ATLANTA (August 27, 2009) – State Senator Jim Butterworth (R-Clarkesville) is notifying his district of informational meetings regarding the changes to the State Health Benefit Plan (SHBP) for retirees. These changes are in response to the current fiscal crisis facing Georgia. They are an effort to reduce costs and liability, saving the state $2.4billion, while still providing efficient and quality health care. Continue reading “Sen. Butterworth Notifies District of Informational Meetings to Address Changes to the State Health Benefit Plan for Retirees”
Sen. Butterworth and Toccoa-Stephens County Leadership Meets With New GDOT Commissioner
The widening of GA-17 from the Hayestone Brady Business Park to I-85 is a high priority for both the Georgia Department of Transportation and Toccoa-Stephens County officials. In a meeting with the new GDOT Commissioner Vance Smith, new Planning Director Todd Long, and Board Chairman Bill Kuhlke, a delegation from Toccoa-Stephens County, joined by Senator Jim Butterworth and Representative Michael Harden, learned that the acquisition of the rights-of-way for the widening of GA-17 from Scott Road south to the county line is progressing well past the 50% mark. The acquisition is expected to be completed by the summer of 2010. The funding and construction schedule for the project will be identified after the rights-of-way are in hand but are expected to follow closely behind. Continue reading “Sen. Butterworth and Toccoa-Stephens County Leadership Meets With New GDOT Commissioner”
South Georgia at the State Capitol
By: State Sen. Greg Goggans
ATLANTA (August 27, 2009) – Approximately 26 billion gallons of water are used every day in the United States. According to the United States Geological Survey, the average American uses between 80 and 100 gallons of water daily. People depend on water for healthy lifestyles; and Atlantians depend on Lake Lanier as their primary water source. Currently, Lake Lanier provides the majority of Metro Atlanta’s water needs. Earlier this month a federal judge ruled that Georgians have no right to use the lake for water consumption. According to U.S. District Court Judge Paul Magnuson, drinking water was not an authorized purpose for the lake when it was created 50 years ago and should not be now. The Court has granted the State of Georgia three years to find alternative sources. This poses a huge problem for Metro Atlanta as well as the rest of Georgia.
Johnson: Statement on Being Appointed Ex-Officio of Senate Transportation Committee
ATLANTA (Aug. 26, 2009) – State Senator Eric Johnson (R-Savannah) issued the following statement today on his appointment by Lt. Governor Casey Cagle as an ex-officio member of the Senate Transportation Committee. An ex-officio is appointed by the Lt. Governor as an addition to the committee with the same voting privileges as other members.
Johnson: Tax Issues Resolved by State Senate Ethics Committee
ATLANTA (Aug. 24, 2009) – State Senator Eric Johnson (R-Savannah) issued the following statement today regarding legislators who had failed to file their state income taxes:
Continue reading “Johnson: Tax Issues Resolved by State Senate Ethics Committee”