Press release [Mar. 10, 2005]

House Majority Leader Jerry Keen Press Release

CONTACT SHEET BIO E-MAIL LEGISLATION

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: March 10, 2005

CONTACT: Michelle Hitt (404) 656-5020 E-mail Michelle

MAJORITY LEADER COMMENTS ON KEY LEGISLATION PASSED ON DAY 29

Congressional Redistricting, Child Support Modifications, and Legislation Impacting Sandy Springs Debated

ATLANTA--Majority Leader Jerry Keen (R-St. Simons) today commented on several pieces of legislation passed by the House of Representatives on Day 29 of the legislative session one day before the cutoff for bills to be considered by the State Senate this session.
"In the closing days of this legislative session, we have taken up significant legislation of great importance to the people of Georgia," Keen said. "Today we put Georgia back together passing House Bill 499 correcting our congressional districts, we made long overdue updates to Georgia's child support laws, and allowed the city of Sandy Springs to make decisions for themselves and incorporate as a city separate from Atlanta.
"In redrawing our state's congressional maps, we adhered to principles passed by this body and were careful to comply fully with the Voting Rights Act of 1965," Keen continued. "There is no dispute that the current maps are highly partisan and a clear example of the will of a powerful few being forced on the people of Georgia. The map passed by this body today by a decided, bipartisan vote of 104-72 puts communities of interest in our state back together and ensures equal and fair representation of all Georgians.
"In a tight schedule, the House continued their work taking up House Bill 221 making long overdue modifications to Georgia's child support laws. Our state's current statutes have not been updated since 1989 and this legislation reflects the hard work and input from all interested parties. Today we put the well being of Georgia's children first by modernizing the formula used to determine the amount of child support by non-custodial parents. These updates are long overdue and I am pleased we finally took action for our state's children.
"After a long struggle under previous leadership, the House today took up legislation to allow the residents of Sandy Springs to decide the future of their community for themselves. House Bill 37 establishes a referendum putting the question of incorporation before those individuals who live in Sandy Springs. This is an important step in allowing a community to best represent the interest of its citizens and govern itself.
"It was a busy day today in the House and tomorrow, day 30, will be even busier. But the House is moving at an effective and efficient pace, and completing the work of the people of Georgia in a timely manner. Our last few days will be hectic, but we will continue to address those issues most important to our state and our citizens."
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