Press release [Mar. 20, 2003]

3-1777-4834

Georgia House of Representatives Public Information Office
Room 131, State Capitol 30334 404-656-5082 1-800-282-5800

March 20, 2003

For Immediate Release:

House Lawmakers Working to Help Make Up Budget Shortfall
Critical State Services Spared

Atlanta House members of the Budget Responsibility Oversight Committee, who include State Representatives Tom Buck (D-Columbus), Calvin Smyre (D-Columbus), Butch Parrish (DSwainsboro), Mickey Channell (D-Greensboro), Ralph Twiggs (D-Hiawasse) and Nan Grogan Orrock (D-Atlanta) are announcing the discovery of more than $44 million in savings for the FY 2004 budget.

The cuts would come from three areas which the committee voted to recommend. First, $6.1 million from the Solid Waste Trust Fund, which is generated from a $1 fee on all new tires sold within Georgia, would be redirected to the State Treasury.

Some $9 million would be taken from the Georgia Correctional Industries Administration. The money comes from the excess revenue generated by the sale of furniture and other products manufactured within Georgia's prisons.

However, the largest savings comes from asking the State Finance and Investment Commission to use any excess bond money remaining after a project's completion to retire debt in FY 2004. This move is expected to give the state a boost of more than $29.5 million.

The $44 million in new cuts could be used to offset a portion of the $600 million deficit projected in the FY 2004 budget, and allow lawmakers to avoid cuts to more vital state programs.

"These are responsible, specific cuts which I believe are in the best interest of this state," said Rep. Buck, who also Chairs the House Appropriations Committee. "This is money which can be used to help keep a nursing home open, or help a working family to have medical insurance for their children. Every little bit helps."

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For further information contact Rep. Buck @ 404-656-5072