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.
Showing posts with label nuclear power. Show all posts
Showing posts with label nuclear power. Show all posts
Thursday, March 19, 2009
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.
Thursday, February 26, 2009
Day 24- February 26, 2009
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.
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.
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.
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
Day 17- February 11, 2009
Tonight on Lawmakers, a bill that would allow Georgia Power to charge consumers for the construction of future power plants passes the Senate, legislation aimed at preventing another school board crisis like the one in Clayton County is heard in Senate committee and a look at “Loser Pays” tort reform legislation the Governor says will reduce what he calls “frivolous lawsuits”.
The Senate votes to approve the Georgia Nuclear Energy Financing Act. Senate Bill 31 would allow utility companies to charge customers to cover the cost of building nuclear power plants- before the plants are built. Opponents say the legislation ties the hands of the Public Service Commission, which usually makes utility rate decisions. Lawmakers’ Brittany Evans reports.
The House today passed three bills. House Bill 71 seeks to close a loophole that provides a defense for use of false identifications; House Bill 116 extends the sales tax exemption for the sale or use of engines, parts, equipment and other tangible personal property used in the repair or maintenance of aircraft not registered in Georgia but that are being repaired or maintained in Georgia; and House Bill 231 which would allow interior designers to design non-load–bearing walls in structures other than offices.
In addition to passing Senate Bill 31 today, the Senate also passed Senate Resolution 107, which urges Congress to facilitate the building of reservoirs upstream from Lake Sidney Lanier.
Legislation designed to cut down on what Governor Sonny Perdue has termed “frivolous lawsuits” is being met with resistance. Perdue announced the initiative last month at the Georgia Chamber of Commerce’s Eggs and Issues breakfast. Senate Bill 108, sponsored by Senator Bill Cowsert, provides for what has been called a “loser pays” system, which opponents say should be termed a “victim pays” system. Lawmakers Valarie Edwards continues her look into proposed tort reform legislation.
The Senate Education and Youth committee this afternoon heard discussion on Senate Bill 84, legislation aimed at preventing another school board crisis like the one in Clayton County. An initiative of Governor Sonny Perdue, the bill is sponsored by Senator Bill Heath and seeks to revise elections provisions for school boards.
For the third year in a row, the Georgia General Assembly is considering revising the State’s criminal code to include a life without parole sentence for murder. Senate Bill 13 sponsor, Senator Preston Smith, says that the bill would close a gaping hole in Georgia law. The bill received a do-pass from the House Judiciary Non-Civil committee this morning.
Senate Democrats today introduced of another piece of legislation designed to help veterans in areas from education to financial aid. Senator Robert Brown sheds light on what has been termed the “Five for Fighting” agenda.
House Bill 123 would change the offense of child molestation to include direct contact by electronic means, the internet or telephone. A subcommittee of the House Judiciary Non–Civil committee gave the legislation a do-pass recommendation this afternoon. Representative Matt Ramsey is the sponsor of the bill and the chair of the Subcommittee.
Senator Greg Goggans introduced legislation today that would add a $10 fee to tags purchased for passenger vehicles in Georgia to fund the State’s Trauma Care Network. He took a point of personal privilege to invite his fellow Senators to sign on to the legislation.
And Licensed Practical Nurses or LPNs from across Georgia came to the Capitol today. Several legislators and Secretary of State Karen Handel joined the celebration of careers in the medical field. 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.
The Senate votes to approve the Georgia Nuclear Energy Financing Act. Senate Bill 31 would allow utility companies to charge customers to cover the cost of building nuclear power plants- before the plants are built. Opponents say the legislation ties the hands of the Public Service Commission, which usually makes utility rate decisions. Lawmakers’ Brittany Evans reports.
The House today passed three bills. House Bill 71 seeks to close a loophole that provides a defense for use of false identifications; House Bill 116 extends the sales tax exemption for the sale or use of engines, parts, equipment and other tangible personal property used in the repair or maintenance of aircraft not registered in Georgia but that are being repaired or maintained in Georgia; and House Bill 231 which would allow interior designers to design non-load–bearing walls in structures other than offices.
In addition to passing Senate Bill 31 today, the Senate also passed Senate Resolution 107, which urges Congress to facilitate the building of reservoirs upstream from Lake Sidney Lanier.
Legislation designed to cut down on what Governor Sonny Perdue has termed “frivolous lawsuits” is being met with resistance. Perdue announced the initiative last month at the Georgia Chamber of Commerce’s Eggs and Issues breakfast. Senate Bill 108, sponsored by Senator Bill Cowsert, provides for what has been called a “loser pays” system, which opponents say should be termed a “victim pays” system. Lawmakers Valarie Edwards continues her look into proposed tort reform legislation.
The Senate Education and Youth committee this afternoon heard discussion on Senate Bill 84, legislation aimed at preventing another school board crisis like the one in Clayton County. An initiative of Governor Sonny Perdue, the bill is sponsored by Senator Bill Heath and seeks to revise elections provisions for school boards.
For the third year in a row, the Georgia General Assembly is considering revising the State’s criminal code to include a life without parole sentence for murder. Senate Bill 13 sponsor, Senator Preston Smith, says that the bill would close a gaping hole in Georgia law. The bill received a do-pass from the House Judiciary Non-Civil committee this morning.
Senate Democrats today introduced of another piece of legislation designed to help veterans in areas from education to financial aid. Senator Robert Brown sheds light on what has been termed the “Five for Fighting” agenda.
House Bill 123 would change the offense of child molestation to include direct contact by electronic means, the internet or telephone. A subcommittee of the House Judiciary Non–Civil committee gave the legislation a do-pass recommendation this afternoon. Representative Matt Ramsey is the sponsor of the bill and the chair of the Subcommittee.
Senator Greg Goggans introduced legislation today that would add a $10 fee to tags purchased for passenger vehicles in Georgia to fund the State’s Trauma Care Network. He took a point of personal privilege to invite his fellow Senators to sign on to the legislation.
And Licensed Practical Nurses or LPNs from across Georgia came to the Capitol today. Several legislators and Secretary of State Karen Handel joined the celebration of careers in the medical field. 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.
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