News feed [Jan. 23, 2002]

January 23, 2002 News Feed
(Please feel free to personalize)
Greetings, this is Rep. _____________.
Although education comprises more than half of the state's fiscal expenditures, there are a few other departments that are considered heavy budgetary hitters. Two of those departments appeared before lawmakers today to present their budget cuts and requests.
The first was the Department of Human Resources. Commissioner Jim Martin laid out the cuts necessary in order to meet the required 5 percent decrease in departmental budget, as mandated by the Governor. Among those reductions was a $3.5 million decrease in grant aid for county Health Departments. Many members expressed concern over the funding decrease, pointing out the vital and in most cases irreplaceable services that local Health Departments provide. Commissioner Martin explained, however, that Public Health represents some 44 percent of the DHR budget, and therefore could not escape reductions without severely affecting the rest of the departmental programs. He went on to explain that the $3.5 million would be spread out fairly among all Health Departments based on their funding levels.
There were also some very important additions to the DHR budget. More than $2 million were set aside to enhance Georgia's ability to respond to acts of bio-terrorism. Some aspects of this program include the hiring of six epidemiologists throughout the state, 19 emergency coordinators in each public health district, and the development of an integrated statewide trauma system.
Additionally, $4.35 million were earmarked to create 100 new

positions within the Child Protective Services division of the Department of Family and Children Services. Currently, Georgia CPS investigates some 54,000 allegations of abuse or neglect each year, and more than 34,000 of these are confirmed. Members hope that these new spots will help to ease the burden on Georgia's overworked CPS case monitors.
The other big spender on today's calendar was the Georgia Department of Transportation. Commissioner Tom Coleman outlined the various cuts within his department. Much of the reduction will be absorbed by cutting back on operating expenses such as telecommunications and travel. Other savings will be achieved by using motor fuel funds in lieu of general revenue to pay for certain transportation projects. An example of this is the allocation of slightly more than $26 million in motor fuel tax funds for Local Assistance Road Project spending.
Especially noteworthy during a financial crunch is the fact that the DOT spends more than $12 million each year to remove litter, and larger trash items from Georgia's highways. As this money is sorely needed elsewhere, the DOT has undertaken- at a cost of $300,000- a pilot program aimed at stopping litter problems before they start. If successful, such a program could be taken statewide thereby freeing up cleanup money for other worthy road projects.
Finally, Commissioner Coleman announced that the first phase of the Governor's accelerated road improvement plan is already becoming a reality. During the first three months of 2002, Georgia will issue bonds and begin work on approximately $524 million worth of road construction and improvement projects.
Also appearing before members was Secretary of State Cathy Cox who requested $2.87 million for a statewide voter education initiative in

preparation for the implementation of a uniform electronic voting method throughout Georgia. Following the 2000 general election it was discovered that thousands of Georgia ballots were undercounted or filled out incorrectly. This inspired state lawmakers to draft legislation requiring that a uniform polling method be implemented. Electronic voting will therefore become the statewide voting method during the November 2002 general elections, and the voter education initiative will familiarize voters with the new equipment through programs such as community demonstrations and statewide mailings.
Finally, an issue that has been the cause of much aggravation among Georgia citizens is the length of drivers' license renewal lines. Some metro area renewal outposts report wait times in excess of four hours. Some $4.1 million was therefore designated within the Department of Motor Vehicle Safety's FY 2003 budget to add 68 positions for four new drivers license facilities to be located in Gwinnett, Fulton, Cobb, and Dekalb counties. Furthermore, more than $3 million were earmarked for the inception of an automated license renewal system.
Reporting from your state capitol this is Rep._________. If you have any questions or comments please do not hesitate to call me at (404) 656 ( ).