The Georgia Senate this week, Jan. 18, 2008

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Governor's budget priorities are for an educated, healthy, growing Georgia

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ov. Sonny Perdue outlined his priorities at his annual State of the State address before a joint session of the General Assembly touting Georgia's growth and presenting new initiatives for education, health, water, taxes and transportation.

During his speech, Gov. Perdue proposed a constitutional amendment to eliminate the state portion of property taxes that residents pay on homes and automobiles. This will eliminate the state quarter mill ad valorem tax, providing approximately $94 million in tax relief to Georgia property owners, beginning in fiscal year 2010. He also reaffirmed his commitment to the Senior Income Tax Credit to spur economic development by attracting new retirees to the state.

Education remains Governor Perdue's top priority. One of his recommendations includes granting public schools some of the flexibility that charter schools enjoy through new contracts between the state and the local school systems. These contracts will require clear and measurable accountability standards and will link the flexibility with student achievement. He also is proposing $65 million in his amended FY 2008 budget proposal to fund two priority needs for schools transportation and technology.

The governor also is proposing $14 million in the FY 2009 budget to create the Very Important Parent Recruiter program for at-risk elementary, middle and high schools. Another $14.4 million will be put in the budget to continue funding the graduation coach program and $6.4 million in lottery money for additional pre-kindergarten slots. For the

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third year in a row, teachers will receive the $100 gift cards to purchase classroom and library supplies.
With the 2.5 percent pay raise for teachers, they are expected to remain the top paid educators in the Southeast. In addition, state employees will receive a 2.5 pay increase and he is recommending supplemental salary adjustments for employees paid less than 85 percent of market in critical job classifications.
During his speech, the governor also proposed $120 million for water infrastructure and reservoirs. He is proposing an $11 million in existing resources to fully fund both the resource assessments and regional planning components of the Statewide Water Plan, which is designed to ensure the wise use and responsible conservation of Georgia's water resources.
"Governor Perdue's commitment to tackle our water needs by urging the passage of the Statewide Water Management plan and by pledging new resources to build and expand more reservoirs in our state is very significant," Lt. Gov. Casey Cagle said, following the speech.
Governor Perdue also is recommending a Transportation Infrastructure Bank to provide low interest loans to complete essential transportation projects for local governments, public transit agencies and community improvement districts. This will be a $50 million revolving loan fund to be paid back and made available for new roads, bridges and transit. He also has proposed $230 million in motor-fuel funded bonds for the Governor's Fast Forward program to promote short and long-term congestion relief, spurring economic development, adding capacity to Georgia's highways and improving the efficiency o the existing highway network.
In addition, the Governor has proposed: 9 $1 million to establish the Identity Theft Unit within the GBI to prevent personal identity theft;
9 $11 million to increase the size of the Georgia State Patrol by establishing a Regional Officer Trooper Cadet Program and provide additional trooper schools;
9 $53 million for the State Trauma Commission to reimburse physicians, EMS providers and trauma hospitals for uncompensated care;
9 $34.7 million to increase the hospital Medicaid reimbursement rates; g{| jxx~
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9 $17 million to provide state funds for PeachCare to match federal funds (an additional $16 million will be put into the Amended FY 2008 budget);
9 $21 million to improve state mental health hospital operations;
9 $9.25 million in tobacco settlement funding to increase access to primary health care in rural Georgia;
9 $131 million in total motor fuel funds for local roads;
9 $1.1 million to renovate and repair State Farmers' Markets;
9 $10 million in additional Homeowners Tax Relief Grants to reflect a 1.84 percent growth;
9 $131,000 to reestablish the wildfire arson unit allowing the forestry Commission to more aggressively pursue arsons and other state burn law violations;
9 $2.5 million to fight wildfires.
"We provide more than $500 million in property tax relief, we have filled our reserve funds, and we are tackling water, traffic and trauma care. This is a budget that balances Georgia's growth with sound stewardship and respects the taxpayer. I am pleased with the broad outlines of Governor Perdue's budget and look forward to working cooperatively on the details," President Pro Tempore Eric Johnson of the 1st said following the speech.

Senate overwhelmingly passes Business Security and Employee Privacy Act

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n Thursday, the Senate passed House Bill 89, the Business Security and Employee Privacy Act. The bill, which was presented to the full Senate as a substitute by the Rules Committee, specifies that no private or public employer may prohibit an

employee from entering the parking lot when the employee's car contains a firearm that is

locked out of sight, if the employee possesses a valid Georgia firearms license. In addition, no

private or public employer may search the locked privately-owned vehicles of employees.

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Business Security and Employee Privacy Act (continued)
"I just don't think that we have to put people in a position to decide between safety and their job, especially in a situation where anybody else can drive into that parking lot with a firearm in their vehicle," Sen. Chip Rogers of the 21st said during the debate.
"Because of the nature of a public access parking lot, no one is being prevented from driving into a parking lot with a firearm except that person who happens to be an employee. I don't think it is the right public policy that employers ought to discriminate against an employee and prevent them from defending themselves."
Furthermore, the legislation was amended in the Rules Committee to allow any person who has been issued a license to carry a concealed weapon to do so in all parks, historic sites or recreational areas under the control of the Department of Natural Resources.
Cameras, cameras everywhere
The Senate Press Office has expanded which will give the Senate more exposure. The Press Office's Broadcast Services program will allow Senators to record public service announcements, interviews and press conferences that can be sent to their local media during the Session.
It is rare when local television stations from around the state can travel to Atlanta during the legislative session, so the legislative session will go to the local television stations and give more Senators airtime. The Press Office has offered this service to radio stations for several years, but now local television stations will be able to grab feeds provided by the Senate to use on their nightly news programs.
The Senate also has an "interview room" that Senators can use when talking with the media, as well as the press conference room. Both are located on the second floor of the Coverdell Legislative Office Building near the Senate Press Office. Any Senator may use the rooms by calling 404.656.0028.
The Senate also has editing equipment and the ability to record and copy any programming you might need.
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(Monday, January 14 Thursday January 17, 2007)

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SR 686

Ad Valorem Taxation; freezing values of existing residential real property; provide conditions/limitations Sens. Eric Johnson (1st); Chip Rogers (21st); Tommie Williams (19th); David Adelman (42nd); Mitch Seabaugh (28th) and Regina Thomas (2nd) Finance Committee 01/16/08

SR 687

Ad Valorem Taxation; local replacement option; provide for procedures, conditions, and limitation Sens. Mitch Seabaugh (28th); Tommie Williams (19th); Johnny Grant (25th); John Douglas (17th); Chip Rogers (21st) and Judson Hill (32nd) Finance Committee 01/14/08

SR 691

Collie, Officer Shane; recognize Sen. Chip Rogers (21st) Read and adopted 01/15/08

SR 692

Fullbright, Linda; commend Sen. Chip Rogers (21st) Read and adopted 01/15/08

SR 693

Johnson, Patrick; commend Sen. Chip Rogers (21st) Read and adopted 01/15/08

SR 694

Burke, David Anthony; commend Sen. Chip Rogers (21st) Read and adopted 01/15/08

SR 695

Jackson, Malcolm; commend Sen. Chip Rogers (21st) Read and adopted 01/15/08

SR 696

Stembridge, Andrew; commend Sen. Chip Rogers (21st) Read and adopted 01/15/08

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SR 697 SR 698 SR 699 SR 700
SR 701
SR 702 SR 703 SR 704 SR 705

Greene, Lieutenant Bill; recognize Sen. John Douglas (17th) Read and adopted 01/15/08
Hunter, Mrs. Mildred Morse; honoring Sen. Tim Golden (8th) Read and adopted 01/15/08
Jenkins, Robert; recognize Sen. Tim Golden (8th) Read and adopted 01/15/08
2008 Intel International Science and Engineering Fair; recognize Sens. Dan Moody (56th); Cecil Staton (18th); David Shafer (48th); Emanuel Jones (10th); Dan Weber (40th) and Bill Heath (31st) Read and adopted 01/15/08
State-Wide Water Management Plan; to ratify; provide force and effect; provide for construction Sens. Ross Tolleson (20th); Chip Pearson (51st); Seth Harp (29th); Steve Henson (41st); William Hamrick (30th); Ralph Hudgens (47th) and others Natural Resources and Environment Committee 01/15/08
Cartersville Senior League All Stars; commend Sens. Bill Heath (31st); Preston Smith (52nd); Don Thomas (54th) and Chip Rogers (21st) Read and adopted 01/15/08
Wilder, Lorenzo; recognize Sen. George Hooks (14th) Read and adopted 01/15/08
Georgia Tech Women's Tennis Team; commend Sens. Chip Rogers (21st); Johnny Grant (25th); Don Balfour (9th) and Renee Unterman (45th) Read and adopted 01/15/08
Ronald Reagan Day; recognize February 6, 2008 Sens. Chip Rogers (21st), Eric Johnson (1st); Tommie Williams (19th); Chip Pearson (51st); John Douglas (17th) and Ronnie Chance (16th) Read and adopted 01/15/08

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SR 706
SR 707 SR 708 SR 709 SR 710 SR 711 SR 712 SR 713 SR 714

U.S. Congress and President; urged to enact legislation to increase physician residencies funded by Medicare in Georgia Sens. Cecil Staton (18th); Don Thomas (54th); David Adelman (42nd); Seth Harp (29th); Renee Unterman (45th) and Horacena Tate (38th) Rules Committee 01/15/08
Gilliland, Thomas C.; recognize Sens. Chip Pearson (51st) and Nancy Schaefer (50th) Read and adopted 01/15/08
Phillips, Jr.; John Temple; condolences Sens. Michael Meyer von Bremen (12th) and George Hooks (14th) Read and adopted 01/16/08
Murphy, Morgan Grier; condolences Sens. Michael Meyer von Bremen (12th) and George Hooks (14th) Read and adopted 01/16/08
Baxter, Dennis; commend Sens. Eric Johnson (1st) and Regina Thomas (2nd) Read and adopted 01/16/08
Sportsmen's Day at the Capitol Sens. Bill Heath (31st); Greg Goggans (7th); Jeff Mullis (53rd); Joseph Carter (13th) and Robert Brown (26th) Read and adopted 01/16/08
Valdosta State College Football Team; recognize Sen. Tim Golden (8th) Read and adopted 01/16/08
Dean, David; recognize Sen. Tim Golden (8th) Read and adopted 01/16/08
Harris, Mr. Andrew J.; commend Sens. Chip Rogers (21st); Eric Johnson (1st); Don Balfour (9th); Johnny Grant (25th) and Renee Unterman (45th) Read and adopted 01/16/08

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SR 715
SR 716 SR 717 SR 718 SR 719 SR 720 SR 721

Martin Luther King, Jr. National Memorial; urging General Assembly to commemorate life/work; contributing funds Sens. Valencia Seay (34th); Eric Johnson (1st); Robert Brown (26th); Gloria Butler (55th); Horacena Tate (38th); Sr. Ronald Ramsey (43rd) and others Read and adopted 01/16/08
Jere Ayers Parkway; Madison County; dedicate Sen. Ralph Hudgens (47th) Transportation Committee 01/17/08
Lamie, Sergeant Gene L.; condolences Sen. Greg Goggans (7th) Read and adopted 01/17/08
American Camellia Society; honoring Sen. George Hooks (14th) Transportation Committee 01/17/08
Phillips, James Tyler; recognize Sen. John Douglas (17th) Read and adopted 01/17/08
Korean War Veterans Memorial Highway; Muscogee, Bibb, and Glynn; dedicate Sens. John Douglas (17th); Ronnie Chance (16th) and Cecil Staton (18th) Transportation Committee 01/17/08
Courts; limitation on jurisdiction; appropriations by the General Assembly CA Sens. Chip Rogers (21st); Preston Smith (52nd); William Hamrick (30th); Seth Harp (29th); John Wiles (37th) and others Finance Committee 01/17/08

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SB 335 SB 336 SB 337 SB 338 SB 339 SB 340 SB 341

State Agencies; designate English as official language; prohibit requiring employees to speak/learn any other languages for employment Sens. John Douglas (17th); Nancy Schaefer (50th); Judson Hill (32nd) and Lee Hawkins (49th) Public Safety 01/14/08
Quality Basic Education Act; state playoff game; no high school funded under this Act shall be required seating capacity Sens. Mitch Seabaugh (28th) and Judson Hill (32nd) Education and Youth 01/14/08
Georgia Lottery Corporation Board of Directors; provide for certain duties Sens. Mitch Seabaugh (28th) and Judson Hill (32nd) Economic Development 01/14/08
Insurance; prohibit prior authorization for a prescription drug which manufacturer provides to community pharmacy; definitions Sens. Jack Murphy (27th); Lee Hawkins (49th); Don Thomas (54th); Bill Heath (31st); Tommie Williams (19th); Regina Thomas (2nd) and others Insurance Committee 01/16-08
Firearms; valid licenses; authorized to possess/carry in state parks, historic sites; hunting; general provisions Sens. Judson Hill (32nd); Bill Heath (31st); Jeff Mullis (53rd); Greg Goggans (7th); Chip Rogers (21st); John Douglas (17th) and others Judiciary Committee 01/15/08
Counties; municipal corporations; prohibit sanctuary policies by local government entities Sens. Chip Pearson (51st); Chip Rogers (21st); Eric Johnson (1st); Tommie Williams (19th); David Shafer (48th); Mitch Seabaugh (28th) and others Veterans, Military and Homeland Security Committee 01/15/08
Council on Aging; assign additional duties; produce a report; appointment of advisory committees Sens. Lee Hawkins (49th); Jack Murphy (27th); Don Thomas (54th); Preston Smith (52nd); Joseph Carter (13th); David Shafer (48th) and others Health and Human Services Committee 01/15/08
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SB 342 SB 343 SB 344 SB 345 SB 346 SB 347 SB 348 SB 349

Water Conservation and Drought Relief Act; issuance of permits; certifications; construction of new public water supply reservoirs Sens. Chip Pearson (51st); Ross Tolleson (20th); Eric Johnson (1st); Tommie Williams (19th); David Shafer (48th) and others Natural Resources and Environment Committee 01/15/08
Made in Georgia; create program; promoting goods/product manufactured in Ga.; provide for rules/regulations Sens. Tim Golden (8th) and Doug Stoner (6th) Economic Development Committee 01/16/08
Boards and Commissions; repeal/abolish certain ones that have become inactive, obsolete, unnecessary; provide effective date Sens. Dan Moody (56th); George Hooks (14th); Mitch Seabaugh (28th); Tim Golden (8th); Ronnie Chance (16th) and Chip Rogers (21st) Government Oversight Committee - 01/16/08
Interstate Compact on Educational Opportunity for Military Children; provide for purpose and policy Sens. Ed Harbison (15th); John Douglas (17th); Dan Moody (56th); George Hooks (14th) and Valencia Seay (34th) Education and Youth Committee 01/16/08
Medical Care Professionals; providing services at free health clinics; receive compensation Sens. Ralph Hudgens (47th); Lee Hawkins (49th); Jack Murphy (27th); Cecil Staton (18th) and Eric Johnson (1st) Insurance Committee 01/17/08
Insurance Companies; software as admitted asset when determining financial condition Sens. Ralph Hudgens (47th) and Chip Rogers (21st) Insurance Committee 01/17/08
Insurance; imposition of fees/taxes for services provided by counties/municipal; contravention of public policy Sens. Ralph Hudgens (47th) and Chip Rogers (21st) Insurance Committee 01/17/08
Penal Institutions; transmittal of information on convicted person/place of detention Sens. John Wiles (37th); Judson Hill (32nd); Doug Stoner (6th); Chip Rogers (21st); John Douglas (17th) and Kasim Reed (35th) Public Safety 01/17/08

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SB 350 SB 351 SB 352

Drivers' Licenses; requirement; driving while license suspended/revoked; change certain provision Sens. John Wiles (37th); Chip Rogers (21st); Michael Seabaugh (28th); Jack Murphy (27th); Eric Johnson (1st); Don Thomas (54th) and others Public Safety 01/17/08
Joint State-wide Water Planning Oversight Committee; members; powers; duties; provide Sens. Bill Coswert (46th); Ross Tolleson (20th); John Bulloch (11th); Tommie Williams (19th); Preston Smith (52nd); Greg Goggans (7th) and others Natural Resources and Environment Committee 01/17/08
Government; legislative override; change certain exemptions Sens. Bill Coswert (46th); Ross Tolleson (20th); John Bulloch (11th); Chip Pearson (51st); Preston Smith (52nd); Greg Goggans (7th) and others Natural Resources and Environment Committee 01/17/08

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\ V|xx Tv| A A A
Administrative Affairs Committee
The Administrative Affairs Committee did not meet this week.
Agriculture and Consumer Affairs Committee
The Agriculture and Consumer Affairs Committee did not meet this week.
Appropriations Committee
The Appropriations Committee did not meet this week.
Banking and Financial Institutions Committee
The Banking and Financial Institutions Committee did not meet this week.
Economic Development Committee
The Economic Development Committee did not meet this week.
Education and Youth Committee
Chairman Dan Weber of the 40th called the Committee's first meeting of the 2008 legislative session to order on Tuesday, January 15. Scott Austensen, chief financial officer for the Georgia Department of Education, gave a presentation on how education funding works in Georgia, specifically how funds are allocated and distributed from the state to the local school districts. DOE General Counsel Jennifer Hackemeyer then updated the Committee on the issues in the consortium lawsuit. Hackemeyer stated that the Court will wait for a definition of an "adequate education" from the General Assembly before moving forward with the case.
Ethics Committee
The Ethics Committee did not meet this week.
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Finance Committee
The Finance Committee met Tuesday, January 15, and discussed House Resolution 900, also known as the GREAT Plan, authored by Rep. Glenn Richardson. The GREAT Plan establishes the goal of eliminating all ad valorem taxes for educational purposes. It exempts CID, TAD and bonded indebtedness prior to 2009; creates the ability of the General Assembly to establish an income tax credit for grocery taxes paid by low-income families and allows for that credit to extend a refund check. It also creates a homestead exemption up to $18,000 of assessed value or complete homestead exemption for ad valorem taxes for educational purposes, allowing seniors who already receive an education property tax exemption to receive tax benefits. It exempts all ad valorem taxes on motor vehicles used for personal use and creates a mechanism for allowing the eight counties currently using the LOST to rollback education property taxes. The accompanying House Bill: creates a uniform appeal process and grocery tax credit schedule. It also places state sales taxes on groceries; n lottery tickets; personal services limited to $400 per vendor and gives tax credit to multi-channel video service providers who pay franchise fees. In addition, it eliminates the personal automobile ad valorem tax and replaces it with a $20 fee. The local governing body will tax as it does now and property owners will continue to receive tax bill. Local school systems will receive funds from the State which will guarantee payment of the school portion of local tax bills.
Government Oversight Committee
The Government Oversight Committee did not meet this week.
Health and Human Services Committee
The Health and Human Services Committee did not meet this week.
Higher Education Committee
The Higher Education Committee did not meet this week.
Insurance and Labor Committee
The Committee held its first meeting of the 2008 session on Tuesday, January 15. Chairman Ralph Hudgens of the 47th introduced Georgia Insurance and Fire Safety Commissioner John Oxendine, who welcomed all committee members. Chairman Carolyn Hall and Director Warren Massey from the State Board of Worker's Compensation gave a presentation about the purpose of workers' compensation and the work and impact of the State Board of Worker's Compensation Advisory Council. Several members of the Advisory Council's Legislative Committee spoke on the Advisory Council's positive effect for workers' compensation and injured workers throughout Georgia. Senator Jack Murphy of the 27th stated that he is currently working on legislation to solve the problem of prior approval with insurance companies.
Interstate Cooperation Committee
The Interstate Cooperation Committee did not meet this week.
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Economic Development Committee
The Economic Development Committee did not meet this week.
Judiciary Committee
The Judiciary Committee did not meet this week.
Natural Resources and the Environment Committee
On Tuesday, January 15, Chairman Ross Tolleson of the 20th called the first meeting of the Natural Resources and the Environment Committee to order. The Committee considered Senate Resolution 701, which proposes a resolution to ratify the Comprehensive Statewide Water Management Plan. Dr. Carol Couch, director of the Environmental Protection Division of the Department of Natural Resources, explained the new water plan in great detail. Georgia Agribusiness Council President Gary Black spoke in support of the resolution, while others, such as a representative of the Georgia Water Coalition, Gill Rogers, spoke in opposition. After some discussion, SR 701 was unanimously passed by the Committee.
Public Safety Committee
The Public Safety Committee did not meet this week.
Reapportionment and Redistricting Committee
The Reapportionment and Redistricting Committee did not meet this week.
Regulated Industries and Utilities Committee
The Regulated Industries and Utilities Committee did not meet this week.
Retirement Committee
The Retirement Committee did not meet this week.
Rules Committee
The Rules Committee met as a standing committee this week to discuss SB 76, which returns the powers of the Senate Committee on Assignments to the office of the Lt. Governor. The bill passed the Committee unanimously. The Committee also heard House Bill 89, the Business Security and Employment Act. The Rules Committee offered a substitute and heard testimony on the bill from Rep. Tim Bearden, the author of the original legislation, the Georgia Chamber of Commerce, and Georgians for Gun Safety, among others. Sen. Chip Rogers offered the substitute and accepted four amendments all which passed the committee. The Senate Rules Committee recommended that HB 89 go to the Senate floor for a vote with two dissenting votes.
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Science and Technology Committee
The Science and Technology Committee did not meet this week.
Special Judiciary Committee
The Special Judiciary Committee did not meet this week.
State Institutions and Property Committee
The State Institutions and Property Committee did not meet this week.
State and Local Governmental Operations Committee
The State and Local Governmental Operations Committee did not meet this week.
Transportation Committee
The Transportation Committee did not meet this week.
Urban Affairs Committee
The Urban Affairs Committee did not meet this week.
Veterans, Military and Homeland Security Committee
The Veterans, Military and Homeland Security did not meet this week.
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Director
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201 Paul D. Coverdell Legislative Office Building 18 Capitol Square
Atlanta, Georgia 30334 404.656.0028 or outside the Atlanta area 800.282.5803
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