Showing posts with label taxes. Show all posts
Showing posts with label taxes. Show all posts
Wednesday, February 3, 2010
Day 11- February 3, 2010
Tonight on Lawmakers, the State Ethics Commission investigation of former House Speaker Glenn Richardson; Governor Sonny Perdue announces water stewardship legislation; Senate Majority Leader Chip Rogers proposes legislation to ensure school vouchers are made available to children in foster care and children of those serving in the military; and fiscally conservative groups rally at the Capitol for smaller government and tax relief.
Friday, April 3, 2009
Lawmakers Sine Die Special at 11 PM
Since 1971, Georgia Public Broadcasting Television has produced a special newscast every day the Georgia General Assembly is in session. “Lawmakers” concludes its 39th season today, Friday, April 3. Join David Zelski and Nwandi Lawson for a one hour live presentation of the Lawmakers Sine Die Special at 11 PM.
In addition to highlights of the day’s most important House and Senate action, we’ll bring you the latest on the Four T’s: Taxes, Transportation, Trauma and Teachers.
TAXES
There are still several measures yet to achieve final passage this year in regard to taxes. Proposals that failed this session include: SB 83, a bill that would have increased the statewide homestead exemption by doubling the ad valorem tax exemption failed in the House back on March 25; HB 39, the co-called “Pass the Buck” bill that would have added $1 excise tax per pack on cigarettes or tobacco products; SB 91, the so-called “sin tax” that would have added a $5 surcharge for patrons of adult entertainment clubs; and HB 67, which would have brought back sales taxes on groceries. Some proposals are still undecided: HB 261 would give an income tax credit for the purchase of a single family home of either 1.2% or $3600, whichever is less; the House agreed to a Conference Committee report just before 9 PM; the Senate would still have to agree; HB 439, a corporate tax break proposal backed by Governor Perdue passed the Senate by substitute Wednesday, the House still needs to agree; HB 480 would eliminate of the ad valorem tax on cars, but add a significant title fee onto cars purchased after the act would go into law, that legislation was tabled in the Senate on Wednesday and although it could come up for a vote, it may be dead for the session. HB 482, which would provide an ad valorem tax exemption for property constituting the inventory of a business has passed both chambers and is headed to the Governor.
TRANSPORTATION
In the Transportation arena, the House and Senate have dueling proposals in regard to funding transportation. While the House favors a statewide 1% sales tax to fund a specific list of transportation projects, the Senate favors a T-SPLOST, or Transportation Special Local Option Sales Tax, which aims to provide funding solutions for local traffic woes by asking voters to approve a regional 1% sales tax. The vehicle for a funding solution is HB 277, originally titled the Georgia 2020 Transportation Act. Conferees have met numerous times to come to an agreement on a compromise between the two plans. Lawmakers’ Valarie Edwards has been following this issue all session and will bring us the latest.
TRAUMA
With the third T, Trauma, we’ll be taking a look at Georgia’s lack of a Statewide Trauma Care network. Currently, there are no trauma centers south of Macon to almost the Florida State line. There are several issues that pose problems here: funding, staffing and emergency transport. SB 156 would extensively revise the duties and powers of the Georgia Trauma Care Network Commission, abolishes the existing Georgia Trauma Trust Fund and establishes a new State Office of EMS/Trauma. The real sticking point is funding. HB 160, the so-called Super Speeder legislation, will increase fines for those driving in excess of 85 MPH on highways or 75 MPH on two-lane roads by $200. It will also increase the fee to renew a driver’s license. The $23 million expected to be generated by the new fines and fees is intended to go towards funding trauma, but the monies will go into the general fund rather than a specific fund for trauma care.
TEACHERS
The final T is Teachers but really that is education in general. There are several education proposals that have already failed this legislative session: SB 90, Senator Eric Johnson’s universal school voucher bill failed to make it out of the Senate Rules committee before crossover day; SB 93, an initiative of Governor Sonny Perdue which would have established a program to reward high performing principals with $10,000 bonuses also failed to make crossover day; and HB 282 which would have created the Georgia Master Teacher Program and provided a bonus for those master teachers also failed to make crossover day and appears to be dead for the session. Of the proposals that are still alive at this point in the session are: HB 243, legislation that repeals the salary increase for teachers that gain National Board Certification, that bill will likely go to a conference committee as the Senate passed the bill by substitute on Wednesday; HB 251, legislation that would have allowed students to attend any public school as long as the school board approved the transfer the new student- State funding would accompany that student to the new district; the House agreed to the Senate substitute, but amended the bill on the floor- it goes back to the Senate and may end up in Conference Committee. One measure that affects Georgia’s educators has passed and goes to Governor Perdue: HB 280, legislation that provides additional compensation for “highly qualified” math and science teachers.
You can also expect an update on HB 119, the FY 2010 budget. A Conference Committee report has been adopted by the House and Senate on that $18.6 billion spending plan.
We’ll also be joined live by the National Editor for CapitolImpact.com, Tom Crawford.
And in celebration of the conclusion of the 39th season of Lawmakers, we’ll take a look back at episodes from the past four decades.
All that and more on the Lawmakers Sine Die Special at 11 PM tonight!
The Lawmakers Sine Die Special repeats Saturday 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 the Lawmakers Sine Die Special on Monday, April 6 on GPB television at 5 AM.
In addition to highlights of the day’s most important House and Senate action, we’ll bring you the latest on the Four T’s: Taxes, Transportation, Trauma and Teachers.
TAXES
There are still several measures yet to achieve final passage this year in regard to taxes. Proposals that failed this session include: SB 83, a bill that would have increased the statewide homestead exemption by doubling the ad valorem tax exemption failed in the House back on March 25; HB 39, the co-called “Pass the Buck” bill that would have added $1 excise tax per pack on cigarettes or tobacco products; SB 91, the so-called “sin tax” that would have added a $5 surcharge for patrons of adult entertainment clubs; and HB 67, which would have brought back sales taxes on groceries. Some proposals are still undecided: HB 261 would give an income tax credit for the purchase of a single family home of either 1.2% or $3600, whichever is less; the House agreed to a Conference Committee report just before 9 PM; the Senate would still have to agree; HB 439, a corporate tax break proposal backed by Governor Perdue passed the Senate by substitute Wednesday, the House still needs to agree; HB 480 would eliminate of the ad valorem tax on cars, but add a significant title fee onto cars purchased after the act would go into law, that legislation was tabled in the Senate on Wednesday and although it could come up for a vote, it may be dead for the session. HB 482, which would provide an ad valorem tax exemption for property constituting the inventory of a business has passed both chambers and is headed to the Governor.
TRANSPORTATION
In the Transportation arena, the House and Senate have dueling proposals in regard to funding transportation. While the House favors a statewide 1% sales tax to fund a specific list of transportation projects, the Senate favors a T-SPLOST, or Transportation Special Local Option Sales Tax, which aims to provide funding solutions for local traffic woes by asking voters to approve a regional 1% sales tax. The vehicle for a funding solution is HB 277, originally titled the Georgia 2020 Transportation Act. Conferees have met numerous times to come to an agreement on a compromise between the two plans. Lawmakers’ Valarie Edwards has been following this issue all session and will bring us the latest.
TRAUMA
With the third T, Trauma, we’ll be taking a look at Georgia’s lack of a Statewide Trauma Care network. Currently, there are no trauma centers south of Macon to almost the Florida State line. There are several issues that pose problems here: funding, staffing and emergency transport. SB 156 would extensively revise the duties and powers of the Georgia Trauma Care Network Commission, abolishes the existing Georgia Trauma Trust Fund and establishes a new State Office of EMS/Trauma. The real sticking point is funding. HB 160, the so-called Super Speeder legislation, will increase fines for those driving in excess of 85 MPH on highways or 75 MPH on two-lane roads by $200. It will also increase the fee to renew a driver’s license. The $23 million expected to be generated by the new fines and fees is intended to go towards funding trauma, but the monies will go into the general fund rather than a specific fund for trauma care.
TEACHERS
The final T is Teachers but really that is education in general. There are several education proposals that have already failed this legislative session: SB 90, Senator Eric Johnson’s universal school voucher bill failed to make it out of the Senate Rules committee before crossover day; SB 93, an initiative of Governor Sonny Perdue which would have established a program to reward high performing principals with $10,000 bonuses also failed to make crossover day; and HB 282 which would have created the Georgia Master Teacher Program and provided a bonus for those master teachers also failed to make crossover day and appears to be dead for the session. Of the proposals that are still alive at this point in the session are: HB 243, legislation that repeals the salary increase for teachers that gain National Board Certification, that bill will likely go to a conference committee as the Senate passed the bill by substitute on Wednesday; HB 251, legislation that would have allowed students to attend any public school as long as the school board approved the transfer the new student- State funding would accompany that student to the new district; the House agreed to the Senate substitute, but amended the bill on the floor- it goes back to the Senate and may end up in Conference Committee. One measure that affects Georgia’s educators has passed and goes to Governor Perdue: HB 280, legislation that provides additional compensation for “highly qualified” math and science teachers.
You can also expect an update on HB 119, the FY 2010 budget. A Conference Committee report has been adopted by the House and Senate on that $18.6 billion spending plan.
We’ll also be joined live by the National Editor for CapitolImpact.com, Tom Crawford.
And in celebration of the conclusion of the 39th season of Lawmakers, we’ll take a look back at episodes from the past four decades.
All that and more on the Lawmakers Sine Die Special at 11 PM tonight!
The Lawmakers Sine Die Special repeats Saturday 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 the Lawmakers Sine Die Special on Monday, April 6 on GPB television at 5 AM.
Thursday, March 26, 2009
Day 37- March 26, 2009
Tonight on Lawmakers, the Senate approves a measure that would allow a state income tax credit for a single family home purchase; more compensation for Georgia’s math and science teachers; a new income eligibility verification requirement for Medicaid and PeachCare for Kids passes the House; Senate Appropriations Chair Jack Hill shares the challenges of plugging holes in the State’s 2010 budget and we talk with Tom Crawford of CapitolImpact.com about this week under the gold dome.
Legislation aimed at boosting home purchases in a sagging real estate market passed the Senate today. House Bill 261 provides homebuyers with a tax credit of 1.2% of the purchase price or $3600- whichever is less- for the purchase of a qualifying single-family residence. Changes made in the Senate send that bill back to the House.
An education initiative of Governor Sonny Perdue passed the Senate today. House Bill 280 hopes to address Georgia’s shortage of math and science teachers by increasing compensation levels. This measure would move a teacher certified in math or science up in salary equal to six years of credible service.
The House today approved a measure that would require a new income eligibility verification process for those applying for Medicaid or PeachCare for Kids. Senate Bill 165 will authorize the Department of Community Health to obtain income verification from the Department of Revenue.
Voting has been delayed once again on Senate Bill 200, the Transforming Transportation Act. That legislation is the Governor’s reorganization of the State’s transportation agencies. Senate Transportation Chair Jeff Mullis explains the ongoing negotiations between the House and Senate on transportation funding measures. Lawmakers’ Valarie Edwards reports.
The House today approved a measure aimed at bringing attention to the ongoing genocide in the Darfur region of the Sudan. Senate Bill 155 keeps Georgia businesses with certain ties in the Sudan from bidding on state contracts.
It’s no secret that Georgia’s revenue picture is bleak and cuts to the 2010 budget are quite drastic, even with over $1 billion in federal stimulus funds. Senate Appropriations Chair Jack Hill took the well in the Senate this morning to explain why he is being conservative with using the State’s reserve funds and also looking forward a year or two when making these decisions.
Legislation that aims to reduce the incidents of sexual exploitation of minors passed the House today. Senate Bill 69 expands the definition of sexual exploitation. Lawmakers’ Minoo Hosseini has that story.
Legislation that expands the definition of child molestation to include the internet passed the Senate today by committee substitute. Currently, child molestation laws do not include electronic devices such as webcams or streaming video found online. House Bill 123 will change that. Lawmakers’ Tiana Fernandez has more.
Today marks the end of the tenth 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 transportation, the restructuring of the Department of Human Resources, Super Speeder legislation and funding for the State’s trauma care network.
A bill that would allow parents to send their children to any public school, provided there is adequate space at that school, takes another step toward becoming law. House Bill 251 passed the Senate Education and Youth Committee by substitute this morning. Lawmakers’ Brittany Evans reports.
All that and more tonight on Lawmakers at 7 PM.
Lawmakers repeats on GPB Radio at 8 PM tonight and tomorrow morning on GPB television at 5:30 AM. You can also 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.
Legislation aimed at boosting home purchases in a sagging real estate market passed the Senate today. House Bill 261 provides homebuyers with a tax credit of 1.2% of the purchase price or $3600- whichever is less- for the purchase of a qualifying single-family residence. Changes made in the Senate send that bill back to the House.
An education initiative of Governor Sonny Perdue passed the Senate today. House Bill 280 hopes to address Georgia’s shortage of math and science teachers by increasing compensation levels. This measure would move a teacher certified in math or science up in salary equal to six years of credible service.
The House today approved a measure that would require a new income eligibility verification process for those applying for Medicaid or PeachCare for Kids. Senate Bill 165 will authorize the Department of Community Health to obtain income verification from the Department of Revenue.
Voting has been delayed once again on Senate Bill 200, the Transforming Transportation Act. That legislation is the Governor’s reorganization of the State’s transportation agencies. Senate Transportation Chair Jeff Mullis explains the ongoing negotiations between the House and Senate on transportation funding measures. Lawmakers’ Valarie Edwards reports.
The House today approved a measure aimed at bringing attention to the ongoing genocide in the Darfur region of the Sudan. Senate Bill 155 keeps Georgia businesses with certain ties in the Sudan from bidding on state contracts.
It’s no secret that Georgia’s revenue picture is bleak and cuts to the 2010 budget are quite drastic, even with over $1 billion in federal stimulus funds. Senate Appropriations Chair Jack Hill took the well in the Senate this morning to explain why he is being conservative with using the State’s reserve funds and also looking forward a year or two when making these decisions.
Legislation that aims to reduce the incidents of sexual exploitation of minors passed the House today. Senate Bill 69 expands the definition of sexual exploitation. Lawmakers’ Minoo Hosseini has that story.
Legislation that expands the definition of child molestation to include the internet passed the Senate today by committee substitute. Currently, child molestation laws do not include electronic devices such as webcams or streaming video found online. House Bill 123 will change that. Lawmakers’ Tiana Fernandez has more.
Today marks the end of the tenth 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 transportation, the restructuring of the Department of Human Resources, Super Speeder legislation and funding for the State’s trauma care network.
A bill that would allow parents to send their children to any public school, provided there is adequate space at that school, takes another step toward becoming law. House Bill 251 passed the Senate Education and Youth Committee by substitute this morning. Lawmakers’ Brittany Evans reports.
All that and more tonight on Lawmakers at 7 PM.
Lawmakers repeats on GPB Radio at 8 PM tonight and tomorrow morning on GPB television at 5:30 AM. You can also 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 25, 2009
Day 36- March 25, 2009
Tonight on Lawmakers, legislation that would impose strict fines for excessive speeding passes the Senate, but without a provision to direct those monies to trauma; a measure that would have increased the homestead exemption fails to pass the House; a bill that creates the sentence of life without parole passes the House; legislation aimed at improving Georgia’s graduation rate clears the Senate and changes in the Georgia 2020 Transportation Act in the House send those bills back to the Senate.
House Bill 160, legislation known as the “Super Speeder” bill targets those who drive excessive speeds passes in the Senate, but not without controversy. And, from the House, a compromise is reached on a transportation funding mechanism. Lawmakers’ Valarie Edwards reports.
A second chance in the House for a measure that would double the homestead exemption ends with Senate Bill 83 again going down in defeat. Representative Edward Lindsey is pushing for the tax reform that would have increased the exemption by $2,000 by 2012 and then added a cost of living increase in subsequent years. Lindsey told the House that the homestead exemption has not been increased since 1937. Senate Bill 83 failed by a vote of 109 to 63.
Senate Majority Leader Chip Rogers took the lead today in passing two tax bills that aim to create jobs in Georgia. House Bill 481, known as the Jobs, Opportunity and Business Success Act of 2009, and House Bill 482, which creates a ballot vote to exempt ad valorem taxation for property constituting the inventory of a business.
Two bills concerning post secondary education for high school students are being considered by the General Assembly this session. House Bill 149, the Move on When Ready Act passed the Senate today, while House Bill 400, the BRIDGE Act remains in the Senate Education and Youth Committee. Lawmakers’ Minoo Hosseini reports.
House Bill 23, a bill that bans cell phone and text messaging for drivers under 18 passed the Senate Public Safety and Homeland Security Committee today. Lawmakers’ Evan Seitz has that story.
The Senate Veterans, Military and Homeland Security Committee passed legislation that would place limits on cash rewards from bingo games held by veterans’ organizations. Lawmakers’ Tiana Fernandez has more.
All that and more tonight on Lawmakers at 7 PM.
Lawmakers repeats on GPB Radio at 8 PM tonight and tomorrow morning on GPB television at 5:30 AM. You can also watch a repeat of Lawmakers tomorrow morning on GPB Knowledge at 7 AM. GPB Knowledge is available to those with digital television receivers at .3 of your local GPB transmitter, for example 20.3 in Augusta, or 8.3 in Atlanta.
House Bill 160, legislation known as the “Super Speeder” bill targets those who drive excessive speeds passes in the Senate, but not without controversy. And, from the House, a compromise is reached on a transportation funding mechanism. Lawmakers’ Valarie Edwards reports.
A second chance in the House for a measure that would double the homestead exemption ends with Senate Bill 83 again going down in defeat. Representative Edward Lindsey is pushing for the tax reform that would have increased the exemption by $2,000 by 2012 and then added a cost of living increase in subsequent years. Lindsey told the House that the homestead exemption has not been increased since 1937. Senate Bill 83 failed by a vote of 109 to 63.
Senate Majority Leader Chip Rogers took the lead today in passing two tax bills that aim to create jobs in Georgia. House Bill 481, known as the Jobs, Opportunity and Business Success Act of 2009, and House Bill 482, which creates a ballot vote to exempt ad valorem taxation for property constituting the inventory of a business.
Two bills concerning post secondary education for high school students are being considered by the General Assembly this session. House Bill 149, the Move on When Ready Act passed the Senate today, while House Bill 400, the BRIDGE Act remains in the Senate Education and Youth Committee. Lawmakers’ Minoo Hosseini reports.
House Bill 23, a bill that bans cell phone and text messaging for drivers under 18 passed the Senate Public Safety and Homeland Security Committee today. Lawmakers’ Evan Seitz has that story.
The Senate Veterans, Military and Homeland Security Committee passed legislation that would place limits on cash rewards from bingo games held by veterans’ organizations. Lawmakers’ Tiana Fernandez has more.
All that and more tonight on Lawmakers at 7 PM.
Lawmakers repeats on GPB Radio at 8 PM tonight and tomorrow morning on GPB television at 5:30 AM. You can also watch a repeat of Lawmakers tomorrow morning on GPB Knowledge at 7 AM. GPB Knowledge is available to those with digital television receivers at .3 of your local GPB transmitter, for example 20.3 in Augusta, or 8.3 in Atlanta.
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, March 12, 2009
Day 30- March 12, 2009
Tonight on Lawmakers, it’s crossover day, legislative day 30, the last chance for bills to pass out of their originating chambers, Senate debate on embryo legislation focuses on donor compensation, legislation intended to stimulate Georgia’s economy passes the House, two ethics bills regulating lobbyists pass the Senate and the House votes to eliminate the ad valorem tax on vehicles.
Attracting new business to Georgia and giving the unemployed some breathing room was the focus of a handful of bills which passed the House earlier today. Representative Tom Graves sponsored House Bill 482, which would exempt business inventory from ad valorem taxes. House Bill 481, the Jobs, Opportunity and Business Act would give approximately a half billion dollars in tax breaks to small businesses. House Bill 581 brings $226 million in federal stimulus to help Georgia’s unemployed. House Bill 261 would provide a state income tax exemption for new home purchase and House Bill 439, backed by Governor Perdue, would provide corporate tax breaks for businesses in less developed parts of the State or who relocate to Georgia. Lawmakers’ Valarie Edwards has that story.
No more birthday tax- the House today approved a measure that would eliminate the ad valorem tax on vehicles. That tag is routinely collected at car tag renewal time on the birthday of vehicle owners. Representative Harry Geisiner sponsors House Bill 480. This idea was championed by Speaker Glenn Richardson last year.
The Senate today approved a measure that would allow voters in municipalities that employ in excess of 1500 police officers and firefighters combined to decide to create a special tax district. Senate Bill 77 is aimed at Atlanta’s current shortfalls that have forced furloughs in the public safety department. Senator Kasim Reed sponsors the legislation which aims to save these jobs and prevent possible furloughs and layoffs.
Senate Bill 169, the Ethical Treatment of Human Embryos Act, began as the “Octomom” bill, but was stripped of any provision limiting the number of in-vitro implanted embryos. The content of the bill substitute that passed out of Health and Human Services gives embryos the status of personhood rather than property. Today’s Senate debate on the bill centered on “valuable consideration”- or potential compensation- for egg donors. Lawmakers’ Brittany Evans has the latest.
The House voted today to allow pre-birth adoption. Opponents of House Bill 388 charge that a means for adopting embryos is not needed in Georgia, but bill sponsor Representative James Mills says the measure has the support of both pro-choice and pro-life groups.
The Senate passed two ethics reform bills today. Combined, Senate Bills 17 and 96 would make three main changes to the ethics law- changes legislators say will provide more integrity in the law making process. GPB Radio’s Rome Bureau Chief John Sepulvado reports for Lawmakers.
Committee chairmen could soon require legislators and anyone else testifying before their committee swear and oath that they are telling the truth. Senate Bill 7, the Truth in Testimony Act is sponsored by Senator Ed Tarver.
A bill that would prohibit teens from talking or texting while driving passed the House today. House Bill 23 would prohibit the use of cell phones or similar electronic devices while driving for those under the age of 18. Lawmakers’ Minoo Hosseini has more.
And we’ll have the results of our weekly legislative issue poll! 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.
Attracting new business to Georgia and giving the unemployed some breathing room was the focus of a handful of bills which passed the House earlier today. Representative Tom Graves sponsored House Bill 482, which would exempt business inventory from ad valorem taxes. House Bill 481, the Jobs, Opportunity and Business Act would give approximately a half billion dollars in tax breaks to small businesses. House Bill 581 brings $226 million in federal stimulus to help Georgia’s unemployed. House Bill 261 would provide a state income tax exemption for new home purchase and House Bill 439, backed by Governor Perdue, would provide corporate tax breaks for businesses in less developed parts of the State or who relocate to Georgia. Lawmakers’ Valarie Edwards has that story.
No more birthday tax- the House today approved a measure that would eliminate the ad valorem tax on vehicles. That tag is routinely collected at car tag renewal time on the birthday of vehicle owners. Representative Harry Geisiner sponsors House Bill 480. This idea was championed by Speaker Glenn Richardson last year.
The Senate today approved a measure that would allow voters in municipalities that employ in excess of 1500 police officers and firefighters combined to decide to create a special tax district. Senate Bill 77 is aimed at Atlanta’s current shortfalls that have forced furloughs in the public safety department. Senator Kasim Reed sponsors the legislation which aims to save these jobs and prevent possible furloughs and layoffs.
Senate Bill 169, the Ethical Treatment of Human Embryos Act, began as the “Octomom” bill, but was stripped of any provision limiting the number of in-vitro implanted embryos. The content of the bill substitute that passed out of Health and Human Services gives embryos the status of personhood rather than property. Today’s Senate debate on the bill centered on “valuable consideration”- or potential compensation- for egg donors. Lawmakers’ Brittany Evans has the latest.
The House voted today to allow pre-birth adoption. Opponents of House Bill 388 charge that a means for adopting embryos is not needed in Georgia, but bill sponsor Representative James Mills says the measure has the support of both pro-choice and pro-life groups.
The Senate passed two ethics reform bills today. Combined, Senate Bills 17 and 96 would make three main changes to the ethics law- changes legislators say will provide more integrity in the law making process. GPB Radio’s Rome Bureau Chief John Sepulvado reports for Lawmakers.
Committee chairmen could soon require legislators and anyone else testifying before their committee swear and oath that they are telling the truth. Senate Bill 7, the Truth in Testimony Act is sponsored by Senator Ed Tarver.
A bill that would prohibit teens from talking or texting while driving passed the House today. House Bill 23 would prohibit the use of cell phones or similar electronic devices while driving for those under the age of 18. Lawmakers’ Minoo Hosseini has more.
And we’ll have the results of our weekly legislative issue poll! 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 10, 2009
Day 29- March 10, 2009
Tonight on Lawmakers, the House and Senate agree to the Conference Committee Report on the FY 09 amended budget, the House takes aim at increasing the regulation of food processing plants on a local level, the House votes to eliminate the universal access fee to fund rural telephone service but fails to give passage to a measure that would prevent pharmacists from prescribing some generics, the Senate approves measures that would protect borrowers from subprime loans and require that every drivers’ license exam administered in Georgia be given in English only; and our leadership series of interviews continues with Senate Democratic Whip David Adelman.
House and Senate Conferees came to an agreement on the $18.9 billion amended 09 budget today. House Bill 118 includes state government spending reductions of almost $2 billion, but protects the $428 million Homeowners’ Tax Relief Grants. The plan also cuts State legislative office budgets by 8%. Federal stimulus funds have cushioned to blow of deeper budget cuts.
Senate Bill 57 passed the Senate today. The Georgia Fair Lending Act aims to protect borrowers from subprime home loans. The legislation defines what a subprime loan is and defines the role of a mortgage broker. According to the bill, creditors can’t offer loans without “reasonably and in good faith” believing that the borrower can afford it. Lawmakers’ Brittany Evans reports.
A bill that changes the way that food processing plants are regulated passed the House today. House Bill 381 was proposed as a preventative measure following the recent salmonella outbreak at a peanut processing plant in Blakely, Georgia. The legislation revises certain provisions of the Georgia Food Act to increase local regulation. Lawmakers’ Evan Seitz has more.
Legislation calling for the reinstatement of the 4% sales tax on groceries could come to the House floor for a vote on Thursday, but it is more likely dead for the session. House Bill 67, sponsored by Representative Chuck Sims, received a do pass by committee substitute from the House Ways and Means Committee last week.
A measure to prohibit the administration of drivers’ license exams in any language other than English also passed the Senate today. Senate Bill 67 also known as the “English Only” bill would not only limit the test to the English language but it would also limit the tie frame for which a temporary license exam can be taken in any other language. Lawmakers’ Minoo Hosseini has more.
Our leadership series of interviews continues with Senate Democratic Whip, Senator David Adelman. Lawmakers’ David Zelski had a chance to talk with Senator Adelman this afternoon to discuss the State’s budget and and pending legislation as the General Assembly approaches teh crossover day- Day 30.
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.
House and Senate Conferees came to an agreement on the $18.9 billion amended 09 budget today. House Bill 118 includes state government spending reductions of almost $2 billion, but protects the $428 million Homeowners’ Tax Relief Grants. The plan also cuts State legislative office budgets by 8%. Federal stimulus funds have cushioned to blow of deeper budget cuts.
Senate Bill 57 passed the Senate today. The Georgia Fair Lending Act aims to protect borrowers from subprime home loans. The legislation defines what a subprime loan is and defines the role of a mortgage broker. According to the bill, creditors can’t offer loans without “reasonably and in good faith” believing that the borrower can afford it. Lawmakers’ Brittany Evans reports.
A bill that changes the way that food processing plants are regulated passed the House today. House Bill 381 was proposed as a preventative measure following the recent salmonella outbreak at a peanut processing plant in Blakely, Georgia. The legislation revises certain provisions of the Georgia Food Act to increase local regulation. Lawmakers’ Evan Seitz has more.
Legislation calling for the reinstatement of the 4% sales tax on groceries could come to the House floor for a vote on Thursday, but it is more likely dead for the session. House Bill 67, sponsored by Representative Chuck Sims, received a do pass by committee substitute from the House Ways and Means Committee last week.
A measure to prohibit the administration of drivers’ license exams in any language other than English also passed the Senate today. Senate Bill 67 also known as the “English Only” bill would not only limit the test to the English language but it would also limit the tie frame for which a temporary license exam can be taken in any other language. Lawmakers’ Minoo Hosseini has more.
Our leadership series of interviews continues with Senate Democratic Whip, Senator David Adelman. Lawmakers’ David Zelski had a chance to talk with Senator Adelman this afternoon to discuss the State’s budget and and pending legislation as the General Assembly approaches teh crossover day- Day 30.
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, March 5, 2009
Day 27- March 5, 2009
Tonight on Lawmakers, the Senate approves the amended FY 2009 state budget, crediting federal stimulus funds with cushioning the blow of declining revenues; the Governor Perdue-backed plan to overhaul the State’s transportation agencies clears its first legislative hurdle; House Speaker Glenn Richardson amends marriage license legislation to allow Georgia’s Constitutional officers to conduct wedding ceremonies; controversy over allegations that 22 state legislators are delinquent on their State income taxes touches off debate on the Senate floor; and we’ll talk with Tom Crawford of CapitolImpact.com for his thoughts on this week of the session.
The Senate has passed its version of 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 almost $2 billion in state spending to avoid a deficit situation. Senate changes to the bill send it back to the House, a Conference Committee will likely work out the final version.
The Senate today also approved the Governor Perdue-backed plan to overhaul the State’s transportation agencies. Senate Bill 200, The Transforming Transportation Investment Act, would abolish the State Road and Tollway Authority, establish a new State Transportation Authority and restructure the funding and powers of the Department of Transportation. Lawmakers’ Valarie Edwards reports.
In a rare appearance in the well of the House, Speaker Glenn Richardson amended marriage license legislation to allow Georgia’s constitutional officers to conduct wedding ceremonies. House Bill 184 is legislation that would require information about the importance of being tested for sickle cell disease be made available in an electronic format to all persons applying for a marriage license. The legislation passed with Speaker Richardson’s amendment and now heads to the Senate.
The Senate today failed to pass legislation that could have removed a Senator from office for failure to pay income taxes today. Senate Resolution 452 was authored by Senate Ethics Chair Eric Johnson shortly after the Georgia Department of Revenue announced that 22 state legislators are delinquent on their income taxes. Lawmakers’ Brittany Evans reports.
Patrons of strip clubs in Georgia could soon find themselves paying a surcharge. Senate Bill 91, sponsored by Senator Jack Murphy, proposes to impose a “sin tax” on visitors to adult entertainment clubs in the form of a $5 fee to enter such a venue. The additional revenue would not go towards the State’s general budget; rather, it would go towards the rehabilitation of victims of sexual exploitation. The legislation received a do pass recommendation from the Senate Finance Committee. Lawmakers’ Minoo Hosseini reports.
It’s the end of the seventh 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 the FY 2010 state budget, legislation requiring proof of citizenship to register to vote, the fate of Sunday sales and pass the buck legislation, and the failure of the House yesterday to increase statewide homestead exemption from $2000 to $4000.
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 has passed its version of 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 almost $2 billion in state spending to avoid a deficit situation. Senate changes to the bill send it back to the House, a Conference Committee will likely work out the final version.
The Senate today also approved the Governor Perdue-backed plan to overhaul the State’s transportation agencies. Senate Bill 200, The Transforming Transportation Investment Act, would abolish the State Road and Tollway Authority, establish a new State Transportation Authority and restructure the funding and powers of the Department of Transportation. Lawmakers’ Valarie Edwards reports.
In a rare appearance in the well of the House, Speaker Glenn Richardson amended marriage license legislation to allow Georgia’s constitutional officers to conduct wedding ceremonies. House Bill 184 is legislation that would require information about the importance of being tested for sickle cell disease be made available in an electronic format to all persons applying for a marriage license. The legislation passed with Speaker Richardson’s amendment and now heads to the Senate.
The Senate today failed to pass legislation that could have removed a Senator from office for failure to pay income taxes today. Senate Resolution 452 was authored by Senate Ethics Chair Eric Johnson shortly after the Georgia Department of Revenue announced that 22 state legislators are delinquent on their income taxes. Lawmakers’ Brittany Evans reports.
Patrons of strip clubs in Georgia could soon find themselves paying a surcharge. Senate Bill 91, sponsored by Senator Jack Murphy, proposes to impose a “sin tax” on visitors to adult entertainment clubs in the form of a $5 fee to enter such a venue. The additional revenue would not go towards the State’s general budget; rather, it would go towards the rehabilitation of victims of sexual exploitation. The legislation received a do pass recommendation from the Senate Finance Committee. Lawmakers’ Minoo Hosseini reports.
It’s the end of the seventh 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 the FY 2010 state budget, legislation requiring proof of citizenship to register to vote, the fate of Sunday sales and pass the buck legislation, and the failure of the House yesterday to increase statewide homestead exemption from $2000 to $4000.
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.
Friday, January 9, 2009
Lawmakers Returns Monday, January 12 at 7PM
Since 1971, Georgia Public Broadcasting Television has produced a special newscast every day the Georgia General Assembly is in session. “Lawmakers” begins its 39th season this Monday, January 12 at 7 PM on GPB. Lawmakers will repeat on GPB Radio at 8 PM and on television the following morning at 5:30 AM on GPB and 7 AM on GPB Knowledge. TAXES
We’ll have information about several measures that failed to gain passage last year: elimination of the ad valorem tax on cars, reducing State income taxes and freezing property tax assessments, and we’ll include new proposals like HB 39, a bill that has been prefiled by Representative Ron Stephens to assess a $1 per pack tax on cigarettes.
TRANSPORTATION
We’ll also be taking a look back at last year’s action in the Transportation arena in regard to the T-SPLOST, that’s the Transportation Special Local Option Sales Tax, which was aimed at providing funding solutions for local traffic woes. We’ll also talk about recently released opinion polls that say the majority of Georgians want immediate action to solve transportation problems. I’m sure that conversations about light rail and expanding mass transit will also come into play.
TRAUMA
With the third T, Trauma, we’ll be taking a look at
TEACHERS
The final T is Teachers but really that is education in general. We’ll talk about Governor Sonny Perdue’s request for a 2% reduction in State funding for public schools, charter schools, school vouchers and class sizes. The State Board of Education voted yesterday to allow school systems to raise the maximum class size by 2 students in core subjects for elementary and middle schools as a cost saving measure. That means the maximum size for kindergarten would increase to 20 students; grades 1-3 would increase to 23; and grades 4-8 would increase to 30. Core classes cover English, math, science, social studies and foreign languages. We’ll have
IN-DEPTH INTERVIEW WITH LT. GOVERNOR CASEY CAGLE
Monday evening we will also broadcast an exclusive interview with Lieutenant Governor Casey Cagle. Lawmakers’ David Zelski had the opportunity to talk with the Lt. Governor about his expectations for the session.
I don’t think it will come as a surprise to anyone that in this economy that the budget will be a major issue. The fiscal year 2009 State budget came in at $21.2 billion. I would expect a reduction in that amount for FY 2010. The Governor is expected to outline some of his legislative and spending priorities on Wednesday of next week in his State of the State address. Lawmakers will be broadcasting the Governor’s address live at 10 AM on GPB Knowledge. We will also play the address in it’s entirety on a special one-hour edition of Lawmakers on Wednesday evening at 7 PM.
There have been a great many changes internally with the Lawmakers program in the past year but none that will adversely affect our coverage or what the viewers see. The most exciting change for Lawmakers this year is our collaboration with the GPB Radio news team. Valarie Edwards will be joining Lawmakers on a daily basis and you can expect to see Susanna Capelouto and John Sepulvado throughout the session and we expect to tap our Radio bureaus around the state for interviews as well. The biggest expansion of our collaborative coverage will definitely be on the website. Everyone should check out www.gpb.org/lawmakers for all the latest legislative news, audio from radio, video from television and a new “Daily Poll”. www.gpb.org/lawmakers launches on Monday when the Georgia General Assembly is gaveled into session.
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