FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – March 20, 2007

Contact:        Sen. Tim Golden, 404-656-7580 or tim.golden@senate.ga.gov

Golden-Stoner amendment strengthens limit on state spending

Bipartisan cooperation lifts prospects for Senate Resolution 20
Atlanta, GA - The prospect of passing legislation that would limit the annual spending increases by state government was greatly improved Tuesday by an amendment offered by Sen. Tim Golden (D-Valdosta) and Sen. Doug Stoner (D-Smyrna).

Senate Resolution 20, a proposed constitutional amendment, failed to receive the necessary two-thirds approval when it first came before the Senate on February 14. SR would prohibit the General Assembly from increasing the annual state budget by a percentage that is more than the state’s population growth, plus inflation.

On Tuesday, Golden and Stoner offered an amendment to SR 20 to address what they felt were deficiencies in the legislation that fell short of fiscal responsibility for Georgia in the long term. Their amendment provides that once the spending cap is reached, any excess funds would be disbursed in the following order:

1. Full funding of K-12 public education
2. Restore the state’s reserve fund to 10 percent of the previous year’s revenue
3. Pay off state debt
4. Return excess to taxpayers

Golden and Stoner praised the author of SR 20, Sen. Chip Rogers (R-Woodstock) for his cooperation in reaching a bipartisan solution to the issue. The legislation is now known as the Rogers-Golden Resolution.

“Senator Rogers extended his hand and asked us to work with him to change the legislation in a manner that addressed our concerns,” said Golden, who is chairman of the Senate Democratic Caucus. “Our amendment also provides that any budget from a previous year can be used as a baseline, and the limits can be suspended upon exhaustion of the reserve funds and a two-thirds vote by both the House and Senate. This bipartisan approach is the best path not only to successful legislation but also sound public policy.”

Stoner added, “SR 20 was well-intentioned from the start as a means of holding future legislatures and governors accountable and reining in out-of-control spending. But similar legislation has had problems in other states, including Colorado, where the concept originated. We felt it needed stronger provisions for ensuring that our public schools were protected, and placing a higher priority on building up the state’s reserve fund and keeping state debt at a minimum. The Rogers-Golden Resolution now meets those criteria.”

• 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.