martin Scott, Doug Collins, Tom Graves, and John Meadows rifted with Richardson when they voted against his candidate for chairman of the Department of Transportation board, and supported Mike Evans, who had the support of Gov. Perdue. Sandra Parrish has the story.

The Senate Banking and Financial Institutions Committee heard testimony on SB 361, which would give consumers more control over freezing their credit reports. A similar bill has already passed the House and currently resides in that same committee. SB 361 passed the committee and now moves to Senate Rules.

Amid allegations of misconduct and patient abuse in the state’s mental hospitals, Gov. Perdue yesterday announced plans to restructure the state Department of Human Resources. The Governor has established a commission which will look at ways to reform the DHR, which is one of the state’s largest agencies.

The Senate today passed House Resolution 1022, known as the Statewide Water Plan, in a vote of 42 to 10. The resolution now moves to the Governor for his signature. Gov. Perdue issued a statement that says he intends to sign the resolution into law tomorrow.

Lawmakers co-anchor Nwandi Lawson spoke with House Democratic Leader, Representative DuBose Porter today for the Lawmakers Leadership Interview Series. Rep. Porter addressed the Democratic agenda in the House regarding healthcare, education, and water.

All that and more, tonight on Lawmakers. Watch Online!