Weekly wrap-up 2003 January 13

Highlights of Major Senate Action
For the Week of January 13, 2003
It was a historic week for the Georgia General Assembly, as the Republicans took control of the majority party and thus the Senate. Their first official act was to change the Rules of the Senate to clearly identify the duties of the president pro tempore, define the relationship between the lieutenant governor and the president pro tempore, and make procedural changes.
After the members of the Senate were officially sworn in, Sen. Eric Johnson of the 1st was elected president pro tempore by unanimous consent, and told his fellow Senators that he will be the "senator's senator."
"I am not the first Republican to hold this position," Sen. Johnson told the members of the Upper Chamber in a short history lesson. "In 1871, the first Republican governor, Rufus Bulloch, fled into exile before he was impeached. Georgia had not created the office of lieutenant governor yet, so the President of the Georgia Senate became Georgia's second Republican governor. He served just 72 days before the legislature called a special election to replace him . . . with a Democrat."
Sen. Johnson notes that he now serves a constituency of 56 Senators. "I must speak for the Senate as a whole and for Georgia. I will never forget that."
The President Pro Tempore went on to add that on that historical day, authority shifted from one party to another and from the lieutenant governor to the Senate. "Our Constitution provides for a peaceful transfer of power," he said.
"The lieutenant governor has been as gracious as he could be and generous with his advice. I want to thank him for his counsel," Sen. Johnson said during his acceptance speech. "I believe the `big guy' and the `bald guy' are going to work well together as we lead the Senate in a new uncharted direction with the best interests of all Georgians in mind."
"We are pleased that the majority party has reached out to us in a bipartisan manner," said Sen. Minority Leader Michael Meyer Von Bremen of the 12th. "We were concerned that the new leadership would take away the minority party's voice, and that didn't happen. We are pleased about that."
Lt. Gov. Mark Taylor also addressed the Senate, telling them that the people of Georgia will judge them not on the procedural roles they play in the Senate but on how they perform as a governing body.
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"As we have witnessed throughout the history of this body, there will always be spirited, vigorous, sometimes eloquent and sometimes colorful debate on legislative proposals brought for consideration in this chamber. The challenge that confronts all of us is to go forward this session with a workable set of rules and procedures that accommodates the
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political change that has taken place in this body - - a set of rules that ensures that each voice you represent is heard."
New provisions in the Senate Rules call for the creation of the Committee on Assignments made up of the president of the Senate, the president pro tempore, and the majority leader.
They will make committee appointments, name committee chairs, and name the committees. The Committee on Assignments created two new committees this year for a total of 25. The new committees are Children and Youth, and Banking and Regulated Industries and Utilities.
A list of the new committees and the committee leadership can be found following this report.
The members of the Senate also were present to witness Georgia's 81st Governor, Sonny Perdue take the oath of office at Phillips Arena on Monday. Gov. Perdue, who is a former member of the State Senate was sworn in by another former colleague, U.S. District Court Judge Clay Land. Lt. Gov. Mark Taylor also was sworn into his office, as were the constitutional officers who had been duly elected on November 5, 2002.
On Wednesday, the Senate met in a joint session with members of the Georgia House of Representatives to hear Gov. Perdue's budget address. Gov. Perdue told the members of the General Assembly that "times are tough."
"Our state, along with the nation, has been struck by a recession," he said. "Thousands of Georgians have lost their jobs. Our state revenues have fallen short of projections. And the light at the end of the tunnel isn't yet clear.
"The surpluses we enjoyed in recent years aren't there anymore. Tough choices we could put off before have to be made now. Decisions we deferred until another day - that day has come."
The Governor is recommending:
$131 million in the amended 2003 budget to fully fund the mid-year adjustment to the QBE formula for enrollment growth and $193 million for QBE formula grants in the FY 2004 budget.
$1.1 million in additional funds to provide the 10 percent salary supplement for the 380 teachers who achieved National Board Certification last year and $2.3 million in the FY 2004 budget to fund the supplement for the more than 800 teachers who hold National Board Certification.
$186 million in bonds for school construction in FY 2004.
$250 million in lottery funds for Georgia's FY 2004 voluntary pre-kindergarten program.
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$373 million in FY 2003 lottery funds for tuition and other expenses for eligible students.
$57 million in FY 2004 money to provide for an increase in the number of students eligible for the HOPE Scholarship Program.
$5.5 million in FY 2004 to increase the pre-kindergarten program. $81 million in university system formula funding to reflect increased enrollment.
$28 million in bonds for major capital outlay projects on university campuses.
$5.8 million to add 125 new child protective services positions.
$9.4 million to provide additional funds for specialized foster care services. $1.7 billion for Medicaid.
$8.6 million for construction of the Cancer Research Center at the Medical College of Georgia.
$3.2 million for community based services.
$3.2 million to provide community-based residential care for those citizens currently in nursing homes who are medically able and wish to live in the community.
$100 million for the Governor's Road Improvement Program (GRIP).
$38 million for the Local Assistance Road Program (LARP).
$16.1 million in the FY 2003 and $77.2 million in the FY 2004 budgets in state funds, bonds, and Port Authority debt reduction for support of a major economic development project in Pooler, Georgia.
Gov. Perdue also told the members of the Senate and House that a portion of the Revenue Shortfall Fund Reserve will be used. For the FY 2003 supplemental budget he will use $138 million and another $143 million for the FY 3004 budget.
He also is proposing only $95 million for the homestead exemption in FY 2004. To maintain the full $10,000 exemption for FY 2004, it would cost $378 million, he said. "By stepping the grant program down to the $4,000 level, we will save approximately $283 million," he told them.
The Governor also is proposing a temporary increase in the state excise tax on tobacco and alcohol products. He says it will generate approximately $91.5 million in new revenue for FY 2003 and $387 million in FY 2004.
"This is not the kind of budget I wanted to propose," Perdue said. "The cuts are real and will cause real pain. But this is the budget I believe the situation demands . . . you and I are partners. We are members of the same team, Georgia's team.
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"Let's work together and show the people of Georgia that their trust in us is well placed."
Monday, January 20, 2003 is a state holiday to recognize the efforts and accomplishments of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
Legislators and legislative staff will return on Tuesday to hold budget hearings.
The Weekly Wrap-up will be on hiatus next week, but will return on Friday, January 31, 2003 and each subsequent Friday.
. . . now here's more news

Georgia State Senate First Readers (Wednesday, January 15th through Thursday, January 16th)

Senate Resolutions:

SR 6

Designate; Earl T. Shinholster Interchange and Bridge Sen. Regina Thomas (2nd) Transportation committee

SR 12

CA:Taxation; legislation for any state tax; approval by General Assembly Sen. David Shafer (48th) Finance committee

Senate Bills:

SB 2

Senatorial Districts; composition; number; apportionment Sen. Bill Stephens (51st) Reapportionment & Redistricting committee

SB 3 SB 6

Ethics in Government; Financial Disclosure Reform Act Sens. Michael Meyer von Bremen (12th), Robert Brown (26th), Carol Jackson (50th), Gloria Butler (55th), and Terrell Starr (44th) Ethics committee Vehicles stopped by law enforcement during nighttime hours; driving passengers remain in vehicle Sen. Mike Crotts (17th) Public Safety & Homeland Security committee

SB 7

Air Ambulances Services; licensure and regulation Sen. Carol Jackson (50th) Public Safety & Homeland Security committee

SB 8 SB 9

Budget Act; continuation budget report; apply zero-base budgeting Sen. David Shafer (48th) Appropriations committee Additional Judge, Chatham County; State Court Sen. Eric Johnson (1st) State & Local Government Operations committee

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SB 10

Cruelty to children; endangerment; sexual abuse; prosecution Sens. Michael Meyer von Bremen (12th), George Hooks (14th), Gloria Butler (55th), Carol Jackson (50th), and Faye Smith (25th) Judiciary committee

Around Capitol Hill . . .
As the 2003 Georgia General Assembly convened on Monday, advocates, organizations, and citizens from the state of Georgia made their way to Atlanta to be heard on a variety of issues. In addition to the legislative agenda, there were several festivities held to celebrate the new legislative session. Here are some of the highlights from this week:
10th Annual Prayer and Praise Convocation
Sunday afternoon, the Georgia Legislative Prayer Caucus hosted its 10th Annual Prayer and Praise Convocation in the North Wing of the State Capitol. Lieutenant Governor Mark Taylor and Secretary of State Cathy Cox did scripture readings for the event. Outstanding musical performances were given by the Christ the King Baptist Church, Mt. Calvary Missionary Baptist Church, Calvary Missionary Baptist Church, and Reverend Jackey Beavers. The event helped to set the tone for the upcoming legislative session, by giving the members of the Georgia General Assembly and opportunity to come together for prayer, worship, and music.
Wild Hog Supper
The Department of Agriculture sponsored Sunday supper prior to the commencement of legislative session. Agriculture Commissioner Thomas Irvin, Lieutenant Governor Mark Taylor, and Governor-Elect Sonny Perdue were in attendance. The highlight of the evening was the wonderful music, provided by the Peachtree Playboys. Many legislators took the opportunity to enjoy the traditional meal of barbecue and to be among friends, new and old, before getting down to the business of session.
Gubernatorial Inauguration
Monday afternoon, the Georgia General Assembly held a joint session in order to inaugurate the 81st Governor of Georgia, Sonny Perdue, and the Lieutenant Governor Mark Taylor. Citizens from all over the state of Georgia gathered at the Philips Arena to witness this event. The Second Baptist Church of Warner Robins Choir and Orchestra and the Band of the United States Air Force Reserve gave outstanding musical performances. Governor Roy Barnes presented Governor-Elect Sonny Perdue with the Great Seal of Georgia, marking a historic transfer of power in the state's
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highest-ranking public office. The festivities ended with a rousing rendition of "Georgia on My Mind" performed by Atlanta blues singer Francine Reed.
Eggs and Issues Breakfast
Tuesday morning, the Georgia Chamber of Commerce sponsored the annual Eggs and Issues Breakfast for the members of the Georgia General Assembly. In attendance for the event were Governor Sonny Perdue, Lieutenant Governor Mark Taylor, President Pro Tempore Eric Johnson, and House Speaker Terry Coleman. Legislators discussed issues that they hope to address during the legislative session, such as tort reform, ethics, water, and the budget.
Georgia State University Night
Tuesday evening, Georgia State University sponsored a reception for the Georgia General Assembly. Individuals representing several departments, such as the Andrew Young School of Policy Studies, the Department of Health and Human Services, the College of Law, and the College of Arts and Sciences, were in attendance. Dr. Carl Patton, president of Georgia State University, greeted guests as they entered the Georgia Railroad Depot. The reception provided GSU representatives with an opportunity to discuss the concerns and issues of the college with the members of the Georgia General Assembly.

2003 2004 SENATE COMMITTEES
In accordance with the new Senate Rules, a Committee on Assignments was established consisting of Lieutenant Governor Mark Taylor, President Pro Tempore Eric Johnson, and Majority Leader Tom Price. The Committee assigned the senators to their respective committees. The assignments go as follows:

John Bulloch Chair
Jack Hill Chair

AGRICULTURE & CONSUMER AFFAIRS

Ralph Hudgens Vice-Chair

Brian Kemp Secretary

Steve Henson Valencia Seay Faye Smith Renee Unterman Tommie Williams, Ex-officio

APPROPRIATIONS Tommie Williams
Vice-Chair

Eric Johnson Secretary

Don Balfour Peg Blitch
Rooney Bowen Joey Brush Casey Cagle Don Cheeks Chuck Clay
Ginger Collins Mike Crotts Hugh Gillis
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Don Cheeks Chair

Tim Golden Randy Hall George Hooks Brian Kemp Robert Lamutt
Dan Lee Michael Meyer Von Bremen
Jeff Mullis Tom Price Mitch Seabaugh Terrell Starr Horacena Tate Don Thomas Nadine Thomas Regina Thomas Steve Thompson

BANKING & FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS

Bill Stephens Vice-Chair

David Shafer Secretary

Mike Crotts Ed Harbison Ralph Hudgens Carol Jackson Connie Stokes Steve Thompson Tommie Williams, Ex-officio

Ginger Collins Chair

CHILDREN & YOUTH Joey Brush Vice-Chair
Vincent Fort Preston Smith Robert Lamutt, Ex-officio

Horacena Tate Secretary

Jeff Mullis Chair

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT & TOURISM

Tom Price Vice-Chair

Gloria Butler Secretary

Peg Blitch Hugh Gillis Preston Smith Bill Stephens Ross Tolleson Sam Zamarripa Jack Hill, Ex-officio Eric Johnson, Ex-officio

Joey Brush Chair

EDUCATION Chuck Clay Vice-Chair
Don Balfour Liane Levetan Dan Moody
Faye Smith Terrell Starr Georgia Senate Weekly Wrap-up Report Page 8 of 14 Senate Information Office

Don Thomas Secretary

Mike Crotts Chair
Casey Cagle Chair

Regina Thomas Bill Hamrick, Ex-officio
Tom Price, Ex-officio Eric Johnson, Ex-officio

ETHICS & GOVERNMENT REFORM

Preston Smith Vice-Chair

Michael Meyer Von Bremen Secretary

Robert Brown Chuck Clay Randy Hall Bill Hamrick
Jack Hill Liane Levetan
Tom Price Terrell Starr Don Thomas

FINANCE Don Cheeks Vice-Chair
Hugh Gillis Eric Johnson Robert Lamutt Terrell Starr Steve Thompson Tommie Williams Don Balfour, Ex-officio

Charlie Tanksley Secretary

Don Thomas Chair
Bill Hamrick Chair
Robert Lamutt Chair

HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES Renee Unterman Vice-Chair
David Adelman Don Balfour Gloria Butler Bill Hamrick Tom Price Faye Smith Connie Stokes
Bill Stephens, Ex-officio

Preston Smith Secretary

HIGHER EDUCATION Seth Harp Vice-Chair
Tim Golden Randy Hall Kasim Reed Mary Squires Robert Lamutt, Ex-officio

Brian Kemp Secretary

INSURANCE & LABOR David Shafer Vice-Chair
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Dan Moody Secretary

Ed Harbison Chair
Charlie Tanksley Chair

Robert Brown Mike Crotts Tim Golden Ed Harbison Seth Harp Bill Stephens Connie Stokes Sam Zamarripa Don Balfour, Ex-officio Tom Price, Ex-officio Mitch Seabaugh, Ex-officio
INTERSTATE COOPERATION Tim Golden Vice-Chair Carol Jackson Nadine Thomas
JUDICIARY Dan Lee Vice-Chair David Adelman
Chuck Clay Bill Hamrick
Seth Harp Rene Kemp Kasim Reed Faye Smith Preston Smith

Faye Smith Secretary Randy Hall Secretary

Hugh Gillis Chair

NATURAL RESOURCES Casey Cagle Vice-Chair
Rooney Bowen Jack Hill
George Hooks Ralph Hudgens Carol Jackson
Brian Kemp Rene Kemp
Dan Lee Michael Meyer Von Bremen
Terrell Starr Eric Johnson, Ex-officio

John Bulloch Secretary

Rooney Bowen Chair

PUBLIC SAFETY & HOMELAND SECURITY

Dan Lee Vice-Chair

Jeff Mullis Secretary

Gloria Butler
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Dan Lee Chair

Nathan Dean Valencia Seay Ross Tolleson Mitch Seabaugh, Ex-officio

REAPPORTIONMENT & REDISTRICTING

Charlie Tanksley Vice-Chair

Tom Price Secretary

Don Balfour Peg Blitch
Robert Brown John Bulloch Don Cheeks Ginger Collins Mike Crotts Hugh Gillis Ed Harbison
Jack Hill George Hooks Ralph Hudgens Eric Johnson
Brian Kemp Dan Moody David Shafer Bill Stephens Regina Thomas Ross Tolleson Tommie Williams

Mitch Seabaugh Chair

REGULATED INDUSTRIES & UTILITIES

Eric Johnson Vice-Chair

David Shafer Secretary

Rooney Bowen Gloria Butler Ed Harbison
Jack Hill Charlie Tanksley Nadine Thomas Regina Thomas Tommie Williams

Ralph Hudgens Chair
Don Balfour Chair

RETIREMENT Mitch Seabaugh
Vice-Chair
John Bulloch Kasim Reed Horacena Tate Ross Tolleson Bill Stephens, Ex-officio
RULES Casey Cagle Vice-Chair
Peg Blitch Georgia Senate Weekly Wrap-up Report
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Vincent Fort Secretary Tom Price Secretary

David Shafer Chair
Rene Kemp Chair

Nathan Dean Bill Hamrick
Jack Hill Eric Johnson Rene Kemp Michael Meyer Von Bremen Mitch Seabaugh Bill Stephens Don Thomas Nadine Thomas Robert Lamutt, Ex-officio Dan Lee, Ex-officio
SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY Robert LaMutt Vice-Chair Robert Brown Tim Golden Randy Hall George Hooks Dan Moody
SPECIAL JUDICIARY Micheal Meyer von Bremen
Vice-Chair David Adelman
Vincent Fort Steve Henson Liane Levetan Mary Squires Connie Stokes Sam Zamarripa

Renee Unterman Secretary
Carol Jackson Secretary

STATE & LOCAL GOVERNMENT OPERATIONS

Renee Unterman Chair

Jeff Mullis Vice-Chair

Nadine Thomas Secretary

John Bulloch Chuck Clay Kasim Reed Horacena Tate Mitch Seabaugh, Ex-officio

Regina Thomas Chair

STATE INSTITUTIONS & PROPERTY Peg Blitch Vice-Chair

Robert Brown Secretary

David Adelman Nathan Dean Vincent Fort Steve Henson George Hooks Carol Jackson Liane Levetan Georgia Senate Weekly Wrap-up Report Page 12 of 14 Senate Information Office

Tommie Williams Chair
Seth Harp Chair

Valencia Seay Mary Squires Sam Zamarripa

TRANSPORTATION Mike Crotts Vice-Chair
Joey Brush Ginger Collins Nathan Dean Liane Levetan Valencia Seay Charlie Tanksley Steve Thompson

Don Cheeks Secretary

VETERANS & MILITARY AFFAIRS Ross Tolleson Vice-Chair
Robert Brown Ginger Collins Steve Henson
Dan Moody Mary Squires Tommie Williams, Ex-officio

Ed Harbison Secretary

SENATE INFORMATION OFFICE STAFF
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Merri M. Brantley Director
Patrice R. Williams Media Specialist
Terry Ann Edwards Media Specialist Kristina Graves Office Manager Corey Bramblett Session Aide Marie Browning Session Aide Sri Digumarthi Session Aide Kathleen Lewis Session Aide Brooke Eldridge Intern
404-656-0028 or outside the Atlanta area, 1-800-282-5803
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