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. Georgia Senate Weekly Wrap-up Report Page 1 of 14 Senate Information Office "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 Georgia Senate Weekly Wrap-up Report Page 2 of 14 Senate Information Office 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. Georgia Senate Weekly Wrap-up Report Page 3 of 14 Senate Information Office $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. Georgia Senate Weekly Wrap-up Report Page 4 of 14 Senate Information Office "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 Georgia Senate Weekly Wrap-up Report Page 5 of 14 Senate Information Office 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 Georgia Senate Weekly Wrap-up Report Page 6 of 14 Senate Information Office 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 Georgia Senate Weekly Wrap-up Report Page 7 of 14 Senate Information Office 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 Georgia Senate Weekly Wrap-up Report Page 9 of 14 Senate Information Office 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 Georgia Senate Weekly Wrap-up Report Page 10 of 14 Senate Information Office 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 Page 11 of 14 Senate Information Office 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 Georgia Senate Weekly Wrap-up Report Page 13 of 14 Senate Information Office 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 Georgia Senate Weekly Wrap-up Report Page 14 of 14 Senate Information Office