3-1778-4835
Georgia House of Representatives Public Information Office
Room 131, State Capitol 30334 404-656-5082 1-800-282-5800
March 28, 2003
For Immediate Release:
Parrish and Oversight Committe Find Responsible Budget Cuts
Atlanta Representative Butch Parrish, D-Swainsboro, along with Rep. Tom Buck, D-Columbus, Rep. Calvin Smyre, D-Columbus, and other members of the Budgetary Responsibility Oversight Committee, are announcing the discovery of more than $44 million in savings for the FY 2004 budget.
"When we went into this recess, we were determined to go over this budget with a fine toothed comb, and identify the areas where our money could be saved or better spent," said Rep. Parrish.
The cuts would come from three areas. 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.
The largest savings, however, 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 Parrish. "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. Parrish @ 404-656-5096