Tonight on Lawmakers, the House passes legislation extending the Homeowner Tax Relief Grant but with an important caveat; the Senate Judiciary Committee votes to put public defenders under the Governor’s control; an overview of the proposal to restructure the Department of Human Resources and we’ll take a look back at the second week of the Georgia General Assembly.
The House today agreed to guarantee the Homeowners Tax Relief Grant (HTRG), but only for one additional year. The passage of House Bill 143 was preceded by debate about the fairness of eliminating the subsidy.
The Senate Judiciary Committee approved a measure yesterday that would strip the power from the entire board of the Public Defender Standards Council. Lawyers with the Council represent indigent defendants in criminal cases. Judiciary Chair Senator Preston Smith is the sponsor of Senate Bill 42. Lawmakers’ Valarie Edwards has more.
The State’s largest agency may be pared down into three smaller ones. Governor Sonny Perdue’s plan to restructure the Department of Human Resources is contained in House Bill 228. Lawmakers’ Nwandi Lawson speaks with Representative Mark Butler, the Governor’s Floor Leader, who sponsors the bill.
Non-profit groups have joined the organizations that have come to the Capitol to express concern about looming state budget cuts. The United Way of Metropolitan Atlanta held an event yesterday afternoon to appeal to legislators to continue public safety net programs during these difficult economic times. Lawmakers’ Minoo Hosseini has that story.
Lt. Governor Casey Cagle took a few moments yesterday to discuss this year’s proposal to improve Georgia’s transportation problems. He still supports the creation of a Transportation Special Local Option Sales Tax or T-SPLOST.
Democrats say proposed cuts to the budget put due stress on local school systems . House Democratic Leader DuBose Porter says the education budget has little to do with tough economic times.
Healthcare officials from across Georgia assembled at the Capitol this morning for an education and awareness day. With Governor Sonny Perdue’s proposed hospital and provider tax of 1.6% still under consideration, it gave the Georgia Hospital Association a chance to voice their concerns over the plan. Lawmakers’ Brittany Evans reports.
All that and more tonight on Lawmakers at 7 PM.
Lawmakers repeats on GPB Radio at 8 PM tonight and tomorrow morning on GPB Knowledge at 7 AM. You can also catch a repeat of Lawmakers on GPB television at 5:30 AM Monday morning. GPB Knowledge is available to those with digital television receivers at .3 of your local GPB transmitter, for example 20.3 in Augusta, or 8.3 in Atlanta.
Friday, January 30, 2009
Thursday, January 29, 2009
Day 9- January 29, 2009
Tonight on Lawmakers, Lieutenant Governor Casey Cagle speaks out on the homestead exemption cut, a proposed “sin tax” on adult entertainment venues and we begin our leadership interview series with House Democratic Leader DuBose Porter.
Lieutenant Governor Casey Cagle is throwing his support behind maintaining the Homestead Tax Relief Grant (HTRG). Cagle added that he believes government programs should be cut or state employee furloughs should be considered instead of taking away the tax relief for property owners.
House Majority Leader Jerry Keen says that the state can no longer subsidize local governments to give the homestead tax relief grant. He says that the House Republican leadership is introducing tomorrow two pieces of legislation regarding property tax. House Resolution 1 would place a 3% cap on raising millage rates. House Bill 143 would offer the HTRG only when the State has a surplus.
State legislators want to reduce the incidents of sexual exploitation of minors. Members of the Joint House and Senate Commission on Sexual Exploitation of Minors announced their legislative agenda today. The plans include what could be referred to as a “sin tax”- a $3 to $5 fee assessed on every visitor to an adult entertainment venue. Lawmakers’ Minoo Hosseini has that story.
Governor Sonny Perdue is backing legislation that would add hundreds of dollars to the cost of a speeding ticket. House Bill 160, the so-called Super Speeder bill would add an additional $200 fee to speeders caught going 85 miles per hour or over. The super speed drops to 75 MPH on a two-lane road. Lawmakers’ Valarie Edwards has more.
Seniors’ rights groups gathered at the Capitol today to protest budget cuts that they say will adversely affect the delivery of services to Georgia’s senior citizens. Bright green “Be There for Seniors” stickers could be seen under the gold dome as advocates, legislators and seniors rallied for continued funding. Lawmakers’ Brittany Evans reports.
WMUM Macon Reporter Josephine Bennett continues GPB Radio’s “Money Crunch” series. She’ll give us a preview of her report about reaction to the proposed $30 million budget cut that would eliminate school nurses.
Talks about the safety of peanut products continued under the gold dome today after yesterday’s revelation that a Blakely peanut plant had knowingly shipped peanut product containing salmonella. Senator John Bulloch of Ochlocknee took the well this morning to vouch for the safety of peanuts and peanut butter.
Our leadership interview series begins this week with House Democratic Leader DuBose Porter of Dublin. Representative Porter sits down with our Nwandi Lawson to talk about his priorities for the 2009 session.
The House and Senate passed their first bills of the 2009 legislative session today. In the Senate, it was Senate Bill 1, Senator David Shafer’s zero-based budgeting initiative. In the House, it was House Bill 117, an organizational bill.
The revitalization of Jekyll Island has raised new concerns for Senator Jeff Chapman of Brunswick. Chapman has been closely involved with the progress of the project. While the Jekyll Island Authority is focused on increasing visitation, Senator Chapman says this renovation could cost taxpayers $100 million. Lawmakers’ Tiana Fernandez reports.
Senator Kasim Reed and members of the Atlanta delegation want voters to decide whether to bolster the city’s police and fire departments by approving an additional millage on their property tax bill. Reed says the Atlanta City Government has been slow to respond to growing concern about public safety.
All that and more tonight on Lawmakers at 7 PM.
Lawmakers repeats on GPB Radio at 8 PM tonight and on GPB television at 5:30 AM tomorrow morning. You can also catch a repeat of Lawmakers on GPB Knowledge at 7 AM tomorrow. GPB Knowledge is available to those with digital television receivers at .3 of your local GPB transmitter, for example 20.3 in Augusta, or 8.3 in Atlanta.
Lieutenant Governor Casey Cagle is throwing his support behind maintaining the Homestead Tax Relief Grant (HTRG). Cagle added that he believes government programs should be cut or state employee furloughs should be considered instead of taking away the tax relief for property owners.
House Majority Leader Jerry Keen says that the state can no longer subsidize local governments to give the homestead tax relief grant. He says that the House Republican leadership is introducing tomorrow two pieces of legislation regarding property tax. House Resolution 1 would place a 3% cap on raising millage rates. House Bill 143 would offer the HTRG only when the State has a surplus.
State legislators want to reduce the incidents of sexual exploitation of minors. Members of the Joint House and Senate Commission on Sexual Exploitation of Minors announced their legislative agenda today. The plans include what could be referred to as a “sin tax”- a $3 to $5 fee assessed on every visitor to an adult entertainment venue. Lawmakers’ Minoo Hosseini has that story.
Governor Sonny Perdue is backing legislation that would add hundreds of dollars to the cost of a speeding ticket. House Bill 160, the so-called Super Speeder bill would add an additional $200 fee to speeders caught going 85 miles per hour or over. The super speed drops to 75 MPH on a two-lane road. Lawmakers’ Valarie Edwards has more.
Seniors’ rights groups gathered at the Capitol today to protest budget cuts that they say will adversely affect the delivery of services to Georgia’s senior citizens. Bright green “Be There for Seniors” stickers could be seen under the gold dome as advocates, legislators and seniors rallied for continued funding. Lawmakers’ Brittany Evans reports.
WMUM Macon Reporter Josephine Bennett continues GPB Radio’s “Money Crunch” series. She’ll give us a preview of her report about reaction to the proposed $30 million budget cut that would eliminate school nurses.
Talks about the safety of peanut products continued under the gold dome today after yesterday’s revelation that a Blakely peanut plant had knowingly shipped peanut product containing salmonella. Senator John Bulloch of Ochlocknee took the well this morning to vouch for the safety of peanuts and peanut butter.
Our leadership interview series begins this week with House Democratic Leader DuBose Porter of Dublin. Representative Porter sits down with our Nwandi Lawson to talk about his priorities for the 2009 session.
The House and Senate passed their first bills of the 2009 legislative session today. In the Senate, it was Senate Bill 1, Senator David Shafer’s zero-based budgeting initiative. In the House, it was House Bill 117, an organizational bill.
The revitalization of Jekyll Island has raised new concerns for Senator Jeff Chapman of Brunswick. Chapman has been closely involved with the progress of the project. While the Jekyll Island Authority is focused on increasing visitation, Senator Chapman says this renovation could cost taxpayers $100 million. Lawmakers’ Tiana Fernandez reports.
Senator Kasim Reed and members of the Atlanta delegation want voters to decide whether to bolster the city’s police and fire departments by approving an additional millage on their property tax bill. Reed says the Atlanta City Government has been slow to respond to growing concern about public safety.
All that and more tonight on Lawmakers at 7 PM.
Lawmakers repeats on GPB Radio at 8 PM tonight and on GPB television at 5:30 AM tomorrow morning. You can also catch a repeat of Lawmakers on GPB Knowledge at 7 AM tomorrow. GPB Knowledge is available to those with digital television receivers at .3 of your local GPB transmitter, for example 20.3 in Augusta, or 8.3 in Atlanta.
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
Day 8- January 28, 2009
Tonight on Lawmakers, a plan to create a special local tax to ease Georgia’s transportation problems, property owners may be in danger of losing their homestead tax relief grant and a House Committee hears testimony about a recent peanut butter recall.
The Senate Transportation Committee today gave do pass recommendations to Senate Bill 39 and Senate Resolution 44. These are the pieces of legislation that propose a special local option sales tax to help ease Georgia’s transportation woes. Similar legislation in 2008 for a T-SPLOST (transportation special local option sales tax) failed in the final hours of the session. Lawmakers’ Valarie Edwards has that story.
Are property owners in danger of losing their homestead tax relief grant? Governor Sonny Perdue has recommended that legislators cut the grant, which would create $429 million in revenue for the State, but could cost homeowners $200-300 each. Lawmakers’ Minoo Hosseini has the details.
Representative Winfred Dukes told our Nwandi Lawson today that the Democrats have a proposal that would put that homeowners' tax relief grant (HTRG) into the State Constitution. We’ll have a preview of what that legislation could mean.
WACG Augusta Bureau Chief Mary Ellen Cheatham continues GPB Radio’s “Money Crunch” series. She’ll tell us how homeowners and County Commissioners in Augusta are reacting to the possible loss of the HTRG.
Senator George Hooks took the well this morning to announce ethics legislation that he plans to introduce in the near future. He says the bill would fix a loophole dealing with campaign contributions that Senator Hooks says have been a point of contention in the recent scandal involving Governor Rod Blagojevich of Illinois.
The Georgia Department of Agriculture is pushing for new legislation after the investigation of a Blakely peanut plant revealed that the plant had knowingly shipped peanut product containing salmonella. Agriculture Commissioner Tommy Irvin spoke to the House Agriculture and Consumer Affairs Committee this morning. Lawmakers’ Tiana Fernandez has more.
And the State of Technology forecast for Georgia. Lawmakers’ Emily Banks has the details.
All that and more tonight on Lawmakers at 7 PM.
Lawmakers repeats on GPB Radio at 8 PM tonight and on GPB television at 5:30 AM tomorrow morning. You can also catch a repeat of Lawmakers on GPB Knowledge at 7 AM tomorrow. GPB Knowledge is available to those with digital television receivers at .3 of your local GPB transmitter, for example 20.3 in Augusta, or 8.3 in Atlanta.
The Senate Transportation Committee today gave do pass recommendations to Senate Bill 39 and Senate Resolution 44. These are the pieces of legislation that propose a special local option sales tax to help ease Georgia’s transportation woes. Similar legislation in 2008 for a T-SPLOST (transportation special local option sales tax) failed in the final hours of the session. Lawmakers’ Valarie Edwards has that story.
Are property owners in danger of losing their homestead tax relief grant? Governor Sonny Perdue has recommended that legislators cut the grant, which would create $429 million in revenue for the State, but could cost homeowners $200-300 each. Lawmakers’ Minoo Hosseini has the details.
Representative Winfred Dukes told our Nwandi Lawson today that the Democrats have a proposal that would put that homeowners' tax relief grant (HTRG) into the State Constitution. We’ll have a preview of what that legislation could mean.
WACG Augusta Bureau Chief Mary Ellen Cheatham continues GPB Radio’s “Money Crunch” series. She’ll tell us how homeowners and County Commissioners in Augusta are reacting to the possible loss of the HTRG.
Senator George Hooks took the well this morning to announce ethics legislation that he plans to introduce in the near future. He says the bill would fix a loophole dealing with campaign contributions that Senator Hooks says have been a point of contention in the recent scandal involving Governor Rod Blagojevich of Illinois.
The Georgia Department of Agriculture is pushing for new legislation after the investigation of a Blakely peanut plant revealed that the plant had knowingly shipped peanut product containing salmonella. Agriculture Commissioner Tommy Irvin spoke to the House Agriculture and Consumer Affairs Committee this morning. Lawmakers’ Tiana Fernandez has more.
And the State of Technology forecast for Georgia. Lawmakers’ Emily Banks has the details.
All that and more tonight on Lawmakers at 7 PM.
Lawmakers repeats on GPB Radio at 8 PM tonight and on GPB television at 5:30 AM tomorrow morning. You can also catch a repeat of Lawmakers on GPB Knowledge at 7 AM tomorrow. GPB Knowledge is available to those with digital television receivers at .3 of your local GPB transmitter, for example 20.3 in Augusta, or 8.3 in Atlanta.
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
Day 7- January 27, 2009
Tonight on Lawmakers, Democrats introduce a plan to pay for the State’s transportation system and preserve the homeowner’s tax exemption; anticipating a long process in changing the juvenile justice system and legislation that would overhaul Georgia’s indigent defense system.
Senator Steve Thompson introduced a democratic version of a statewide transportation plan which also includes protection for property tax relief. The annual homeowner’s tax relief grant is currently in jeopardy because of impending budget shortfalls. Senate Resolution 90 includes a 1% statewide sales tax aimed at raising $1.6 billion for transportation projects.
Just Georgia, an umbrella organization of child advocacy organizations, presented a proposal to modify Georgia’s 40-year old juvenile justice code to the House Children and Youth Committee today. Advocates believe the proposed changes will provide better outcomes for Georgia’s abused, neglected and delinquent children. Although the legislation is not expected to be introduced until mid-February, full implementation may not be realized until 2012.
Legislation that would overhaul the State’s indigent defense system has been introduced in the Senate. The issue is likely to pit advocates for poor defendants against state lawmakers who say that the system is not working. Senator Preston Smith is the sponsor of Senate Bill 42. Lawmakers’ Valarie Edwards has that story.
Representative Ron Stephens took an opportunity this morning to once again urge adoption of his proposal that would add an additional $1 per pack tax on tobacco products. House Bill 39 has pre-filed on January 6, but has not yet been assigned to committee.
More Georgia job creation through sustainable business ventures was the subject of a joint House-Senate Economic Development Committee today. Legislators heard proposals from businesses that want to create jobs and make Georgia more eco-friendly. Lawmakers’ Minoo Hosseini has more.
This week our colleagues in GPB radio are beginning a series entitled “The Money Crunch”. These reports will be looking at how the State’s declining revenues and impending budget cuts will affect different areas of State services. Tonight, we get a preview of Columbus Bureau Chief Dave Bender’s report about possible cuts in the Economic Development budget that could close two Georgia Visitor Information Centers.
Senator Nan Orrock spoke this morning on a point of personal privilege to discuss Georgia’s ailing PeachCare program. Her argument was two fold, stating that the Governor’s proposed hospital and provider tax would further cripple health service and that health funding solutions lie in a federal partnership bill currently before Congress.
An estimated 800 nurses marched to the Capitol today to raise awareness of the importance of health care and health care providers. The march was a part of the Georgia Nurses Association annual legislative day. Lawmakers’ Tiana Fernandez has that story.
Current proposals to build and operate coal-fired energy plants in two Georgia counties have environmental groups concerned. Lawmakers’ Brittany Evans has more.
All that and more tonight on Lawmakers at 7 PM.
Lawmakers repeats on GPB Radio at 8 PM tonight and on GPB television at 5:30 AM tomorrow morning. You can also catch a repeat of Lawmakers on GPB Knowledge at 7 AM tomorrow. GPB Knowledge is available to those with digital television receivers at .3 of your local GPB transmitter, for example 20.3 in Augusta, or 8.3 in Atlanta.
Senator Steve Thompson introduced a democratic version of a statewide transportation plan which also includes protection for property tax relief. The annual homeowner’s tax relief grant is currently in jeopardy because of impending budget shortfalls. Senate Resolution 90 includes a 1% statewide sales tax aimed at raising $1.6 billion for transportation projects.
Just Georgia, an umbrella organization of child advocacy organizations, presented a proposal to modify Georgia’s 40-year old juvenile justice code to the House Children and Youth Committee today. Advocates believe the proposed changes will provide better outcomes for Georgia’s abused, neglected and delinquent children. Although the legislation is not expected to be introduced until mid-February, full implementation may not be realized until 2012.
Legislation that would overhaul the State’s indigent defense system has been introduced in the Senate. The issue is likely to pit advocates for poor defendants against state lawmakers who say that the system is not working. Senator Preston Smith is the sponsor of Senate Bill 42. Lawmakers’ Valarie Edwards has that story.
Representative Ron Stephens took an opportunity this morning to once again urge adoption of his proposal that would add an additional $1 per pack tax on tobacco products. House Bill 39 has pre-filed on January 6, but has not yet been assigned to committee.
More Georgia job creation through sustainable business ventures was the subject of a joint House-Senate Economic Development Committee today. Legislators heard proposals from businesses that want to create jobs and make Georgia more eco-friendly. Lawmakers’ Minoo Hosseini has more.
This week our colleagues in GPB radio are beginning a series entitled “The Money Crunch”. These reports will be looking at how the State’s declining revenues and impending budget cuts will affect different areas of State services. Tonight, we get a preview of Columbus Bureau Chief Dave Bender’s report about possible cuts in the Economic Development budget that could close two Georgia Visitor Information Centers.
Senator Nan Orrock spoke this morning on a point of personal privilege to discuss Georgia’s ailing PeachCare program. Her argument was two fold, stating that the Governor’s proposed hospital and provider tax would further cripple health service and that health funding solutions lie in a federal partnership bill currently before Congress.
An estimated 800 nurses marched to the Capitol today to raise awareness of the importance of health care and health care providers. The march was a part of the Georgia Nurses Association annual legislative day. Lawmakers’ Tiana Fernandez has that story.
Current proposals to build and operate coal-fired energy plants in two Georgia counties have environmental groups concerned. Lawmakers’ Brittany Evans has more.
All that and more tonight on Lawmakers at 7 PM.
Lawmakers repeats on GPB Radio at 8 PM tonight and on GPB television at 5:30 AM tomorrow morning. You can also catch a repeat of Lawmakers on GPB Knowledge at 7 AM tomorrow. GPB Knowledge is available to those with digital television receivers at .3 of your local GPB transmitter, for example 20.3 in Augusta, or 8.3 in Atlanta.
Monday, January 26, 2009
Day 6- January 26, 2009
Tonight on Lawmakers, an in-depth interview with Appropriations Chairs, Representative Ben Harbin and Senator Jack Hill; highlights of last week’s budget briefings and Senate leadership unveils legislation that could impact transportation funding and control in Georgia.
David Zelski and Nwandi Lawson sat down earlier today with Appropriations Chairs Senator Jack Hill and Representative Ben Harbin to talk about the state of Georgia’s budget. It’s an inside look at last week’s budget briefings and the areas of challenge and opportunity that exist for Georgia in a difficult economic climate.
Senate Majority Leader Chip Rogers and Senate Transportation Chair Jeff Mullis held a press conference this morning to announce their plans for two pieces of legislation that could impact the way transportation projects are funded and managed. Senate Bill 39 would provide for a 1% sales tax for special transportation districts within the State. Senate Bill 40 would allow the General Assembly to designate agencies or authorities to control state highway system projects. Lawmakers’ Minoo Hosseini has that story.
The Senate Appropriations Committee today passed a measure that would require the Governor to submit a zero-based budget annually to the General Assembly, starting in 2011. The current system is a continuation budget. Lawmakers’ Valarie Edwards explains.
Highlights from last week’s budget briefings include excerpts from State School Superintendent Kathy Cox, Transportation Commissioner Gena Evans and Department of Human Resources Commissioner B.J. Walker. University System Chancellor Erroll Davis and Trey Childress, Director of the Office of Planning and Budget, both reflect on the future of HOPE scholarship funding.
And the Georgia Student Finance Commission holds an information session at the Capitol today to tell students that “Yes, You Can” find a way to fund your college education in Georgia. Lawmakers’ Tiana Fernandez has more.
All that and more tonight on Lawmakers at 7 PM.
Lawmakers repeats on GPB Radio at 8 PM tonight and on GPB television at 5:30 AM tomorrow morning. You can also catch a repeat of Lawmakers on GPB Knowledge at 7 AM tomorrow. GPB Knowledge is available to those with digital television receivers at .3 of your local GPB transmitter, for example 20.3 in Augusta, or 8.3 in Atlanta.
David Zelski and Nwandi Lawson sat down earlier today with Appropriations Chairs Senator Jack Hill and Representative Ben Harbin to talk about the state of Georgia’s budget. It’s an inside look at last week’s budget briefings and the areas of challenge and opportunity that exist for Georgia in a difficult economic climate.
Senate Majority Leader Chip Rogers and Senate Transportation Chair Jeff Mullis held a press conference this morning to announce their plans for two pieces of legislation that could impact the way transportation projects are funded and managed. Senate Bill 39 would provide for a 1% sales tax for special transportation districts within the State. Senate Bill 40 would allow the General Assembly to designate agencies or authorities to control state highway system projects. Lawmakers’ Minoo Hosseini has that story.
The Senate Appropriations Committee today passed a measure that would require the Governor to submit a zero-based budget annually to the General Assembly, starting in 2011. The current system is a continuation budget. Lawmakers’ Valarie Edwards explains.
Highlights from last week’s budget briefings include excerpts from State School Superintendent Kathy Cox, Transportation Commissioner Gena Evans and Department of Human Resources Commissioner B.J. Walker. University System Chancellor Erroll Davis and Trey Childress, Director of the Office of Planning and Budget, both reflect on the future of HOPE scholarship funding.
And the Georgia Student Finance Commission holds an information session at the Capitol today to tell students that “Yes, You Can” find a way to fund your college education in Georgia. Lawmakers’ Tiana Fernandez has more.
All that and more tonight on Lawmakers at 7 PM.
Lawmakers repeats on GPB Radio at 8 PM tonight and on GPB television at 5:30 AM tomorrow morning. You can also catch a repeat of Lawmakers on GPB Knowledge at 7 AM tomorrow. GPB Knowledge is available to those with digital television receivers at .3 of your local GPB transmitter, for example 20.3 in Augusta, or 8.3 in Atlanta.
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