WEEKLY LEGISLATIVE REPORT – February 13, 2009

Sen. Tim Golden, members of Leadership Lowndes discuss issues over lunch.
Legislation enhances 'Made in Georgia' campaign

By Sen. Tim Golden

In an effort to step up awareness of the state's new "Made in Georgia" campaign, I have co- sponsored legislation that would direct the Department of Economic Development to create and maintain a web site informing the public of Georgia manufacturers and the goods they produce.

Under SB 117, all governmental entities that maintain web sites would cooperate with the department to include a link to the "Made in Georgia" site. Also, companies would be required to manufacture a minimum of 50 percent of their products in Georgia in order to qualify to participate in the campaign.

Having authored the original "Made in Georgia" legislation last year, I am pleased to support this effort to expand public education about the products manufactured in our state, as well as the number of jobs they represent.

Remember, manufacturing is the lifeblood of Georgia's economy. Be sure to look for the "Made in Georgia" label. SB 117 was referred to the Senate Economic Development Committee for its consideration.

Valdosta and Lowndes County were well represented at the Capitol this week. Reps. Ellis Black, Amy Carter and Jay Shaw and I were pleased to host our colleagues and other state leaders at the Lowndes County Bird Supper on Wednesday night, continuing a 50-year tradition coordinated by Lowndes County, the City of Valdosta and the Chamber of Commerce. Not only is this a festive and enjoyable event every year, it is an important opportunity to put our best foot forward and remind these leaders of our vital interests in South Georgia.

On Thursday, members of Leadership Lowndes (see photo) were on hand to see the General Assembly in action and represent the community. It's always good to see home folks during the legislative session.

The Senate voted Wednesday to approve the Georgia Nuclear Energy Financing Act, which would allow Georgia Power to implement rate increases beginning in 2011 to cover $1.6 billion in construction costs for two nuclear reactors at Plant Vogtle. Sponsors of SB 31 said building the nuclear units will generate about 3,000 jobs and ultimately result in less expensive electricity for Georgia consumers.

An amendment to the bill authorizes the Georgia Public Service Commission to consider the funds raised for the new units in future ratemaking cases. SB 31 now goes to the House of Representatives for its consideration.

On Thursday, the Senate passed a proposed constitutional amendment that would restrict future midyear budget appropriations to education funding, additions to the state reserve fund or repayment of state debt. No other new spending would be allowed without two-thirds approval of the legislature.

SR 1 would apply when economic growth results in higher-than-expected revenues, which is certainly not the case this year, with the state facing a nearly $3 billion revenue shortfall. As a constitutional amendment, the proposal still needs two-thirds approval by the House of Representatives and majority approval by Georgia voters in the 2010 general election.

The Senate also voted 49-4 in favor of legislation that would enforce the state's seat belt laws for pickup truck drivers and passengers. Pickup trucks are currently exempt from seat belt requirements, costing Georgia millions of dollars each year in federal highway funding. Under SB 5, which now goes to the House for its consideration, an exception would still be made for trucks while they are being used for agricultural pursuits.

In response to the case of the Peanut Corp. of America plant in Early County, a Senate committee has approved legislation that would require Georgia manufacturing plants to regularly test their products and report any findings of contamination. SB 80, which came out of the Senate Agriculture & Consumer Affairs Committee, is intended to raise a "red flag" if a manufacturer finds salmonella or another type of contamination in its food products.

Under the bill, the state Department of Agriculture would launch its investigation earlier in the process and the company would be required to keep records of the tests for two years. SB 80 now moves to the full Senate for a vote.

Finally this week, I was appointed to serve as vice chairman of the Senate Special Committee on Stimulus Priorities. This committee will serve as a liaison with other state entities and the federal government on decisions involving funding designated to come to Georgia from the economic recovery package adopted by Congress.

Sen. Tim Golden represents District 8 (Brooks, Cook, Lowndes and Thomas counties) in the Georgia State Senate. During the legislative session, 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.