By Sen. Bill Heath
ATLANTA (February 6, 2009)—This week witnessed exponential efforts to support tax relief and transportation development which hit as two of Georgia’s most current and critical needs. I support these issues and have helped pass the legislation which will provide Georgians with some much needed relief. I also had the honor of introducing my pastor, Brother Herman Parker from the First Baptist Church of Bremen, as the chaplain of the day.
Sen. Tolleson Reports from the Capitol
By: Sen. Ross Tolleson
ATLANTA (February 5, 2009) – With Committee meetings now passing legislation to the floor it is leading to some lively debate between the Senators. This week the State Senate passed Senate Resolution 44. This legislation is going to help provide comprehensive transportation relief from the rural areas all over the state to the metropolitan eight-lane highways of Atlanta. I am proud to have voted in support of this legislation as a member of the Transportation Committee and on the floor of the State Senate. This Constitutional Amendment will provide what is known as a Transportation Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax, commonly known as T-SPLOST. The amendment allows for a 1 percent regional sales tax which would be voted on by the communities. If the voters approve the increase it would be used for a specified period of time to fund transportation projects in their own communities.
State Senator Renee Unterman Leading Charge in General Assembly to Fight Prostitution of Children
ATLANTA, GA (February 5, 2009) — State Senator Renee Unterman (R-Buford) continued her efforts to fight the sexual exploitation of minors in Georgia as she held a press conference today at the State Capitol endorsing a legislative package aimed at cracking down on this practice. Senator Unterman, who co-chaired the joint Commission on Sexual Exploitation of Minors this past summer, is the primary sponsor of two bills in the package which she sees as vital measures to protect the safety of young boys and girls and to create a no tolerance zone for the prostitution of children in Georgia. Continue reading “State Senator Renee Unterman Leading Charge in General Assembly to Fight Prostitution of Children”
Sen. Sims Steps Up to Ensure the Independent Identities of Georgia Colleges
ATLANTA (February 4, 2009)—Senator Freddie Powell Sims (D- Albany), recently met with university officials to discuss her concerns with Senate Resolution 84 which urges the Board of Regents of the University System of Georgia to merge, among others, Albany State University with Darton College. The meeting was sparked by the proposal from Sen. Seth Harp (R- Midland) of merging the institutions in order to save money during this year’s budget cut-backs and to end the practice of illegal discrimination in the historically black colleges.
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Georgia One Step Closer to Transportation Reform
Senate Passes TSPLOST Measure
ATLANTA (February 3, 2009) – The State Senate today passed the most sweeping form of transportation legislation in Georgia’s history. Authored by Senator Jeff Mullis (R-Chickamauga), the Transportation Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax (TSPLOST) will fund much needed, long-term transportation infrastructure across the state, strengthening Georgia’s competitive edge in a global economy.
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