ATLANTA (February 16, 2009) – Leading Georgia health-care reformer State Sen. Judson Hill (R – Marietta) introduced Senate Bill 92 as his latest initiative to improve our current state health care system and to make healthcare more accessible for all Georgians. SB 92 would transfer eligible state Medicaid and Peach Care patients’ medical coverage to a private health insurance provider with state health care funds still paying the premiums. The measure is intended to help Medicaid and Peachcare recipients obtain healthcare in the doctor’s office rather than be turned away due to low physician reimbursements pushing the recipients to the hospital emergency room for care. The measure also provides eligible recipients the opportunity to stay insured under the same plan once they move off of government assistance. Hill believes SB 92 is an essential measure to accomplish his mission of improving access to quality care and lowering health insurance costs for every Georgian. Continue reading “Georgia Senator Judson Hill Introduces State Medicaid Reform Bill”
Senate Debates Nuclear Energy Financing Bill
Georgia Power Act Passes Senate, Among Other Important Initiatives
By Sen. Chip Pearson
ATLANTA (February 13, 2009) – Consumer concerns were high on the Senate’s list of priorities this week. We engaged in a spirited debate over how to finance two nuclear generators that will be built at Plant Vogtle near Augusta. These generators will supply Georgia with new sources of energy to support our growth and economic competitiveness.
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Notes from the Senate
By Sen. Bill Heath
ATLANTA (February 13, 2009)—This week I’ve been focused on two main topics – financial responsibility and the improvement of Georgia’s school systems. I know these are important issues to you, and this week I have proposed and passed bills that will help Georgians with these crucial needs.
Senate Passes Seat Belt Bill to Save Lives
ATLANTA (February 13, 2009) – The Georgia Senate voted Thursday to pass Senate Bill 5, which enforces seat belt use for pick-up truck drivers. The measure, sponsored by Sen. Don Thomas (R-Dalton), passed 49 to 4, with an exemption for vehicles used exclusively for farming and agricultural purposes. The change in the law would also make Georgia eligible to receive up to $5 million from the Federal government for transportation improvements.
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Sen. Johnson Comments on the Voter Registration Bill
ATLANTA (Feb. 13, 2009) – Yesterday the Senate Ethics Committee passed Senate Bill 86 which amends Georgia’s voter registration codes to require proof of United States citizenship when registering to vote in Georgia. Under this bill, voter registration applications must be accompanied by satisfactory evidence of U.S. citizen ship.
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