Press release [May 19, 2003B]

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

5-1790-4847

May 19, 2003

For Immediate Release

CUMMINGS RENAMED TO POWERFUL FISCAL AFFAIRS PANEL

Atlanta - State Representative Bill Cummings, D-Rockmart, has been reappointed to an influential panel which is empowered to review the spending of all of the state's agencies and departments. He was tapped for the post by House Speaker Terry Coleman, D-Eastman.

"It is critical that we keep an eye on state spending throughout the year," Cummings said. "We have to look at how tax dollars are being spent at times other than just when we hear what department heads have to say during Appropriations' hearings in January."
According to language mandating the selection of four House members to serve on the Fiscal Affairs Subcommittee, "The Fiscal Affairs Subcommittee shall have the authority to review the budget requests of the various bureaus, boards, commissions, institutions and other state agencies at any time."
The subcommittee is further empowered individually or as a group to request and receive any information from state budget entities which they consider necessary to adequately review performance, policy and priorities.
In addition to having the authority to order performance audits of agencies, department and other state funded institutions, the subcommittee makes recommendations for improving efficiency and overall management.
Rep. Cummings is Chairman of the House Retirement Committee and also serves on the House Appropriations, Interstate Cooperation and Ways and Means committees.
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For further information please contact Rep. Cummings at 404/656-5143.