The Georgia statement, Georgia. Merit System, Oct. 6, 2008

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Governor Perdue proposes largest shakeup of state's health and human services agencies since Carter

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In this issue:

2009 Benefit Fair Schedule - Open Enrollment Dates
Direct Deposit: The Smart Choice
Identifying who's a leader and who's not
Need Help? Call 1.800. georgia
Georgia's e-government among the best in the nation
"Back in the Day" Work Tips
GBA Supports Panhandling Initiative
Ghosts and Goblins!
The Georgia Department of Public Safety: Keeping Our Children Safe
Top 20 Rsum No-No's: What NOT to say about yourself
GBA seeking Bright Ideas
Department of Audits wins awards for performance audits
Is this for me? Long Term Care Insurance

In February 2008 Governor Perdue signed an Executive Order creating a "Health and Human Services Commission" charged with examining the missions of the Department of Human Resources (DHR), the Department of Community Health (DCH) and the State Personnel Administration (SPA) to achieve efficiencies, synergies and improvements in areas of state services that are considered vital to the citizens of Georgia. More...
GBA seeking Bright Ideas
The Georgia Building Authority is seeking "Bright Ideas" from employees working on Capitol Hill to help conserve energy as well as other cost-saving tips to share with colleagues. If you have a bright idea, please submit it here and we'll share the best ideas around the Hill.
Click here for Bright Ideas

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In this issue:

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Monday, October 6, 2008
Previous Issues
Government Spotlight Money Matters Technology Procurement Lets Hear It Workforce Tips Wellness Helping Others Past In This Issue

Search: Georgia Statement

2009 Benefit Fair Schedule - Open Enrollment Dates
Direct Deposit: The Smart Choice
Identifying who's a leader and who's not
Need Help? Call 1.800. georgia
Georgia's e-government among the best in the nation
"Back in the Day" Work Tips
GBA Supports Panhandling Initiative
Ghosts and Goblins!
The Georgia Department of Public Safety: Keeping Our Children Safe
Top 20 Rsum No-No's: What NOT to say about yourself
GBA seeking Bright Ideas
Department of Audits wins awards for performance audits
Is this for me? Long Term Care Insurance

For questions or comments concerning Georgia Statement online, please contact: carletta.henderson-youngs@spa.ga.gov Article submissions for the next issue should be sent to: Georgia Statement Submissions

Government Spotlight Money Matters Vocabulary Retirees Technology Procurement Workforce Tips Wellness Lets Hear It Helping Others Previous Issues
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Georgia Statement Support Team
Carletta Henderson-Youngs - Editor Cleveland Clements - Graphics Marcia White - Contents Editor Patrick Price - Article Submission/Writer/Distribution George Harris - Web Support Jamell Simon - Web Support/Technical Problems
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2009 Benefit Fair Schedule - Open Enrollment Dates
Direct Deposit: The Smart Choice
Identifying who's a leader and who's not
Need Help? Call 1.800. georgia
Georgia's e-government among the best in the nation
"Back in the Day" Work Tips
GBA Supports Panhandling Initiative
Ghosts and Goblins!
The Georgia Department of Public Safety: Keeping Our Children Safe
Top 20 Rsum No-No's: What NOT to say about yourself
GBA seeking Bright Ideas
Department of Audits wins awards for performance audits
Is this for me? Long Term Care Insurance

For questions or comments concerning Georgia Statement online, please contact: carletta.henderson-youngs@spa.ga.gov Article submissions for the next issue should be sent to: Georgia Statement Submissions

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Monday, October 6, 2008
Georgia Department of Juvenile Justice

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Meet The Commissioner

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"Our Mission: to protect and serve the citizens of Georgia by holding youthful offenders accountable for their actions through the delivery of treatment services and sanctions in appropriate
settings and by establishing youth in their communities as productive and law abiding citizens."

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In this issue:
2009 Benefit Fair Schedule - Open Enrollment Dates Direct Deposit: The Smart Choice Identifying who's a leader and who's not Need Help? Call 1.800. georgia Georgia's e-government among the best in the nation "Back in the Day" Work Tips GBA Supports Panhandling Initiative Ghosts and Goblins! The Georgia Department of Public Safety: Keeping Our Children Safe Top 20 Rsum No-No's: What NOT to say about yourself GBA seeking Bright Ideas Department of Audits wins awards for performance audits Is this for me? Long Term Care Insurance

At the turn of the 20th Century, Georgia's Juvenile Justice System was fragmented at best. Many young boys were being imprisoned and forgotten in adult facilities with no attempt at rehabilitation. In 1905, the Georgia State Reformatory opened in Milledgeville with a mission to discipline offenders, but also with a new focus on reform. Inmates were taught various trades in addition to character traits to prepare them for life as responsible, law abiding adults.
However, by the 1960s many young offenders were still being held in deplorable conditions in Georgia's common jails. Upon the publication of an expos entitled "Georgia's Troubled Children" by a man named Jim Parham, Governor Carl Sanders created the Division of Children and Youth Services (DCYS) as a unit of the State Department of Family and Children Services. With Mr. Parham at the helm, the DCYS began placing delinquent youth in training schools--known today as Youth Development Campuses (YDCs)--in Atlanta, Milledgeville, and Augusta.
During the massive government restructuring of the Carter governorship during the early 1970s and the creation of "superagencies," DCYS was placed under the umbrella of the newlycreated Department of Human Resources (DHR) as a unit of that agency. Amid complaints that many Youth Services' programs were being overlooked in the massive new agency, Jim Parham--who had been appointed Commissioner of DHR by Governor Busbee--upgraded DCYS from a "unit" to a "division" within the agency.
The 1980s saw the creation of a statewide juvenile court system and in 1992, the Georgia General Assembly created a standalone agency called the Department of Children and Youth Services. On July 1, 1997, the Department of Children and Youth Services officially became known as the Department of Juvenile Justice.
Today, the Department of Juvenile Justice (DJJ) provides supervision, detention, and a wide range of treatment and educational services for youths referred to the Department by the Juvenile Courts, and provides assistance or delinquency prevention services for at-risk youths through collaborative efforts with other public, private and community entities. With a staff of over 4,500 employees managing programs, services and facilities throughout the state, DJJ serves over 52,000 youths annually.
The Department of Juvenile Justice places a heavy focus on habilitation of youthful offenders while at the same time recognizing the need for punishment of offenders and protection of the public. The agency's treatment approach is built on Balanced and Restorative Justice which brings about some balance between the needs of the offender, the community, and the victim.
DJJ's facilities and programs are administered by the Division of Community Services and Intake and the Division of Programs and Secure Campuses.
Division of Community Services and Intake
This division operates 22 Regional Youth Detention Centers (RYDCs) in 13 districts located in five regions throughout the state. Each RYDC provides temporary, secure care and supervision to youths who are charged with crimes or who have been found guilty of crimes and are awaiting trial in juvenile court. These facilities are also used to house juvenile offenders awaiting placement in one of DJJ's treatment programs or facilities. The Division of Community Services and Intake also provides education, individual guidance and counseling, medical services, recreation, and arts and crafts. Clothing, meals, and medical and emergency dental care are a part of each center's basic care program.

Albert Murray
Albert Murray says he was first motivated to seek a job in public service by educators who taught him the meaning and value of service. Shortly after he graduated college, he accepted what he thought would be a short term job at local juvenile correctional facility. Over 30 years later, however, he is still in the same business because of his passion for working with troubled youth.
On January 23, 2004, Albert Murray was sworn in by Governor Sonny Perdue as Commissioner of the Georgia Department of Juvenile Justice (DJJ). The appointment was the most recent accomplishment for Mr. Murray after many years of leadership in planning and/or managing programs that serve youth and their families.
He is currently the longest serving DJJ Commissioner in the agency's history at four years and eight months of service.
More...

Division of Programs and Secure Campuses

This division operates eight Youth Development Campuses (YDCs), which are secure, long-term facilities for youths sentenced or committed to DJJ custody by juvenile courts. These campuses offer a wide variety of specialized programs for the development and habilitation of detainees. For example, the Augusta YDC offers treatment for offenders with special needs. Additionally, each YDC offers numerous educational opportunities (such as a GED program or vocational training) and guidance counseling.

Recently, five facilities received Distinguished Achievement Awards from State School Superintendent Kathy Cox for their performance on state curriculum tests. DJJ is an accredited district within the Georgia school system. Students in shortterm RYDCs and long-term YDCs both receive 330 minutes of instruction each day year round.

Georgia's Juvenile Justice System has certainly made great strides in the last 100 years and current Commissioner Albert Murray has outlined several near-term goals to take that advancement even further, including a major new emphasis on strategic planning and closing out the ten-year-long oversight of DJJ by the U.S. Department of Justice.

First and foremost, however, is his commitment to the kids and to the community. "Despite their delinquent behavior patterns, this group of youngsters remains a part of the many communities of Georgia," said Commissioner Murray. "Because they too represent the future of Georgia, they cannot and should not be written off."

For more information, visit the official DJJ website.

For questions or comments concerning Georgia Statement online, please contact: carletta.henderson-youngs@spa.ga.gov Article submissions for the next issue should be sent to: Georgia Statement Submissions

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Cost of Caring for Aging Parents
Even though adult children are often responsible for financing their aging parent's care, a large majority of children are unprepared. The lack of planning can affect the caregiver's finances, thereby creating a huge financial crisis.
A survey conducted by AgingCare, a website for family caregivers, found:
63% of caregivers have no plan for paying for their parent's care over the next five years.
62% of caregivers say that the cost of caring for a parent has impacted their ability to plan for their own financial future.
34% spend $300 or more monthly out of their own pocket for their parent's expenses.
54% have sacrificed spending money on themselves in order to pay for their parent's care.

In this issue:
2009 Benefit Fair Schedule - Open Enrollment Dates Direct Deposit: The Smart Choice Identifying who's a leader and who's not Need Help? Call 1.800. georgia Georgia's e-government among the best in the nation "Back in the Day" Work Tips GBA Supports Panhandling Initiative Ghosts and Goblins! The Georgia Department of Public Safety: Keeping Our Children Safe Top 20 Rsum No-No's: What NOT to say about yourself GBA seeking Bright Ideas Department of Audits wins awards for performance audits Is this for me? Long Term Care Insurance

Joe Buckheit, Publisher of AgingCare, said "With an estimated 34 million Americans providing care for older family members, the survey's results indicate a financial crisis in the making. Medicare only covers long-term care for a short time, and only under strict rules. Medi-gap insurance helps, but does not cover all costs. The burden of paying for long-term care often rests with the family."
Family members not only pay for hands-on care, but also pay for expenses such as groceries, drugs, household repairs, lawn care, insurance copays, clothes, and transportation.
Work Issues
Additionally, caring for aging parents often impacts adult children at their workplace too. The survey found:
43% of employees have had to take time from work in order to care for their aged parent.
48% of employees say that they are earning less money at work because of their caregiving responsibilities.
25% of employees have been fired or had to quit their job because of their parents' caregiving needs.
The survey reveals that caregivers face a triple financial threat: lack of funds due to not planning for caregiving expenses, less money for their own needs and reduced time in the workplace which could affect their earning capability.
Consider planning for your own long term care needs now!
www.agingcare.com
Credit The Good, Bad, and Ugly
Money Matters (August) Unless you grow all of your food, shopping for groceries is a given. Some folks take great joy in shopping; others, wait until the very last drop of milk, last slice of bread, or last frozen food dinner is left before venturing to the local grocery store.

Money Matters July
Most of us feel stressed when we have financial difficulties. However, some of us may not be aware of how much our stress negatively impacts our health. Earlier this year, the Associated Press and America Online conducted a survey to measure how debt affects people's health. Below are some of the survey findings comparing people with high financial debt with those who have low financial debt. In each area of physical problems listed, people with high stress due to debt, were impacted more negatively than people with low debt stress.

Money Matters June

For questions or comments concerning Georgia Statement online, please contact: carletta.henderson-youngs@spa.ga.gov Article submissions for the next issue should be sent to: Georgia Statement Submissions

Government Spotlight
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Vocabulary
Retirees
Technology
Procurement
Workforce Tips
Wellness
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Helping Others
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In this issue:
2009 Benefit Fair Schedule - Open Enrollment Dates Direct Deposit: The Smart Choice Identifying who's a leader and who's not Need Help? Call 1.800. georgia Georgia's e-government among the best in the nation "Back in the Day" Work Tips GBA Supports Panhandling Initiative Ghosts and Goblins! The Georgia Department of Public Safety: Keeping Our Children Safe Top 20 Rsum No-No's: What NOT to say about yourself GBA seeking Bright Ideas Department of Audits wins awards for performance audits Is this for me? Long Term Care Insurance

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Vocabulary
Test your Vocabulary. Definitions selected from Dictionary. com
Vocabulary Quiz

1. keen insight; shrewdness A. Torpid B. Tawdry C. Echelon D. Codicil E. Acumen
2. a supplement; appendix A. Didactic B. Codicil C. Officious D. Salutary E. Importunate
3. a level of command, authority, or rank A. Importunate B. Tawdry C. Echelon D. Torpid E. Acumen
4. urgent or persistent, sometimes annoyingly so
A. Sentenious B. Officious C. Didactic D. Importunate E. Salutary
5. objectionably aggressive in offering one's unrequested and unwanted services
A. Officious B. Echelon C. Tawdry D. Importunate E. Codicil

6. favorable to or promoting health

A. Torpid B. Didactic C. Salutary D. Acumen E. Sententious
7. given to excessive moralizing; self-righteous A. Tawdry B. Acumen C. Officious D. Torpid E. Sententious
8. gaudy; showy and cheap A. Didactic B. Echelon C. Tawdry D. Torpid E. Codicil
9. inactive or sluggish A. Torpid B. Defenestrate C. Asperity D. Sapient E. Salubrious
10. intended for instruction; instructive A. Echelon B. Salubrious C. Tawdry D. Didactic E. Codicil

Get score

For questions or comments concerning Georgia Statement online, please contact: carletta.henderson-youngs@spa.ga.gov Article submissions for the next issue should be sent to: Georgia Statement Submissions

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AGENCY Select Agency
FIRST NAME LAST NAME YEARS OF SERVICE
MONTH

Submit

For questions or comments concerning Georgia Statement online, please contact: carletta.henderson-youngs@spa.ga.gov Article submissions for the next issue should be sent to: Georgia Statement Submissions

Government Spotlight
Money Matters
Vocabulary
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Technology
Procurement
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In this issue:
2009 Benefit Fair Schedule - Open Enrollment Dates Direct Deposit: The Smart Choice Identifying who's a leader and who's not Need Help? Call 1.800. georgia Georgia's e-government among the best in the nation "Back in the Day" Work Tips GBA Supports Panhandling Initiative Ghosts and Goblins! The Georgia Department of Public Safety: Keeping Our Children Safe Top 20 Rsum No-No's: What NOT to say about yourself GBA seeking Bright Ideas Department of Audits wins awards for performance audits Is this for me? Long Term Care Insurance

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On or off at night? The big unanswered question for PC users
"Should I turn my computer off at night?" "What does it hurt if I leave it on 24/7?" These are questions many PC users often ask, wanting to conserve energy while avoiding putting undue stress on themselves and their computer by frequent powerups and power-downs.
Unfortunately, there is no black and white answer to these questions. Sure, turning your computer off when you are not using it saves energy, and waiting for reboots can be time-consuming and annoying, but it is the duty of the individual computer user to weigh the pros and cons and take the appropriate action in their own unique situation.
Turn it off It's energy efficient. Turning your computer off saves power, which saves money. A typical PC draws approximately 300 watts, which can add up to hundreds of dollars year after year.
Leave it on On the other hand, modern computers are equipped with many powersaving functions that enable a computer to "hibernate" and enter a near-shutdown mode consuming very few watts. These features allow for saving data in case of a power outage and offer a very quick re-boot process (10 to 20 seconds rather than 3 to 5 minutes).
Leave it on There is a myth that turning off your computer stresses the computer's components by heating and cooling the CPU or jabbing the "on-off" switch.
Turn it off There are many other appliances we turn on and off much more frequently than a computer on a daily basis. Most new systems are built with a guaranteed 40,000 on-off cycles, so if you turn your computer off at night and on in the morning, then your computer is going to fail in roughly 55 years. That's a time table most people can be comfortable with!
Leave it on What about employees who are on a network? Will they miss out on important updates if IT runs them overnight and their computer is off?
Turn it off Most IT departments can configure updates to occur on computers as soon as they become "available," meaning when you turn it back on in the morning your updates will be ready. Also, if there is a very important system-wide maintenance scheduled to take place, your IT department should send out an e-mail instructing everyone to leave their computers on for the evening.
Although there is no black and white answer regarding this question, one thing is for sure: restarting your computer can solve many non-major problems, according to most IT professionals. So if you are one of those who leaves your computer on 24/7, make sure you at least give it a break every once in a while.

Visit www.energystar.govfor more information

Technology Tip (August) Technology Tip July Technology Tip September

For questions or comments concerning Georgia Statement online, please contact: carletta.henderson-youngs@spa.ga.gov Article submissions for the next issue should be sent to: Georgia Statement Submissions

Government Spotlight
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Vocabulary
Retirees
Technology
Procurement
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In this issue:
2009 Benefit Fair Schedule - Open Enrollment Dates Direct Deposit: The Smart Choice Identifying who's a leader and who's not Need Help? Call 1.800. georgia Georgia's e-government among the best in the nation "Back in the Day" Work Tips GBA Supports Panhandling Initiative Ghosts and Goblins! The Georgia Department of Public Safety: Keeping Our Children Safe Top 20 Rsum No-No's: What NOT to say about yourself GBA seeking Bright Ideas Department of Audits wins awards for performance audits Is this for me? Long Term Care Insurance

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Monday, October 6, 2008

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Purchasing Training & Certification Program Nearing Completion
The DOAS State Purchasing Division (SPD) has been busily assembling a new statewide training curriculum for Purchasing staff in all state agencies and universities.
Historically, only very basic training courses were offered by SPD, including Fundamentals of State Purchasing and Intro to State Purchasing.
Dr. Mirna Barker, Chief Learning Officer for SPD, leads the DOAS Professional Development Group which has been instrumental in spearheading the effort to build a comprehensive training and certification program to enhance and raise the skill sets of all state buyers and purchasing officers. Purchasing staffs across the state have long said that training has been lacking, and in order for the state's Procurement Transformation to be sustainable, proper training and education of our state's purchasing professionals is of paramount importance.
Accordingly, Dr. Barker and her team formed a Training Council representing various agencies and universities to help provide the guidance needed to build a statewide comprehensive training and certification program. As a result, SPD now offers twenty (20) different courses (8 training courses designed specifically for SPD staff, 10 training courses designed for SPD and Agency staff, and 2 training courses designed for Vendors) covering purchasing fundamentals, specification writing, p-card training, Request for Proposal (RFP) development skills, among many others. Courses are a mix of instructor led, online and self-paced training.
Recently, SPD opened a world-class training center complete with the latest equipment.
Located in the West Tower of the Sloppy Floyd building in Atlanta, the classroom is designed to provide a fully functional environment for videoconferencing that integrates various audio and video multimedia sources and full multimedia display functionality independent of videoconferencing usage. These multimedia sources are VCRs, DVDs, CATVs, PCs and laptops which are integrated into the sound and display systems. The classroom also has two 50" plasma display screens in the front and two 40" ceiling mounted plasmas mid way through the room capable of displaying all video signals. In addition, the classroom can support the ability to display/route any video source to any video destination, allowing the instructor to be able to view individual student's work and display it through any available displays in the classroom. To date, over 2,000 employees have attended various training classes. In fiscal year 2008 alone, 100 training courses were conducted
Tests are now being developed which will help assess the students attending the various training courses. Within the coming weeks, many of the tests will be finalized. This will then allow SPD to begin the implementation of the new Georgia Purchasing Certification program.
Students successfully passing the tests will qualify for four (4) different levels of certification which are now being developed. Expected to be released later this year, the certification options include the Basic Procurement Certificate, RFP Certificate, Negotiations Certificate, and a Contract Writing & Administration Certificate. A P-Card Certificate will be available for those whose responsibilities include managing p-card programs.

Based on a core list of training courses at each level, students who successfully attend training and pass the required tests will be awarded certification from SPD.
Our hope is to provide the needed training curriculum which will elevate the purchasing skills needed both by our state and its purchasing professionals. This comprehensive approach to training and certification will continue to evolve as purchasing staffs enhance their skills and as needs change.
We encourage purchasing professionals at all agencies and universities to actively attend training and the certification program soon to follow. For more information, you can review upcoming training courses at the following link to DOAS' website:
http://statepurchasing.doas.georgia.gov/
Procurement (September) The Department of Administrative Services is proud to announce that through a competitive bid, SciQuest, will provide electronic catalog hosting and management services as part of the State's new eProcurement system known as Team Georgia Marketplace.
Procurement August For an unprecedented 11th consecutive year, the DOAS State Purchasing Division has been awarded the Achievement of Excellence in Purchasing (AEP) award. Administered by the National Purchasing Institute, the AEP Award recognizes excellence in public sector Purchasing departments.
Procurement July
For questions or comments concerning Georgia Statement online, please contact: carletta.henderson-youngs@spa.ga.gov Article submissions for the next issue should be sent to: Georgia Statement Submissions

Government Spotlight
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Vocabulary
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Technology
Procurement
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Wellness
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Helping Others
Previous Issues
Back To: Home
In this issue:
2009 Benefit Fair Schedule - Open Enrollment Dates Direct Deposit: The Smart Choice Identifying who's a leader and who's not Need Help? Call 1.800. georgia Georgia's e-government among the best in the nation "Back in the Day" Work Tips GBA Supports Panhandling Initiative Ghosts and Goblins! The Georgia Department of Public Safety: Keeping Our Children Safe Top 20 Rsum No-No's: What NOT to say about yourself GBA seeking Bright Ideas Department of Audits wins awards for performance audits Is this for me? Long Term Care Insurance

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Building Rapport
For Employees
"The single most important ingredient in the formula for success is knowing how to get along with people." Teddy Roosevelt
Have you ever dreaded going to work because of a colleague? Many of us spend more waking hours at work than at home. Imagine the total hours this will be by the time we retire. Consider today to be a participant in building positive relationships with your colleagues.

How do we start?
q Find common interests. Usually in our social interactions we can find some common interests with people we meet. This is no different in the work environment. By indentifying common interests, we share a part of ourselves. This helps to break the ice.
q Communicate with your co-worker. It is important to openly and tactfully express positions and feelings. Rather than going behind your co-worker's back, say what you need and how you feel about a situation. In order for someone to know what we want, we have to express it.
q Treat others with respect. Listen to your colleagues, so that you can understand their views. Avoid judgments that are based on rumors or prejudice. If you feel good about yourself, it will be easier to see the good in others.
q Team work. When working together on a team, give credit where credit is due. Support each other and work to help each other to succeed.
When you are in rapport with your colleagues, you can agree to disagree with what they say and still relate respectfully with them. The important point to remember is to acknowledge other people as unique individuals.

Personalities and Work
For Managers
Click here for full worktip for managers We are keenly aware of our family members' personalities and likes and dislikes. Paying attention to these help make our home lives easier. It is no different in the workplace.
Workforce Tips (August) StrengthsFinder, an internet talent assessment tool, is based on a general model of Positive Psychology, which consists of topics related to happiness, satisfaction, optimism, etc. in the workforce. The StrengthsFinder assists an individual in identifying his or her talents for building strengths and increasing the likelihood of success.
Workforce Tips (July)

For questions or comments concerning Georgia Statement online, please contact: carletta.henderson-youngs@spa.ga.gov Article submissions for the next issue should be sent to: Georgia Statement Submissions

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In this issue:
2009 Benefit Fair Schedule - Open Enrollment Dates Direct Deposit: The Smart Choice Identifying who's a leader and who's not Need Help? Call 1.800. georgia Georgia's e-government among the best in the nation "Back in the Day" Work Tips GBA Supports Panhandling Initiative Ghosts and Goblins! The Georgia Department of Public Safety: Keeping Our Children Safe Top 20 Rsum No-No's: What NOT to say about yourself GBA seeking Bright Ideas Department of Audits wins awards for performance audits Is this for me? Long Term Care Insurance

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Foods That Boost Your Immunity
Remember when everyone tries to give you soup, no matter what illness you may have. Well, there's something in that soup that could help to relieve some of the symptoms you may be experiencing. According to Prevention magazine, to ensure your body and immune system run smoothly you need at least seven servings of fruits and veggies and 8 to 10 glasses of water a day. The following ingredients can add extra flufighting punch to your winter meal plan
Fish Selenium, plentiful in shellfish such as oysters, lobsters, crabs, and clams, helps white blood cells produce cytokines--proteins that help clear flu viruses out of the body. Salmon, mackerel, and herring are rich in omega-3 fats, which reduce inflammation, increasing airflow and protecting lungs from colds and respiratory infections.
Your optimal dose: Two servings a week (unless you're pregnant or planning to be).
Oats and Barley These grains contain beta-glucan, a type of fiber with antimicrobial and antioxidant capabilities more potent than echinacea, reports a Norwegian study. When animals eat this compound, they're less likely to contract influenza, herpes, even anthrax; in humans, it boosts immunity, speeds wound healing, and may help antibiotics work better.
Your optimal dose: At least one in your three daily servings of whole grains.
Garlic Garlic contains the active ingredient allicin, which fights infection and bacteria. British researchers gave 146 people either a placebo or a garlic extract for 12 weeks; the garlic takers were two-thirds less likely to catch a cold. Other studies suggest that garlic lovers who chew more than six cloves a week have a 30% lower rate of colorectal cancer and a 50% lower rate of stomach cancer.
Your optimal dose: Two raw cloves a day and add crushed garlic to your cooking several times a week.
Yogurt Probiotics, or the "live active cultures" found in yogurt, are healthy bacteria that keep the gut and intestinal tract free of disease-causing germs. Although they're available in supplement form, a recent study from the University of Vienna in Austria found that a daily 7-ounce dose of yogurt was just as effective in boosting immunity as popping pills. In an 80-day Swedish study of 181 factory employees, those who drank a daily supplement of Lactobacillus reuteri--a specific probiotic that appears to stimulate white blood cells--took 33% fewer sick days than those given a placebo. Any yogurt with a Live and Active Cultures seal contains some beneficial bugs, but Stonyfield Farm is the only US brand that contains this specific strain.
Your optimal dose: Two 6-ounce servings a day.
Chicken Soup When University of Nebraska researchers tested 13 brands, they found that all but one (chicken-flavored ramen noodles) blocked the migration of inflammatory white cells-an important finding, because cold symptoms are a response to the cells' accumulation in the bronchial tubes. The amino acid cysteine, released from chicken during cooking, chemically resembles the bronchitis drug acetylcysteine, which may explain the results. The soup's salty broth keeps mucus thin the same way cough medicines do. Added spices, such as garlic and onions, can increase soup's immune-boosting power.
Your optimal dose: Have a bowl when feeling crummy.
Tea People who drank 5 cups a day of black tea for 2 weeks had 10 times more virusfighting interferon in their blood than others who drank a placebo hot drink, in a Harvard study. The amino acid that's responsible for this immune boost, L-theanine, is abundant in both black and green tea--decaf versions have it, too.
Your optimal dose: Several cups daily, all season; to get up to five times more antioxidants from your tea bags, bob them up and down while you brew.

Governor Perdue proposes largest shakeup of state's health and human services agencies since Carter

Wellness (August)

Wellness (July)

Wellness (June)

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The Georgia Statement's "Let's Hear It"

2009 Benefit Fair Schedule - Open Enrollment Dates
Direct Deposit: The Smart Choice
Identifying who's a leader and who's not
Need Help? Call 1.800. georgia
Georgia's e-government among the best in the nation
"Back in the Day" Work Tips
GBA Supports Panhandling Initiative
Ghosts and Goblins!
The Georgia Department of Public Safety: Keeping Our Children Safe
Top 20 Rsum No-No's: What NOT to say about yourself
GBA seeking Bright Ideas
Department of Audits wins awards for performance audits
Is this for me? Long Term Care Insurance

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For questions or comments concerning Georgia Statement online, please contact: carletta.henderson-youngs@spa.ga.gov Article submissions for the next issue should be sent to: Georgia Statement Submissions

Government Spotlight Money Matters Vocabulary Retirees Technology Procurement Workforce Tips Wellness Lets Hear It Helping Others Previous Issues Back To: Home
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Monday, October 6, 2008

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Helping Others
How YOU can help!!!
Click on Save the Games and make a donation! Or
Call the Georgia Games office at 770.528.3582 and find out how to become a sponsor or simply volunteer to help during one of our events.
Thank you for your help, the games could not go on without YOU Georgia School for the Deaf Who We Are...

2009 Benefit Fair Schedule - Open Enrollment Dates
Direct Deposit: The Smart Choice
Identifying who's a leader and who's not
Need Help? Call 1.800. georgia
Georgia's e-government among the best in the nation
"Back in the Day" Work Tips
GBA Supports Panhandling Initiative
Ghosts and Goblins!
The Georgia Department of Public Safety: Keeping Our Children Safe
Top 20 Rsum No-No's: What NOT to say about yourself
GBA seeking Bright Ideas
Department of Audits wins awards for performance audits
Is this for me? Long Term Care Insurance

For questions or comments concerning Georgia Statement online, please contact: carletta.henderson-youngs@spa.ga.gov Article submissions for the next issue should be sent to: Georgia Statement Submissions

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Government Spotlight Monday, October 6, 2008

Search: Georgia Statement

Money Matters Vocabulary Retirees

2009 Benefit Fair Schedule - Open Enrollment Dates
Open Enrollment Dates: October 10 November 10, 2008

Technology

Date/Time

Location

Procurement Workforce Tips Wellness Lets Hear It Helping Others

Tuesday, September 23 4:30 p.m. 7:00 p.m.
Wednesday, October 1 10:00 a.m. 1:30 p.m.

BOE-Avondale Middle School Cafeteria 3131 Old Rockbridge Rd Avondale Estates
DOL-Atlanta Suite 258 148 Andrew Young Int. Blvd. Atlanta GA 30303

Previous Issues
In this issue:
2009 Benefit Fair Schedule - Open Enrollment Dates Direct Deposit: The Smart Choice Identifying who's a leader and who's not Need Help? Call 1.800. georgia Georgia's e-government among the best in the nation "Back in the Day" Work Tips GBA Supports Panhandling Initiative Ghosts and Goblins! The Georgia Department of Public Safety: Keeping Our Children Safe Top 20 Rsum No-No's: What NOT to say about yourself GBA seeking Bright Ideas Department of Audits wins awards for performance audits Is this for me? Long Term Care Insurance

Thursday, October 2 10:00 a.m. 1:30 p.m.
Tuesday, October 7 10:00 a.m. 1:30 p.m.
Thursday, October 9 10:30 a.m. 1:30 p.m.
Friday, October 10 10:00 a.m. 1:30 p.m.
Wednesday, October 15 10:00 a.m. 2:00 p.m.
Thursday, October 16 10:00 a.m. 2:00 p.m. Monday, October 20 10:00 a.m. 1:30 p.m.
Tuesday, October 21 10:00 a.m. 2:00 p.m.
Tuesday, October 21 8:00 a.m. 2:00 p.m.
Thursday, October 23 10:00 a.m. 1:30 p.m.
Thursday, October 23 10:00 a.m. 1:30 p.m.

DOT Cartersville Conference Room 500 Joe Frank Harris Parkway Cartersville GA 30120
Southwest State Hospital 400 South Pinetree Blvd. Thomasville GA 31799
Northwest Regional Hospital Gymnasium 1305 Redmond Circle NW Rome GA 30161
Gwinnett Tech 5150 Sugarloaf Parkway Lawrenceville GA 30034
DOT Tifton (District Assembly Room) 710 West 2nd Street Tifton GA 31794
2 Peachtree Atlanta GA 30334
Dekalb Board of Health 300 Winn Way Decatur GA 30030
Towers Balcony Level 2 MLK Jr. Drive Atlanta GA3 0334
Central State Hospital Auditorium Broad Street Milledgeville GA 31062
ERS/TRS Training Room & Lobby 2 Northside 75 Suite 300 Atlanta GA 30318
Georgia Public Training Facility 1000 Indian Springs Drive Forsyth GA 31029

Tuesday, October 28 10:00 a.m. 1:30 p.m.

Roosevelt Institute for Rehab Georgia Hall Building 6135 Roosevelt Highway Warm Springs GA 31830

Wednesday, November 5 10:00 a.m. 2:00 p.m.

East Central Regional Hospital Gymnasium 100 Myrtle Blvd. Bldg. 103-A Gracewood GA 30812

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For questions or comments concerning Georgia Statement online, please contact: carletta.henderson-youngs@spa.ga.gov Article submissions for the next issue should be sent to: Georgia Statement Submissions

Government Spotlight Money Matters Vocabulary Retirees Technology Procurement Workforce Tips Wellness Lets Hear It Helping Others Previous Issues
In this issue:

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Monday, October 6, 2008

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Direct Deposit: The Smart Choice
Direct Deposit is the safest, simplest and most convenient way to receive your paycheck. Of the 145 million Americans who take advantage of Direct Deposit--that's three out of every four employees--97 percent say they are satisfied with it and it's no surprise why.

q It's safe: no risk of losing your check. q It's simple: sign up once and on payday your money is there, saving
you the time and headache of waiting in a line at the bank. q It's fast: no more waiting for checks to clear--let your money start
earning interest right away. q It's cost-effective: eliminating paper checks can save a business from
$0.50 to $1.25 per payment--and in an organization as large as Georgia state government, that adds up.

What are you waiting for? Make the switch to Direct Deposit today! Source: www.electronicpayments.org

2009 Benefit Fair Schedule - Open Enrollment Dates
Direct Deposit: The Smart Choice
Identifying who's a leader and who's not
Need Help? Call 1.800. georgia
Georgia's e-government among the best in the nation
"Back in the Day" Work Tips
GBA Supports Panhandling Initiative
Ghosts and Goblins!
The Georgia Department of Public Safety: Keeping Our Children Safe
Top 20 Rsum No-No's: What NOT to say about yourself
GBA seeking Bright Ideas
Department of Audits wins awards for performance audits
Is this for me? Long Term Care Insurance

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For questions or comments concerning Georgia Statement online, please contact: carletta.henderson-youngs@spa.ga.gov Article submissions for the next issue should be sent to: Georgia Statement Submissions

Government Spotlight Money Matters Vocabulary Retirees Technology Procurement Workforce Tips Wellness Lets Hear It Helping Others Previous Issues

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Monday, October 6, 2008

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Identifying who's a leader and who's not
Too many times, people get placed in managerial jobs for all the wrong reasons, and they make all the wrong moves. Funny thing is, most of those who did not succeed at managing gave off all the signals that they would not work out, but no one was listening.
Conversely, the people who will be good managers and leaders often send clear signals that they are ready to take over, according to HR consultant Larry Johnson. If you want a good manager here is what you should be looking for:
They're not perfectionists. Good managers expect good performance, but they recognize that people will make mistakes. What is important to potential leaders is that people give their best, not that they are perfect.
Perfectionists, on the other hand, cannot tolerate others' mistakes. The result is that the perfectionists' departments tend to be a turnover machine.

In this issue:
2009 Benefit Fair Schedule - Open Enrollment Dates Direct Deposit: The Smart Choice Identifying who's a leader and who's not Need Help? Call 1.800. georgia Georgia's e-government among the best in the nation "Back in the Day" Work Tips GBA Supports Panhandling Initiative Ghosts and Goblins! The Georgia Department of Public Safety: Keeping Our Children Safe Top 20 Rsum No-No's: What NOT to say about yourself GBA seeking Bright Ideas Department of Audits wins awards for performance audits Is this for me? Long Term Care Insurance

They're positive. Your next great manager should be the person who sees the good in every situation. That does not mean you are looking for a Pollyanna who does not recognize problems, but you do not want someone who only recognizes problems.
They seek feedback. Workers who wrap themselves in self-satisfied cocoons tend to fail as managers. On the few occasions where they stumble across feedback, they tend to be defensive about it and discourage further feedback.
Someone who is going to make a good manager is always encouraging others to provide feedback. That is important because managers usually do not get enough feedback from workers who are reluctant to oppose the boss. A good boss needs to be practiced in the art of soliciting feedback.
They're rarely misunderstood. Communicating involves a lot of factors: tone, choice of words, body language. If they're not packaged correctly, people miss the meaning or, worse, are offended.
You probably know which people in your organization always seem to get their message across loud and clear. They have leadership potential.
They're good listeners. When is the last time you heard someone say, "My boss listens to me too much"? Listeners are leaders.
Someone who continually interrupts others or who cannot wait to tell others about "the next great idea" will have problems as a boss.
They're flexible. If Joan is a good manager, it is probably because she is able to adjust to people and situations. If Joe is a bad manager, it is probably because he expects people and situations to adjust to him.
Managers have to deal with lots of people and lots of situations. Being able to change gears and approaches, according to the people and the situation, spells success as a manager.
Courtesy of www.hrmorning.com
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For questions or comments concerning Georgia Statement online, please contact: carletta.henderson-youngs@spa.ga.gov Article submissions for the next issue should be sent to: Georgia Statement Submissions

Government Spotlight Money Matters Vocabulary Retirees Technology Procurement Workforce Tips Wellness Lets Hear It Helping Others Previous Issues
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Monday, October 6, 2008

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Need Help? Call 1.800.georgia
By now, you've probably seen the table tents floating around your office advertising the new initiative of the Governor's Office of Customer Service:1.800.georgia. In the Atlanta calling area, the number is 678.georgia.
1.800.georgia is:

q A number and a service. q For Georgians seeking state services who don't know what number to call. q A call center that connects citizens to the right government service on the first call. q A local number (678.georgia that's 678-436-7442) and a toll-free alternative (1.800.georgia that's 1-800-436-7442). q A crucial component in achieving Governor Perdue's goal for Georgia to have the BEST customer service in the nation.

2009 Benefit Fair Schedule - Open Enrollment Dates
Direct Deposit: The Smart Choice
Identifying who's a leader and who's not
Need Help? Call 1.800. georgia
Georgia's e-government among the best in the nation
"Back in the Day" Work Tips
GBA Supports Panhandling Initiative
Ghosts and Goblins!
The Georgia Department of Public Safety: Keeping Our Children Safe
Top 20 Rsum No-No's: What NOT to say about yourself
GBA seeking Bright Ideas
Department of Audits wins awards for performance audits
Is this for me? Long Term Care Insurance

1.800.georgia is NOT replacing other state call centers. Georgians who already know what service to call should continue to contact it directly.
How does 1.800.georgia work?
q 1.800.georgia is supported by a statewide KnowledgeBase of data owned and maintained by individual state agencies.
q Calls are answered by a trained agent who searches the state KnowledgeBase for the correct service and phone number. The agent connects the caller to the person or place responsible for the service needed.
q Whenever possible, the agent remains on the line until the person who can help answers. This is known as a "warm transfer." As a result, callers don't just get a phone number; they get an actual person who can help.
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For questions or comments concerning Georgia Statement online, please contact: carletta.henderson-youngs@spa.ga.gov Article submissions for the next issue should be sent to: Georgia Statement Submissions

Government Spotlight Money Matters Vocabulary Retirees Technology Procurement Workforce Tips Wellness Lets Hear It Helping Others Previous Issues
In this issue:

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Monday, October 6, 2008

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Georgia's e-government among the best in the nation
If there is one area in which Georgia government is rapidly improving, it's e-government. Just two years ago, Georgia ranked 38th in the nation in a Brookings Institution study on State and Federal Electronic Government. Last year, Georgia rose to 13th place and this year, according to the most recent report, Georgia placed second in the nation behind only Delaware.
There is no doubt that the World Wide Web has vastly improved the way government operates, much like the advent of the telephone and the word processor did in years past. It is also clear that the Internet offers a great deal of potential for streamlined service delivery and public outreach. The Brookings Institution study examines just how much of that potential has been reached and what states must do in the future to capitalize on the many opportunities the Internet has to offer.
In the report, each state is assessed on a 100-point scale, with 72 of those points awarded for offering various fundamental features such as privacy policies, disability access, areas to post comments, option for e-mail updates, etc. (four points awarded for each feature.) The remaining 28 points are awarded based on any additional online service offered by a state web site such as missing persons alerts, online chat, podcasts, etc. (one point per additional service).

2009 Benefit Fair Schedule - Open Enrollment Dates
Direct Deposit: The Smart Choice
Identifying who's a leader and who's not
Need Help? Call 1.800. georgia
Georgia's e-government among the best in the nation
"Back in the Day" Work Tips
GBA Supports Panhandling Initiative
Ghosts and Goblins!
The Georgia Department of Public Safety: Keeping Our Children Safe
Top 20 Rsum No-No's: What NOT to say about yourself
GBA seeking Bright Ideas
Department of Audits wins awards for performance audits
Is this for me? Long Term Care Insurance

Georgia's score rose by nearly 33 points in one year, and with a total of 78.3, it is second only to Delaware's score of 83.7. Delaware also placed first in 2007 with a score of 65.6, meaning the first place threshold is continually being raised year after year. Georgia's weak points include disability access, foreign language translations, and PDA/handheld access. The study also found that a major area of importance to site users is consistency. States that have similar web sites across agencies are easier to navigate because important links and buttons are in recognizable places on each site. The Vignette platform used by most Georgia state agencies accomplishes this goal and adds to the Governor's "enterprise" approach to state government.
In a statement released by the Georgia Technology Authority (GTA), executive director Patrick Moore said that his agency is "working hard to support Governor Perdue's goal of making Georgia the best managed state in the nation."
For more information on this study, Click Here
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For questions or comments concerning Georgia Statement online, please contact: carletta.henderson-youngs@spa.ga.gov Article submissions for the next issue should be sent to: Georgia Statement Submissions

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Government Spotlight Monday, October 6, 2008

Search: Georgia Statement

Money Matters Vocabulary Retirees Technology Procurement Workforce Tips Wellness Lets Hear It

"Back in the Day" Work Tips
Ever wonder why the word "secretary" has faded from the American lexicon? It's not just a product of political correctness. Rather, with the rapid progression of technology over the past fifty years, executive assistants have evolved into just that: assistants. No longer do they spend hours dutifully clicking away on the typewriter, today's modern "secretaries," if you will, often take meeting minutes, manage budgets, make travel arrangements, and maintain web sites, among many other things. In fact, many executives prefer their assistants to have some degree of higher education.
Published in 1951, the Complete Secretary's Handbook by Lillian Doris and Besse May Miller offers some helpful--and now humorous--tips for being successful in an era before Microsoft Windows, e-mail, and Xerox machines. Some tips are still useful, but some are downright funny. Enjoy!

Helping Others

Previous Issues
In this issue:
2009 Benefit Fair Schedule - Open Enrollment Dates Direct Deposit: The Smart Choice Identifying who's a leader and who's not Need Help? Call 1.800. georgia Georgia's e-government among the best in the nation "Back in the Day" Work Tips GBA Supports Panhandling Initiative Ghosts and Goblins! The Georgia Department of Public Safety: Keeping Our Children Safe Top 20 Rsum No-No's: What NOT to say about yourself GBA seeking Bright Ideas Department of Audits wins awards for performance audits Is this for me? Long Term Care Insurance

Your daily greetings to co-workers. There is no need to be uncertain about whether or not you should greet certain people whom you do not know personally-- those from another office getting on the elevator with you, or a doorman or elevator operator, or the company president. The courtesy of saying "Good morning," or "Good night" to someone is universally acceptable in business. This courtesy does not mean that you should try to promote a conversation with the company president.
Naturally, if someone greets you first in the morning, it is only proper to return the greeting pleasantly.
In most offices it is customary to say "Good morning" when you arrive at your office in the morning. Depending on how the office is arranged, a single greeting may do for everyone or you may greet people individually by name. On leaving the office you probably say "Good night" to the same people you greet in the morning.
A few don'ts. If your office is divided into cubicles, as so many are today, don't go around to each cubicle to say "Good morning" or "Good night." If you pass the cubicle and the co-worker in it looks up, then of course you may speak.
Don't stand and chat with a person just because you are giving him a friendly greeting. He (or she) may be busy or in a hurry to leave the office.
And above all--if you can't speak cheerfully, then don't mumble or growl a greeting because you feel compelled to speak.
Check back monthly for a new set of "Back in the Day" work tips!
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For questions or comments concerning Georgia Statement online, please contact: carletta.henderson-youngs@spa.ga.gov Article submissions for the next issue should be sent to: Georgia Statement Submissions

Government Spotlight Money Matters Vocabulary Retirees Technology Procurement Workforce Tips Wellness Lets Hear It Helping Others Previous Issues

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Monday, October 6, 2008

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GBA Supports Panhandling Initiative
The Georgia Building Authority (GBA) has joined with the City of Atlanta and Central Atlanta Progress to provide meaningful support to those who are homeless in our city. The goal is to help those who are less fortunate to make lasting improvements in their lives.
If you are approached by someone on the street asking for money, GBA offers the following instructions:

q According to City of Atlanta Code, it is unlawful for any person(s) to solicit funds or any item of monetary value in the tourist triangle in downtown Atlanta.
q Homelessness and panhandling are different issues. There is a population of homeless that sadly have not connected with available services. Separately, there is a population of panhandlers that systematically exploit donations from well-intentioned people.

In this issue:

GBA's recommendations:

2009 Benefit Fair Schedule - Open Enrollment Dates
Direct Deposit: The Smart Choice
Identifying who's a leader and who's not
Need Help? Call 1.800. georgia
Georgia's e-government among the best in the nation
"Back in the Day" Work Tips
GBA Supports Panhandling Initiative
Ghosts and Goblins!
The Georgia Department of Public Safety: Keeping Our Children Safe
Top 20 Rsum No-No's: What NOT to say about yourself
GBA seeking Bright Ideas
Department of Audits wins awards for performance audits
Is this for me? Long Term Care Insurance

q Giving money encourages panhandling. It does little to provide food or shelter to anyone truly in need.
q When approached by a panhandler, respond with referral cards. The cards provide information about local agencies with a proven track record in helping the homeless.
The cards are available from the Georgia Building Authority and are being made available to all state agencies on Capitol Hill.
Collection points are being installed in downtown to deposit change you might ordinarily give directly to a panhandler. All proceeds will be given to agencies that provide comprehensive services for those who are truly in need.
GBA encourages you to alert the Atlanta Police Department or the Ambassador Force of Downtown Atlanta (404-215-9600) of any solicitations encountered.
"We thank the workers on Capitol Hill for your interest and for your assistance in supporting a lasting and long-term solution to help those in need."
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For questions or comments concerning Georgia Statement online, please contact: carletta.henderson-youngs@spa.ga.gov Article submissions for the next issue should be sent to: Georgia Statement Submissions

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Government Spotlight Monday, October 6, 2008

Search: Georgia Statement

Money Matters
Vocabulary
Retirees
Technology
Procurement
Workforce Tips
Wellness
Lets Hear It
Helping Others
Previous Issues
In this issue:
2009 Benefit Fair Schedule - Open Enrollment Dates Direct Deposit: The Smart Choice Identifying who's a leader and who's not Need Help? Call 1.800. georgia Georgia's e-government among the best in the nation "Back in the Day" Work Tips GBA Supports Panhandling Initiative Ghosts and Goblins! The Georgia Department of Public Safety: Keeping Our Children Safe Top 20 Rsum No-No's: What NOT to say about yourself GBA seeking Bright Ideas Department of Audits wins awards for performance audits Is this for me? Long Term Care Insurance

Ghosts and Goblins!
Halloween will soon be arriving with laughing, screaming children (and some adults) in costumes, engaging in treator-treating, costume parties and fall festivals. How did this scary tradition emerge from world history to be celebrated in the 21st century?
Blame the Celts
Halloween dates back to the ancient Celtic festival of Samhain (pronounced sow-in) 2,000 years ago. The Celts who inhabited this area that is now Ireland, the United Kingdom, and northern France, celebrated their new year each November 1. On this day the Celts celebrated the end of summer and harvest and the beginning of the cold, dark winter, which was often associated with human death.
Celts believed that on the night before the new year, the boundaries of the world of the living and the world of the dead became blurred. The dead would play havoc on the living. Therefore on the night of October 31, they celebrated Samhain, when the ghosts of the dead returned to earth.
The Celts thought that the presence of the spirits made it easier for the Druids, or Celtic priests, to make predictions about the future. These predictions were important sources of comfort and direction during the long, hard winter where the people were dependent on the natural world.
To commemorate the event, Druids built huge sacred bonfires, where the Celts, dressed in animal heads and skins, gathered to burn crops and animals as sacrifices to the Celtic deities. The country folk would give the Druids food as they visited their homes to appease the dead.
When the celebration was over, they would relight their previously extinguished hearth fires from the sacred bonfire to help protect them during the coming winter.
Here come the Romans!
By A.D. 43, Romans had conquered the most of the Celtic territory. During the four hundred years that Rome ruled the Celts, two Roman festivals were combined with the Celtic celebration of Samhain:
q
Feralia was a day when the Romans traditionally commemorated the passing of the dead hoping to give rest and peace to the departed.
q
A day was set aside to honor Pomona, the Roman goddess of fruit and trees. The symbol of Pomona, which is the apple, probably explains the tradition of "bobbing" for apples.
Here come the Christians!
By the 800s, the influence of Christianity had spread into Celtic lands. It is commonly believed that Pope Boniface was trying to replace the Celtic festival of the dead by designating All Saints' Day to honor saints and martyrs.
All Saints' Day also became known as All-hallows or All-hallowmas from the Middle English Alholowmesse, meaning All Saints' Day. Samhain, which was the night before All Saints' Day, began to be called All-hallows Eve. Over time it was referred to as Halloween.
In A.D. 1000, the church made November 2 as All Souls' Day, a day to honor the dead. As the celebration of Samhain, it was celebrated with big bonfires, parades, and costumes as saints, angels, and devils. The three celebrations, the eve of All Saints', All Saints', and All Souls', were called Hallowmas.

So as you bob for that apple, you may want to take a very, very close look at what may be at the bottom of the barrel.

Source: History.com, www.halloweenishere.com, and www.theholidayspot.com
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For questions or comments concerning Georgia Statement online, please contact: carletta.henderson-youngs@spa.ga.gov Article submissions for the next issue should be sent to: Georgia Statement Submissions

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Government Spotlight Monday, October 6, 2008

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Money Matters Vocabulary Retirees Technology Procurement Workforce Tips Wellness Lets Hear It

The Georgia Department of Public Safety: Keeping Our Children Safe
The 2008-2009 school year is well underway, and the Georgia Department of Public Safety says the state's public school buses are in top shape.
Georgia law requires each of the nearly 18,000 school buses owned or operated by a state, county or municipal government or under contract by any independent school system to be thoroughly inspected annually to ensure the vehicle is in a safe operating condition.

Helping Others
Previous Issues
In this issue:
2009 Benefit Fair Schedule - Open Enrollment Dates Direct Deposit: The Smart Choice Identifying who's a leader and who's not Need Help? Call 1.800. georgia Georgia's e-government among the best in the nation "Back in the Day" Work Tips GBA Supports Panhandling Initiative Ghosts and Goblins! The Georgia Department of Public Safety: Keeping Our Children Safe Top 20 Rsum No-No's: What NOT to say about yourself GBA seeking Bright Ideas Department of Audits wins awards for performance audits Is this for me? Long Term Care Insurance

Colonel Bill Hitchens, Commissioner of the Georgia Department of Public Safety, said the annual school bus inspections have historically been instrumental in locating potential problems before mechanical breakdowns occur. "School transportation directors across the state do an excellent job each year to keep school buses in the best running condition possible. Their efforts make for the safe transportation of school children in Georgia each day."
Driver Reminders for Child Safety
The Georgia State Patrol is also reminding drivers to be alert when traveling in school zones and near school bus stops. Colonel Hitchens said Georgia State Troopers regularly patrol school zones as part of their normal duties and they will be keeping a close watch for school zone violations. He said troopers will also be watching for people who fail to stop for a school bus that is stopped to load or unload passengers.
Colonel Hitchens reminds drivers that Georgia Law requires vehicles to stop when overtaking or meeting a stopped school bus that is loading or unloading passengers. Vehicles are required to stop in both directions for a stopped school bus that is displaying its red stop lights and has the stop arm activated, except on a controlledaccess highway or when the highway is divided into separate roadways. After stopping, you may proceed only when the school bus resumes motion or when the flashing lights are no longer activated.
Georgia State Troopers and Officers with the Department of Public Safety's Motor Carrier Compliance Division urge drivers to leave more space around the school buses, especially when following a bus. "Drivers who tailgate a school bus are not prepared for the frequent stops a bus must make," Colonel Hitchens noted. "Just as we caution drivers about leaving more space around tractor trailers, drivers should not tailgate a school bus and not cut them off in traffic." Fatal traffic crashes involving school buses occur most often when the driver of the smaller passenger vehicle strikes the school bus.
"Drivers should always exercise caution around a school bus and observe the posted speed limit in school zones," the Commissioner said. He reminds drivers that a conviction for unlawfully passing a stopped school bus carries six points on your driving record. "For drivers under the age of 21, a conviction for unlawfully passing a stopped school bus will result in a six-month suspension of your driver's license," he added.
Colonel Hitchens also cautions motorists to be alert for children waiting at bus stops, especially during the early morning hours when visibility is reduced. "Children are not always alert to dangers around them at school bus stops," he said. "Drivers should be prepared to stop when approaching children waiting for a school bus."
For more information from the Department of Public Safety, click here.

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For questions or comments concerning Georgia Statement online, please contact: carletta.henderson-youngs@spa.ga.gov Article submissions for the next issue should be sent to: Georgia Statement Submissions

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Government Spotlight Monday, October 6, 2008

Search: Georgia Statement

Money Matters
Vocabulary
Retirees
Technology
Procurement
Workforce Tips
Wellness
Lets Hear It
Helping Others
Previous Issues
In this issue:
2009 Benefit Fair Schedule - Open Enrollment Dates Direct Deposit: The Smart Choice Identifying who's a leader and who's not Need Help? Call 1.800. georgia Georgia's e-government among the best in the nation "Back in the Day" Work Tips GBA Supports Panhandling Initiative Ghosts and Goblins! The Georgia Department of Public Safety: Keeping Our Children Safe Top 20 Rsum No-No's: What NOT to say about yourself GBA seeking Bright Ideas Department of Audits wins awards for performance audits Is this for me? Long Term Care Insurance

Top 20 Rsum No-No's: What NOT to say about yourself
A job-seeker's rsum is often the first point of contact with a potential employer, so making it look and sound professional should be a top priority...right? The answer, of course, is "yes," but below is a compilation of twenty different candidates who just didn't feel the need to do a little more editing or critical thinking. Enjoy the laugh!
1. Skills: "Strong Work Ethic, Attention to Detail, Team Player, Self Motivated, Attention to Detail."
2. Candidate included a letter of reference from his mother. 3. Woman who sent her rsum and cover letter without deleting someone else's
editing, including such comments as, "I don't think you want to say this about yourself here." 4. Candidate misspelled the word "proofreading" in her skill set. 5. Candidate submitted a rsum with several grease stains and a smudge of chocolate on it. 6. Candidate submitted a nine-page cover letter accompanied by a four-page rsum. 7. Skills: "Am a perfectionist and rarely if if ever forget details." 8. Other: "You will want me to be Head Honcho in no time." 9. Additional Information: "I am loyal to my employer at all costs...Please feel free to respond to my rsum on my office voice mail." 10. Skills: "I can type without looking at thekeyboard." 11. Additional skills: "I am a Notary Republic." 12. Skills: "Written communication = 3 years; verbal communication = 5 years." 13. Reason for leaving: "Pushed aside so the vice president's girlfriend could steal my job." 14. Work experience: "Responsibilities included checking customers out." 15. Emergency Contact Number: "911." 16. Candidate included clipart on their rsum of two cartoons shaking hands. 17. Experience: "My father is a computer programmer, so I have 15 years of computer experience." 18. Objective: "Student today. Vice president tomarrow." 19. Skills: "I have integrity so I will not steal office supplies and take them home." 20. Bad traits: "I am very bad about time and don't mind admitting it. Having to arrive at a certain hour doesn't make sense to me. What does make sense is that I do the job. Any company that insists upon rigid time schedules will find me a nightmare."
Courtesy of www.jobmob.co.il
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GBA seeking Bright Ideas
The Georgia Building Authority is seeking "Bright Ideas" from employees working on Capitol Hill to help conserve energy as well as other cost-saving tips to share with colleagues. If you have a bright idea, please submit it here and we'll share the best ideas around the Hill.
I have a Bright Idea!

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In this issue:

2009 Benefit Fair Schedule - Open Enrollment Dates
Direct Deposit: The Smart Choice
Identifying who's a leader and who's not
Need Help? Call 1.800. georgia
Georgia's e-government among the best in the nation
"Back in the Day" Work Tips
GBA Supports Panhandling Initiative
Ghosts and Goblins!
The Georgia Department of Public Safety: Keeping Our Children Safe
Top 20 Rsum No-No's: What NOT to say about yourself
GBA seeking Bright Ideas
Department of Audits wins awards for performance audits
Is this for me? Long Term Care Insurance

For questions or comments concerning Georgia Statement online, please contact: carletta.henderson-youngs@spa.ga.gov Article submissions for the next issue should be sent to: Georgia Statement Submissions

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Government Spotlight Monday, October 6, 2008

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Money Matters Vocabulary Retirees Technology Procurement Workforce Tips

Department of Audits wins awards for performance audits
The Georgia Department of Audits and Accounts has recently been recognized for two performance audits released in 2007. The National State Auditors' Association (NSAA) selected the Department's report on the State Purchasing Card Program as the winner of its Excellence in Accountability Award. In addition, the performance audit of the Board of Regents' Non-Resident Tuition Program was awarded an Excellence in Research Methods Award by the National Legislative Program Evaluation Society (NLPES). NLPES also presented the Department with a Recognition of Impact Award for the purchasing card report.

Wellness Lets Hear It Helping Others Previous Issues
In this issue:

State Purchasing Program Card Audit
The audit of the State Purchasing Card Program found inadequate policies and procedures governing the program and inadequate internal controls in some state agencies, which allowed the misuse of purchasing cards. A number of state employees found to be deliberately misusing the cards for personal gain were terminated or resigned. As a result of the performance audit, the Department of Administrative Services substantially modified its policies to strengthen controls over the cards and the Board of Regents and state agencies undertook a review of their own card practices.
Non-Resident Tuition Audit

2009 Benefit Fair Schedule - Open Enrollment Dates
Direct Deposit: The Smart Choice
Identifying who's a leader and who's not
Need Help? Call 1.800. georgia
Georgia's e-government among the best in the nation
"Back in the Day" Work Tips
GBA Supports Panhandling Initiative
Ghosts and Goblins!
The Georgia Department of Public Safety: Keeping Our Children Safe
Top 20 Rsum No-No's: What NOT to say about yourself
GBA seeking Bright Ideas
Department of Audits wins awards for performance audits
Is this for me? Long Term Care Insurance

As part of the audit of Non-Resident Tuition, the Department reviewed residency decisions made by university personnel. These decisions determine whether a student pays the in-state resident tuition rate or the higher rate charged to out-of-state (nonresident) students. The audit determined that the University System lacked clear and consistent procedures for making residency determinations, which contributed to inconsistent practices by the educational institutions. After creating a model to evaluate residency decisions, the auditors reviewed a representative sample of students from across the University System who were considered non-residents in the fall of 2003 but were later reclassified as residents for tuition purposes. More than one-fourth of the students were found to have not fully demonstrated residency, resulting in potential forgone revenue of approximately $2 million in the first term following reclassification alone.
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Government Spotlight Monday, October 6, 2008

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Money Matters Vocabulary Retirees Technology Procurement Workforce Tips Wellness Lets Hear It Helping Others

Is this for me? Long Term Care Insurance
"I'm too young to buy long term care insurance." "That's just for old people." Experts estimate that approximately 60% of individuals will at some point in their lives need long term care. There are a variety of reasons disability, illness, injury, terminal condition or old age.
What is Long Term Care?
Long term care is when a person, due to physical or severe cognitive impairment, requires help with activities of daily living, such as bathing, dressing, transferring, eating. The need for long term care could last from weeks to months to years. It just depends on the condition of the person needing care.
Who Needs Long Term Care?

Previous Issues
In this issue:
2009 Benefit Fair Schedule - Open Enrollment Dates Direct Deposit: The Smart Choice Identifying who's a leader and who's not Need Help? Call 1.800. georgia Georgia's e-government among the best in the nation "Back in the Day" Work Tips GBA Supports Panhandling Initiative Ghosts and Goblins! The Georgia Department of Public Safety: Keeping Our Children Safe Top 20 Rsum No-No's: What NOT to say about yourself GBA seeking Bright Ideas Department of Audits wins awards for performance audits Is this for me? Long Term Care Insurance

s More than half of the U. S. population will need long term care at some point in their lives.
s Accidents and disease happen at any age. s One out of five Americans over the age of 50 is at risk of needing long
term care within twelve months. s For couples who are age 65 and over, there is a 75% likelihood that one
on them will need long term care. s For people over age 75, 60% will need long term care for approximately
three years.
Where do people receive long term care?
When many people think of long term care, older people in nursing homes comes to mind. Certainly nursing homes provide long term care, however, there are many other places where people receive care:
s Formal caregivers consist of nursing homes, assisted living facilities, home care agencies, care providers associated with a service system and many more.
s Informal caregivers consist of family, friends, neighbors and others who provide care out of love and respect for the individual.
What are the costs for long term care?
The American Association of Homes and Services for the Ageing provides the following estimated costs for care:
s The average cost for a private room in a nursing home is $77,745 annually.
s The average cost for a semi-private room in a nursing home in $68,985 annually.
s The average cost for living in an assisted living facility is $35,628 annually.
s The average cost for living in an assisted living facility that charge additional fees for Alzheimer's and dementia care is $51,240 annually.
s The average hourly rate for a certified home health aide in $32.37. s The average hourly rate for an uncertified home health aide is $19.00.
Who pays for long term care?
Some people believe that Medicare will pay for their long term care needs. However, Medicare only covers rehabilitation services after a person is discharged from the hospital, which adds up to approximately 19% of all long term care.

Medicaid, which is health care for low income individuals, pays 49% of all long term care spending. In order to qualify for Medicaid, a person has to have less than $2,000 in assets and income that is insufficient to pay the cost of care. A person has to be impoverished in order for Medicaid to pay for long term care.

Since almost 40% of long term care spending is paid by private funds, many families find themselves in a quandary as to what to do when long term care is needed.

Long Term Care Insurance

By keeping abreast of the trends regarding long term care, the State of Georgia Flexible Benefits Program began offering employees the opportunity to select the Long Term Care option in 1993. During the Annual Open Enrollment this Fall, the Long Term Care option will again be offered by the Flexible Benefits Program. The premiums are based on the Long Term Care option you choose and your benefit age. Therefore, the younger you are when you select long term care, the lower your premiums. Be sure to view your Open Enrollment materials and closely review this valuable long term care plan. Help your family by planning for care you may need.

Sources: American Association of Homes and Services for the Aging, Long Term Care a senior-friendly, informational web site, About Long Term Care by Thomas Day.

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Governor Perdue proposes largest shakeup of state's health and human services agencies since Carter
In February 2008 Governor Perdue signed an Executive Order creating a "Health and Human Services Commission" charged with examining the missions of the Department of Human Resources (DHR), the Department of Community Health (DCH) and the State Personnel Administration (SPA) to achieve efficiencies, synergies and improvements in areas of state services that are considered vital to the citizens of Georgia. "Our organizational structure is changing to better meet the needs of Georgians today. At this time our state has an opportunity to assess our current human services needs and shape the work for perhaps many decades to come," said B.J. Walker, Commissioner of the Georgia Department of Human Resources. "During this phase of reshaping, our mission remains the same: protecting Georgia's most valuable resource - families."
A Brief History
In 1972, the General Assembly passed the Governmental Reorganization Act which drastically changed the administrative make-up of state government. The Act, supported by Governor Jimmy Carter, created the Department of Human Resources as one of three "super-agencies" by consolidating 62 existing agencies to reduce overlap and fragmentation as well as save the state money. The new DHR absorbed the Departments of Public Health, Family and Children Services and other agencies under one umbrella a health and social services agency.

2009 Benefit Fair Schedule - Open Enrollment Dates
Direct Deposit: The Smart Choice
Identifying who's a leader and who's not
Need Help? Call 1.800. georgia
Georgia's e-government among the best in the nation
"Back in the Day" Work Tips
GBA Supports Panhandling Initiative
Ghosts and Goblins!
The Georgia Department of Public Safety: Keeping Our Children Safe
Top 20 Rsum No-No's: What NOT to say about yourself
GBA seeking Bright Ideas
Department of Audits wins awards for performance audits
Is this for me? Long Term Care Insurance

DHR Today
As the largest agency in state government, DHR currently employs over 20,000 state and county employees, in 100 human services programs, in 1,000 locations, in all 159 Georgiacounties, with an annual budget of $3.8 billion. "Since DHR's creation 35 years ago under Governor Jimmy Carter, our state's growth and healthcare needs have changed dramatically," Governor Perdue said. "This restructuring of DHR recognizes those changing needs and puts in place a framework for a more efficient, effective delivery of these critical services."
In 1970, 13.5 percent of households were headed by a single parent compared to 25.5 percent in 2000. According to the U.S. Census, "compared with those living with their spouse, the odds that mothers living alone with children would receive government assistance were five times as high." Further, the Census predicts that the dependency ratio (the ratio of children under 20 and elderly 65 and older compared to the population age 21 to 64) will increase from 64.2 in 2000 to 81.3 in 2030.
The United Health Foundation reports that Georgians also place poorly in rankings on certain predictors of health and health outcomes:
q 41st in premature death q 43rd in infant mortality q 41st in cardiovascular deaths q 46th in infectious disease q 38th in obesity rates q 28th in per capita public health spending q 48th in on-time graduation
Looking Ahead
After months of reviewing best practices and organizational arrangements in other states, the nine member task force--composed of five members of the Governor's staff and four members of the General Assembly--released its interim report of findings and recommendations. Below is an overview of the proposed organization of Georgia's health and human services agencies:
Department of Behavioral Health This new agency will improve responsiveness to mental health needs in Georgia and make mental health funding more transparent.
Mission: to provide a safety net of treatment and support services to people with mental illnesses and addictive diseases and coordinate behavioral health services across state agencies and an integrated network of care across the state.

______________________________________

Department of Health This agency, led by DCH Commissioner Dr. Rhonda Medows will include a combination of the public health and regulatory missions of the former DHR and the current functions of DCH.

Mission: to promote and protect the health of Georgians, plan and regulate health care infrastructure, and facilitate and finance health care access and coverage.

______________________________________

Department of Human Services The reconstituted DHR will be led by Commissioner B. J. Walker and will include the programs and services related to aging, developmental disabilities, protection services, family services, temporary economic assistance, and child support.

Mission: to protect, care and support some of Georgia's most vulnerable citizens.

______________________________________

Health & Human Services Agency Head Alliance and Behavioral Health Coordinating Council These two new entities will ensure cooperation, sharing of data, coordination, continuity of care, aligned budgets, and improved performance among the new agencies.

Current Organization

Proposed Organization
"Our goal then and our goal now is to ensure that our citizens are getting the best value for our investment while providing the very best possible service to every Georgian that these agencies service." Governor Sonny Perdue The recommendations of the taskforce will be submitted in the form of legislation to the General Assembly when it convenes in January. If passed, Governor Perdue said, "we will be fleshing out funding issues as we present the 2010 budget" and the transition to the new agencies will begin on July 1, 2009.
For more information, visit: Georgia Department of Human Resources Georgia Department of Community Health Health and Human Services Taskforce Interim Report
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I Have a Bright Idea!
The Georgia Building Authority is seeking "Bright Ideas" from employees working on Capitol Hill to help conserve energy as well as other cost-saving tips to share with colleagues. Ideas include turning off lights when leaving your office, turning off escalators when buildings are closed, closing blinds if lights are in use to reduce heat and opening blinds rather than using fixed lighting. Other ideas include reducing the use of overnight mailing service and converting to electronic documentation rather than printed documentation. If you have a bright idea, please submit it here and we'll share the best ideas.
*My Bright Idea:

CONTACT INFORMATION:
Please provide us with your contact information. *Name: *Email:
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Monday, October 6, 2008

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Message from the Secretary of State
State employees,
As your Secretary of State, I wanted to take this opportunity to send you some important reminders regarding voter registration and voting options in the November 4 General Election.
1. Make sure you are registered to vote. To participate in the November 4 General Election, you must be registered to vote by Monday, October 6. If you have moved, you must update your voter registration to your current address.
2. Take advantage of early voting Vote Early by Mail or In-Person.
Georgia law changed this year to allow voters to cast ballots 45 days prior to an election, either by mail or in person without providing a reason.
Vote by Mail. To vote by mail, you must first request a mail-in ballot from your county registrar's office. You can fill out a request form at your county registrar's office or download a request form from the Secretary of State's website. Send the completed form to your county elections office and your ballot will be mailed to you. You are not required to show a photo ID when voting by mail.

In this issue:
2009 Benefit Fair Schedule - Open Enrollment Dates Direct Deposit: The Smart Choice Identifying who's a leader and who's not Need Help? Call 1.800. georgia Georgia's e-government among the best in the nation "Back in the Day" Work Tips GBA Supports Panhandling Initiative Ghosts and Goblins! The Georgia Department of Public Safety: Keeping Our Children Safe Top 20 Rsum No-No's: What NOT to say about yourself GBA seeking Bright Ideas Department of Audits wins awards for performance audits Is this for me? Long Term Care Insurance

Vote Early. You can vote in-person now through Friday, October 31. During this time, you can vote at early voting locations in the county where you are registered to vote. To find early voting locations in your county, call your county elections office or visit the Secretary of State's website. A photo ID is required to vote in person.
1. Election Day Voting. Election Day is Tuesday, November 4. The polls are open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Be sure to confirm the location of your polling place before heading to the polls by using the convenient, on-line poll locator system, or you can call your county elections office. You will need to show a photo ID to vote in person.
Keep in mind, the busiest times at the polls are typically from 7 a.m. 9 a.m., 11:30 a. m. 1:30 p.m., and 5 p.m. 7 p.m.
1. If you vote in-person, make sure you have photo ID. Voters casting ballots in-person during early voting or on Election Day will be required to show one of the following six forms of photo ID:
q A Georgia driver's license, even if expired; q Any valid state or federal government issued photo ID, including a free
Voter ID Card issued by your county registrar or Georgia Department of Driver Services (DDS); q Valid U.S. passport; q Valid employee photo ID from any branch, department, agency, or entity of the U.S. Government, Georgia, or any county, municipality, board, authority, or other entity of this state; q Valid U.S. military photo ID; or q Valid tribal photo ID.
If you do not have one of these forms of photo identification, you can obtain a free voter ID card at your county elections office or any Georgia Department of Driver Services center.
Additionally, employers are required to allow employees two hours off in order to vote. However, if a voter goes to work after 9 a.m. or leaves work before 5 p.m., the employer may not have to grant the two hours off. The hours are at your employer's discretion so please make sure you talk to your employer in advance.
PAR. 18.901. Voting Time. Each employee shall, upon reasonable notice to the appointing authority be permitted to take any necessary time off from employment without loss of pay to vote in any municipal, county, state or federal political party primary or election for which the employee is qualified and registered to vote, on the day on which the primary or election is held; provided, however, that such time off shall not exceed two (2) hours; and provided further that if the hours of work of the employee commence at least two (2) hours after the opening of the polls, or end at least two (2) hours prior to the closing of the polls, the time off for voting as provided in this paragraph shall not apply. The appointing authority may specify the hours during which the employee may be absent as herein provided.

The Secretary of State's Election Center website at www.sos.ga.gov/ElectionCenter
conveniently offers information on voter registration, and mail-in and early voting, as well as a poll locator system that displays voters' registration status, legislative districts, and polling location. If you have additional questions, please contact the Secretary of State's Elections Division at (877) 725-9797.

Thank you for your hard work and I hope you all take the time to vote in this important election.

Sincerely,

Karen Handel

Secretary of State

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For questions or comments concerning Georgia Statement online, please contact: carletta.henderson-youngs@spa.ga.gov Article submissions for the next issue should be sent to: Georgia Statement Submissions

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For questions or comments concerning Georgia Statement online, please contact: carletta.henderson-youngs@spa.ga.gov Article submissions for the next issue should be sent to: Georgia Statement Submissions