Tonight on Lawmakers, the House votes to compensate John Jerome White, who was wrongfully convicted and served over ten years in prison; the Senate votes to give state income tax credits for scholarship fund donations; our leadership series of interviews continues with Senate President Pro Tem Tommie Williams; our legislative scorecard as of day 34; and we’ll talk with Tom Crawford of CapitolImpact.com for his thoughts on this week under the gold dome.
A man who served 10 years in prison after being wrongfully convicted of rape, burglary and aggravated assault is one step closer to receiving compensation from the State. But passage of House Resolution 161 was preceded by serious questions about whether John Jerome White deserves an annuity package valued at over $700,000.
The House today also passed Senate Bill 193, legislation which would allow inmates to transfer to transitional centers or work release programs during the offender’s final year of incarceration.
Legislation giving individuals and corporations the option to donate to student scholarship organizations for tax credit passed the Senate today, but not without heavy opposition from Democrats. Senator Steve Thompson says House Bill 100 is just another step closer towards a statewide school voucher system.
The Senate today passed House Bill 71; legislation that supporters say removes a loophole used a defense by producers of false identification or documents. Under this bill, having the word “novelty” printed on false ID will no longer be a defense for charges of manufacturing, selling or distributing false identification documents. Changes in Senate Committee send that bill back to the House.
The Senate today failed to pass House Bill 550. This measure, which relates to the conversion of a mutual insurer to a stock insurer, seeks to provide an additional method of payment by a mutual insurer of the equity, namely, a paid-up life insurance policy with a cash value equal to 100% of the policyholder’s equity.
Senate Majority Leader Chip Rogers spoke out yesterday about Georgia’s rising unemployment, which is now at a record 9.3%. He spoke about the JOBS Act, House Bill 481, which he says will help create jobs. Today, Senator Nan Orrock spoke out about the cost associated with that job creation. She says it will cost the State an average of $265,000 per job created- that figure from the Georgia Budget and Policy Institute.
Our leadership interview series continues with Senate President Pro Tem Tommie Williams. David Zelski had a chance to interview Senator Williams about his transition from Majority Leader to Senate President Pro Tem in challenging economic times. They also spoke about transportation, the budget and federal stimulus dollars.
Only 6 legislative days remain in the 2009 session. Tonight we bring you the Lawmakers’ legislative scorecard. Where in the process are the big issues? Tune in for our synopsis.
Today marks the end of the ninth 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 the budget, funding for Medicaid and the controversy in the House over a resolution that would have made President Barack Obama an honorary member of the Georgia Legislative Black Caucus.
All that and more tonight on Lawmakers at 7 PM.
Lawmakers repeats 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. You can also watch a repeat of Lawmakers Monday morning on GPB television at 5:30 AM.
Friday, March 20, 2009
Thursday, March 19, 2009
Day 33- March 19, 2009
Tonight on Lawmakers, the House passes the $18.6 billion state budget for 2010; legislation that could add $200 to the cost of a speeding ticket clears committee; Senate Democratic Leader Robert Brown speaks out against the nuclear financing act; the Senate passes the SHAPE act, legislation that aims to increase the physical fitness of public school students; and, legislation that attempts to protect the addresses of domestic violence victims passes committee.
The House today approved House Bill 119, the General Appropriations Act for fiscal year 2010. The House version of the State’s spending plan totals $18.6 billion. The budget includes $33 million for trauma care, restores $30 million to fund school nurses and 42% of the budget is the $7.5 billion for K-12 education. House Speaker Glenn Richardson is predicting a continued decline in state revenues and says a special session may be necessary to trim the budget again before the end of this calendar year.
Shortly after House passage of the 2010 budget, Lt. Governor Casey Cagle held a press conference to discuss the State’s fiscal condition. He said that Georgia is in a $3 billion deficit and although federal stimulus monies will help, there is still a deficit. Referencing a letter from Governor Sonny Perdue, Cagle agreed that there is not enough funding in the House version of the 2010 budget for Medicaid.
Senate Majority Leader Chip Rogers also spoke out today about Georgia’s rising unemployment, which is now at a record 9.3%. He spoke about the JOBS Act, House Bill 481, which he says will help create jobs- a top priority.
Legislation that could add $200 to the cost of a speeding ticket cleared the Senate Public Safety committee this afternoon. Drivers caught speeding at a rate of 85 MPH on a highway or 75 MPH on a two-lane road would receive the fine. The “Super Speeder” bill, House Bill 160, is sponsored by Representative Jim Cole, the Governor’s Floor leader. Initially touted as funding for the State’s trauma network, the bill directs the revenue generated from the fines into the general fund, rather than to a trauma-specific fund. Lawmakers’ Valarie Edwards has that story.
Senate Democratic Leader Robert Brown spoke out against Senate Bill 31, the Georgia Nuclear Financing Act today. That bill would allow a utility company like Georgia Power to charge current customers for future power plant construction. Brown is proposing several changes that would overturn the act, should it become law. Lawmakers’ Brittany Evans has the details.
Senator John Bulloch took the well this morning urging the Senate to agree to House changes to Senate Bill 80, dealing with food processing plant inspectors. This of course was the legislation filed in reaction to the salmonella outbreak emanating from a Blakely, Georgia peanut processing plant earlier this year. The Senate agreed and the bill now heads to Governor Perdue.
Protecting the confidentiality of certain registered voters in Georgia is the aim of legislation that was passed by the Senate Ethics committee this afternoon. House Bill 227 attempts to protect victims of domestic violence by shielding addresses on a voter registration list of anyone with a protective order. Lawmakers’ Tiana Fernandez has that story.
Last week the Senate overwhelmingly approved a Senate Bill 14, a measure that would prohibit anyone on the State or National Sex Offender Registry from serving on a school board. Today the House Governmental Affairs committee agreed that the House should do the same. Lawmakers’ Emily Banks has the details.
Legislation that would prohibit teens from using their cell phones while driving was heard by the Senate Public Safety Committee today. House Bill 23 is sponsored by Representative Matt Ramsey and would prohibit drivers under the age of 18 from using telecommunication devices. Today, Senator Valencia Seay asked about drivers over the age of 18 being included in this measure. Lawmakers’ Minoo Hosseini reports.
David Poythress, the only registered democratic candidate for Governor in 2010 visited the Capitol today. Former Labor Commissioner and Former Adjutant General of Georgia’s National Guard, Poythress took a few minutes to share his plans for Georgia with Lawmakers’ David Zelski.
Georgia is currently the only state that does not require the use of seatbelts in pickup trucks- that issue brought Senator Don Thomas to the well again this morning on a point of personal privilege. Senator Thomas sponsors Senate Bill 5, which would change this law to require seatbelt use in trucks unless the vehicle is being used in an agricultural pursuit. The bill passed the senate earlier this session with little opposition. Thomas is urging the House to do the same.
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 House today approved House Bill 119, the General Appropriations Act for fiscal year 2010. The House version of the State’s spending plan totals $18.6 billion. The budget includes $33 million for trauma care, restores $30 million to fund school nurses and 42% of the budget is the $7.5 billion for K-12 education. House Speaker Glenn Richardson is predicting a continued decline in state revenues and says a special session may be necessary to trim the budget again before the end of this calendar year.
Shortly after House passage of the 2010 budget, Lt. Governor Casey Cagle held a press conference to discuss the State’s fiscal condition. He said that Georgia is in a $3 billion deficit and although federal stimulus monies will help, there is still a deficit. Referencing a letter from Governor Sonny Perdue, Cagle agreed that there is not enough funding in the House version of the 2010 budget for Medicaid.
Senate Majority Leader Chip Rogers also spoke out today about Georgia’s rising unemployment, which is now at a record 9.3%. He spoke about the JOBS Act, House Bill 481, which he says will help create jobs- a top priority.
Legislation that could add $200 to the cost of a speeding ticket cleared the Senate Public Safety committee this afternoon. Drivers caught speeding at a rate of 85 MPH on a highway or 75 MPH on a two-lane road would receive the fine. The “Super Speeder” bill, House Bill 160, is sponsored by Representative Jim Cole, the Governor’s Floor leader. Initially touted as funding for the State’s trauma network, the bill directs the revenue generated from the fines into the general fund, rather than to a trauma-specific fund. Lawmakers’ Valarie Edwards has that story.
Senate Democratic Leader Robert Brown spoke out against Senate Bill 31, the Georgia Nuclear Financing Act today. That bill would allow a utility company like Georgia Power to charge current customers for future power plant construction. Brown is proposing several changes that would overturn the act, should it become law. Lawmakers’ Brittany Evans has the details.
Senator John Bulloch took the well this morning urging the Senate to agree to House changes to Senate Bill 80, dealing with food processing plant inspectors. This of course was the legislation filed in reaction to the salmonella outbreak emanating from a Blakely, Georgia peanut processing plant earlier this year. The Senate agreed and the bill now heads to Governor Perdue.
Protecting the confidentiality of certain registered voters in Georgia is the aim of legislation that was passed by the Senate Ethics committee this afternoon. House Bill 227 attempts to protect victims of domestic violence by shielding addresses on a voter registration list of anyone with a protective order. Lawmakers’ Tiana Fernandez has that story.
Last week the Senate overwhelmingly approved a Senate Bill 14, a measure that would prohibit anyone on the State or National Sex Offender Registry from serving on a school board. Today the House Governmental Affairs committee agreed that the House should do the same. Lawmakers’ Emily Banks has the details.
Legislation that would prohibit teens from using their cell phones while driving was heard by the Senate Public Safety Committee today. House Bill 23 is sponsored by Representative Matt Ramsey and would prohibit drivers under the age of 18 from using telecommunication devices. Today, Senator Valencia Seay asked about drivers over the age of 18 being included in this measure. Lawmakers’ Minoo Hosseini reports.
David Poythress, the only registered democratic candidate for Governor in 2010 visited the Capitol today. Former Labor Commissioner and Former Adjutant General of Georgia’s National Guard, Poythress took a few minutes to share his plans for Georgia with Lawmakers’ David Zelski.
Georgia is currently the only state that does not require the use of seatbelts in pickup trucks- that issue brought Senator Don Thomas to the well again this morning on a point of personal privilege. Senator Thomas sponsors Senate Bill 5, which would change this law to require seatbelt use in trucks unless the vehicle is being used in an agricultural pursuit. The bill passed the senate earlier this session with little opposition. Thomas is urging the House to do the same.
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.
Wednesday, March 18, 2009
Day 32- March 18, 2009
Tonight on Lawmakers, the house passes a measure to strengthen regulation of food processing plants by the Georgia Department of Agriculture; the Senate approves legislation to reset HOPE Scholarship funding triggers because of strong lottery proceeds; Senator Don Thomas says it’s time for the State to require the use of seatbelts in pickup trucks; Funding for school nurses is restored, but talk of furloughs for Georgia’s teachers surfaces; Legislation that would create a program for high school juniors and seniors to move on when ready to college or technical school passes committee; and our leadership series of interviews continues with Senate Rules Chair Don Balfour.
The House today approved Senate Bill 80, which would give the Georgia Department of Agriculture more investigative powers. Drafted in response to a recent salmonella outbreak tied to a food processing plant in Blakely, Georgia, the legislation would require food processors to report any lab results that compromise food safety to the Department of Agriculture.
The Senate passed three House bills this morning. House Bill 157, changes triggers for HOPE Scholarship funding restrictions. Lottery reserves are richer than estimated two years ago when the triggers were set. House Bill 80 would lower the minimum number of employees to be eligible for health insurance contracts. House Bill 202 would provide for a maximum compensation to be used for computing contributions and benefits for retirement and pensions.
The House today passed House Resolution 334, urging Congress to oppose the Freedom of Choice Act, which prohibits state or federal intervention in women’s reproductive rights. Representative Jerry Keen told the House that although the current Congress has not introduced the legislation, its passage would imperil several Georgia laws.
A special House subcommittee met today to decide the fate of Senate Bill 200, the Transforming Transportation Investment Act. That legislation, backed by Governor Sonny Perdue, would reorganize the State’s transportation agencies. Lawmakers’ Valarie Edwards has that story.
Georgia is currently the only state that does not require the use of seatbelts in pickup trucks- that issue brought Senator Don Thomas to the well on a point of personal privilege this morning. Senator Thomas sponsors Senate Bill 5, which would change this law to require seatbelt use in trucks unless the vehicle is being used in an agricultural pursuit. The bill passed the senate earlier this session with little opposition. Thomas says it’s time to save lives and pass the bill in the House.
The House is expected to vote on the fiscal year 2010 budget tomorrow. Although the education line items have been approved, Appropriations Subcommittee Chair Representative Edward Lindsey suggests that furloughing teachers on some non-classroom days might retain jobs in peril. Representative Lindsey went on to say that the House version of the budget restores $30 million in funding for school nurses.
The Senate Education and Youth Committee passed House Bill 149 today. The “Move on When Ready Act” seeks to create a program that would allow juniors and seniors in high school to attend postsecondary schools for credit, paid for by State funds. The bill is sponsored by Representative Jan Jones and is backed by Governor Perdue. Lawmakers’ Minoo Hosseini reports.
Our leadership interview series continues with Senate Rules Chair Don Balfour. David Zelski had a chance to interview Senator Balfour today about the difficulties a Rules chair faces at crossover day, when tough choices have to be made. They also spoke about the controversial legislation that Senator Balfour sponsored that would allow utility companies to charge current customers for future power plant construction.
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 House today approved Senate Bill 80, which would give the Georgia Department of Agriculture more investigative powers. Drafted in response to a recent salmonella outbreak tied to a food processing plant in Blakely, Georgia, the legislation would require food processors to report any lab results that compromise food safety to the Department of Agriculture.
The Senate passed three House bills this morning. House Bill 157, changes triggers for HOPE Scholarship funding restrictions. Lottery reserves are richer than estimated two years ago when the triggers were set. House Bill 80 would lower the minimum number of employees to be eligible for health insurance contracts. House Bill 202 would provide for a maximum compensation to be used for computing contributions and benefits for retirement and pensions.
The House today passed House Resolution 334, urging Congress to oppose the Freedom of Choice Act, which prohibits state or federal intervention in women’s reproductive rights. Representative Jerry Keen told the House that although the current Congress has not introduced the legislation, its passage would imperil several Georgia laws.
A special House subcommittee met today to decide the fate of Senate Bill 200, the Transforming Transportation Investment Act. That legislation, backed by Governor Sonny Perdue, would reorganize the State’s transportation agencies. Lawmakers’ Valarie Edwards has that story.
Georgia is currently the only state that does not require the use of seatbelts in pickup trucks- that issue brought Senator Don Thomas to the well on a point of personal privilege this morning. Senator Thomas sponsors Senate Bill 5, which would change this law to require seatbelt use in trucks unless the vehicle is being used in an agricultural pursuit. The bill passed the senate earlier this session with little opposition. Thomas says it’s time to save lives and pass the bill in the House.
The House is expected to vote on the fiscal year 2010 budget tomorrow. Although the education line items have been approved, Appropriations Subcommittee Chair Representative Edward Lindsey suggests that furloughing teachers on some non-classroom days might retain jobs in peril. Representative Lindsey went on to say that the House version of the budget restores $30 million in funding for school nurses.
The Senate Education and Youth Committee passed House Bill 149 today. The “Move on When Ready Act” seeks to create a program that would allow juniors and seniors in high school to attend postsecondary schools for credit, paid for by State funds. The bill is sponsored by Representative Jan Jones and is backed by Governor Perdue. Lawmakers’ Minoo Hosseini reports.
Our leadership interview series continues with Senate Rules Chair Don Balfour. David Zelski had a chance to interview Senator Balfour today about the difficulties a Rules chair faces at crossover day, when tough choices have to be made. They also spoke about the controversial legislation that Senator Balfour sponsored that would allow utility companies to charge current customers for future power plant construction.
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, March 17, 2009
Day 31- March 17, 2009
Tonight on Lawmakers, an update on the big issues of the session, the Four T’s: transportation, taxes, trauma and teachers; on the first post-crossover legislative day, a review of bills that are likely dead for the session; the Public Service Commission gives Georgia Power the go-ahead to build two new nuclear power plants; Georgia Virtual Schools lobby legislators to provide funding on par with other public schools; and we’ll talk with Tom Crawford of Capitol Impact.com for his thoughts on the remaining days under the gold dome.
TRANSPORTATION
It was always anticipated that transportation would be a big issue in the 2009 session. First, the Senate and house revealed two different approaches to funding the State’s transportation needs- the Senate with a transportation special local option sales tax or T-SPLOST and the House with a statewide 1% sales tax. Then Governor Sonny Perdue announced his plans to reorganize the State’s transportation agencies. Lawmakers’ Valarie Edwards has the latest on transportation initiatives.
TAXES
Always an important issue, tax proposals have gained an even higher profile during these troubled economic times. We’ll have updates on some of the tax-related legislation that is making its way through the legislative process. Senate Bill 83 would have doubled the homestead exemption from $2,000 to $4,000, but failed to pass the House. House Bill 143 preserves the Homeowners Tax Relief Grant, or HTRG, in years when the State experiences a surplus. That legislation has already been signed by Governor Perdue. House Bill 481 would exempt business inventory from ad valorem taxes. That legislation is currently in Senate committee.
TRAUMA
Everyone seems to agree that Georgia needs a statewide trauma network but no one seems to agree on exactly how to fund such an undertaking. A $10 car tag fee has been proposed, as well as House Bill 160, known as the “Super Speeder” legislation. That bill would add about $200 to a speeding ticket with the violator is driving in excess of 85 MPH on a highway or 75 MPH on a two lane road.
TEACHERS
Almost two-thirds of Georgia’s state budget goes to fund education, so, it’s no surprise that educators are the subject of a great many proposals before the General Assembly. Our review will include Senate Bill 93, a proposal backed by Governor Perdue that would have provided $10,000 bonuses to principals in high performing schools; House Bill 243, which repeals the salary increase for National Board Certified teachers; House Bill 280 which provides for additional compensation for highly qualified math and science teachers and information about budget cuts that would eliminate the school nurse program.
Lawmakers’ Nwandi Lawson takes a look at some of the legislation that failed to pass out of the chamber of its origination by legislative day 30, crossover day. From measures that would have placed a $1 per pack tax on cigarettes or brought back the sales tax on groceries to generate revenue to a bill that would have required the use of safety belts in pickup trucks.
Last week marked the end of eighth 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 bills that passed on crossover day, including a measure that would eliminate the birthday tax on cars.
The Public Service Commission gave Georgia Power the go-ahead for two new nuclear power plants today. These power plants have been a hot topic in the General Assembly with the passage of the Georgia Nuclear Financing Act. Lawmakers’ Brittany Evans has the details.
JUST Georgia, an organization seeking justice for children and youth, held workshops today to educate members on how to contact their legislators about proposed revisions to Georgia’s juvenile justice code. Lawmakers’ Minoo Hosseini attended a workshop and 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.
TRANSPORTATION
It was always anticipated that transportation would be a big issue in the 2009 session. First, the Senate and house revealed two different approaches to funding the State’s transportation needs- the Senate with a transportation special local option sales tax or T-SPLOST and the House with a statewide 1% sales tax. Then Governor Sonny Perdue announced his plans to reorganize the State’s transportation agencies. Lawmakers’ Valarie Edwards has the latest on transportation initiatives.
TAXES
Always an important issue, tax proposals have gained an even higher profile during these troubled economic times. We’ll have updates on some of the tax-related legislation that is making its way through the legislative process. Senate Bill 83 would have doubled the homestead exemption from $2,000 to $4,000, but failed to pass the House. House Bill 143 preserves the Homeowners Tax Relief Grant, or HTRG, in years when the State experiences a surplus. That legislation has already been signed by Governor Perdue. House Bill 481 would exempt business inventory from ad valorem taxes. That legislation is currently in Senate committee.
TRAUMA
Everyone seems to agree that Georgia needs a statewide trauma network but no one seems to agree on exactly how to fund such an undertaking. A $10 car tag fee has been proposed, as well as House Bill 160, known as the “Super Speeder” legislation. That bill would add about $200 to a speeding ticket with the violator is driving in excess of 85 MPH on a highway or 75 MPH on a two lane road.
TEACHERS
Almost two-thirds of Georgia’s state budget goes to fund education, so, it’s no surprise that educators are the subject of a great many proposals before the General Assembly. Our review will include Senate Bill 93, a proposal backed by Governor Perdue that would have provided $10,000 bonuses to principals in high performing schools; House Bill 243, which repeals the salary increase for National Board Certified teachers; House Bill 280 which provides for additional compensation for highly qualified math and science teachers and information about budget cuts that would eliminate the school nurse program.
Lawmakers’ Nwandi Lawson takes a look at some of the legislation that failed to pass out of the chamber of its origination by legislative day 30, crossover day. From measures that would have placed a $1 per pack tax on cigarettes or brought back the sales tax on groceries to generate revenue to a bill that would have required the use of safety belts in pickup trucks.
Last week marked the end of eighth 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 bills that passed on crossover day, including a measure that would eliminate the birthday tax on cars.
The Public Service Commission gave Georgia Power the go-ahead for two new nuclear power plants today. These power plants have been a hot topic in the General Assembly with the passage of the Georgia Nuclear Financing Act. Lawmakers’ Brittany Evans has the details.
JUST Georgia, an organization seeking justice for children and youth, held workshops today to educate members on how to contact their legislators about proposed revisions to Georgia’s juvenile justice code. Lawmakers’ Minoo Hosseini attended a workshop and 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.
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