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.
Thursday, March 5, 2009
Georgia General Assembly Adopts New Legislative Schedule
The House and Senate today adopted House Resolution 565 which sets the following upcoming schedule for the Georgia General Assembly:
Monday, March 9.................... LEGISLATIVE DAY 28
Tuesday, March 10................. LEGISLATIVE DAY 29
Thursday, March 12............... LEGISLATIVE DAY 30
Tuesday, March 17................. LEGISLATIVE DAY 31
Wednesday, March 18............ LEGISLATIVE DAY 32
Thursday, March 19............... LEGISLATIVE DAY 33
Friday, March 20.....................LEGISLATIVE DAY 34
Monday, March 23.................. LEGISLATIVE DAY 35
Wednesday, March 25............ LEGISLATIVE DAY 36
Thursday, March 26................LEGISLATIVE DAY 37
Monday, March 30.................. LEGISLATIVE DAY 38
Wednesday, April 1................. LEGISLATIVE DAY 39
Friday, April3...........................LEGISLATIVE DAY 40
Lawmakers will be broadcast at 7 PM on GPB television every day the Georgia General Assembly is in session.
Monday, March 9.................... LEGISLATIVE DAY 28
Tuesday, March 10................. LEGISLATIVE DAY 29
Thursday, March 12............... LEGISLATIVE DAY 30
Tuesday, March 17................. LEGISLATIVE DAY 31
Wednesday, March 18............ LEGISLATIVE DAY 32
Thursday, March 19............... LEGISLATIVE DAY 33
Friday, March 20.....................LEGISLATIVE DAY 34
Monday, March 23.................. LEGISLATIVE DAY 35
Wednesday, March 25............ LEGISLATIVE DAY 36
Thursday, March 26................LEGISLATIVE DAY 37
Monday, March 30.................. LEGISLATIVE DAY 38
Wednesday, April 1................. LEGISLATIVE DAY 39
Friday, April3...........................LEGISLATIVE DAY 40
Lawmakers will be broadcast at 7 PM on GPB television every day the Georgia General Assembly is in session.
Wednesday, March 4, 2009
Day 26- March 4, 2009
Tonight on Lawmakers, the House passes legislation that would increase pay for math and science teachers; the Senate passes an extension of a tax break on jet fuel for Atlanta-based airlines like Delta and AirTran; a measure that would require State Senators to be current on their state income taxes passes out of Rules Committee; the Senate Special Committee on Stimulus visits an economically disadvantaged community; and our leadership series of interviews continues with House Speaker Pro Tem Mark Burkhalter.
Legislation backed by Governor Sonny Perdue to increase compensation for Georgia’s math and science teachers passed the House today. House Bill 280 is sponsored by House Education Chair Brooks Coleman. The legislation would add about $4,500 per year to highly qualified entry-level math and science teachers in public high schools.
The passage of House Bill 212 could mean two more years of jet fuel tax exemptions for Atlanta based airlines like Delta and AirTran. The bill received bipartisan support in the Senate, passing 47-5. No changes were made in the Senate so that bill heads to Governor Sonny Perdue.
Legislation that could remove a Senator from office for failure to pay income taxes received a do-pass recommendation by substitute from the Senate Rules Committee 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.
The House today passed 14 bills on the floor. Among those successful pieces of legislation was House Bill 422, a measure that would allow children under the age of 12 to ride their bicycles on sidewalks and House Bill 220, legislation that would require all Superior Courts in Georgia to uniformly decide motions within 90 days. Although designed to remove a population restriction, the bill also strikes language in that same code section regarding judicial impeachment. Debate on the House floor centered on the role of the General Assembly in the impeachment of Superior Court judges.
The Senate passed 11 pieces of legislation on the floor this morning beginning with Senate Bill 15, a measure from Senator John Douglas which provides certified clean up for sites where methamphetamine has been manufactured. Senator J.B. Powell’s “Made in Georgia” legislation also passed. Senate Bill 117 directs the Department of Economic Development to create and maintain a website that informs the public of Georgia manufacturers and their goods or products. Senate Bill 136, which provides deportation measures of illegal aliens who have been convicted of crimes, passed. Senate Banking and Financial Institutions Chair Bill Hamrick presented Senate Bill 141, which deals with home foreclosure procedures and fees. That legislation also passed and all those bills now head to the House.
A bill that would double the current statewide homestead exemption failed to pass the House today. Senate Bill 83 would increase the current $2000 ad valorem tax exemption to $4000. The legislation requires that the exemption be approved by voters in a special election held on June 16, 2009. That provision had some legislators speaking up for their cash-strapped communities that would have to pay for the election. Lawmakers’ Minoo Hosseini has more.
As you may recall, yesterday the Senate passed a bill that would create new standards for registering to vote. This afternoon, the House passed an almost identical bill. House Bill 45 would require voters show proof of citizenship when they register to vote. Bill sponsor Representative James Mills defended the legislation against House Democratic Leader DuBose Porter who called the bill “un-American”. Lawmakers’ Emily Banks reports.
The Senate Special Committee on Stimulus took their message on the road last week. The committee is working with communities to find out how Georgians feel the federal stimulus monies should be spent. GPB Radio’s Rome Bureau Chief John Sepulvado was there when the committee visited Sparta in Hancock County.
Our leadership series of interviews continues with House Speaker Pro Tem, Representative Mark Burkhalter. Lawmakers’ Nwandi Lawson had a chance to speak with Representative Burkhalter this afternoon about his legislation to re-create Milton County out of north Fulton; the importance of balancing the State’s budget so that no tax increases are necessary and avoiding creating a deficit like the one being created at the federal government level.
A bill that would require that all drivers license exams be administered in Georgia be given in English received a do-pass recommendation from the Senate Public Safety Committee yesterday. The committee had heard testimony on Senate Bill 67 last week as well. We’ll have the highlights of yesterday afternoon’s committee action.
And it was PB and J Day under the gold dome. Lawmakers’ Alan Friedman takes us on a taste adventure of sandwiches, peanuts and other assorted Georgia-grown goodies.
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 backed by Governor Sonny Perdue to increase compensation for Georgia’s math and science teachers passed the House today. House Bill 280 is sponsored by House Education Chair Brooks Coleman. The legislation would add about $4,500 per year to highly qualified entry-level math and science teachers in public high schools.
The passage of House Bill 212 could mean two more years of jet fuel tax exemptions for Atlanta based airlines like Delta and AirTran. The bill received bipartisan support in the Senate, passing 47-5. No changes were made in the Senate so that bill heads to Governor Sonny Perdue.
Legislation that could remove a Senator from office for failure to pay income taxes received a do-pass recommendation by substitute from the Senate Rules Committee 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.
The House today passed 14 bills on the floor. Among those successful pieces of legislation was House Bill 422, a measure that would allow children under the age of 12 to ride their bicycles on sidewalks and House Bill 220, legislation that would require all Superior Courts in Georgia to uniformly decide motions within 90 days. Although designed to remove a population restriction, the bill also strikes language in that same code section regarding judicial impeachment. Debate on the House floor centered on the role of the General Assembly in the impeachment of Superior Court judges.
The Senate passed 11 pieces of legislation on the floor this morning beginning with Senate Bill 15, a measure from Senator John Douglas which provides certified clean up for sites where methamphetamine has been manufactured. Senator J.B. Powell’s “Made in Georgia” legislation also passed. Senate Bill 117 directs the Department of Economic Development to create and maintain a website that informs the public of Georgia manufacturers and their goods or products. Senate Bill 136, which provides deportation measures of illegal aliens who have been convicted of crimes, passed. Senate Banking and Financial Institutions Chair Bill Hamrick presented Senate Bill 141, which deals with home foreclosure procedures and fees. That legislation also passed and all those bills now head to the House.
A bill that would double the current statewide homestead exemption failed to pass the House today. Senate Bill 83 would increase the current $2000 ad valorem tax exemption to $4000. The legislation requires that the exemption be approved by voters in a special election held on June 16, 2009. That provision had some legislators speaking up for their cash-strapped communities that would have to pay for the election. Lawmakers’ Minoo Hosseini has more.
As you may recall, yesterday the Senate passed a bill that would create new standards for registering to vote. This afternoon, the House passed an almost identical bill. House Bill 45 would require voters show proof of citizenship when they register to vote. Bill sponsor Representative James Mills defended the legislation against House Democratic Leader DuBose Porter who called the bill “un-American”. Lawmakers’ Emily Banks reports.
The Senate Special Committee on Stimulus took their message on the road last week. The committee is working with communities to find out how Georgians feel the federal stimulus monies should be spent. GPB Radio’s Rome Bureau Chief John Sepulvado was there when the committee visited Sparta in Hancock County.
Our leadership series of interviews continues with House Speaker Pro Tem, Representative Mark Burkhalter. Lawmakers’ Nwandi Lawson had a chance to speak with Representative Burkhalter this afternoon about his legislation to re-create Milton County out of north Fulton; the importance of balancing the State’s budget so that no tax increases are necessary and avoiding creating a deficit like the one being created at the federal government level.
A bill that would require that all drivers license exams be administered in Georgia be given in English received a do-pass recommendation from the Senate Public Safety Committee yesterday. The committee had heard testimony on Senate Bill 67 last week as well. We’ll have the highlights of yesterday afternoon’s committee action.
And it was PB and J Day under the gold dome. Lawmakers’ Alan Friedman takes us on a taste adventure of sandwiches, peanuts and other assorted Georgia-grown goodies.
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 3, 2009
Day 25- March 3, 2009
Tonight on Lawmakers, Governor Sonny Perdue announces an additional $1.6 billion cut to the fiscal year 2010 budget; the House passes their version of a statewide transportation plan, the 2020 Transportation Act; the Senate Appropriations Committee passes the fiscal year 2009 amended budget with $1 billion in cuts to State agencies; Senate Ethics Chair Eric Johnson announces a measure to require state legislators to keep current on their state income taxes; and the Georgia Music and Sports Halls of Fame fight to remain open, Josephine Bennett of GPB Radio’s WMUM in Macon reports.
Governor Sonny Perdue held a press conference this afternoon to announce $1.6 billion in cuts to bring FY 2010 budget to a total of $18.5 billion– that's down from the FY 2009 budget total of $20.2 billion. He says that Georgia will accept $150 million in federal stimulus dollars to boost the unemployment trust fund as well as $1.1 billion in new federal dollars for education, Medicaid, public safety and social services. State employees will be expected to pay 5% more in health insurance costs. The Governor also said that any state employee furlough decisions will be made by agency heads.
The House has passed its version of a statewide transportation plan, The Georgia 2020 Transportation Act establishes a 1% statewide sales tax which will fund a transportation trust fund that will overseen by a committee of 11 members. The legislation, House Bill 277 and House Resolution 206, is sponsored by House Transportation Chair Vance Smith. House Democratic Leader, Representative DuBose Porter, had a few amendments that were addressed in an impromptu Rules Committee meeting: one that a member of the minority be appointed to the oversight committee; one that DOT remain the agency to receive federal funds until the agency is set up and another to insure one cent of the four cent motor fuel tax be designated for transportation projects. Lawmakers’ Valarie Edwards reports.
The Georgia Commissioner of Revenue says that when it comes to state income taxes, some legislators aren’t paying up. Although unnamed, a report generated by the Revenue Department says 19 state legislators are delinquent on their taxes. Senator Eric Johnson, Chair of the Senate Ethics Committee, is introducing a measure that would require all Senators to be current on their State income taxes. Representative Joe Wilkinson, Chair of the House Ethics Committee, says that the House is also looking to take action. Wilkinson is consulting with legislative counsel to explore options. Lawmakers' Brittany Evans has that story.
In the last few years the Georgia Sports and Music Halls of Fame have seen their budgets cut. During the last legislative session, several lawmakers called for them to be self–sufficient. Now museum officials are worried they might not have time to make that happen. Josephine Bennett of GPB Radio station WMUM in Macon has more on the fight to keep the two museums open.
Representative Ron Stephens’ proposed one dollar excise tax increase for a pack of cigarettes has yet to go before a full committee. Today at the Capitol members of Faith United Against Tobacco urged legislators to take action on House Bill 39, also known as the “Pass the Buck” legislation. The additional tax would fund tobacco prevention and health care.
A measure that would require testing for and treatment of HIV for incarcerated individuals received a do-pass recommendation from the Senate State Institutions and Property Committee today. Senator Kasim Reed is the sponsor of Senate Bill 64.
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.
Governor Sonny Perdue held a press conference this afternoon to announce $1.6 billion in cuts to bring FY 2010 budget to a total of $18.5 billion– that's down from the FY 2009 budget total of $20.2 billion. He says that Georgia will accept $150 million in federal stimulus dollars to boost the unemployment trust fund as well as $1.1 billion in new federal dollars for education, Medicaid, public safety and social services. State employees will be expected to pay 5% more in health insurance costs. The Governor also said that any state employee furlough decisions will be made by agency heads.
The House has passed its version of a statewide transportation plan, The Georgia 2020 Transportation Act establishes a 1% statewide sales tax which will fund a transportation trust fund that will overseen by a committee of 11 members. The legislation, House Bill 277 and House Resolution 206, is sponsored by House Transportation Chair Vance Smith. House Democratic Leader, Representative DuBose Porter, had a few amendments that were addressed in an impromptu Rules Committee meeting: one that a member of the minority be appointed to the oversight committee; one that DOT remain the agency to receive federal funds until the agency is set up and another to insure one cent of the four cent motor fuel tax be designated for transportation projects. Lawmakers’ Valarie Edwards reports.
The Georgia Commissioner of Revenue says that when it comes to state income taxes, some legislators aren’t paying up. Although unnamed, a report generated by the Revenue Department says 19 state legislators are delinquent on their taxes. Senator Eric Johnson, Chair of the Senate Ethics Committee, is introducing a measure that would require all Senators to be current on their State income taxes. Representative Joe Wilkinson, Chair of the House Ethics Committee, says that the House is also looking to take action. Wilkinson is consulting with legislative counsel to explore options. Lawmakers' Brittany Evans has that story.
In the last few years the Georgia Sports and Music Halls of Fame have seen their budgets cut. During the last legislative session, several lawmakers called for them to be self–sufficient. Now museum officials are worried they might not have time to make that happen. Josephine Bennett of GPB Radio station WMUM in Macon has more on the fight to keep the two museums open.
Representative Ron Stephens’ proposed one dollar excise tax increase for a pack of cigarettes has yet to go before a full committee. Today at the Capitol members of Faith United Against Tobacco urged legislators to take action on House Bill 39, also known as the “Pass the Buck” legislation. The additional tax would fund tobacco prevention and health care.
A measure that would require testing for and treatment of HIV for incarcerated individuals received a do-pass recommendation from the Senate State Institutions and Property Committee today. Senator Kasim Reed is the sponsor of Senate Bill 64.
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.
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
Day 23- February 25, 2009
Tonight on Lawmakers, school board governance legislation passes the Senate; Governor Perdue speaks to state agency heads about how to handle federal economic stimulus funds headed to Georgia; the House passes two education measures- one aimed at student physical fitness, the other at decreasing the high school dropout rate; and our leadership series of interviews continues with House Democratic Caucus Chair Calvin Smyre.
Legislative reaction to last year's Clayton County School Board problems continued in the Senate today with the passage of Senate Bill 84. This bill, which is an initiative from Governor Perdue, would address a number of concerns brought up by the commission for school board excellence, ranging from conflict of interest, nepotism, the size of local school boards, and board member qualifications. Senate Bill 84 does contain one measure that has caused some controversy. That provision would allow the Governor or another school board member to remove a school board member from office. We’ll have the highlights of today’s Senate debate.
Governor Sonny Perdue spoke to state agency heads about how to handle federal economic stimulus funds that are headed to Georgia. He said, bottom line: no shortcuts, no secrets. Lawmakers’ Valarie Edwards has that story.
Legislation which targets those involved in email fraud also passed the Senate today. Senator Cecil Staton sponsors Senate Bill 59 which provides criminal and civil penalties for misleading headers and falsifying information within electronic mail. Also passed by the Senate today was Senate Bill 23. The original intent of the bill is to bring evidence of not wearing a seat belt into lawsuits, however, a committee substitute added in the Senate Judiciary Committee exempted pickup trucks used for agricultural purposes from the requirement. Bill sponsor Senator Lee Hawkins disagreed with that move and attempted to amended his own bill on the Senate floor.
When legislation providing taxpayer-funded school vouchers for special needs students passed the Georgia General Assembly last year, opponents feared that the move would open the door for more voucher programs. The Senate Education and Youth Committee today considered a new universal voucher bill. Senate Bill 90, sponsored by Senator Eric Johnson, generated lengthy and sometimes heated debate. Lawmakers' Emily Banks reports.
Legislation that would add hundreds of dollars to the cost of a speeding ticket passed out of the House Public Safety and Homeland Security Committee today. House Bill 160, referred to as the “Super Speeder” bill targets drivers who habitually drive in excess of 80 miles per hour. The legislation is backed by Governor Sonny Perdue and sponsored by his floor leader, Representative Jim Cole. Lawmakers’ Minoo Hosseini has more.
Our leadership series of interviews continues with House Democratic Caucus Chair, Representative Calvin Smyre. Lawmakers’ Nwandi Lawson had a chance to sit down with Representative Smyre this afternoon to talk about the federal economic stimulus, the State’s budget situation and job creation in Georgia.
This afternoon the Senate Banking and Financial Institutions Committee gave a do pass recommendation to two bills related to the current housing crisis. Senate Bill 57, the Georgia Fair Lending Act is designed to protect borrowers from subprime loans. Senate Bill 141 would allow renters to remain in foreclosed homes up to 60 days after foreclosure. Lawmakers' Brittany Evans reports.
Today was the 11th annual Disability Day at the Capitol. An estimated crowd of over 1500 gathered to hear speakers talk about access to housing and services for Georgia’s disabled. Lawmakers’ Andrea Hummel-Shelton brings us the highlights of that event.
And it was Skin Cancer Awareness Day at the Capitol. Medical professionals offered information on the disease, skin checks and the chance to talk with a dermatologist. Lawmakers’ Alan Friedman has that story.
All that and more tonight on Lawmakers at 7 PM.
Lawmakers repeats on GPB Radio at 8 PM tonight and tomorrow morning on GPB television at 5:30 AM. You can also watch a repeat of Lawmakers tomorrow morning on GPB Knowledge at 7 AM. GPB Knowledge is available to those with digital television receivers at .3 of your local GPB transmitter, for example 20.3 in Augusta, or 8.3 in Atlanta.
Legislative reaction to last year's Clayton County School Board problems continued in the Senate today with the passage of Senate Bill 84. This bill, which is an initiative from Governor Perdue, would address a number of concerns brought up by the commission for school board excellence, ranging from conflict of interest, nepotism, the size of local school boards, and board member qualifications. Senate Bill 84 does contain one measure that has caused some controversy. That provision would allow the Governor or another school board member to remove a school board member from office. We’ll have the highlights of today’s Senate debate.
Governor Sonny Perdue spoke to state agency heads about how to handle federal economic stimulus funds that are headed to Georgia. He said, bottom line: no shortcuts, no secrets. Lawmakers’ Valarie Edwards has that story.
Legislation which targets those involved in email fraud also passed the Senate today. Senator Cecil Staton sponsors Senate Bill 59 which provides criminal and civil penalties for misleading headers and falsifying information within electronic mail. Also passed by the Senate today was Senate Bill 23. The original intent of the bill is to bring evidence of not wearing a seat belt into lawsuits, however, a committee substitute added in the Senate Judiciary Committee exempted pickup trucks used for agricultural purposes from the requirement. Bill sponsor Senator Lee Hawkins disagreed with that move and attempted to amended his own bill on the Senate floor.
When legislation providing taxpayer-funded school vouchers for special needs students passed the Georgia General Assembly last year, opponents feared that the move would open the door for more voucher programs. The Senate Education and Youth Committee today considered a new universal voucher bill. Senate Bill 90, sponsored by Senator Eric Johnson, generated lengthy and sometimes heated debate. Lawmakers' Emily Banks reports.
Legislation that would add hundreds of dollars to the cost of a speeding ticket passed out of the House Public Safety and Homeland Security Committee today. House Bill 160, referred to as the “Super Speeder” bill targets drivers who habitually drive in excess of 80 miles per hour. The legislation is backed by Governor Sonny Perdue and sponsored by his floor leader, Representative Jim Cole. Lawmakers’ Minoo Hosseini has more.
Our leadership series of interviews continues with House Democratic Caucus Chair, Representative Calvin Smyre. Lawmakers’ Nwandi Lawson had a chance to sit down with Representative Smyre this afternoon to talk about the federal economic stimulus, the State’s budget situation and job creation in Georgia.
This afternoon the Senate Banking and Financial Institutions Committee gave a do pass recommendation to two bills related to the current housing crisis. Senate Bill 57, the Georgia Fair Lending Act is designed to protect borrowers from subprime loans. Senate Bill 141 would allow renters to remain in foreclosed homes up to 60 days after foreclosure. Lawmakers' Brittany Evans reports.
Today was the 11th annual Disability Day at the Capitol. An estimated crowd of over 1500 gathered to hear speakers talk about access to housing and services for Georgia’s disabled. Lawmakers’ Andrea Hummel-Shelton brings us the highlights of that event.
And it was Skin Cancer Awareness Day at the Capitol. Medical professionals offered information on the disease, skin checks and the chance to talk with a dermatologist. Lawmakers’ Alan Friedman has that story.
All that and more tonight on Lawmakers at 7 PM.
Lawmakers repeats on GPB Radio at 8 PM tonight and tomorrow morning on GPB television at 5:30 AM. You can also watch a repeat of Lawmakers tomorrow morning on GPB Knowledge at 7 AM. GPB Knowledge is available to those with digital television receivers at .3 of your local GPB transmitter, for example 20.3 in Augusta, or 8.3 in Atlanta.
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
Day 22- February 24, 2009
Tonight on Lawmakers, State Labor Commissioner Michael Thurmond urges Governor Sonny Perdue to accept federal stimulus monies for unemployment; the first of the Governor’s tort reform bills fails to pass out of committee; a hearing on the Governor’s initiative to overhaul the State’s transportation agencies, the Metro Atlanta Chamber sponsors a forum on school board governance legislation and two bills which aim to help Atlanta’s transit system, MARTA, pass the Senate.
At the national Governor’s Conference over the weekend, republican Governors formed a block against the so-called strings attached to certain federal stimulus monies. Governor Sonny Perdue was among those who stated that they would refuse some of the funds because of the change it would necessitate to Georgia law in requiring unemployment benefits for part-time workers and trade school students. State Labor Commissioner Michael Thurmond urged Governor Perdue to accept the federal dollars to help keep the State’s Unemployment Trust Fund solvent.
The Senate Economic Development Committee today failed to pass the first of two tort reform initiatives of Governor Sonny Perdue. Senate Bill 101 would bar any citizen from bringing a products liability claim against any pharmaceutical corporation with 200 or more employees in the state or who are headquartered in Georgia. Bill sponsor Senator Bill Cowsert, the Governor’s Floor Leader said the goal of the legislation is to entice more bio-companies to relocate to Georgia. However, opponents say that the bill basically creates a “get out of jail free card” for these corporations. In failing the pass the legislation, Bill Clark of the Georgia Trail Lawyers Association said that he’s “pleased the Committee decided to stand up for the rights of the people of Georgia”. The bill failed to pass by a vote of 7 to 4.
Governor Sonny Perdue, Lt. Governor Casey Cagle and House Speaker Glenn Richardson joined forces last week to announce a new structure to Georgia’s infrastructure agencies. Funding from the state’s motor fuel tax will be redirected to a new State Transportation Authority. The Senate Transportation Committee held a hearing on Senate Bill 200 this afternoon. Lawmakers’ Valarie Edwards reports.
Two bills which aim to help Atlanta’s transit system, MARTA, passed the Senate today. The first, Senate Bill 89, allows the sale of food and beverages inside MARTA transit stations. Bill Sponsor Senator Gloria Butler explained that the measure is a way to help generate much needed revenue. The second piece of legislation, Senate Bill 120, revises the MARTA Act of 1965 to eliminate tax provisions which bill sponsor Senator Doug Stoner says don’t pertain to the laws of today.
The Senate today also passed legislation which puts a prohibition on the establishment of “sanctuary cities”. Bill sponsor Senator Chip Pearson explained that a sanctuary city is one that offers a safe haven to illegal immigrants. Currently there are no sanctuary cities in Georgia and Senator Emanuel Jones says a measure like Senate Bill 20 sends the wrong message.
The House today passed House Bill 100, legislation which would allow small businesses to contribute to scholarship funds for public school students to move to private schools. Opponents say the tax credits will create a $50 million hole in the State budget. Bill sponsor Representative Earl Ehrhart said that there are no consequences to the budget and that the measure is just good business sense.
There were mixed opinions on the Senate floor today about gasoline blending regulations. Senate Bill 30, sponsored by Senator Ross Tolleson, was the subject of more than an hour of debate and three amendment attempts. All amendments were voted down and the legislation passed by a vote of 35 to 13.
Cadaver fluids could soon be the next tool to help train law enforcement dogs when it comes to finding bodies. Senate Bill 38 is sponsored by Senator Seth Harp. The measure passed the Senate 43 to 0 today.
The Senate Education and Youth Committee gave a do pass recommendation last week to legislation backed by Governor Sonny Perdue that would change school board governance in Georgia. Senate Bill 84 does contain one measure that has caused some controversy. That provision would allow the Governor or another school board member to remove a school board member from office. This morning, the Metro Atlanta Chamber of Commerce sponsored a forum to discuss the legislation. We’ll have the highlights.
Senator Eric Johnson is proposing legislation to protect the secret ballot in union organizing elections. Senate Resolution 108 is a direct response to the Employee Free Choice Act expected to pass in Congress. This measure replaces the secret ballots with publicly signed union cards. Senator Johnson says his legislation works to protect Georgia employees. The resolution has been assigned to the Senate Insurance and Labor Committee.
A bill that would have Georgia Power customers pay in advance for a planned nuclear expansion near Augusta cleared a major hurdle on Monday. The House Energy and Utility Telecommunications Committee voted 15 to 3 to approve Senate Bill 31. The move attempts to sidestep a planned Public Service Commission hearing on the issue early next month. Supporters say the measure will cut approximately $300 million from the project’s estimated $14 billion price tag. The legislation has already passed the Senate and now goes to House Rules. If approved by the House and signed by Governor Perdue, the Georgia Nuclear Energy Financing Act would increase the average monthly electric bill by $1.30 a month starting in 2011. The rate would continue to increase until the plant’s scheduled completion in 2017.
All that and more tonight on Lawmakers at 7 PM.
Lawmakers repeats on GPB Radio at 8 PM tonight and tomorrow morning on GPB television at 5:30 AM. You can also watch a repeat of Lawmakers tomorrow morning on GPB Knowledge at 7 AM. GPB Knowledge is available to those with digital television receivers at .3 of your local GPB transmitter, for example 20.3 in Augusta, or 8.3 in Atlanta.
At the national Governor’s Conference over the weekend, republican Governors formed a block against the so-called strings attached to certain federal stimulus monies. Governor Sonny Perdue was among those who stated that they would refuse some of the funds because of the change it would necessitate to Georgia law in requiring unemployment benefits for part-time workers and trade school students. State Labor Commissioner Michael Thurmond urged Governor Perdue to accept the federal dollars to help keep the State’s Unemployment Trust Fund solvent.
The Senate Economic Development Committee today failed to pass the first of two tort reform initiatives of Governor Sonny Perdue. Senate Bill 101 would bar any citizen from bringing a products liability claim against any pharmaceutical corporation with 200 or more employees in the state or who are headquartered in Georgia. Bill sponsor Senator Bill Cowsert, the Governor’s Floor Leader said the goal of the legislation is to entice more bio-companies to relocate to Georgia. However, opponents say that the bill basically creates a “get out of jail free card” for these corporations. In failing the pass the legislation, Bill Clark of the Georgia Trail Lawyers Association said that he’s “pleased the Committee decided to stand up for the rights of the people of Georgia”. The bill failed to pass by a vote of 7 to 4.
Governor Sonny Perdue, Lt. Governor Casey Cagle and House Speaker Glenn Richardson joined forces last week to announce a new structure to Georgia’s infrastructure agencies. Funding from the state’s motor fuel tax will be redirected to a new State Transportation Authority. The Senate Transportation Committee held a hearing on Senate Bill 200 this afternoon. Lawmakers’ Valarie Edwards reports.
Two bills which aim to help Atlanta’s transit system, MARTA, passed the Senate today. The first, Senate Bill 89, allows the sale of food and beverages inside MARTA transit stations. Bill Sponsor Senator Gloria Butler explained that the measure is a way to help generate much needed revenue. The second piece of legislation, Senate Bill 120, revises the MARTA Act of 1965 to eliminate tax provisions which bill sponsor Senator Doug Stoner says don’t pertain to the laws of today.
The Senate today also passed legislation which puts a prohibition on the establishment of “sanctuary cities”. Bill sponsor Senator Chip Pearson explained that a sanctuary city is one that offers a safe haven to illegal immigrants. Currently there are no sanctuary cities in Georgia and Senator Emanuel Jones says a measure like Senate Bill 20 sends the wrong message.
The House today passed House Bill 100, legislation which would allow small businesses to contribute to scholarship funds for public school students to move to private schools. Opponents say the tax credits will create a $50 million hole in the State budget. Bill sponsor Representative Earl Ehrhart said that there are no consequences to the budget and that the measure is just good business sense.
There were mixed opinions on the Senate floor today about gasoline blending regulations. Senate Bill 30, sponsored by Senator Ross Tolleson, was the subject of more than an hour of debate and three amendment attempts. All amendments were voted down and the legislation passed by a vote of 35 to 13.
Cadaver fluids could soon be the next tool to help train law enforcement dogs when it comes to finding bodies. Senate Bill 38 is sponsored by Senator Seth Harp. The measure passed the Senate 43 to 0 today.
The Senate Education and Youth Committee gave a do pass recommendation last week to legislation backed by Governor Sonny Perdue that would change school board governance in Georgia. Senate Bill 84 does contain one measure that has caused some controversy. That provision would allow the Governor or another school board member to remove a school board member from office. This morning, the Metro Atlanta Chamber of Commerce sponsored a forum to discuss the legislation. We’ll have the highlights.
Senator Eric Johnson is proposing legislation to protect the secret ballot in union organizing elections. Senate Resolution 108 is a direct response to the Employee Free Choice Act expected to pass in Congress. This measure replaces the secret ballots with publicly signed union cards. Senator Johnson says his legislation works to protect Georgia employees. The resolution has been assigned to the Senate Insurance and Labor Committee.
A bill that would have Georgia Power customers pay in advance for a planned nuclear expansion near Augusta cleared a major hurdle on Monday. The House Energy and Utility Telecommunications Committee voted 15 to 3 to approve Senate Bill 31. The move attempts to sidestep a planned Public Service Commission hearing on the issue early next month. Supporters say the measure will cut approximately $300 million from the project’s estimated $14 billion price tag. The legislation has already passed the Senate and now goes to House Rules. If approved by the House and signed by Governor Perdue, the Georgia Nuclear Energy Financing Act would increase the average monthly electric bill by $1.30 a month starting in 2011. The rate would continue to increase until the plant’s scheduled completion in 2017.
All that and more tonight on Lawmakers at 7 PM.
Lawmakers repeats on GPB Radio at 8 PM tonight and tomorrow morning on GPB television at 5:30 AM. You can also watch a repeat of Lawmakers tomorrow morning on GPB Knowledge at 7 AM. GPB Knowledge is available to those with digital television receivers at .3 of your local GPB transmitter, for example 20.3 in Augusta, or 8.3 in Atlanta.
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