WEEKLY LEGISLATIVE REPORT—March 14, 2008

“Made in Georgia” Clears key House Committee

By Sen. Tim Golden

I am pleased to report that SB 359, “Made in Georgia” legislation that I introduced and passed in the Senate has now cleared the House Committee on Economic Development and Tourism with a unanimous recommendation. 

The bill has broad bi-partisan support and has been endorsed by the Georgia Forestry Association, Georgia Mining Association, and numerous Labor organizations, among others. 

I am particularly appreciative of Rep. Ron Stephens (R-Savannah), Chairman of the House Committee, for his support in passing this bill.  Rep. Stephens has also agreed to handle the bill on the floor of the House.  The bill now goes to the House Rules Committee for further action.

On Monday, Governor Perdue changed the state revenue estimates for both the supplemental and FY 09 budget to reflect a slowing economy and lagging state revenue receipts.  By law, the Governor sets the revenue targets.

This will most likely extend the session into mid-April as members of the House and Senate budget writing committees will have to rewrite the budget in mid-stream to reflect the new estimates. 

Meanwhile, Tuesday was “crossover day” in the Senate and House, the last day that a bill can cross from one legislative body to another.  It made for a long day in both the House and Senate.

Among the bills passed in the Senate this week were:

• SR 196 provides military scholarships for children of soldiers killed or disabled as a result of a combat wound. 

• SB 549 establishes a three-level system of stroke centers. 

• SB 451 Known as the Protecting Georgia’s Investment Act, this bill requires boards administering public retirement funds to divest from companies making investments in Iran. 

• SB 445 allows the General Assembly to take action on rules and regulations of state agencies. 

• HB 297 provides two additional exemptions from the franchise agreement requirement for the sell of recreational vehicles (RVs) by dealers. 

• HB 1088 promotes the development and maintenance of agricultural tourist attractions. 

• HB 301 strengthens current dog fighting law in Georgia by imposing stiff penalties on spectators and participants of dog fighting exhibitions.

• SB 548 prohibits the use of state funds by purchase orders or other such payment vehicles for personal benefit or gain.

It was my honor to welcome General Nesbitt on the floor of the Senate on Wednesday to celebrate “National Guard Day” in Georgia in recognition of the tremendous work performed by the Georgia National Guard.  Earlier in the day, Governor Purdue presented General Nesbitt with a check for $114,000 to the Georgia National Guard Family Support Foundation. 

The contribution was the result of thousands of individual donations made by Georgia taxpayers using the simple check-off box on Georgia income tax forms.  As author of the 2005 legislation creating this tax check-off, I am pleased to report that we have been able to raise over $100,000 each year for this worthy foundation.

The Georgia National Guard Family Support Foundation was established to help families of guard members and other service members in Georgia during times of financial emergency.  I am pleased that my legislation has been so successful due to the generosity of so many Georgians. 

• Sen. Tim Golden represents the 8th District (Brooks, Cook, Lowndes, and Thomas counties) in the Georgia State Senate.  Contact him at 121-A State Capitol, Atlanta, GA 30334; by phone at 404-656-7580; or by e-mail at tim.golden@senate.ga.gov.