weekly for 1-21-2010

Under the Gold Dome

State Representative John Lunsford's

Weekly Capitol Update     

 January 21, 2010

Many legislators filled the Capitol this week although we were not in session.  Our agenda consisted of Joint Appropriations Committee hearings.  During these joint hearings, each state agency presents their budget to both the Senators and Representatives of the Georgia General Assembly.  Now that the agencies have presented their budgets, the House and Senate Appropriation Subcommittees will individually resume working on their version of budget, to be approved by each chamber, and the differences will be worked out later in the session with the Appropriations Conference Committee.  On Monday, January 25^th, all legislators from across the state will join together at our State Capitol as we begin our 5^th legislative session day. 

Last Friday, Governor Perdue released his amended budget proposal for 2010 and for Fiscal Year 2011.  The Fiscal Year 2010 Amended Budget figure released was reduced to $17.4 billion.  This includes between an eight and nine percent cut on most state agencies.  Three additional furlough days for all state employees has been requested by the Governor in the amended recommendations.  An option for the individual school boards across the state is the choice to offset the furloughs by either using surpluses or cutting the budget in other areas. The Fiscal Year 2011 estimated revenue figure is projected at $18.2 billion.  The “Rainy Day Fund” still has roughly $103 million and this money is used to help ease the burden when the state experiences revenue shortfalls.  As I have mentioned before, the Governor’s budget is the recommendation for how the incoming revenue will be appropriated; however, legislators ultimately decide funding for the state agencies, programs, and services and the Governor’s budget is used as a guide in the decision making process.

Transportation is a topic that arises every session.  Especially now with declining budget figures, we must continue to improve transportation infrastructure and also come up with a transportation funding plan.  This week, the Governor stated that he would support a referendum on a regional sales tax to support transportation.   The House and Senate lawmakers will continue working together and in cooperation with each other to find a solution.

In addition, education will continue to be a priority.  If we had the ideal perfect economic and budget situation, we would be increasing the amount of funding for education. However because of our budget situation, all departments will have to make cuts.  In the Amended 2010 budget, Perdue recommended that Public K-12 reduce their budget by an additional three percent.  Although this is difficult, other agencies faced between eight and nine percent reductions.  Perdue also mentioned a possibility of teacher compensation being based upon student performance.  This is an idea that will be reviewed; however, we must also consider that in more rural areas, teachers have fewer resources available to them.  Although the education budget will have to reduced, as will the budgets of all state agencies, education is still a main concern.  The benefits of improving education have a ripple effect that can be seen in our communities and throughout the state and country.  As legislators, we understand that we are educating the leaders of the future and that providing quality education is essential for our future.  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, 508 CLOB, State Capitol, Atlanta, GA  30334 or e-mail me at    john.lunsford@house.ga.gov

 

 

 

 

lunsford presession

Under the Gold Dome

State Representative John Lunsford's

Weekly Capitol Update

The State’s Budget and Legislation

January 4, 2010

 

As we quickly approach the beginning of January and are embarking on the start of a new year and another legislative session, it is time for us as legislators to focus on setting our agenda for the 2010 session.  The budget will be our priority during the session.  Other areas we will focus on this year include transportation funding, education,water concerns, and ethics reform.

 

With declining revenue figures throughout the year of 2009, it was a surprise to many that we were not called in for a Special Session to sort out our budget shortfalls.  The budget deficits we are facing can be contributed to a weak economy and decreasing tax and revenue collections.  In Georgia, the Constitution requires that we have a balanced budget.  The revenue estimates for the upcoming budget are based partly upon the incoming revenue numbers from the previous year.  Due to revenue declining drastically throughout 2009, we have been faced with a budget shortfall.  Luckily, we were able to use Reserve Funds and some Federal Stimulus Funds to account for the nearly $2.3 billion budget deficit.  In addition to that, for Fiscal Year 2010, the state was able to save around $35 million due to a lower interest rate on bonds.  This lower bond rating saved the state, and Georgians, money.

 

Just as we balance our checkbook and make sure the amount we spend does not exceed the amount we have, the state also has to do the same.  Difficult choices are being made daily as the people in Georgia tighten their budgets and focus on the essentials.  The mid-year reconciliation budget for Fiscal Year 2010 and the new Fiscal Year Budget for 2011 will be some of the toughest the state has ever had to handle as we have to reduce state spending.   It is a fiscal crisis that we will have to manage.  As legislators, we are going to have to come together and decide where the cuts will be made.  The decisions are not going to be easy.  We have to decide what the essentials are in terms of programs and services and decide where cuts can be made.  As Republicans, we are committed to not raising taxes on the people of our state; therefore, cutting and reducing our state budget is the only solution to the budget shortfall.  

 

Water is an essential part of our life and a resource we often take for granted.  Conserving water, ensuring water supply, and developing long term solutions have become a main topic to focus on this session.  Earlier this year Georgia was facing a historic and severe drought.  In some areas, people were either banned from outdoor watering or put on watering restrictions.  Midway through the year, we were fortunate enough to receive generous rainfall and our water levels rose.  In addition to this, the U.S. District Court has limited the state’s access to water at Lake Lanier.  The Governor created a Water Contingency Task Force in September of 2009 to try and address the water issues and for the Task Force to offer recommendations.  The Task Force has recommended what it refers to as the "3Cs" in relation to water: conserve, capture, and control.  Governor Perdue met in December with the Governors of Florida and Alabama to try and come up with an agreement on how to share the water.  As legislators, we must also do our part to preserve our water resources and also to come up with long terms solutions.

 

Transportation is always a priority that the Georgia General Assembly focuses on.  Last year, there were two different transportation funding bills, but neither passed. Although both pieces of legislation intended to fund transportation, an agreement could not be made on whether it should include a regional or a statewide one-cent plan. We need a solution for funding transportation statewide.  Especially since we are facing a budget dilemma, transportation policy and funding is at the top of our list.  Alternative means to funding transportation will be explored, especially as our state budget continues to decrease.  Traffic and congestion continues to be a problem, especially in metro Atlanta.  We also need a broader road system to allow rural communities to create economic development opportunities.  In Georgia we need solutions, not only for metro Atlanta, but statewide.  Transportation is something that affects everyone.  As legislators, we have to prioritize transportation projects across the state but also remain fiscally conservative.

 

The Republican members of the House Caucus have implemented new leadership and our new leadership team will set and implement new priorities for the session.  The changes in House leadership include: a new Speaker of the House, Rep. David Ralston; Speaker Pro Tem, Rep. Jan Jones; and Majority Whip, Rep. Edward Lindsey.  As legislators, it is our obligation to both our constituents and the citizens of the State of Georgia to uphold and maintain both our ethics and our values.  Unfortunately, the actions of a few can sometimes look poorly on the whole.  Personally, I believe that the poor actions of some legislators should not reflect on the rest of the legislators.  We are all individuals and we are all accountable to ourselves, our families, and our constituents. Therefore, we are going to take the steps to ensure that ethics is upheld by the members of our General Assembly. 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 view on the caucus

Dear Colleague:

 

Since being elected to the House in 2000, I have had two goals.  The first was to establish and maintain a majority to better represent my constituents and the other people of Georgia.  The second was to create unity within our caucus to be able to ratify legislatively the Conservative values that motivated me to run in the first place.  To a large extent, we have accomplished this goal as a caucus by providing tax cuts, passing tort reform, reducing the size of state government, enhancing public safety and crafting many other important measures that have improved the lives of all Georgians.

               
Now, however, our Caucus faces an unprecedented challenge.  When confronted by this situation, I determined that the best way for us to move forward as a caucus was to reaffirm our leadership whoever that might be, while at the same time maintaining the solidarity necessary to continue to accomplish our goals. 

 

After much thought, prayer and discussion with my colleagues, I decided that offering a petition in last week’s meeting was not only the best course of action, but also the only way to ensure that we enter the 2010 session strong, unified and energized.  Many advised me against  taking this course, arguing that it would hurt my chances at becoming Majority Whip.  I told them, as I explain to you now, that my desire to serve as Whip pales in comparison to maintaining our majority. 

 

For this reason, I willingly assumed the risk of a lost race and of whatever punishment leadership would mete out against me for my actions.  To leave no doubt about my dedication to and belief in this higher purpose, I resigned all of my leadership positions.  I wanted us to walk out of that meeting united behind our leadership and to begin preparing for the difficult session that awaits us in January. 

 

This was not, as the media falsely reported,  an effort at grandstanding.  Quite the contrary, it was instead an attempt to put this unpleasantness behind us, to close ranks behind our leadership, and to face head-on the issues that are important to Georgia. Contrary to media expectations, it was not then nor is it now my intention to turn in the petition on the morning of the elections for Speaker and Speaker Pro Tem.  The elections that we hold tomorrow take precedence over everything, and further distraction is counterproductive.  The petition will be available thru myself or Rep Mike Jacobs, until the close of the caucus meeting so that all members, especially those who were absent from the previous meeting, will have an opportunity to sign if they wish.

               
As predicted by my friends, the petition has taken on a life of its own.  I have been bombarded by media calls about it, and I apologize to those of you who have taken calls from your local media asking if you have signed.  I did not feel a need or have a desire to share my plans with the media, as this was for the members of this Caucus and not for press.

 

Although I remain steadfastly committed to both the petition and the principle for which it stands, I have kept private the names of the signers to protect them unnecessary exposure to retribution in the event that leadership voluntarily placed their names up for reaffirmation.

 

As I have said from the start, I want to serve as your Whip because I believe the office should be about our agenda (including a pledge not to vote for a tax increase of any kind), our message, our communication strategy, and our elections.  All of these are vital to the survival of our majority and to the betterment of Georgia.  

 

I promise to each of you that I will continue to help develop the agenda necessary for us to win, both during session and at the polls next November.  I will keep working vigorously to make certain that we succeed in passing our agenda and that the people of Georgia know what we have done on their behalf.  Both before and after session, I will, as I have for nine-plus years as a member of this Caucus, lead the charge to raise money and to implement election strategies to make sure that we continue in the majority.  I ask for your support and vow that I will do all that I can to help both our Caucus and our state.

 

Sincerely

 

Rep John Lunsford

District 110

Po Box 1598

McDonough, Georgia 30253

 

 

Lunsford Announces Candidacy for Majority Whip

Experienced Conservative Leader Joins Leadership Race

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                                                                                            December 12, 2009

Contact: John Lunsford                                                                                                                 Phone: 404-656-7573

 

McDonough, GA – Rep. John Lunsford, a  5 term  year legislative veteran, has announced his intention to seek the office of Majority Whip.

“It is with great humility that I enter the race for Majority Whip,” Lunsford said.  “While there are many talented people in our caucus who could do this job, I feel that my business background and legislative experience make me uniquely qualified.”

Lunsford serves the constituents of 110^th District. With 25 years in business management and marketing, Lunsford uses his professional skills and knowledge to provide expertise to several House committees: Appropriations, Health & Human Services, Rules and Science & Technology. Lunsford also serves as the Senior Hawk and as Vice Chairman of the Rules Committee.

Representative Lunsford has been an active participant in helping his fellow party members get reelected. He has been involved in development of agenda strategies and financial support for over 9 years, contributing to numerous campaigns during past electoral seasons.

“I have worked to help build our majority, and I know what it takes to maintain it,” Lunsford continued.  “We must commit ourselves to core conservative principles – lower taxes, a smaller, more efficient government, and removal of the regulatory burdens that hinder business and job growth, and personal responsibility.  This is my vision to improve Georgia.”

In addition to the legislative responsibilities Lunsford serves on the board of Directors of the Henry County Farm Bureau, Quality Growth Council, Connecting Henry Program , and the Clayton County Law Enforcement training Academy  as well as others.  Lunsford was born in Pine Bluff, Arkansas, and has lived in Georgia for over 30 years.  John and his wife Tina have been blessed with 7 wonderful children: Brittany, Allison, Benjamin, Joseph, Sophia, Christopher and Leah. They reside in McDonough, Georgia and the family attends Philadelphia Baptist  Church.

“This is a vital time for House Republicans, with elections and redistricting on the horizon,” Lunsford concluded.  “I offer my services to my colleagues at this time because I want to help lead Georgia toward a conservative government, which I feel will enrich our state for generations to come.”

XXXXX

 

session wrapup lunsford

Under the Gold Dome

State Representative John Lunsford's

Weekly Capitol Update

Session wrap up

April 13, 2009

 

The 2009 Legislative Session of the Georgia General Assembly officially adjourned Sine Die Friday, April 3^rd.  We accomplished many important items on the agenda and passed key pieces of legislation during the 2009 session.  Over the course of 40 legislative days, we worked together and devised a budget that basically includes only the essential and necessary programs for the state.  Also during the 2009 session, with the cooperation and input from both chambers, we passed legislation that meets the needs of the people we represent. 

The main issue on our legislative agenda, like every session, is creating a balanced budget.  This year was difficult given the current economic situation we are faced with, not only as individuals but also as a state.  Families across Georgia are cutting back and we had to do the same with the budget.  In the late hours on Friday night, we passed HB 119 which includes an $18.6 billion budget for fiscal year 2010. It is still awaiting the signature from Governor Perdue.  Faced with statewide revenue shortages, we had to make some very difficult decisions about what to fund.  The General Assembly here in Georgia did not follow the lead of others states, states around the country which raised taxes to make up for the shortfall.  We are proud to tell you that we did not raise taxes on the citizens in Georgia.  Families are struggling to make ends meet and to place another burden on them would simply be unfair.  During hard economic times, we all suffer: as individuals, as families, and as a state.  We have all had to cut back and make sacrifices.  One thing can be said; when things are tough we share the responsibilities, come up with solutions to our problems, and pull together as a state. 

The Transforming Transportation Investment Act, SB 200, was passed by both chambers.  It will provide the Governor and the legislature with more influence on transportation projects in Georgia.  Appointed by the Governor and upon approval of the Transportation Committee, this bill will create a new DOT Director of Planning.  Also, the Governor and members of the General Assembly will have greater input on the transportation plans within the state.    

In an effort to curb metal theft and to strengthen the law in Georgia, both chambers passed SB 82.  As legislators, we have heard of many instances within our communities of various pieces of metal parts being stolen, from parts of an air conditioner to unused car parts.  This legislation will create additional requirements for those taking items to a metal recycler with the intention of reducing metal theft in the State. 

The Department of Human Resources (DHR) will be faced with an immense restructuring with the passage of HB 228, still awaiting the Governor’s signature.  Under this piece of legislation DHR will be reorganized and separated into three new departments:  the Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities, the Department of Community Health, and the Department of Human Services. DHR is extremely large as one entity and our goal was to make it into smaller and workable departments.

One of our goals during this session was to help our businesses in Georgia by providing some form of economic relief. We passed HB 438 which would increase the tax credit for major economic development projects in the state.  To encourage business development in less-developed areas of the state, we passed HB 439 which revises the income tax credit to businesses.  The JOBS (Jobs, Opportunity, and Business Success) Act of 2009, HB 481 and HB 482, passed both chambers during this legislative session.  Our intentions with these pieces of legislation are to promote business in Georgia and to encourage employment.  The JOBS Act of 2009 includes many incentives for businesses, such as: phasing out the corporate income tax, reducing the capital gains tax, eliminating the state inventory tax, temporarily suspending filing fees for new businesses, and allowing a $2,400 tax credit for the hiring of the unemployed.  Hopefully these bills will help to stimulate our economy here in Georgia by providing some economic relief to our businesses and also have a positive impact on employment.

            Education is always a priority.  In an effort to provide parents with school choice for their children we passed HB 251.  This bill relates to elementary and secondary education and will allow the parent or guardian to transfer their children under certain conditions to another school within the district as long as the school has room to accommodate a transfer student.  Parents should have a choice of where their children attend school.  We also passed the Move on When Ready Act, HB 149, which will allow high school junior and seniors to receive high school credit for work completed in post-secondary institutions.  Due to the shortage of science and math teachers in Georgia, we passed HB 280 which provides teachers in those areas with the same compensation that fifth-year teachers receive.  As legislators we realize the importance and significance of education and will continue to provide the support for our schools, teachers, and children within our districts and all across the state.  Every legislator is accountable to the people he or she represents and I welcome your comments and input. 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

Under the Gold Dome

State Representative John Lunsford's

Weekly Capitol Update

April 4, 2009

 

Wrapping up the final legislative day 40 on Friday, we had a full week with many items on the agenda to accomplish.  Due to the Georgia Constitution, the legislative session must end on Day 40.  In addition, we had many Conference Committee reports that had to be agreed to or amended.  This is the process where legislative conferees are appointed and the House and Senate versions of the legislation are worked out.

 

Working into the late hours of the day on Friday, the main issue of concern was the 2010 budget.  As of Friday afternoon, the House and Senate were still trying to insure that the items in this austere budget were truly needed.  As legislators, we are constitutionally required to pass the budget and so there were some tense negotiations on Friday.

 

In an effort toward promoting Georgia to become the number one destination for entrepreneurs, we passed HR 165 on Monday by a vote of 152 to 1.  This Resolution would request that the colleges and universities under the University System of Georgia expand their education efforts toward the promotion and support of science, innovation, technology, and energy.  The end result would be the advancement and promotion of entrepreneurs in Georgia.  We want to encourage entrepreneurship within our districts and across the state.  Increasing the number of new businesses in Georgia will not only help our economy, but it will also encourage growth and innovation.  Small businesses will be the economic growth engine that helps us grow out of the economic downturn we are in.

 

Relating to the Made in Georgia Program, SB 117 passed the House on Wednesday and was nearly unanimous by a vote of 165 to 1.  This piece of legislation requires the Department of Economic Development to create and maintain a website for the citizens in Georgia to be able to be informed of Georgia manufactures and their products across the state.  If at least half of the products are manufactured within Georgia, the companies will be included on the website.  This website will be both educational for the people in Georgia and will also provide a convenient place to find this information.  

 

On Wednesday, we passed SB 128 by a vote of 167 to 3.  This would allow the owner of motor vehicles to have the option to apply for and obtain a permanent license plate for their boat, utility, and/or noncommercial livestock trailers when registering their motor vehicle.  Currently the law in Georgia does not give the owner the option of a permanent registration for these types of motor vehicles.  

 

Diabetes is one of the fastest growing diseases which affects a large portion of our population.  SB 163 passed the House on Wednesday by 171 to 1 and this bill would authorize the Commissioner of Human Resources to appoint a diabetes coordinator who will be responsible for the storing diabetes treatment and prevention data in an effort to properly coordinate the prevention and treatment.  This will be beneficial in that it will maximize the diabetes program and will in turn lead to the reduction of health consequences and complications from diabetes.

 

Many additional items passed and failed on Friday night as both chambers worked until midnight, next week I will wrap-up what actually passed both chambers.  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

Under the Gold Dome

State Representative John Lunsford's

Weekly Capitol Update

March 28th, 2009

 

As the 37^th legislative day comes to an ended on Thursday, we are now officially one week away from the end of the 40 day session.  With just a few legislative days remaining, the final session day (no more than forty days) is set for next Friday, April 3.  In addition to voting on numerous pieces of legislation on the House floor, this week has also been full of committee meetings as we are trying to get bills out of committee and onto the floor for a vote. 

 

The House passed out the FY 2010 Budget (HB 119) last week.  We are still waiting to finish up the official finalized budget for next year.  The concurrence of both chambers is needed and the Senate is still working on their version of the budget.  Once the House receives the Senate version, leaders from both chambers will meet to come up with a final reconciled version of the budget.  As stated in previous weeks, the budget is one of the most important tasks we have as legislators.  Due to the economy, the budget for this year and next has been incredibly difficult and depending upon the revenue figures for March, the budget may once again have to be reviewed and adjusted.

 

In response to Federal regulations by the Federal Accounting Standards Board, we passed a bill which would split the Georgia Retiree Health Benefit fund into two funds, the Georgia School Personnel Postemployment and Georgia State Employee’s Postemployment Health Benefit Funds.  The House passed SB 122 on Monday by 161 to l.  The newly-created funds will be created on August 31, 2009 and will provide post-employment health insurance benefits for their beneficiaries.  Under this bill, the state employee and school employee retirement funds will be protected by ensuring that the amount the employer places into the fund goes into the correct fund, by separating the school funds from the state funds. 

 

As legislators, we realize that the housing industry plays such a key role in our economy and it is currently in a slump.  In an effort to encourage home buying in the state of Georgia, the House introduced and passed HB 261, and on Thursday, the bill passed the Senate. This bill will allow a one-time tax credit to buyers of single-family homes.  HB 261 was slightly changed by the Senate, as they added two Amendments to the bill to include the addition of condominiums and other documentation.  The amount of the tax break would be the lesser of 1.2 percent of the purchase price or $3,600.  The housing industry is an essential part of our economy and we need to take the steps to promote it.  By providing a tax credit to homebuyers, especially during economic times like we are in now, it creates an incentive which could hopefully increase real estate sales in Georgia. 

 

The “Super Speeder Bill,” HB 160, has passed both chambers and if the Senate changes are approved by the House, the bill will be sent to the Governor.  This bill would increase the fees on those that are excessively speeding.  The fine will be $200 for those that are driving over 75 mph on a two-lane road and 85 on a four-lane.  The revenue, approximately $23 million, will be used to help fund trauma care.  Although this bill helps, we still need a permanent and reliable solution to fully fund trauma care.  Funding Statewide Trauma Care in Georgia is essential and we need to come up with a solution.  This bill is a start in the right direction; however, it will only provide approximately one fourth of the funding needed to fund trauma care. 

 

On Wednesday, the House unanimously passed SB 13.  This bill will ensure that those accused of crimes may be sentenced to life without parole, even if the prosecutors choose not to seek the death penalty.  This legislation will not apply to offenses committed on or before June 30, 2009.

 

In an effort to promote Georgia based companies and products, the House passed SB 44 by a vote of 157-5 on Wednesday.  We are trying to come up with solutions to stimulate our economy, especially here in Georgia.  With the passage of this bill it would require purchasing decisions by the state, departments, agencies, commissions, local governments, and public schools to give preference to certain Georgia produced goods in the bidding contracts and/or with their purchasing decisions.  This bill would apply to large scale contracts and purchases to an amount that exceeds $100,000.  Our intentions with this piece of legislation are to promote the purchase of Georgia products, supplies, and food. 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