Tonight on Lawmakers, after considerable debate, the Senate passes two pieces of property tax relief legislation… but it’s not over, one will be reconsidered next week; we visit an Atlanta area school that could serve as a model for some of Governor Sonny Perdue’s education initiatives and we’ll talk with Tom Crawford of CapitolImpact.com for his thoughts on the session.
Two property tax bills were passed on the Senate floor today, one originating from the Lt. Governor and Senate leadership, which deals with doubling homestead exemptions, and the other from the House leadership which tackles homeowner tax relief grants (HTRG). Senate Majority Leader Chip Rogers began debate on both bills with a motion to engross, meaning that neither Senate Bill 83 nor House Bill 143 could be amended. That drew disapproval from Senate Democrats. Both bills were ultimately engrossed. Senate Bill 83, which would double the current homestead exemption from $2,000 to $4,000 received the needed 2/3 vote. The fate of House Bill 143, which funds HTRGs for years when there is a budget surplus, garnered more opposition from Democrats and Republicans who called the bill both unconstitutional and obsolete. In the end, House Bill 143 narrowly passed but a motion to reconsider means it returns to the Senate floor on the next legislative day. Senate Bill 83 on the other hand now goes to the House.
Governor Perdue announced today that State revenue collections for January 2009 are down 14.3% compared with the same time period last year. We’ll have the figures- and some legislative reaction.
A bill revising guidelines of when a doctor can resuscitate a patient passes the House. House Bill 69 made corrections to a law governing when a patient may choose not to be resuscitated. The measure passed 158 to 4 and now moves to the Senate.
The General Assembly wrapped by legislative day 15 today but both chambers agreed that it’s time to slow things down a bit in order to work on the budget that has become the focal point of the session. See our post of the legislative schedule here.
Despite proposed education cuts to help close the budget shortfall, Governor Perdue has several legislative initiatives that would increase pay for well-trained teachers and principals. Today, Lawmakers’ Nwandi Lawson visited the engineering and early college small learning community at Atlanta Public School’s Maynard Jackson High School.
It’s the end of the third legislative week under the gold dome, a perfect time to check in with Tom Crawford, National Editor of CapitolImpact.com. David and Nwandi talk with Tom about transportation, property taxes and the legislative schedule.
And we’ll take a look back at this week under the gold dome. 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, February 6, 2009
Georgia General Assembly Adopts Legislative Schedule
The House and Senate today adopted House Resolution 238 which sets the following upcoming schedule for the Georgia General Assembly:
Tuesday, February 10.......... LEGISLATIVE DAY 16
Wednesday, February 11..... LEGISLATIVE DAY 17
Thursday, February 12........ LEGISLATIVE DAY 18
Tuesday, February 17........... LEGISLATIVE DAY 19
Wednesday, February 18...... LEGISLATIVE DAY 20
Thursday, February 19......... LEGISLATIVE DAY 21
Tuesday, February 24........... LEGISLATIVE DAY 22
Wednesday, February 25...... LEGISLATIVE DAY 23
Thursday, February 26......... LEGISLATIVE DAY 24
Tuesday, March 3................... LEGISLATIVE DAY 25
Wednesday, March 4.............. LEGISLATIVE DAY 26
Thursday, March 5................. LEGISLATIVE DAY 27
Monday, March 9.................... LEGISLATIVE DAY 28
Tuesday, March 10................. LEGISLATIVE DAY 29
Thursday, March 12............... LEGISLATIVE DAY 30
Tuesday, March 17................. LEGISLATIVE DAY 31
Wednesday, March 18............ LEGISLATIVE DAY 32
Thursday, March 19............... LEGISLATIVE DAY 33
Tuesday, March 24.................. LEGISLATIVE DAY 34
Wednesday, March 25............ LEGISLATIVE DAY 35
Representative Jerry Keen and Senate Majority Leader Chip Rogers both indicated that the last 5 legislative days will be reserved for the final week of the fiscal year in June, but that the General Assembly intends to complete their work by the 35th legislative day. It could be interpreted that the General Assembly is providing options while the country waits for Congress to act on the federal stimulus package.
Tuesday, February 10.......... LEGISLATIVE DAY 16
Wednesday, February 11..... LEGISLATIVE DAY 17
Thursday, February 12........ LEGISLATIVE DAY 18
Tuesday, February 17........... LEGISLATIVE DAY 19
Wednesday, February 18...... LEGISLATIVE DAY 20
Thursday, February 19......... LEGISLATIVE DAY 21
Tuesday, February 24........... LEGISLATIVE DAY 22
Wednesday, February 25...... LEGISLATIVE DAY 23
Thursday, February 26......... LEGISLATIVE DAY 24
Tuesday, March 3................... LEGISLATIVE DAY 25
Wednesday, March 4.............. LEGISLATIVE DAY 26
Thursday, March 5................. LEGISLATIVE DAY 27
Monday, March 9.................... LEGISLATIVE DAY 28
Tuesday, March 10................. LEGISLATIVE DAY 29
Thursday, March 12............... LEGISLATIVE DAY 30
Tuesday, March 17................. LEGISLATIVE DAY 31
Wednesday, March 18............ LEGISLATIVE DAY 32
Thursday, March 19............... LEGISLATIVE DAY 33
Tuesday, March 24.................. LEGISLATIVE DAY 34
Wednesday, March 25............ LEGISLATIVE DAY 35
Representative Jerry Keen and Senate Majority Leader Chip Rogers both indicated that the last 5 legislative days will be reserved for the final week of the fiscal year in June, but that the General Assembly intends to complete their work by the 35th legislative day. It could be interpreted that the General Assembly is providing options while the country waits for Congress to act on the federal stimulus package.
Thursday, February 5, 2009
Day 14- February 5, 2009
Tonight on Lawmakers, the House spares HOPE book grants… at least temporarily; Senate Democrats prepare to drop their second legislative ethics bill this session and we take a look at three bills that aim to relax restrictions on gun owners.
The HOPE scholarship grant book stipend is spared… at least temporarily. House today approved House Bill 157, a measure that would revise the trigger in the Lottery shortfall reserve subaccount that would reduce or even eliminate the school book purchase allotment allowed under HOPE. Representative Ben Harbin sponsors the legislation that preserves the $150 per student benefit as long as the lottery fund receives 92% of the highest year end balance each fiscal year.
The Senate today gave unanimous passage to a bill that allows students to carry self-administered injectible epinephrine for allergic reactions. Senate Bill 8 passed 51 to 0 and heads to the House.
Ethics reform measures continue from Senate Democrats. Senate Minority Whip David Adelman took the well this morning to encourage fellow senators to sign on a bill that closes a loophole that allows candidates to transfer campaign funds from their campaigns over to other campaigns.
A trio of bills now under consideration in the General Assembly would relax existing laws for licensed gun owners. Senate Bill 9, sponsored by Senator John Douglas repeals an existing law requiring that guns be holstered even while in some public places. House Bill 155, sponsored by Representative James Mills, allows gun permit applications to choose either a renewable five year license or a lifetime carry license at a cost of $40 per year. House Bill 182, sponsored by Representative Rick Austin, would allow the discharge of firearms on tracts of property five or more acres located within a municipality or county. Lawmakers’ Valarie Edwards has a preview of these bills.
Although the State budget would benefit from federal dollars, House Majority Leader Jerry Keen told reporters today that he’s not sure the General Assembly will have time to wait for Congress to act. He also addressed differences in the House and Senate transportation proposals.
Supporters of House Bill 39 say a $1 increase on a pack of cigarettes would bring the State $2.5 billion in long term healthcare savings. Today, organizers of the “Pass the Buck” campaign were joined by doctors to make the case for the imposition of the increased tobacco tax. Lawmakers’ Emily Banks has that story.
Georgians could soon receive flu vaccines without an individual doctor’s prescription under legislation approved by the House Health and Human Services Committee today. House Bill 217 is an initiative of Governor Sonny Perdue. The Access to Flu Vaccines Act would allow pharmacists and registered nurses to dispense flu shots without an individual doctor’s prescription. The committee also approved House Bill 194, Representative Fran Millar’s legislation, which would require the inclusion of additional information about generic drugs substituted for brand name prescriptions.
The Georgia Nuclear Energy Financing Act received a do-pass recommendation from the Senate Regulated Industries and Utilities Committee yesterday afternoon. Senate Bill 31 would allow utility companies to charge customers to cover the cost of building nuclear power plants- before the plants are built. Lawmakers’ Brittany Evans reports on the committee’s action.
If you cut, we’ll bleed- that was the mantra repeated by hemophiliacs today at the Capitol who gathered to opposed proposed budget cuts that would limit their access to the expensive medicine they need. Lawmakers Alan Friedman 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 television at 5:30 AM . You can also catch a repeat of Lawmakers on GPB Knowledge at 7 AM tomorrow 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.
The HOPE scholarship grant book stipend is spared… at least temporarily. House today approved House Bill 157, a measure that would revise the trigger in the Lottery shortfall reserve subaccount that would reduce or even eliminate the school book purchase allotment allowed under HOPE. Representative Ben Harbin sponsors the legislation that preserves the $150 per student benefit as long as the lottery fund receives 92% of the highest year end balance each fiscal year.
The Senate today gave unanimous passage to a bill that allows students to carry self-administered injectible epinephrine for allergic reactions. Senate Bill 8 passed 51 to 0 and heads to the House.
Ethics reform measures continue from Senate Democrats. Senate Minority Whip David Adelman took the well this morning to encourage fellow senators to sign on a bill that closes a loophole that allows candidates to transfer campaign funds from their campaigns over to other campaigns.
A trio of bills now under consideration in the General Assembly would relax existing laws for licensed gun owners. Senate Bill 9, sponsored by Senator John Douglas repeals an existing law requiring that guns be holstered even while in some public places. House Bill 155, sponsored by Representative James Mills, allows gun permit applications to choose either a renewable five year license or a lifetime carry license at a cost of $40 per year. House Bill 182, sponsored by Representative Rick Austin, would allow the discharge of firearms on tracts of property five or more acres located within a municipality or county. Lawmakers’ Valarie Edwards has a preview of these bills.
Although the State budget would benefit from federal dollars, House Majority Leader Jerry Keen told reporters today that he’s not sure the General Assembly will have time to wait for Congress to act. He also addressed differences in the House and Senate transportation proposals.
Supporters of House Bill 39 say a $1 increase on a pack of cigarettes would bring the State $2.5 billion in long term healthcare savings. Today, organizers of the “Pass the Buck” campaign were joined by doctors to make the case for the imposition of the increased tobacco tax. Lawmakers’ Emily Banks has that story.
Georgians could soon receive flu vaccines without an individual doctor’s prescription under legislation approved by the House Health and Human Services Committee today. House Bill 217 is an initiative of Governor Sonny Perdue. The Access to Flu Vaccines Act would allow pharmacists and registered nurses to dispense flu shots without an individual doctor’s prescription. The committee also approved House Bill 194, Representative Fran Millar’s legislation, which would require the inclusion of additional information about generic drugs substituted for brand name prescriptions.
The Georgia Nuclear Energy Financing Act received a do-pass recommendation from the Senate Regulated Industries and Utilities Committee yesterday afternoon. Senate Bill 31 would allow utility companies to charge customers to cover the cost of building nuclear power plants- before the plants are built. Lawmakers’ Brittany Evans reports on the committee’s action.
If you cut, we’ll bleed- that was the mantra repeated by hemophiliacs today at the Capitol who gathered to opposed proposed budget cuts that would limit their access to the expensive medicine they need. Lawmakers Alan Friedman 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 television at 5:30 AM . You can also catch a repeat of Lawmakers on GPB Knowledge at 7 AM tomorrow 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.
Wednesday, February 4, 2009
Day 13- February 4, 2008
Tonight on Lawmakers, Chief Justice Leah Ward Sears delivers her fourth and final State of the Judiciary Address, a bill that would reign in some illegal aspects of selling life insurance policies to investors and a look at legislation that would remove the statute of limitations on crimes committed against children.
In her fourth and final State of the Judiciary address, Chief Justice Leah Ward Sears of the Supreme Court of Georgia struck a reflective tone. Chief Justice Sears will be stepping down from the state’s highest court on June 30. She also reminded legislators of the importance of the courts and the fact that the judicial system budget is less than 1% of the overall state budget. Her only disappointment during her service: not being able to secure a pay increase for Georgia’s judges. We’ll have extended highlights of that address.
Lawmakers’ Valarie Edwards had the opportunity to sit down with Chief Justice Sears after the conclusion of the special joint session to talk about the legacy she leaves as she retires from the court on June 30. Legislators also reacted to the Chief Justice’s remarks and praised her tenure on the bench.
Stranger Originated Life Insurance, also known as STOLI, is a life insurance transfer process which threatens to increase life insurance rates for everyone. Put very simply, this is the practice of people seeking investors to pay for their life insurance policies with the condition that the investor is the beneficiary of the policy when the insured dies. Senator Ralph Hudgens sponsors Senate Bill 61, which helps reign in some illegal practices related to this process.
Three career academies, Floyd Charter College & Career Academy, Hapeville Charter Career Academy and Southeastern Early College & Career Academy made presentations before the joint House-Senate Education Committee. Career Academies were a legislative initiative of Lt. Governor Casey Cagle back in 2007. You can find out more about the Georgia Career Academy Program online at http://www.georgiacareeracademies.org/
Representative Ben Harbin of Evans has introduced House Bill 163, a measure that seeks to remove the statute of limitations on crimes committed against children under the age of 16. Current law only allows for prosecution for up to seven years after the victim reaches the age of 16. Lawmakers Tiana Fernandez has that story.
And today has Homeschool Day under the gold dome. Lawmakers’ Emily Banks has more.
All that and more tonight on Lawmakers at 7 PM.
Lawmakers repeats on GPB Radio at 8 PM tonight and tomorrow morning on GPB television at 5:30 AM or GPB Knowledge at 7 AM. 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.
In her fourth and final State of the Judiciary address, Chief Justice Leah Ward Sears of the Supreme Court of Georgia struck a reflective tone. Chief Justice Sears will be stepping down from the state’s highest court on June 30. She also reminded legislators of the importance of the courts and the fact that the judicial system budget is less than 1% of the overall state budget. Her only disappointment during her service: not being able to secure a pay increase for Georgia’s judges. We’ll have extended highlights of that address.
Lawmakers’ Valarie Edwards had the opportunity to sit down with Chief Justice Sears after the conclusion of the special joint session to talk about the legacy she leaves as she retires from the court on June 30. Legislators also reacted to the Chief Justice’s remarks and praised her tenure on the bench.
Stranger Originated Life Insurance, also known as STOLI, is a life insurance transfer process which threatens to increase life insurance rates for everyone. Put very simply, this is the practice of people seeking investors to pay for their life insurance policies with the condition that the investor is the beneficiary of the policy when the insured dies. Senator Ralph Hudgens sponsors Senate Bill 61, which helps reign in some illegal practices related to this process.
Three career academies, Floyd Charter College & Career Academy, Hapeville Charter Career Academy and Southeastern Early College & Career Academy made presentations before the joint House-Senate Education Committee. Career Academies were a legislative initiative of Lt. Governor Casey Cagle back in 2007. You can find out more about the Georgia Career Academy Program online at http://www.georgiacareeracademies.org/
Representative Ben Harbin of Evans has introduced House Bill 163, a measure that seeks to remove the statute of limitations on crimes committed against children under the age of 16. Current law only allows for prosecution for up to seven years after the victim reaches the age of 16. Lawmakers Tiana Fernandez has that story.
And today has Homeschool Day under the gold dome. Lawmakers’ Emily Banks has more.
All that and more tonight on Lawmakers at 7 PM.
Lawmakers repeats on GPB Radio at 8 PM tonight and tomorrow morning on GPB television at 5:30 AM or GPB Knowledge at 7 AM. 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.
State of the Judiciary LIVE
Chief Justice Leah Ward Sears will give her last State of the Judiciary address today – Wednesday, February 4 – at 10:30 AM before a joint session of the General Assembly in the House Chamber at the State Capitol. After 26 years as a judge, Chief Justice Sears is stepping down from the Supreme Court of Georgia on June 30, 2009, when her term as Chief comes to an end.In addition to saying good-bye to the Legislature and thanking the people of Georgia for the "extraordinary opportunity" of serving them on the state’s highest court, Chief Justice Sears will underscore the importance of the judiciary in these tough economic times.
Lawmakers will broadcast the speech live on GPB Knowledge. 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.
You can also watch the speech online by clicking here.
Tuesday, February 3, 2009
Day 12- February 3, 2009
Tonight on Lawmakers, the Senate passes legislation to create a transportation special local option sales tax, or T-SPLOST; a bill that would allow 11th and 12th grad students to move on to college or technical school classes while earning their diplomas; two senate bills aimed at helping those affected by home foreclosure; and our leadership interview series continues with House Majority Leader, Representative Jerry Keen.
After three years of studying, drafting and debating, the transportation local option sales tax, or T-SPLOST, bill passed the Senate today. The bipartisan, regional approach to transportation planning consists of Senate Bill 39 and Senate Resolution 44. We’ll have the highlights of that debate.
Legislation which creates a life without parole sentence also passed the Senate today. Senate Judiciary Chair Preston Smith is the author of Senate Bill 13.
Representative Jan Jones has introduced legislation aimed at giving parents and high school students more options when it comes to choosing a career path. House Bill 149 is more commonly known as the “Move on When Ready” Act. It would allow 11th and 12th graders to move on to college or technical school, earning higher education credits while finishing their high school diplomas. Lawmakers’ Valarie Edwards has more.
Senate Republicans and Democrats are crafting revisions to the Georgia Fair Lending Act in an effort to protect individuals and communities from the after shocks of foreclosure. The Democrats’ initiative is Senate Bill 54, the Republicans’ is Senate Bill 57. We’ll have information about both.
Senate Bill 83 is legislation that proposes to double the homestead exemption for Georgia homeowners from $2000 to $4000. The measure received a do pass recommendation from the Senate Finance Committee this afternoon. Lawmakers’ Brittany Evans reports.
Our leadership interview series continues tonight with House Majority Leader, Representative Jerry Keen. Nwandi Lawson sat down earlier today with Representative Keen and talked about transportation, budget and the likely legislative schedule.
The use of seatbelts may soon be required in pickup trucks in Georgia. Current law exempts drivers of pickup trucks from the mandatory use of seatbelts. Senate Bill 5 received a do pass recommendation from the Senate Public Safety Committee this afternoon. Lawmakers’ Tiana Fernandez has that story.
And today was Firefighters Day under the gold dome! Lawmakers’ Alan Friedman has more.
All that and more tonight on Lawmakers at 7 PM.
Lawmakers repeats on GPB Radio at 8 PM tonight and tomorrow morning on GPB television at 5:30 AM and GPB Knowledge at 7 AM. 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.
After three years of studying, drafting and debating, the transportation local option sales tax, or T-SPLOST, bill passed the Senate today. The bipartisan, regional approach to transportation planning consists of Senate Bill 39 and Senate Resolution 44. We’ll have the highlights of that debate.
Legislation which creates a life without parole sentence also passed the Senate today. Senate Judiciary Chair Preston Smith is the author of Senate Bill 13.
Representative Jan Jones has introduced legislation aimed at giving parents and high school students more options when it comes to choosing a career path. House Bill 149 is more commonly known as the “Move on When Ready” Act. It would allow 11th and 12th graders to move on to college or technical school, earning higher education credits while finishing their high school diplomas. Lawmakers’ Valarie Edwards has more.
Senate Republicans and Democrats are crafting revisions to the Georgia Fair Lending Act in an effort to protect individuals and communities from the after shocks of foreclosure. The Democrats’ initiative is Senate Bill 54, the Republicans’ is Senate Bill 57. We’ll have information about both.
Senate Bill 83 is legislation that proposes to double the homestead exemption for Georgia homeowners from $2000 to $4000. The measure received a do pass recommendation from the Senate Finance Committee this afternoon. Lawmakers’ Brittany Evans reports.
Our leadership interview series continues tonight with House Majority Leader, Representative Jerry Keen. Nwandi Lawson sat down earlier today with Representative Keen and talked about transportation, budget and the likely legislative schedule.
The use of seatbelts may soon be required in pickup trucks in Georgia. Current law exempts drivers of pickup trucks from the mandatory use of seatbelts. Senate Bill 5 received a do pass recommendation from the Senate Public Safety Committee this afternoon. Lawmakers’ Tiana Fernandez has that story.
And today was Firefighters Day under the gold dome! Lawmakers’ Alan Friedman has more.
All that and more tonight on Lawmakers at 7 PM.
Lawmakers repeats on GPB Radio at 8 PM tonight and tomorrow morning on GPB television at 5:30 AM and GPB Knowledge at 7 AM. 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, February 2, 2009
Day 11- February 2, 2009
Tonight on Lawmakers, state employee furloughs discussed as part of the solution for revenue shortfalls; Representative Vance Smith outlines a proposed statewide transportation plan; Senator Eric Johnson proposes a universal school voucher program and the House votes to allow oversight of mobile check cashers.
Senate Majority Leader Chip Rogers says economic development is the key to a long-term fix for Georgia’s economic woes. In the short term, state employee furloughs- primarily at the administrative level- are being seriously considered. Could a federal economic stimulus package change the current outlook? Possibly, but it could involve a special legislative session later this year.
As proposed, Senate Bill 83 would double the embattled Homeowners Tax Relief Grant (HTRG). Governor Sonny Perdue’s budget proposed an elimination of the current grant. House leadership has passed House Bill 143, which guarantees the subsidy, but only for one additional year.
House Transportation Committee Chair Representative Vance Smith unveiled a statewide transportation plan today. Calling for an increase of 1% in the statewide sales tax to fund transportation, the provision would be in place for 10 years. Called the 20/20 plan, revenue raised from the tax goes into a trust to fund the comprehensive transportation plan which includes economic development strategies and centralizing freight operations. Lawmakers’ Valarie Edwards has the details.
Senator Eric Johnson today introduced his universal school voucher legislation. Supporters say the program could be the key to a more successful school system. If passed, Senate Bill 90 would provide a $5000 voucher for those choosing to move their child or student to a private school. Opponents of the measure say that tax dollars shouldn’t go to private or religious-based schools. Lawmakers’ Brittany Evans reports.
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.
Senate Majority Leader Chip Rogers says economic development is the key to a long-term fix for Georgia’s economic woes. In the short term, state employee furloughs- primarily at the administrative level- are being seriously considered. Could a federal economic stimulus package change the current outlook? Possibly, but it could involve a special legislative session later this year.
As proposed, Senate Bill 83 would double the embattled Homeowners Tax Relief Grant (HTRG). Governor Sonny Perdue’s budget proposed an elimination of the current grant. House leadership has passed House Bill 143, which guarantees the subsidy, but only for one additional year.
House Transportation Committee Chair Representative Vance Smith unveiled a statewide transportation plan today. Calling for an increase of 1% in the statewide sales tax to fund transportation, the provision would be in place for 10 years. Called the 20/20 plan, revenue raised from the tax goes into a trust to fund the comprehensive transportation plan which includes economic development strategies and centralizing freight operations. Lawmakers’ Valarie Edwards has the details.
Senator Eric Johnson today introduced his universal school voucher legislation. Supporters say the program could be the key to a more successful school system. If passed, Senate Bill 90 would provide a $5000 voucher for those choosing to move their child or student to a private school. Opponents of the measure say that tax dollars shouldn’t go to private or religious-based schools. Lawmakers’ Brittany Evans reports.
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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