Legislative session opens with work on state budget
January 12, 2007 -- Atlanta, GA -- State Sen. Tim Golden (D-Valdosta) The first week of the 2007 session of the Georgia General Assembly was highlighted by ceremonial and organizational activities as newly elected or re-elected members took their oaths of office, leadership positions were filled, committees were assigned and the Governor came by for his annual State of the State address.

In the coming week, the legislature will officially be in recess, but starting Tuesday, state agency department heads will present their annual budget requests to a joint session of the Senate and House Appropriations Committees. Having just been appointed as Secretary of the Senate Appropriations Committee, I look forward to participating in these hearings that will start the process of creating an annual state budget for fiscal year 2008.

As proposed by Governor Perdue on Wednesday, that budget would reach an all-time high of $20.2 billion in state government spending. The governor has proposed new education initiatives including $21.3 million for expanding graduation coaches and $750,000 for providing a statewide online tutoring program. He also is recommending a 3 percent salary increase for educators.

As the Appropriations Committee work proceeds, I will work to protect and promote our vital interests in South Georgia. I look forward to reviewing the Governor’s budget proposal in more detail in the coming weeks.

I appreciate the assignment to this Appropriations Committee leadership position by our new Lt. Gov. Casey Cagle and his commitment to preside over the Senate in a bipartisan matter to address Georgia’s challenges and opportunities. Serving alongside our chairman, Sen. Jack Hill (R-Reidsville), and our vice chairman, Sen. Greg Goggans (R-Douglas), I feel good about south Georgia’s representation in Senate budget discussions.

Among the legislation that was introduced during the first week, Senate Bill 26 would allow local cities and counties to hold referendums to decide if they want to allow packaged sales of beer and wine on Sundays in grocery stores and convenience stores. Sponsors of the bill argue that Georgia is one of only three states that prohibit Sunday packaged sales of alcoholic beverages, and the law is inconsistent when considering that beer, wine and even mixed drinks can be served on Sunday by restaurants in communities where voters have authorized those sales.

I am sure this proposal will be intensely debated during the session, and I will review this legislation carefully.

Billy Langdale elected as member of the Department of Transportation Board for 2nd Congressional District.  I was very pleased that our area delegation was able to support and elect Mr. Langdale to serve another term as our representative on the important Transportation Board that oversees transportation issues for our state.  It was important for South Georgia to have him re-elected to this important post so that he can continue to help us protect our vital interests.

Again, it was a good first week at the State Capitol. I was most pleased with the bipartisan spirit exhibited in the Senate. I am very pleased with my Committee assignments. I look forward to working on the Senate Finance Committee, another powerful and influential panel that writes the state’s tax laws, and the new Government Oversight Committee, as well as continuing to serve on the influential Insurance & Labor Committee that reviews many business issues. I was also re-appointed as a member of the Higher Education Committee.

Following the Appropriations hearings, the full legislature will reconvene on Monday, Jan. 22. Please contact me whenever I can be of service.

• State Sen. Tim Golden represents the 8th District (Brooks, Cook, Lowndes and Thomas Counties). During the legislative session, he can be reached at 121-A State Capitol, Atlanta, Ga. 30334; by phone at 404-656-7580; or by e-mail at tim.golden@senate.ga.gov.