Upper chamber report 2010 January 13

TOP STORY
Legislative Day 3: State of the State Address

JANUARY 13, 2010 DAY-3
Upper Chamber Report

Natalie Strong, Deputy Press Director Kallarin Richards, Editor in Chief
Page

By Katie Wright

"This is our time to carry a heavy

CHAMBER (Jan. 13, 2010) Day load ... to do the hard thing now for

three of the 2010 legislative session the sake of our children and grand-

began with business as usual. Roll children."

call and devotion were followed by

an introduction of the Doctor of the Gov. Perdue talked little of budget.

Day, Dr. John Shih, and a few first Traditionally the governor will pro-

readers.

vide details of the budget at his an-

nual State of the State address. He

The Chaplain of the Day, Jeff Chan- mentioned that his budget team has

dler of SouthCrest Church in New- been working since his administra-

nan, was hosted by Majority Whip tion began to make this a value-

Mitch Seabaugh (R-Sharpsburg). "It driven state. He also mentioned that

was my pleasure to introduce Jeff when the details of his budget plan

Chandler to my colleagues in the are announced on Friday, additional

Senate," said Sen. Seabaugh. "His investment numbers will be included

poignant message was inspirational for FY 2010 and FY 2011. He fo-

to all those within the chamber as we cused on the idea of working for a

begin this new legislative session." better tomorrow so that our children

and grandchildren can enjoy a peace

After daily business, the Senate and that we are not fortunate enough to

the House went into joint session to presently know . Quoting Thomas

watch Governor Sonny Perdue give Paine, he said "If there must be trou-

his final State of the State address. ble, let it be in my day, that my child

The speech spoke more of tomorrow may have peace."

than of today. He advised the legisla-

ture that hard decisions must be He spoke briefly of his proposal to

made to ensure the next generation tie teacher pay to student perform-

does not get handed a problem- ance, rather than post graduate de-

ridden state.

grees. Gov. Perdue said this is purely

commonsense, and it is an effort to

The governor spoke of the deep his- end the perception that teaching is a

tory of our nation. He quoted Tho- low paying job.

mas Paine, framing the era revolu-

tionary soldiers lived in. "These are The governor also talked about

the times that try men's souls ... but Georgia investing more money into

he that stands it now, deserves the its mental health care system to im-

love and thanks of man and woman prove the condition for the mentally

... we have this consolation with us, challenged and developmentally dis-

that the harder the conflict, the more abled.

glorious the triumph."

Gov. Perdue ended his speech with a

Gov. Perdue said the nation has call to stand firm and not retreat. He

faced harder times than this and the told another anecdotal story about an

state must prove triumphant.

undefeated general who, when order-

Continued on Page 4

Sen. Curt Thompson Appointed to State Senate Appropriations Committee

By Jennifer Kitt

crisis and into a new promising "The needs of my constituents and

future."

this state will always be my num-

ATLANTA (Jan. 13, 2010) State

ber one priority."

Sen. Curt Thompson (D-Norcross) Sen. Thompson has served portions

was appointed by Lt. Gov. Casey of Gwinnett and DeKalb counties The appropriations committee allo-

Cagle to serve on the Senate Ap- as a state senator since 2004. He cates funds for state government

propriations Committee.

currently sits on the Economic De- agencies and balances the

velopment, Higher Education, Vet- budget. The committee will join

"Georgia is facing one of the big- erans, Military and Homeland Se- members of the House Appropria-

gest budget deficits in its history, curity and Special Judiciary com- tion Committee to hold joint

and I am ready to tackle this issue mittees.

budget hearings on Jan. 19, 20 and

head on," said Sen. Thomp-

21.

son. "It's going to take some te- "I will strike a balance between

nacity and hard work, but I am lowering our deficit and keeping

confident my colleagues and I will critical funding for programs in the

bring Georgia out of this budget 5th district," said Sen. Thompson.

Senator Preston Smith Introduces Volunteer Emergency Assistance Bill

By Meredith Rich and Kallarin Richards

nity from civil liability. The Volunteer Emergency

Assistance bill reflects the "Good Samaritan Law," in

ATLANTA- (Jan. 13, 2010) - Sen. Preston Smith (R- that it protects volunteers from liability in aiding

Rome) introduced the Volunteer Emergency Assis- those who are injured or ill. In the event the Governor

tance Bill (SB 315) which allows out of state licensed declares a state of emergency, the Georgia Emer-

emergency personnel to assist the state in the event of gency Management Agency (GEMA) and the federal

a disaster. It seeks to ensure or-

government will issue expedited

ganization and rapid medical at-

temporary licenses.

tention during a disaster.

"Today as we watch footage of the

"Our sister states like Louisiana

wreckage left behind by the earth-

and Mississippi have found them-

quake in Haiti, the importance of

selves unable to respond ade-

rapid and organized emergency

quately to mass causalities fol-

assistance cannot be over-

lowing Hurricane Katrina and

stated. My thoughts and prayers

Rita. Our state also has seen its

go out to the people of Haiti as

share of natural disasters, most

they recover from this devastating

recently with the deadly flooding

tragedy," added Sen. Smith.

in September. In a time of a large

scale emergency, assistance from

This bill will make it easier for

any and all volunteers is crucial to

volunteers to cross state lines if an

ensuring the safety of Georgia

unforeseen disaster occurs, and

citizens," said Sen. Smith. "With

help is needed. With legitimate

this bill, safety measures and

professionals on hand, recovery

guidelines will be instilled so that

time will shorten, making the

in the event of a natural or man-

process more organized. The bill

made disaster, the appropriate

seeks to engage in the most effec-

medical attention can be brought to our state."

tive way to handle and carry out additional medical

attention in the event of a disaster.

Specifically, the bill allows physicians, medical pro-

viders, and veterinarians who are licensed in good

standing in their home states, to enter Georgia with a

temporary license and gives those volunteers immu-

Page 2

UPPER CHAMBER REPORT

Sen. Harp Introduces Health Care Systems Bill

By Natalie Strong

tional amendment helps safeguard

the rights of Georgians to accept or

ATLANTA, GA- (Jan. 13, 2010)

reject any health care or health

Today, Sen. Seth Harp (R - Mid-

insurance plan on their own

land) introduced SR 795, the

terms."

Health Care Systems bill, which

fights to protect Georgia citizens

If the amendment is passed by the

against federally mandated health

legislature during the 2010 Ses-

care programs and penalties.

sion, it will then become an issue

for voters to consider on the No-

The proposed constitutional

vember 2010 gubernatorial ballot.

amendment protects every Geor-

Sen Seth Harp (R-Midland) and Sen. Johnny Grant (R-Milledgeville) at health care press conference.

gian's right to private health care

Sen. Harp continued, "By taking

and guards against interference

the necessary measures, we will

with a citizen's right to pay di- "We are poised on a slippery slope prevent Georgians from being

rectly for lawful medical services. if we allow the government's hand forced to spend their hard earned

Additionally, it shields Georgians in our pockets and voice in our money on a government ordered

from federal encroachment by doctor's office. Passing this health care. Georgians are the best

guarding them from penalizations Amendment will help protect stewards of their dollars, so we

and fines levied for choosing to Georgians from disastrous health must prohibit the federal govern-

participate in various health care care mandates which allow govern- ment, or any other entity, from

systems, or declining insurance all ment to control our basic liberties." mandating how Georgians will

together.

said Sen. Harp. "This constitu- receive and pay for health care."

Sen. Shafer Introduces Water Conservations and Savings Act

By Sen. David Shafer

of their own"

ATLANTA (Jan 13, 2010) - Sen. David Shafer (R- Shafer's legislation creates a new funding mechanism

Duluth) today introduced legislation to fund the repair- for repairing water infrastructure. It would allow a local

ing of leaky water infrastructure without forced tax or government seeking a water withdrawal permit to help

water rate increases.

pay the costs of repairing the infrastructure of another

local government within the same river basin, provided

"Millions of gallons of water are lost each day to aging that the amount of water saved from the repairs is reallo-

or inadequately maintained infrastructure -- as much cated from the permit, as well as the government receiv-

18% of the surface water withdrawn for public use," ing the repairs to the permit of the government paying

Shafer said. "Senate Bill 311, the Water Conservation for the repairs.

and Savings Act, provides a way to pay for repairs with-

out resorting to forced tax increases or unfunded man- "The system would be voluntary," Shafer said. "No

dates."

local government willing to repair its own infrastructure

would be required to accept help from another local

Shafer bill's directs the Environmental Protection Divi- government."

sion (EPD) to compile data showing the water loss by

public utility and request plans from each utility to cor- Shafer said the bill creates an option for funding repairs

rect the loss.

that does not involve forced taxes, unfunded mandates

or even an increase in the amount of water permitted to

"Unfortunately, because many local governments hold be withdrawn.

water withdrawal permits for more water than their citi-

zens need, there is a little incentive for them to make Shafer's bill has been endorsed by the Georgia Conser-

repairs," Shafer said. "At the same time, many growing vancy and Georgia Conservation Voters.

counties are waiting years to obtain withdrawal permits

Page 3

UPPER CHAMBER REPORT

Sen. Jackson Meets With Governor Perdue to Promote Savannah Cruise Ship Terminal

By Natalie Strong

ATLANTA, Ga. (Jan. 13, 2010) Sen. Lester Jack-

son (D- Savannah), Rep. J. Craig Gordon (D- Savan-

nah), Rep. Bob Bryant (D- Savannah), Rep. Mickey

Stephens (D- Savannah), and Savannah Alderman

Tony Thomas met with Governor Sonny Perdue to

discuss the need for a cruise ship port in the city of

Savannah. The proposal for a cruise ship port has

received support from the mayor of the City of Sa-

vannah, the city manager, Chatham County, the Sa-

vannah Area Convention and Visitors Bureau, and the

Savannah Chamber of Commerce. Financial backing

from the state would mean vested entities could pro-

gress with plans to create a feasibility study which

Pictured from left to right: Rep. J. Craig Gordon (D- Savannah), Rep. Bob Bryant (D- Savannah), Governor Sonny Perdue, Sen. Lester Jackson (D- Savan-

would determine the cost and benefits associated with nah), Rep. Mickey Stephens (D- Savannah), Savannah Alderman Tony Thomas

locating a cruise ship terminal in Savannah.

tourism, revenue for the local community and the

Sen. Jackson's message today is a direct response to state, as well as create hundreds of jobs for Georgi-

the Governor's call to action for state legislators to ans.

"...worry less about bringing home the pork, and

more about empowering our people to grow their own Jackson continued, "Over 9 million Georgians must

hogs."

choose to travel to states such as Alabama, Florida,

Texas, South Carolina, and Louisiana in order to take

"Today, Governor Perdue called on Georgians to be a cruise. As they take advantage of this opportunity

innovative leaders; he challenged us to make viable across state lines they take with them their hard

solutions for and with our constituents and I have earned money and million of dollars in economic

responded with this proposal. This is not a partisan growth. It is imperative that we keep these tourism

issue, or even a Savannah issue, this is a chance for dollars in their our own back yard and create a source

economic empowerment and to build a better Geor- of additional revenue for Georgia"

gia," said Sen. Jackson. "This small investment in our

state's future will mean millions of dollars of state 40 percent of leisure travelers in America are inter-

revenue and certain economic growth."

ested in taking a cruise during the next two years.

This number rises to 46 percent among leisure travel-

Currently, Georgia is one of the only coastal south- ers who are interested in visiting Georgia. The cruise

east states which does not have a cruise ship terminal. industry is a robust market that is destined to grow in

A terminal in the Coastal Empire would increase the years ahead.

Continued From Page 1

ing a retreat, was met by defiance When asked about the budget is- budget, he said "I think it will be

from his undefeated army. They sues the legislature is facing, he difficult, we'll have to look at spe-

did not know how to retreat. The said "we're going to be crea- cial interest cuts."

governor urged the legislature to tive....we're going to make the Sen. Brown added that "we're see-

let go of any knowledge of retreat tough decisions like all those small ing a structural realignment in our

and fight for a better tomorrow. business leaders do, just like every economy. We're going to have to

family is doing."

do more in terms of re-training our

After the address President Pro

workforce and putting more em-

Tempore Tommie Williams (R- Minority Leader Robert Brown (D- phasis on education."

Lyons) offered that he thought it Macon) felt the speech lacked sub-

was a "very moving speech." stance. When approached about the

Page 4

UPPER CHAMBER REPORT

Sen. Ramsey Selected for Several Leadership Roles at Capitol

By Katie Wright

The Senate Judiciary Committee level. Sen. Ramsey will be one of

works with legislation affecting four legislators on the board that

ATLANTA (Jan. 13, 2010) To- judicial proceedings, both civil and provides oversight for the Gover-

day, State Senator Ronald B. Ram- criminal. Its jurisdiction includes nor's Office of Workforce Devel-

sey, Sr. (DLithonia) was selected civil liberties, governmental infor- opment.

for several leadership roles at the mation and constitutional amend-

state capitol. He was appointed to ments. Sen. Ramsey, a former The Georgia World Congress Cen-

the Senate Judiciary Committee, judge, has a vast background in ter Authority exists for the primary

selected as a member of the State judiciary and currently works as a purpose of promoting and facilitat-

Workforce Investment Board, un- federal government investigator ing events and activities that gener-

der the Governor's Office of and attorney. He is one of several ate economic benefits to the citi-

Workforce Development. He was attorneys in the Georgia Senate zens of the State of Georgia and

also appointed to serve on the

the City of Atlanta. The legislative

Georgia World Congress Center Workforce Development is a fo- oversight committee works to en-

Authority Oversight Committee. cused, integrated approach to coor- sure the facilities are being used

dinate business, academic and gov- for the betterment of Georgia and

"I am honored by these appoint- ernment sector policies. It includes its citizens. The activities of the

ments," said Ramsey. "This is an programs that enable individuals to Georgia Dome, Centennial Olym-

exciting opportunity to serve the sustain a livelihood and obtain set pic Park and related facilities are

citizens of Georgia with this ex- goals. The goal of the Workforce included in the board's oversight.

panded level of responsibility." Development office is to ensure

Georgia is competitive on a global

Sen. Seay Introduces Bill Requiring First Aid Certification in GA High Schools
Georgia students. The course, offered in eight grade and higher, will provide a standard for certification and provide an opportunity for participating students to obtain a basic, hands-on first-aid certification.

"I believe that first responders are often the people present on the scene should an accident occur. If students are armed with the education needed to protect and save lives, we are teaching our youth the value of benevolence not destruction or violence," said Sen. Seay. "We must empower our youth with these invaluable life skills because often times the simplest bit of first-aid knowledge can become life saving and life changing."

If passed, SB 298 will require certification through

a mandatory first aid course for all students begin-

ning in 2014. Local schools boards will be able to

use volunteer instructors under the condition that

By Natalie Strong

they are approved by the State Board of Education

and have served as a certified volunteer for organi-

ATLANTA, GA.- (Jan. 13, 2010) Yesterday, Sen. zations such as the American Red Cross.

Valencia Seay (D-Riverdale) introduced SB 298,

which would require mandatory certification in

basic first aid as a graduation requirement for all

Page 5

UPPER CHAMBER REPORT

Legislative Process Dates
Important Dates in the Legislative Process
Introduction - Last day to file and/or 1st Read in Senate. 30 th day - last day to introduce General Senate bills and resolutions (even year). [Rule 3-1.2 (b)] 30 th day - last day to accept General House bills and resolutions. [Rule 3-1.2 (b)] 39th day - last day to introduce General Senate bills and resolutions (odd year). [Rule 3-1.2 (b)] *Note: Senate bills and resolutions must be filed with the Secretary before 4:00 p.m. to be 1st read on the next legislative day.
Deadlines for passage in current year
Committee Report Deadlines - Last day to read report. Report submitted to Secretary by convening. 28th day - General Senate bills and resolutions. 38th day - Local Senate bills and resolutions. 38th day - General House bills and resolutions. 40th day - Local House bills and resolutions. Calendar Management Calendar in numerical order after 2nd reading of legislation; days 1-5. [Rule 4-2.10 (a)] Rules Committee sets the calendar for days 6 - 40. [Rule 4-2.10 (b)] General Senate Bills and Resolutions 26th day - File with Secretary of the Senate. [Rule 3-1.2 (a)] 27th day - 1st Reading and referral to committee. [Rule 3-1.2 (b)] 28th day - Committee report read upon convening. (A recommitted bill already 2nd read - report day 29.) 29th day - 2nd Reading. [Rule 4-2.6] 30th day - Passage [Rule 4-2.10 (a)] and immediate transmittal to House. [Rule 4-2.14] Local Senate Bills and Resolutions 35th day - File with Secretary of the Senate. [3-1.2 (a)] 36th day - 1st Reading and referral to committee. (Cannot pass for 2 days.) [Rule 4-2.4 (c) ] 38th day - Favorable report by committee, passage and immediate transmittal to the House. [Rule 4-2.14] 39th day - 2nd Reading in House. 40th day - Favorable report and passage in House. General House Bills and Resolutions 30th day - Transmitted from House and received by Secretary. 31st day - 1st Reading and referral to committee. [Rule 3-1.2 (b)] 38th day - Favorable report upon convening and 2nd reading. (Applies to days 36 - 38) [Rule 4-2.6] 39th day - Passage. [Rule 4-2.10 (a)] 40th day - Passage of bills or resolutions tabled day 39; removed from the table on day 40. [Rule 4-2.10 (a)] Local House Bills and Resolutions 39th day - 1st Reading and referral to committee. 40th day - Favorable report by committee and passage. * Note: On the 30th day and on the last three days of session, bills and resolutions needing action from the House are automatically immediately transmitted. [Rule 4-2.14] 40th day - Passage of bills or resolutions tabled day 39; removed from the table on day 40. [Rule 4-2.10 (a)]

Page 6

UPPER CHAMBER REPORT