by Sen. Bill Hamrick
ATLANTA (January 23, 2009) – The current economic downturn and its effect on the Georgia state budget were the topics that dominated conversation at the Capitol this week. The General Assembly was in recess for Martin Luther King, Jr. day and the presidential inauguration ceremonies, but starting Wednesday, legislators began budget hearings. Gov. Sonny Perdue addressed the House and Senate appropriations committees, outlining his plan to balance the state’s budget to account for a projected $2 billion revenue shortfall. This plan is being considered in House and Senate subcommittees, and must be passed by the House before being voted on in the Senate.
In the budget hearings, economists predicted that the economy would continue its decline early in 2009 but begin to gain ground later in the year. This necessarily affects our planning for the year since Georgia is required by law to produce a balanced budget. We are proactively analyzing state spending to ensure a fiscally responsible, efficient and effective government.
In the State of the State address, Gov. Perdue proposed a new bond package to create an estimated 20,000 new jobs statewide and generate new revenue. The proposal would provide our district with almost $30 million in school bonds.
Due to financial constraints, the governor has recommended that we forgo the Homeowners Tax Relief Grant Program (HTRG), which currently saves homeowners as much as $200 to $300 a year. As your state senator, I will work with other legislators to consider all options for preserving this program.
In the meantime, we in government, just like individual families, must tighten our belts. Last year, after Gov. Perdue asked state agencies to reduce spending, more than $200 million was returned to the state’s general fund. By working together as one legislative body and making choices for fiscal responsibility, we can succeed for all of Georgia.
Sen. Bill Hamrick serves as Chairman of the Banking and Financial Institutions Committee. He represents the 30th Senate District which includes portions of Carroll, Douglas, and Paulding counties. He may be reached at 404.656.0036 or via e-mail at bill.hamrick@senate.ga.gov.
PRESS RELEASE
For Immediate Release:
January 23, 2009
For Information Contact:
Raegan Weber,Director
Matt Colvin Communications Associate
matthew.colvin@senate.ga.gov
404.656.0028