lunsford weekly update

Under the Gold Dome

State Representative John Lunsford's

Weekly Capitol Update

The Budget work goes on during the break

January 24^th, 2009

 

On January 12, 2009, the 150^th legislative session of the Georgia General Assembly was gaveled open as members of the House of Representatives and members of the Senate were sworn in for our legislative duties.  This process repeats itself every two years following the elections, and the winners of the 180 districts in the House and 56 districts in the Senate are seated to serve their district and state. 

 

The first week is mainly an organizational week for the General Assembly as few bills are debated.  It is used to elect the leadership of the House of Representatives and assign the membership to the many standing committees.  It is also used to develop strategies for tackling our biggest problems, mainly this year, a $2 billion shortfall in the Fiscal Year 2009 budget. 

 

Also last week, the Governor unveiled highlights in his Amended Fiscal Year 2009 and his Fiscal Year 2010 budget recommendations.  The General Assembly reviews two budgets a year.  The first is the review of the FY 2009 budget which begins July 1 every year.  In January, we begin to review that budget to see if we are short funding for mandatory programs like education and healthcare. 

 

The second budget, or what we call the “big budget,” is used to set spending policy to fund the state government for the upcoming fiscal year.  The Governor each year introduces his mid-year corrections and his policy and program funding for the next year.  The General Assembly is tasked with reviewing the budget and making changes where we see fit.  It is part of the oversight responsibility that the citizens have to insure that the Governor is doing the right thing.

 

The FY 2009 budget is set at $19.2 billion which includes a devastating $2.2 billion cut to most state agencies and programs.  The FY 2010 budget is set at $20.2 billion.  The state’s “Rainy Day Fund” now stands at $1.2 billion.  More details on the budget initiatives will be discussed in the upcoming weeks.

 

Some of the highlights unveiled in the Governor’s State of the State speech included the requisite budget issues, as well as, several key initiatives that the Governor wants to launch.  Most notably of his various proposals was a decision to overhaul the Department of Human Resources.  DHR is Georgia's human service agency whose mission is to strengthen Georgia families by providing services through about 80 programs that ensure their health and welfare.  Unfortunately, this department, by far the biggest in the state, has grown into a bureaucracy unto itself.  DHR encompasses programs that help Georgians who suffer mental retardation, mental health problems, assistance to the poor and senior services.  Many of these programs are very much needed, but the level of bureaucracy has made them unwieldy and limited their ability to “best” serve those that need the help.

 

One bill was debated and that was House Resolution 1022.  The resolution ratifies the comprehensive state water management plan that was adopted by the State Water Council.  It overwhelmingly passed 131-37.

 

After completing the first five days of this year’s session, the House and Senate broke for a week to begin budget hearings in front of joint meeting of the House and Senate Appropriations Committees. 

 

Most state agency directors did testify before the Joint Appropriations hearings to discuss their agencies and their priorities.  In addition, it allows for your elected representation to ask questions regarding various programs and to ascertain their viability. I will keep you informed through weekly updates. Your opinions and concerns are important to me and I consider it an honor to serve you at the state capitol and in our district. If you would like to reach me, please call me at (404) 656-7573 or write me at: State Rep. John Lunsford, 401, State Capitol, Atlanta, GA  30334 or e-mail me at    john.lunsford@house.ga.gov         

 

 

 

 

lunsford weekly update

Under the Gold Dome

State Representative John Lunsford's

Weekly Capitol Update

What’s happening this session?

January 16, 2009

 

As the 2009 Legislative Session convenes this week, we will be addressing issues that are being discussed around kitchen tables throughout the state of Georgia. As Georgians in every corner of our state closely watch their bottom line during this economic downturn, it will also be a tough session for lawmakers as we determine the fate of state programs and projects as we face a budget deficit.

            Since state tax revenues are lower than had been projected, we will have to address spending cuts for the last six months of the current fiscal year. Gov. Sonny Perdue has proposed a large program funded on borrowing, but has not detailed how he would spend the money. We are also waiting to see how much President-elect Obama’s stimulus package will affect individual states. Once these two issues are clarified, we will have to roll up our sleeves and determine the most responsible way to proceed.

            In regard to taxes, both House and Senate leaders have expressed support for plans to cap property taxes, although the details have not been agreed upon. We recognize that any tax relief would be welcomed by the citizens of Georgia, but we must be diligent so that any such legislation doesn’t get drowned by dissenting legislators in a myriad of party-line details.

            Roads and transportation will also be a major issue this session. As the more populous cities in the state experience an increase in traffic congestion, and as rural areas desire roads to entice employers, at the same time environmental groups want a mass transit system.  All three interests are being represented as business groups and environmentalists are jointly lobbying for a constitutional amendment that would allow a group of counties to impose a regional sales tax to support transportation projects. The proposal would have to be passed by voters in the 2010 general election, so there is time for us to carefully consider all of the ramifications.

            Trauma care is an issue that lawmakers have wrestled with for years and one that will likely be another top priority. Because there is a dire need for a dedicated funding source for a statewide network of facilities to provide advanced trauma care, including specialized equipment, air transportation for patients, and physicians, this is a cause for legitimate concern. Without a solution, there is a concern that trauma centers could be forced to close amid recent operating losses in the millions of dollars. Because of the dire need coupled with a suffering economy, this will undoubtedly be a hot-button topic again this year.

            The Savannah Port continues to create jobs and bring in significant revenue for the state, and because of this the harbor deepening project that the Georgia Ports Authority hopes to partially fund with money from the state will more than likely be approved. The Port wants to deepen the harbor from 42 feet to 48 feet to allow for larger vessels. Due to the budget crisis, it is more than likely that bonds will be issued to pay for this construction project. It is most likely that a final review of this project will take place later this year.  Georgia’s deepwater ports and inland barge terminals support more than 286,000 jobs throughout the state and contribute $14.9 billion in income and almost $3 billion in state and local taxes.  I am honored to be your representative. I will keep you informed through weekly updates. Your opinions and concerns are important to me and I consider it an honor to serve you at the state capitol and in our district. If you would like to reach me, please call me at (404) 656-7573 or write me at: State Rep. John Lunsford, 401, State Capitol, Atlanta, GA  30334 or e-mail me at    john.lunsford@house.ga.gov