Tonight on Lawmakers, after considerable debate, the Senate passes legislation to overhaul the State’s financially troubled indigent defense system; the Governor, Lt. Governor and House Speaker join forces to change the structure of Georgia’s infrastructure agencies; Governor Sonny Perdue’s school board governance legislation passes out of committee; a move to close a veterans hospital in Milledgeville spurs impassioned speeches in the Senate; and we’ll talk with Tom Crawford of CapitolImpact.com for his thoughts on this week of the session.
The Senate today voted to extensively revise the Public Defender Standards Council. This independent agency within the executive branch of the state government provides constitutionally guaranteed legal representation to those who cannot afford it. The Council administers the indigent defense system. Senate Bill 42, sponsored by Senator Preston Smith, would restructure the financially troubled agency. Senate Democrats were vocal in their opposition to the measure. We’ll have the highlights of that debate.
Governor Sonny Perdue, Lt. Governor Casey Cagle and House Speaker Glenn Richardson joined forces today to announce a new structure to Georgia’s infrastructure agencies. Funding from the state’s motor fuel tax will be redirected to a new State Transportation Authority. Although the measure, which is being introduced in both the House and Senate, does not do away with The Georgia Department of Transportation, the power of the agency will be diminished. Lawmakers’ Valarie Edwards reports.
The Senate Education and Youth Committee gave a do pass recommendation this morning to legislation backed by Governor Sonny Perdue that would change school board governance in Georgia. Senate Bill 84 does contain one measure that has caused some controversy. That provision would allow the Governor or another school board member to remove a school board member from office.
The Senate Economic Development Committee today heard testimony on another piece of Governor Perdue’s legislation. Senate Bill 101 would bar any citizen from bringing a products liability claim against any pharmaceutical corporation with 200 or more employees in the state or who are headquartered in Georgia. Bill sponsor Senator Bill Cowsert, the Governor’s Floor Leader says the goal of the legislation is to entice more bio-companies to relocate to Georgia. However, opponents say that the bill basically creates a “get out of jail free card” for these corporations.
The House today passed House Bill 251 which would allow a parent or guardian to enroll their student in a public school within the district that is not assigned by the local board of education. The legislation which is sponsored by Representative Alisha Thomas Morgan is designed to give parents more "school choice" when possible.
Representative David Lucas has introduced legislation that would bring back the sales tax on food. During these difficult economic times, he says that the measure would create as $1 billion in much needed revenue and could help the State avoid furloughs and layoffs. He spoke about his legislation in a morning order.
Senator Horacena Tate took a point of personal privilege this morning to express her opinion that federal stimulus monies coming to Georgia should go towards programs and capital investment needs for higher education.
After Senate passage yesterday, Senate Bill 80 is now headed to the House. That bill will require food manufacturers to tell state officials when they find tainted food. The bill would be a big change in how food processors operate, and it comes after the recent salmonella outbreak in peanut products made at the Peanut Corporation of America's Blakely plant. GPB Radio's Rome Bureau Chief John Sepulvado has that story.
It’s the end of the fifth legislative week under the gold dome, a perfect time to check in with Tom Crawford, National Editor of CapitolImpact.com. Nwandi talks with Tom about federal stimulus funds headed to Georgia, legislation introduced yesterday by Representative Tom Graves that aims to create jobs and an initiative to de-emphasize the role of the Department of Transportation.
"It's the right thing to do," prosecution–based victim advocates said today about their work and two pieces of legislation that would expand the victim impact statement, the time when victims can address the court prior to sentencing. Lawmakers' Emily Banks reports.
The fifth annual Children's Policy Watch at the Capitol took place this morning, featuring a keynote by Congressman Sanford Bishop, who discussed how the state can use funds from the federal economic stimulus package to help Georgia's children. Lawmaker's Alan Friedman has more.
The economic situation has, of course, left no age group unaffected. Those who are on the brink of joining the workforce brought their concerns to the Capitol steps today. Lawmakers' Brittany Evans has that story.
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 watch a repeat of Lawmakers tomorrow morning on 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.
Thursday, February 19, 2009
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
Day 20- February 18, 2009
Tonight on Lawmakers, following the recent salmonella scare, the Senate passes a bill that would give the State Department of Agriculture more power; Georgia could be one step closer to a statewide sales tax to fund transportation projects; Representative Tom Graves introduces two corporate tax bills designed to create jobs for Georgians; And our leadership series of interviews continues with Senate Majority Leader Chip Rogers.
The Senate passed a bill today which aims to create more oversight of food processing facilities by the Department of Agriculture. Senate Agriculture Committee Chair John Bulloch sponsors Senate Bill 80, which was created in direct reaction to the samonella outbreak originating at a peanut processing plant in Blakley, Georgia.
The Georgia 20/20 Statewide Transportation Act, House Bill 277, and the accompanying Constitutional Amendment, House Resolution 206, unanimously passed the House Special Subcommittee on Transportation Funding by a 9-0 vote on Monday. That legislation is a broad-ranging plan for transportation and infrastructure projects funded by a 1% statewide sales tax. Voters would have to approve the sales tax. Transportation Chair and Bill Sponsor Vance Smith brought the Act before the full House Transportation Committee this afternoon. Lawmakers Valarie Edwards reports.
It’s Day 20 for the Georgia General Assembly and while many legislators are used to the fast paced environment, others were left feeling overwhelmed by the commotion. Lawmakers’ Minoo Hosseini talks with some freshmen legislators about their experiences under the gold dome at the session’s half way point.
The House today approved three measures. House Bill 301 changes the name of "The State Board of Technical and Adult Education" to "The State Board of the Technical College System of Georgia." That bill passed without opposition and moves to the Senate. Representative Wendell Willard spearheaded passage of House Bill 185, delineating the judicial chain of command in case of a public health emergency. Also passed was House Bill 237, which provides income for families adopting children who have been hard to place, including children with special needs.
The Senate today also approved Senate Bill 55, which would require county tax assessors to consider foreclosure or bank-owned sales of comparable property in determining fair market value. That could mean a decrease in property taxes for some homeowners eventually, but that change could take years.
Senator Gloria Butler took a point of personal privilege this morning to express her opinion that federal stimulus monies coming to Georgia should go towards under funded government services and programs.
Our leadership series of interviews continues with Senate Majority Leader Chip Rogers. Lawmakers David Zelski had an opportunity to sit down with Senator Brown this afternoon to discuss the use of federal stimulus funds, tax relief for Georgia homeowners and Senator Rogers’ new role as Majority Leader.
It started with Representative Charlice Byrd's speech on the House floor and a rebuttal from Representative Karla Drenner, but questions about specific courses being taught in Georgia's public universities has gained national attention. Featured on CNN this morning, the courses in question include "queer theory", "oral sex" and "male prostitution". Sociology professors from Georgia State University were asked to testify before the Senate Higher Education Committee late this afternoon. Although the General Assembly has no control over specific courses offered at the state's universities, they do control the overall budget of the University System.
Legislation that would legalize Sunday alcohol sales got a hearing in the Senate Regulated Industries Committee late this afternoon. Senate Bill 16, sponsored by Senator Seth Harp, would allow counties or municipalities to decide whether to allow retailers to sell alcohol on Sundays. This is the third year that senator harp has introduced such legislation, but it has failed to pass out of committee. Attempts to amend the measure to other legislation have also failed. The measure has bi–partisan support, both within the legislature and from political parties. Those in opposition include the Christian Coalition, who believes that sales of alcohol on Sunday are in conflict with the idea that Sundays are sacred.
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 watch a repeat of Lawmakers tomorrow morning on 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.
The Senate passed a bill today which aims to create more oversight of food processing facilities by the Department of Agriculture. Senate Agriculture Committee Chair John Bulloch sponsors Senate Bill 80, which was created in direct reaction to the samonella outbreak originating at a peanut processing plant in Blakley, Georgia.
The Georgia 20/20 Statewide Transportation Act, House Bill 277, and the accompanying Constitutional Amendment, House Resolution 206, unanimously passed the House Special Subcommittee on Transportation Funding by a 9-0 vote on Monday. That legislation is a broad-ranging plan for transportation and infrastructure projects funded by a 1% statewide sales tax. Voters would have to approve the sales tax. Transportation Chair and Bill Sponsor Vance Smith brought the Act before the full House Transportation Committee this afternoon. Lawmakers Valarie Edwards reports.
It’s Day 20 for the Georgia General Assembly and while many legislators are used to the fast paced environment, others were left feeling overwhelmed by the commotion. Lawmakers’ Minoo Hosseini talks with some freshmen legislators about their experiences under the gold dome at the session’s half way point.
The House today approved three measures. House Bill 301 changes the name of "The State Board of Technical and Adult Education" to "The State Board of the Technical College System of Georgia." That bill passed without opposition and moves to the Senate. Representative Wendell Willard spearheaded passage of House Bill 185, delineating the judicial chain of command in case of a public health emergency. Also passed was House Bill 237, which provides income for families adopting children who have been hard to place, including children with special needs.
The Senate today also approved Senate Bill 55, which would require county tax assessors to consider foreclosure or bank-owned sales of comparable property in determining fair market value. That could mean a decrease in property taxes for some homeowners eventually, but that change could take years.
Senator Gloria Butler took a point of personal privilege this morning to express her opinion that federal stimulus monies coming to Georgia should go towards under funded government services and programs.
Our leadership series of interviews continues with Senate Majority Leader Chip Rogers. Lawmakers David Zelski had an opportunity to sit down with Senator Brown this afternoon to discuss the use of federal stimulus funds, tax relief for Georgia homeowners and Senator Rogers’ new role as Majority Leader.
It started with Representative Charlice Byrd's speech on the House floor and a rebuttal from Representative Karla Drenner, but questions about specific courses being taught in Georgia's public universities has gained national attention. Featured on CNN this morning, the courses in question include "queer theory", "oral sex" and "male prostitution". Sociology professors from Georgia State University were asked to testify before the Senate Higher Education Committee late this afternoon. Although the General Assembly has no control over specific courses offered at the state's universities, they do control the overall budget of the University System.
Legislation that would legalize Sunday alcohol sales got a hearing in the Senate Regulated Industries Committee late this afternoon. Senate Bill 16, sponsored by Senator Seth Harp, would allow counties or municipalities to decide whether to allow retailers to sell alcohol on Sundays. This is the third year that senator harp has introduced such legislation, but it has failed to pass out of committee. Attempts to amend the measure to other legislation have also failed. The measure has bi–partisan support, both within the legislature and from political parties. Those in opposition include the Christian Coalition, who believes that sales of alcohol on Sunday are in conflict with the idea that Sundays are sacred.
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 watch a repeat of Lawmakers tomorrow morning on 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.
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
Day 19- February 17, 2009
Tonight on Lawmakers, President Barack Obama signs the federal stimulus bill, Governor Perdue, Lt. Governor Casey Cagle and House Speaker Glenn Richardson talk about the impact here in Georgia; the House votes to reconsider their action on legislation that could allow voters to decide to freeze property tax assessments; GPB Radio News Director Susanna Capelouto joins us to talk about the lack of science teachers from Georgia’s Universities; peanut producers join forces with legislators to make the case for the safety of peanut products; and GPB completes the transition to digital television, we talk with Assistant General Manager Bob Olive.
Earlier today Governor Sonny Perdue adjusted State revenue projections downward for fiscal year 09, increasing the current budget shortfall of $2.2 billion by an additional $450 million. But with President Barack Obama’s signing of the stimulus bill in Denver this afternoon, Georgia will soon receive help from the federal government. Lawmakers’ Valarie Edwards reports on the future of those federal dollars here in Georgia.
The House today voted to reconsider their action on House Resolution 1, which would create a referendum for voters to decide if increases in assessed values of real property for ad valorem tax purposes should be capped at the lesser of 3% or the rate of inflation. That legislation failed to garner the necessary 2/3 majority to pass the House last Thursday. House Bill 233, which provides for a moratorium on all increases in assessed values of real property from 2009 through 2011, did pass on Thursday. That legislation would also allow for the reduction of assessed values and requires that each parcel be reassessed at least once during the time period. The House failed to reconsider their action in passing HB 233 last week, so that legislation moves to the Senate. HR 1 is back in the House Rules Committee.
The House today approved Governor Perdue–backed legislation that seeks to grant pharmacists and nurses the ability to administer flu shots through the use of a written protocol rather than a patient–specific prescription. Supporters say that House Bill 217 will increase Georgians' access to the flu vaccine. Governor Perdue's floor leader, Representative Jimmy Pruett sponsors the bill. The House also approved House Bill 294 would require that the General Assembly approve any consolidation, creation, suspension or discontinuation of a technical college or institution under the State Board of Technical and Adult Education. Representative Butch Parrish sponsors the measure.
The Senate today approved Senate Bill 58 and Senate Bill 4. Senator Dan Weber sponsored Senate Bill 58 which deals with provisions for the delivery of services and disposition of properties in new municipalities. Senator Steve Henson raised questions about the need for the legislation. Senate Bill 4, sponsored by Senator Gloria Butler, would require constables or marshals to notify protected persons upon service of certain protective orders.
In his remarks at the annual Eggs and Issues breakfast at the beginning of the 2009 session, Governor Sonny Perdue noted that Georgia's Universities are producing very few science teachers. GPB Radio's News Director Susanna Capelouto has been visiting colleges and looking into the issues that surround the recruitment, education and retention of science teachers for Georgia's classrooms. David Zelski talks with Susanna about what she has discovered.
Since 1971, every one of the approximately 1500 Lawmakers broadcasts have been transmitted over Georgia Educational Television's, Georgia Public Television's, and now Georgia Public Broadcasting's analog transmitters. Today's Lawmakers program will be the last ever broadcast over the analog spectrum. GPB is permanently shutting down its analog transmitters tonight at midnight. Nwandi Lawson talks with Bob Olive, GPB's Assistant General Manager about the change to all digital transmission of our television programming.
A coalition of religious and human rights leaders held a press conference today to call on lawmakers to address threats to fairness and due process in the State's capital punishment system. Martina Correia, sister of Georgia death row inmate Troy Davis, and Senator Vincent Fort, sponsor of a death penalty moratorium bill, spoke out about the need for reform. Lawmakers’ Andrea Hummel-Shelton has that story.
From 9 to 10 AM this morning was designated as the “Peanut Power Hour” under the gold dome. Legislators and peanut producers joined forces to reassure the public that peanut products are safe to eat. 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. You can also watch a repeat of Lawmakers tomorrow morning on 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.
Earlier today Governor Sonny Perdue adjusted State revenue projections downward for fiscal year 09, increasing the current budget shortfall of $2.2 billion by an additional $450 million. But with President Barack Obama’s signing of the stimulus bill in Denver this afternoon, Georgia will soon receive help from the federal government. Lawmakers’ Valarie Edwards reports on the future of those federal dollars here in Georgia.
The House today voted to reconsider their action on House Resolution 1, which would create a referendum for voters to decide if increases in assessed values of real property for ad valorem tax purposes should be capped at the lesser of 3% or the rate of inflation. That legislation failed to garner the necessary 2/3 majority to pass the House last Thursday. House Bill 233, which provides for a moratorium on all increases in assessed values of real property from 2009 through 2011, did pass on Thursday. That legislation would also allow for the reduction of assessed values and requires that each parcel be reassessed at least once during the time period. The House failed to reconsider their action in passing HB 233 last week, so that legislation moves to the Senate. HR 1 is back in the House Rules Committee.
The House today approved Governor Perdue–backed legislation that seeks to grant pharmacists and nurses the ability to administer flu shots through the use of a written protocol rather than a patient–specific prescription. Supporters say that House Bill 217 will increase Georgians' access to the flu vaccine. Governor Perdue's floor leader, Representative Jimmy Pruett sponsors the bill. The House also approved House Bill 294 would require that the General Assembly approve any consolidation, creation, suspension or discontinuation of a technical college or institution under the State Board of Technical and Adult Education. Representative Butch Parrish sponsors the measure.
The Senate today approved Senate Bill 58 and Senate Bill 4. Senator Dan Weber sponsored Senate Bill 58 which deals with provisions for the delivery of services and disposition of properties in new municipalities. Senator Steve Henson raised questions about the need for the legislation. Senate Bill 4, sponsored by Senator Gloria Butler, would require constables or marshals to notify protected persons upon service of certain protective orders.
In his remarks at the annual Eggs and Issues breakfast at the beginning of the 2009 session, Governor Sonny Perdue noted that Georgia's Universities are producing very few science teachers. GPB Radio's News Director Susanna Capelouto has been visiting colleges and looking into the issues that surround the recruitment, education and retention of science teachers for Georgia's classrooms. David Zelski talks with Susanna about what she has discovered.
Since 1971, every one of the approximately 1500 Lawmakers broadcasts have been transmitted over Georgia Educational Television's, Georgia Public Television's, and now Georgia Public Broadcasting's analog transmitters. Today's Lawmakers program will be the last ever broadcast over the analog spectrum. GPB is permanently shutting down its analog transmitters tonight at midnight. Nwandi Lawson talks with Bob Olive, GPB's Assistant General Manager about the change to all digital transmission of our television programming.
A coalition of religious and human rights leaders held a press conference today to call on lawmakers to address threats to fairness and due process in the State's capital punishment system. Martina Correia, sister of Georgia death row inmate Troy Davis, and Senator Vincent Fort, sponsor of a death penalty moratorium bill, spoke out about the need for reform. Lawmakers’ Andrea Hummel-Shelton has that story.
From 9 to 10 AM this morning was designated as the “Peanut Power Hour” under the gold dome. Legislators and peanut producers joined forces to reassure the public that peanut products are safe to eat. 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. You can also watch a repeat of Lawmakers tomorrow morning on 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.
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