Governor Nathan Deal's newsletter [May 15, 2013]

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Boat safe and boat sober

News to Know
BUI law Executive Order Commencement Gov's scrapbook Check presentation Upcoming event
I hope you enjoy our newsletter. My top goal is to make Georgia the No. 1 place in the nation to do business, and I want to keep you informed along the way. This newsletter will provide you with up-to-date information on what is happening here at the state Capitol and throughout Georgia. -Governor Deal

Gov Deal announced at Lake Lanier that the new law lowering the blood alcohol level for boat operators goes into effect today. The blood alcohol limit for boating under the influence is now .08, the same level as driving under the influence. The law applies to hunters as well.
"The law represents the many lives that alcohol-related accidents have claimed on our waterways and, more importantly, it represents the many others whom this law will save," Deal said.
In addition to the lowered BAC limit, education mandates will be phased in over the next year. By next summer, anyone born on or after Jan. 1, 1998 must complete a boat education course prior to operating a vessel.
The safety of Georgia's waterways is a serious matter. Currently, alcohol is a contributing factor in more than 50 percent of boating fatalities each year. Deal hopes that these new mandates will help lower that percentage significantly.
"The law is now in effect. Know it; honor it; and strengthen it," Deal said. "Together, we will save lives and make a better state
_in wh_ich_to li_ve."___________

Protect students & local control
Gov. Deal today signed an executive order that prohibits the state from collecting or sharing with the federal government any personally identifiable data on students or their families, that firmly asserts the state's sovereignty over educational standards and that maintains local control over curriculum and instruction.
"We're all committed to giving Georgia students the best education possible and preparing them for highly skilled jobs, and we're equally committed to educational standards that keep our students competitive in the global marketplace," Deal said. "We can achieve these worthy goals while at the same time protecting student privacy and maintaining local control over how and what we teach Georgia's children.
"Common Core standards do not require information sharing with the federal government and they do not impose a federal curriculum. This executive order aims to send a clear and unambiguous message that, in Georgia, we will maintain control local control over curriculum while working diligently to achieve high
_______ educational standards."

Class of 2013
Gov. Deal is a strong supporter of continuing education. From signing bills that give Georgians more access to technical schools to supporting literacy under his Read Across Georgia initiative, Deal prioritizes education.
Recently, Deal gave commencement addresses to Georgia Regents University and to Paine College. He left graduates with practical bits of wisdom and encouraged them to strive for success by doing their best.
"I urge you to take control of your life, be a self starter, be willing to innovate, explore, stretch your mind and your body, set your own goals," Deal said. "It's not what you know or who you know, but who you are that matters. These are the brushes and the colors with which you will paint the mural of your life."
Congratulations to all of the 2013 graduates! The governor wishes you the best as you go forth to conquer your dreams.
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A stitch in time
In his college days, Nathan Deal was active in student body affairs at Mercer University. Deal received a number of notable awards and achievements, and there to capture it all was his mother. Mary Deal archived all of her only son's honors in a well-crafted, comprehensive scrapbook that we are happy to share with you.
We found a letter from Alpha Tau Omega's 1964 executive secretary, Stewart Daniels, congratulating Deal for being selected as the winner of the Thomas Arkle Clark award. This award recognizes Alpha Tau Omega's most outstanding senior candidates for undergraduate degrees. It was established as an incentive for young brothers to seek excellence in scholarship, leadership and service.
Pictured below is a certificate recognizing Deal with the Army ROTC Superior Cadet Ribbon award. This award honored him as an outstanding cadet in the Mercer University ROTC during the 1961-1962 school year.

Innovation in Teaching
Last week, Gov. Deal announced the launch of the Innovation in Teaching Competition, a recognition and reward opportunity for teachers available through Georgia's Innovation Fund.
Through the Innovation in Teaching Competition, the Governor's Office of Student Achievement will award educators who use innovative and effective strategies in teaching English Language Arts and mathematics, and make videos of their instruction available to other educators.
"The classroom teacher has the single biggest impact on learning, and this competition will help us move toward ensuring that every student has access to a highly effective and engaging teacher," Deal said.
Administered by GOSA, the Innovation Fund is a $19.4 million competitive grant opportunity created through Georgia's Race to the Top plan. The state will use the Innovation Fund to determine best practices in innovative programming related to STEM education, applied learning and teacher and leader recruitment and development to influence future education policy efforts.
Click here to read more.
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We will continue to share these special awards, photographs and stories so you can get to know more about the man who became
_______ your governor.

Upcoming event
Gov. Deal will recognize and honor public safety officers who have died while on duty at the 12th annual Georgia Public Safety Memorial Ceremony on Monday, May 20, at the Georgia Public Safety Training Center in Forsyth.
The Public Safety Memorial Ceremony honors public safety officials from all disciplines including law enforcement, fire services, emergency medical services, corrections, prosecutors and other professionals who have lost their lives while on duty in Georgia. The names of the fallen are added to Georgia's Public Safety Memorial Wall, which was established in 1997 to recognize the dedication and the ultimate sacrifice made by these brave men and women.
Event details and photos will be included in next week's newsletter.

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