Legislation says thanks to those in military service
February 2, 2007 -- Atlanta, GA -- State Sen. Tim Golden (D-Valdosta) The debate goes on in Washington, D.C., about the next steps in our nation’s military involvement in Iraq and the global war on terrorism. Regardless of which direction our national leaders decide to take, it’s important that all of us continue to support the troops who are carrying out those orders.

To help show our appreciation to those who volunteer for the military and make significant sacrifices to serve us overseas, I have co-sponsored two legislative proposals in the Senate this session.

Senate Bill 74 is the Returning Hero Education act, which would authorize the Board of Regents to establish standards aimed at making it easier for U.S. combat veterans to be admitted to one of Georgia’s public colleges or universities, so that they can further their educations and have a better chance at success when they return home. The bill has strong bipartisan support and has been referred to the Senate Higher Education Committee for consideration.

Senate Bill 84 would strengthen Georgia law against unfair methods of competition and advertising in the sale of insurance to specifically protect members of the U.S. armed forces from unscrupulous marketing or sales of insurance. This is also a bipartisan proposal and has been referred to the Senate Insurance & Labor Committee.

These measures would supplement legislation I co-sponsored and we passed in a previous session, providing financial support to active-duty members of the Georgia National Guard and their families. This type of assistance is the least the state can do in return for the sacrifices our military personnel are making for us.

I am strongly supporting legislation that would give a sales tax exemption for materials and equipment used in the construction of biofuel facilities in Georgia.  House Bill 186 makes a 4 percent tax incentive available to facilities producing and processing certain biofuels (ethanol, biodiesel and butanol) derived from Georgia-grown agriculture products and biomass for five years. Sponsors of this tax credit say it will help make Georgia a national leader for the development of home-grown alternative fuel sources and help the nation decrease our dependence on foreign oil. Demand for biofuels is expected to increase due to a combination of factors, including the decision by U.S. refiners to replace MTBE, an oxygenate known to contaminate drinking water, with ethanol and the production and promotion of alternative fuel vehicles by major auto manufacturers. The biofuel tax incentive will help Georgia to be a leader in attracting companies in the biofuels industry.

All tax-related proposals must originate in the House of Representatives. If HB 186 is forwarded to the Senate, I will work to help it receive final approval.

To further strengthen the Drug-Free Workplace Program in Georgia, I have introduced SB 96, which would authorize employers to conduct on-site and oral testing of workers for substance abuse. The Insurance & Labor Committee will decide whether the bill moves forward.

This week, the Senate approved two major bills affecting public education. SB 10 would allow the state to issue vouchers to special needs students to attend a private school or a public school outside their district. I voted against this measure because there was not sufficient evidence that it is needed, and it appears to be an attempt to open the door for a wider use of vouchers, which would take away funding from Georgia’s public schools.

I was pleased to support and vote for SB 39, a proposal by Lt. Governor Casey Cagle which would expand the state’s charter school law to allow entire school systems to apply for “charter system” status, which was approved by the Senate on Friday. This proposal would exempt systems from the state’s education laws and regulations so they can experiment with new approaches to teaching students. Both SB 10 and SB 39 now go to the House for its consideration.

• 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.