Tonight on Lawmakers, the House passes the FY 2009 amended budget; legislation that would allow utility companies to charge current customers for future nuclear energy projects receives final passage; the Senate votes to strengthen the State’s Trauma Care Network and a leadership shakeup at the Georgia Department of Transportation, GPB Radio’s John Sepulvado has the details; and we’ll talk with Tom Crawford of CapitolImpact.com for his thoughts on this week of the session.
The House has passed the midyear budget. House Bill 118, the Supplemental Appropriations legislation for fiscal year 2009, is an $18.9 billion spending plan that uses hundred of millions of dollars of federal stimulus money to soften the blow of deep spending cuts. Declining tax revenues have forced the Appropriations committees in both the House and Senate to cut $2.6 billion in state spending to avoid a deficit situation. The bill now goes to the Senate, where it is expected on the floor next Thursday.
The House also gave final legislative passage to the Georgia Nuclear Financing Act, Senate Bill 31 today. The controversial legislation sponsored by Senator Don Balfour was the subject of hours of debate in the House today. The measure would allow utility companies like Georgia Power to charge current ratepayers for future nuclear construction projects. Lawmakers' Brittany Evans has that story.
Nine bills passed on the Senate floor today, including one House bill. We’ll have the highlights of today’s floor action. Senate Bill 68 would revise the guidelines of alcohol sales restrictions when it comes to proximity of certain housing authorities; Senate Bill 69 would expand the definition of sexual exploitation; Senate Bill 164 sets a 75 foot height regulation for highway billboards and creates a $4000 fee for vegetation removal; Senate Bill 165 creates an extra layer of evaluation for Medicaid and PeachCare applicants; and wrapping up today’s debate was House Bill 233, a measure that would place a two year moratorium on assessment increases for property tax purposes.
The Senate today also overwhelmingly passed a measure creating a new statewide trauma care agency. Senate Bill 156 does three main things: 1) extensively revises the duties of the State’s existing Trauma Care Network Commission, 2) abolishes the Georgia Trauma Trust Fund and 3) establishes a new agency- the State Office of EMS/Trauma. Lawmakers’ Valarie Edwards reports.
It’s the end of the sixth legislative week under the gold dome, a perfect time to check in with Tom Crawford, National Editor of CapitolImpact.com. David talks with Tom about federal stimulus funds headed to Georgia, tort reform and the proposed State Transportation Authority.
And a shakeup at the Georgia Department of Transportation. GPB Radio's Rome Bureau Chief John Sepulvado was there when the announcement came about the removal of Gena Evans as DOT Commissioner. He talks with Lawmakers’ Nwandi Lawson.
Governor Sonny Perdue backed legislation last year that would waive landowners’ liability for any death or injury to a hunter or fisherman on their property. Time ran out on the legislation last session, but today, the Senate Judiciary Committee gave a do-pass recommendation to Senate Bill 75, The Landowners Protection Act. Lawmakers’ Emily Banks has more.
The Senate Ethics Committee gave a do-pass recommendation to Senate Bill 96 today. Sponsored by Senator Kasim Reed, the bill contains several measures intended to provide ethics reform in local and State government, particularly in relation to lobbyists.
Students from local elementary schools joined forces with senior citizens to show their support for the Parent Protection Act. House Bill 37 would allow 24 hours of unpaid leave for employees to attend their child’s school events, their own medical appointments to an elderly parent’s doctor appointments without fear of losing their job. Lawmakers’ Tiana Fernandez 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 26, 2009
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
Day 23- February 25, 2009
Tonight on Lawmakers, school board governance legislation passes the Senate; Governor Perdue speaks to state agency heads about how to handle federal economic stimulus funds headed to Georgia; the House passes two education measures- one aimed at student physical fitness, the other at decreasing the high school dropout rate; and our leadership series of interviews continues with House Democratic Caucus Chair Calvin Smyre.
Legislative reaction to last year's Clayton County School Board problems continued in the Senate today with the passage of Senate Bill 84. This bill, which is an initiative from Governor Perdue, would address a number of concerns brought up by the commission for school board excellence, ranging from conflict of interest, nepotism, the size of local school boards, and board member qualifications. 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. We’ll have the highlights of today’s Senate debate.
Governor Sonny Perdue spoke to state agency heads about how to handle federal economic stimulus funds that are headed to Georgia. He said, bottom line: no shortcuts, no secrets. Lawmakers’ Valarie Edwards has that story.
Legislation which targets those involved in email fraud also passed the Senate today. Senator Cecil Staton sponsors Senate Bill 59 which provides criminal and civil penalties for misleading headers and falsifying information within electronic mail. Also passed by the Senate today was Senate Bill 23. The original intent of the bill is to bring evidence of not wearing a seat belt into lawsuits, however, a committee substitute added in the Senate Judiciary Committee exempted pickup trucks used for agricultural purposes from the requirement. Bill sponsor Senator Lee Hawkins disagreed with that move and attempted to amended his own bill on the Senate floor.
When legislation providing taxpayer-funded school vouchers for special needs students passed the Georgia General Assembly last year, opponents feared that the move would open the door for more voucher programs. The Senate Education and Youth Committee today considered a new universal voucher bill. Senate Bill 90, sponsored by Senator Eric Johnson, generated lengthy and sometimes heated debate. Lawmakers' Emily Banks reports.
Legislation that would add hundreds of dollars to the cost of a speeding ticket passed out of the House Public Safety and Homeland Security Committee today. House Bill 160, referred to as the “Super Speeder” bill targets drivers who habitually drive in excess of 80 miles per hour. The legislation is backed by Governor Sonny Perdue and sponsored by his floor leader, Representative Jim Cole. Lawmakers’ Minoo Hosseini has more.
Our leadership series of interviews continues with House Democratic Caucus Chair, Representative Calvin Smyre. Lawmakers’ Nwandi Lawson had a chance to sit down with Representative Smyre this afternoon to talk about the federal economic stimulus, the State’s budget situation and job creation in Georgia.
This afternoon the Senate Banking and Financial Institutions Committee gave a do pass recommendation to two bills related to the current housing crisis. Senate Bill 57, the Georgia Fair Lending Act is designed to protect borrowers from subprime loans. Senate Bill 141 would allow renters to remain in foreclosed homes up to 60 days after foreclosure. Lawmakers' Brittany Evans reports.
Today was the 11th annual Disability Day at the Capitol. An estimated crowd of over 1500 gathered to hear speakers talk about access to housing and services for Georgia’s disabled. Lawmakers’ Andrea Hummel-Shelton brings us the highlights of that event.
And it was Skin Cancer Awareness Day at the Capitol. Medical professionals offered information on the disease, skin checks and the chance to talk with a dermatologist. Lawmakers’ Alan Friedman 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.
Legislative reaction to last year's Clayton County School Board problems continued in the Senate today with the passage of Senate Bill 84. This bill, which is an initiative from Governor Perdue, would address a number of concerns brought up by the commission for school board excellence, ranging from conflict of interest, nepotism, the size of local school boards, and board member qualifications. 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. We’ll have the highlights of today’s Senate debate.
Governor Sonny Perdue spoke to state agency heads about how to handle federal economic stimulus funds that are headed to Georgia. He said, bottom line: no shortcuts, no secrets. Lawmakers’ Valarie Edwards has that story.
Legislation which targets those involved in email fraud also passed the Senate today. Senator Cecil Staton sponsors Senate Bill 59 which provides criminal and civil penalties for misleading headers and falsifying information within electronic mail. Also passed by the Senate today was Senate Bill 23. The original intent of the bill is to bring evidence of not wearing a seat belt into lawsuits, however, a committee substitute added in the Senate Judiciary Committee exempted pickup trucks used for agricultural purposes from the requirement. Bill sponsor Senator Lee Hawkins disagreed with that move and attempted to amended his own bill on the Senate floor.
When legislation providing taxpayer-funded school vouchers for special needs students passed the Georgia General Assembly last year, opponents feared that the move would open the door for more voucher programs. The Senate Education and Youth Committee today considered a new universal voucher bill. Senate Bill 90, sponsored by Senator Eric Johnson, generated lengthy and sometimes heated debate. Lawmakers' Emily Banks reports.
Legislation that would add hundreds of dollars to the cost of a speeding ticket passed out of the House Public Safety and Homeland Security Committee today. House Bill 160, referred to as the “Super Speeder” bill targets drivers who habitually drive in excess of 80 miles per hour. The legislation is backed by Governor Sonny Perdue and sponsored by his floor leader, Representative Jim Cole. Lawmakers’ Minoo Hosseini has more.
Our leadership series of interviews continues with House Democratic Caucus Chair, Representative Calvin Smyre. Lawmakers’ Nwandi Lawson had a chance to sit down with Representative Smyre this afternoon to talk about the federal economic stimulus, the State’s budget situation and job creation in Georgia.
This afternoon the Senate Banking and Financial Institutions Committee gave a do pass recommendation to two bills related to the current housing crisis. Senate Bill 57, the Georgia Fair Lending Act is designed to protect borrowers from subprime loans. Senate Bill 141 would allow renters to remain in foreclosed homes up to 60 days after foreclosure. Lawmakers' Brittany Evans reports.
Today was the 11th annual Disability Day at the Capitol. An estimated crowd of over 1500 gathered to hear speakers talk about access to housing and services for Georgia’s disabled. Lawmakers’ Andrea Hummel-Shelton brings us the highlights of that event.
And it was Skin Cancer Awareness Day at the Capitol. Medical professionals offered information on the disease, skin checks and the chance to talk with a dermatologist. Lawmakers’ Alan Friedman 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.
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
Day 22- February 24, 2009
Tonight on Lawmakers, State Labor Commissioner Michael Thurmond urges Governor Sonny Perdue to accept federal stimulus monies for unemployment; the first of the Governor’s tort reform bills fails to pass out of committee; a hearing on the Governor’s initiative to overhaul the State’s transportation agencies, the Metro Atlanta Chamber sponsors a forum on school board governance legislation and two bills which aim to help Atlanta’s transit system, MARTA, pass the Senate.
At the national Governor’s Conference over the weekend, republican Governors formed a block against the so-called strings attached to certain federal stimulus monies. Governor Sonny Perdue was among those who stated that they would refuse some of the funds because of the change it would necessitate to Georgia law in requiring unemployment benefits for part-time workers and trade school students. State Labor Commissioner Michael Thurmond urged Governor Perdue to accept the federal dollars to help keep the State’s Unemployment Trust Fund solvent.
The Senate Economic Development Committee today failed to pass the first of two tort reform initiatives of Governor Sonny Perdue. 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 said 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. In failing the pass the legislation, Bill Clark of the Georgia Trail Lawyers Association said that he’s “pleased the Committee decided to stand up for the rights of the people of Georgia”. The bill failed to pass by a vote of 7 to 4.
Governor Sonny Perdue, Lt. Governor Casey Cagle and House Speaker Glenn Richardson joined forces last week 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. The Senate Transportation Committee held a hearing on Senate Bill 200 this afternoon. Lawmakers’ Valarie Edwards reports.
Two bills which aim to help Atlanta’s transit system, MARTA, passed the Senate today. The first, Senate Bill 89, allows the sale of food and beverages inside MARTA transit stations. Bill Sponsor Senator Gloria Butler explained that the measure is a way to help generate much needed revenue. The second piece of legislation, Senate Bill 120, revises the MARTA Act of 1965 to eliminate tax provisions which bill sponsor Senator Doug Stoner says don’t pertain to the laws of today.
The Senate today also passed legislation which puts a prohibition on the establishment of “sanctuary cities”. Bill sponsor Senator Chip Pearson explained that a sanctuary city is one that offers a safe haven to illegal immigrants. Currently there are no sanctuary cities in Georgia and Senator Emanuel Jones says a measure like Senate Bill 20 sends the wrong message.
The House today passed House Bill 100, legislation which would allow small businesses to contribute to scholarship funds for public school students to move to private schools. Opponents say the tax credits will create a $50 million hole in the State budget. Bill sponsor Representative Earl Ehrhart said that there are no consequences to the budget and that the measure is just good business sense.
There were mixed opinions on the Senate floor today about gasoline blending regulations. Senate Bill 30, sponsored by Senator Ross Tolleson, was the subject of more than an hour of debate and three amendment attempts. All amendments were voted down and the legislation passed by a vote of 35 to 13.
Cadaver fluids could soon be the next tool to help train law enforcement dogs when it comes to finding bodies. Senate Bill 38 is sponsored by Senator Seth Harp. The measure passed the Senate 43 to 0 today.
The Senate Education and Youth Committee gave a do pass recommendation last week 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. This morning, the Metro Atlanta Chamber of Commerce sponsored a forum to discuss the legislation. We’ll have the highlights.
Senator Eric Johnson is proposing legislation to protect the secret ballot in union organizing elections. Senate Resolution 108 is a direct response to the Employee Free Choice Act expected to pass in Congress. This measure replaces the secret ballots with publicly signed union cards. Senator Johnson says his legislation works to protect Georgia employees. The resolution has been assigned to the Senate Insurance and Labor Committee.
A bill that would have Georgia Power customers pay in advance for a planned nuclear expansion near Augusta cleared a major hurdle on Monday. The House Energy and Utility Telecommunications Committee voted 15 to 3 to approve Senate Bill 31. The move attempts to sidestep a planned Public Service Commission hearing on the issue early next month. Supporters say the measure will cut approximately $300 million from the project’s estimated $14 billion price tag. The legislation has already passed the Senate and now goes to House Rules. If approved by the House and signed by Governor Perdue, the Georgia Nuclear Energy Financing Act would increase the average monthly electric bill by $1.30 a month starting in 2011. The rate would continue to increase until the plant’s scheduled completion in 2017.
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.
At the national Governor’s Conference over the weekend, republican Governors formed a block against the so-called strings attached to certain federal stimulus monies. Governor Sonny Perdue was among those who stated that they would refuse some of the funds because of the change it would necessitate to Georgia law in requiring unemployment benefits for part-time workers and trade school students. State Labor Commissioner Michael Thurmond urged Governor Perdue to accept the federal dollars to help keep the State’s Unemployment Trust Fund solvent.
The Senate Economic Development Committee today failed to pass the first of two tort reform initiatives of Governor Sonny Perdue. 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 said 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. In failing the pass the legislation, Bill Clark of the Georgia Trail Lawyers Association said that he’s “pleased the Committee decided to stand up for the rights of the people of Georgia”. The bill failed to pass by a vote of 7 to 4.
Governor Sonny Perdue, Lt. Governor Casey Cagle and House Speaker Glenn Richardson joined forces last week 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. The Senate Transportation Committee held a hearing on Senate Bill 200 this afternoon. Lawmakers’ Valarie Edwards reports.
Two bills which aim to help Atlanta’s transit system, MARTA, passed the Senate today. The first, Senate Bill 89, allows the sale of food and beverages inside MARTA transit stations. Bill Sponsor Senator Gloria Butler explained that the measure is a way to help generate much needed revenue. The second piece of legislation, Senate Bill 120, revises the MARTA Act of 1965 to eliminate tax provisions which bill sponsor Senator Doug Stoner says don’t pertain to the laws of today.
The Senate today also passed legislation which puts a prohibition on the establishment of “sanctuary cities”. Bill sponsor Senator Chip Pearson explained that a sanctuary city is one that offers a safe haven to illegal immigrants. Currently there are no sanctuary cities in Georgia and Senator Emanuel Jones says a measure like Senate Bill 20 sends the wrong message.
The House today passed House Bill 100, legislation which would allow small businesses to contribute to scholarship funds for public school students to move to private schools. Opponents say the tax credits will create a $50 million hole in the State budget. Bill sponsor Representative Earl Ehrhart said that there are no consequences to the budget and that the measure is just good business sense.
There were mixed opinions on the Senate floor today about gasoline blending regulations. Senate Bill 30, sponsored by Senator Ross Tolleson, was the subject of more than an hour of debate and three amendment attempts. All amendments were voted down and the legislation passed by a vote of 35 to 13.
Cadaver fluids could soon be the next tool to help train law enforcement dogs when it comes to finding bodies. Senate Bill 38 is sponsored by Senator Seth Harp. The measure passed the Senate 43 to 0 today.
The Senate Education and Youth Committee gave a do pass recommendation last week 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. This morning, the Metro Atlanta Chamber of Commerce sponsored a forum to discuss the legislation. We’ll have the highlights.
Senator Eric Johnson is proposing legislation to protect the secret ballot in union organizing elections. Senate Resolution 108 is a direct response to the Employee Free Choice Act expected to pass in Congress. This measure replaces the secret ballots with publicly signed union cards. Senator Johnson says his legislation works to protect Georgia employees. The resolution has been assigned to the Senate Insurance and Labor Committee.
A bill that would have Georgia Power customers pay in advance for a planned nuclear expansion near Augusta cleared a major hurdle on Monday. The House Energy and Utility Telecommunications Committee voted 15 to 3 to approve Senate Bill 31. The move attempts to sidestep a planned Public Service Commission hearing on the issue early next month. Supporters say the measure will cut approximately $300 million from the project’s estimated $14 billion price tag. The legislation has already passed the Senate and now goes to House Rules. If approved by the House and signed by Governor Perdue, the Georgia Nuclear Energy Financing Act would increase the average monthly electric bill by $1.30 a month starting in 2011. The rate would continue to increase until the plant’s scheduled completion in 2017.
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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