The 2012 Session of the Georgia General Assembly convened on January 9 with senators departing from the ceremonial first day and immediately getting down to business. Two bills were passed on the first day showing the taxpayers of Georgia that the Senate is ready to work.
After several consecutive years of heavy budget cuts, Governor Deal has proposed more funding for education in Fiscal Year 2013. A proposed $19.2 million budget will supplement K-12 enrollment growth, allow for additional school nurses and other support staff.
Senate Bill 38 gives the state school superintendent power to hire and fire all employees at the Georgia Department of Education and State Schools for the Deaf and Blind. However, the State Board of Education can overturn any employment decisions with a 2/3 vote. This bill passed the Senate and is now awaiting Governor Deal’s signature.
Senate Bill 184 prohibits the reduction of school staff using the policy of “last in, first out”. This is a step forward to implement a better evaluation system to keep the best teachers in the classroom, regardless of when they were hired. In this manner, we will keep talented educators where they belong, teaching the leaders of tomorrow. This bill is also awaiting Governor Deal’s signature.
In addition to education, tax reform will be a hot topic as my colleagues and I discuss moving from a sales tax to a consumption tax code. Job growth will remain a top concern as we focus on ways to build a more prosperous Georgia, and by reforming our tax code, we will foster an environment that provides jobs and supports economic development expansion.
Eliminating the energy sales tax on manufacturing has already gathered strong support in the Senate as a way to boost job growth in Georgia. Repealing the energy manufacturing tax is one part of the comprehensive tax reform to encourage business relocation and expansion in Georgia. Currently, Georgia is one of only 10 states that charge sales tax on energy without some exemptions, while our neighbors Alabama, Florida and South Carolina do not. This will keep Georgia competitive in the marketplace for new jobs, community expansions and economic growth.
The Special Joint Committee on Georgia’s Tax Structure is reviewing different means to makeup the shortfall from lowering the state income tax and repealing the energy manufacturing tax. Tough decisions will have to be made to balance our budget as mandated by our state constitution, but we should be proud of our fiscal accountability, because every taxpayer dollar should be spent judiciously.
House Bill 253 also passed the Senate, allowing the Commissioner of Public Safety to transfer old Georgia State Patrol cars for training purposes to the Georgia Public Safety Training Center or sell them to buy new vehicles for Department of Public Safety. HB 253 will streamline the process allowing DPS to purchase new cars directly from profits instead of the money going to the treasury and being reallocated back to the agency. This is the first of many fiscally responsible legislation to pass this session. Changes to this bill have been approved by the House, and it is now awaiting Governor Deal’s signature.
With a balanced budget, a business-friendly tax structure and a strong education system, Georgia will become the number one state to work, live and play. Together, we can build a self-sustaining and thriving community.
I look forward to hearing from my constituents as we move further into the 2012 session. Please contact me with your concerns at jesse.stone@senate.ga.gov.
RELEASE
For Immediate Release:
January 19, 2012
For Information Contact:
Natalie Dale, Director
Kate Greer, Broadcast Specialist
kate.greer@senate.ga.gov
404.656.0028