TOP STORY 
Legislative Day 4: The Senate Reflects Upon 
Recent Tragedy in Haiti 
 
JANUARY 15, 2010 . DAY4 
Upper Chamber Report 
 
Raegan Weber, Press Director Kallarin Richards, Editor in Chief 
Page 
 
Sen. Pearson then introduced the 
 
By Meredith Rich 
 
Chaplain of the Day, Rev. Tom 
 
Stradley, who preaches at Ami- 
 
CHAMBER (Jan. 14, 2010)  The calola Baptist Church in Dawson- 
 
Georgia State Senate entered Day 4 ville. He reflected on the Senators' 
 
of the 2010 Legislative Session on ability to exert wisdom and exhibit 
 
Thursday. Much attention was fo- courage while leading the state in 
 
cused on those who have been af- actions, choices and decisions. 
 
fected by the earthquake in Haiti. 
 
Senators reminded everyone to Sen. Seth Harp (R-Midland) intro- 
 
keep the Haitians in their thoughts duced the Doctor of the Day, Dr. 
 
and prayers. 
 
Margalit Schaufler, a self- 
 
employed Obstetrician and Gyne- 
 
Sen. Donzella James (D-College cologist from Lagrange. She gradu- 
 
Park) approached the well and ated from the University of Georgia 
 
urged everyone to get involved in in 1975, earned her medical degree 
 
the Haitian relief efforts. Followed from the Medical College of Geor- 
 
by her plea was a moment of si- gia in 1979, and conducted her resi- 
 
lence to reflect on the tragedy. 
 
dency at Emory University School 
 
of Medicine from 1979-83. Dr. 
 
"With lives lost and families bro- Shchaufler earned the title "Chief 
 
ken, it is important to recognize Administrative Resident" while at 
 
what we can do for the Haitians," Emory from 1982-83. She resides 
 
said Sen. James. 
 
in Lagrange with her husband and 
 
three children. 
 
Sen. Chip Pearson (R-Dawsonville) 
 
also encouraged his colleagues to Today was also Georgia Addiction 
 
keep the Haitian community in Recovery Awareness Day at the 
 
mind and to help out in any way Capitol. The Georgia Addiction 
 
possible. He spoke of a close friend Counselors Association (GACA) is 
 
who lives in Haiti with her chil- a non-profit organization that is 
 
dren, who must now deal with the dedicated to aiding addiction coun- 
 
trauma everyday. 
 
seling. 
 
 Sen. Murphy Appointed to Transportation Transportation Committee Passes P3 Rules 
 
Committee 
 
By: Raegan Weber & Adam Sweat 
 
Senate Transportation Committee Chairman Jeff Mullis (R-Chickamauga) convened the first hearing of the State Senate Transportation Committee for the 2010 Legislative Session. Earl Mahfuz of the Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) presented the P3 Rules (public/private initiatives) and a quarterly update in accordance with the Transportation Governance Law (SB 200). The governing rules were passed by the GDOT Board in December. Mahfuz's testimony also included guidelines for public/private partnerships, which is not required by the law. 
 
By Natalie Strong 
 
Chairman Mullis ran his usual efficient meeting, noting his excitement over the public/private partnerships and that he looks forward to the transportation projects getting under way throughout the state. He mentioned the positive impact they will have on the entire State of Georgia. 
 
ATLANTA (Thursday, Jan.14, 2010)  Sen. Jack Murphy (R- Cumming) was recently appointed to the Sen. Steve Thompson (D-Marietta) expressed his Senate Transportation Committee by Lieutenant Gov- concerns over the lack of minority contracts for ernor Casey Cagle. Sen. Murphy currently serves as transportation projects. GDOT noted that guidechairman of the Public Safety Committee in addition lines for minority contracts were noted in the fedto his many leadership roles on a host of other vital eral requirements. Thompson and other committee 
 
Senate committees. 
 
members were also concerned with the short time 
 
they had to review the department's materials be- 
 
"Transportation issues in Georgia, especially in For- fore taking a vote. 
 
syth and Cherokee counties are extremely important," 
 
said Sen. Murphy after his appointment. "I am hon- Sen. John Douglas (R-Social Circle) voiced his 
 
ored that the Lt. Governor has given me the opportu- continued concerns with projects south of the 
 
nity to serve on this vital committee as we work to Atlanta Metro Area. He noted that this has always 
 
make sustainable solutions for transportation issues been an issue and he didn't see any P3 projects in throughout the state." 
 
Previously, Sen. Murphy served in the State House of Continued On Page 3 
 
Representatives for two terms and in the United States Air Force for four years before beginning his Continued From Page 1 
 
professional career as a successful business man. 
 
At the Capitol, 
 
As a member of the Transportation Committee, Mur- more than 500 participants rallied in support of ad- 
 
phy will work to regulate intrastate common carriers diction counseling. Among those in attendance 
 
which include railroads, buses, trucks, vessels, pipe- were treatment and recovery support providers, 
 
lines, and civil aviation. The committee also includes recovery allies, people in recovery and family 
 
legislation relating to highway safety, inland water- members. Their mission is to support a healthy, 
 
ways, and any other means of transportation. 
 
lifelong recovery. 
 
The Senate will reconvene on Monday, Jan. 25 at 
 
Page 
 
UPPER CHAMBER REPORT 
 
 Sen. Wiles Appointed to the Senate Finance Committee 
 
By Raegan Weber 
 
Cagle for entrusting me on this throughout his political career. He 
 
prestigious committee. I look for- has championed the HERO schol- 
 
ATLANTA (Jan. 14, 2010) - State ward to further serving the citizens arship which helps those in the 
 
Sen. John Wiles (R-Kennesaw) of Cobb County and all of Georgia military reserve and their families 
 
was recently appointed to the Sen- in this new capacity. Our state's pay for higher education. Since 
 
ate Finance Committee by Lt. Gov- financial system must work effec- 2004 the scholarship has awarded 
 
ernor Casey Cagle. The Finance tively and efficiently for a stronger, over $640 thousand dollars to those 
 
Committee con- 
 
deserving appli- 
 
siders issues of 
 
cants. He has sup- 
 
critical impor- 
 
ported measures to 
 
tance to the 
 
reform Georgia's 
 
state's tax struc- 
 
public defender 
 
ture and avail- 
 
system in an effort 
 
able revenue 
 
to reduce costs and 
 
streams, with a 
 
alleviate the burden 
 
goal of enforc- 
 
on taxpayers. He 
 
ing fair tax pol- 
 
has also increased 
 
icy and spurring 
 
penalties for unli- 
 
economic de- 
 
censed driv- 
 
velopment 
 
ers. Before his 
 
while ensuring 
 
time in the Senate, 
 
necessary state 
 
he served in the 
 
services are 
 
State House of 
 
maintained. 
 
Representa- 
 
tives. Profession- 
 
"Senator Wiles 
 
ally, Sen. Wiles is a 
 
is a proven and capable leader 
 
Sen. John Wiles (R-Kennesaw) speaking to the Senate. 
 
managing partner of the law firm 
 
and will provide the Finance Com- healthier Georgia," said Wiles. Wiles and Wiles which specializes 
 
mittee with valuable insight. We 
 
in commercial real estate litigation. 
 
are privileged to count him as a Wiles was appointed as the Chair- 
 
member of the Senate as we tackle man of the Special Judiciary Com- Along with his committee assign- 
 
a tough budget and other challeng- mittee in 2009. Wiles continues to ments, Sen. Wiles holds the title of 
 
ing issues this session," said Cagle. support and practice fiscal conser- Senate chief deputy whip, assum- 
 
vative values. He has supported ing responsibility in the absence of 
 
"I want to thank Lt. Governor family and children's issues the majority whip. 
 
Continued From Page 2 
 
the southern part the state. Mahfuz pointed out that ble conflict of interest with the P3 contracts. 
 
there is one project on I-75 South of the Capitol Chairman Mullis wrapped up the meeting praising 
 
and that three years from now work on I-20 will the diverse selection of projects by GDOT and not- 
 
begin. 
 
ing that this will modernize Georgia's transporta- 
 
tion solutions. He thanked Mahfuz and his staff for 
 
The Transportation Committee passed the P3 rules, the job they do for the State of Georgia and in 
 
however not without reservations. Some senators preparations for meeting with the committee. 
 
voluntarily abstained from voting due to the possi- 
 
Page 
 
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)] 
 
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UPPER CHAMBER REPORT