Posted on

Sen. Tolleson Offers New Mechanism to Fund Water Projects

ATLANTA (February 18, 2011) – Sen. Ross Tolleson (R-Perry) has introduced a bill that creates new options for financing water projects in communities throughout the state.  The Georgia Public/Private Water Supply Act of 2011 (Senate Bill 122) will allow state and local governments to voluntarily partner with private investors on the construction of reservoirs and other water infrastructure projects.

“As we establish a framework for how Georgia’s going to meet its future water needs, local governments must maintain control over their water resources.  This legislation aims to strengthen local control by allowing local governments to identify, propose, negotiate and award public/private water supply and water treatment projects,” said Tolleson.  “In such difficult economic times, it’s imperative that we utilize our private sector partnerships to help expand Georgia’s water supply.  The future of Georgia businesses, local governments and the state all depend on maintaining adequate water resources.”

The process outlined in the bill is similar to the public/private procurement code that has been successfully implemented at the Georgia Department of Transportation and would provide a new, viable option for financing as local governments and the state continue to face significant budget challenges.  The legislation aligns with Governor Nathan Deal’s efforts to ensure that Georgia will be able to meet its long-term water needs.

State leaders are working to ensure that any legislation regarding Georgia’s water supply meets the recommendations of the Water Contingency Task Force, a group of government, business and environmental leaders from across the state.  Early last year, the task force recommended that any future water planning focus on statewide conservation, capture and control of the state’s water supply.  As continued access to adequate water resources remains in question for future use, Tolleson’s bill could be used to accelerate access to the creation of future water supplies for needy areas of the state.

As chairman of the Senate Natural Resources Committee, Tolleson passed the most comprehensive water conservation bill in Georgia’s history last year, which outlines proactive steps in planning for water enhancement during future extreme drought conditions and additional water emergencies.

Sen. Ross Tolleson serves as Chairman of the Natural Resources and the Environment Committee.  He represents the 20th Senate District, which includes Bleckley, Dodge, Johnson, Laurens, Pulaski, and Telfair counties and parts of Houston and Wilcox counties.  He may be reached at 404.656.0081 or by e-mail at ross.tolleson@senate.ga.gov.

PRESS RELEASE
For Immediate Release:
February 18, 2011
For Information Contact:
Natalie Strong, Director
Kallarin Richards, Deputy Director
kallarin.richards@senate.ga.gov
404.656.0028

Posted on

Sen. Jones Introduces Bill to Give Juvenile Offenders the Opportunity for Parole

ATLANTA (February 17, 2011) – Sen. Emanuel Jones (D-Decatur) has introduced legislation to give juvenile offenders the opportunity for parole.  Senate Bill 105 establishes a three-person juvenile parole panel within the Department of Juvenile Justice (DJJ) that will have the authority to establish and maintain parole guidelines for designated felons.

“With limited financial resources and the severe overcrowding in our jails, we must begin looking at alternatives to incarceration.  This bill is aimed at juvenile offenders who have committed only designated felonies, a step down from those charged with a serious offense,” said Jones.  “A rehabilitation-focused approach to juvenile justice will help improve our public safety while also saving taxpayer dollars.”

Panel members will be appointed by the DJJ commissioner, and will decide which designated felons are eligible for parole.  If granted parole, they will remain under the supervision of the DJJ until their maximum sentence expires.  Only those who have demonstrated good conduct and completed the educational and program requirements will be considered.  The panel will also be responsible for any parole violations, aiding parolees in finding employment and determining which designated felons are fit for relief from the panel.

The law currently requires all children convicted of a designated felony to be confined to a youth development center (YDC) for 12 to 60 months, with no option for parole. This bill deletes any mandatory minimum time of confinement and allows for parole.

Georgia has the fourth highest incarceration rate in the nation, costing taxpayers $1 billion a year.

Jones has noted that the overall purpose of the legislation is geared toward helping children become productive members of society.  The bill is a follow up to the law Jones passed last year that curbs the abuse of zero-tolerance discipline policies in schools.

Sen. Emanuel Jones represents the 10th Senate District, which includes portions of DeKalb and Henry counties.  He may be reached at 404.656.0502 or via e-mail at emanuel.jones@senate.ga.gov.

PRESS RELEASE
For Immediate Release:
February 17, 2011
For Information Contact:
Natalie Strong, Director
Kallarin Richards, Deputy Director
kallarin.richards@senate.ga.gov
404.656.0028

Posted on

Legislative Black Caucus Heritage Dinner Tomorrow

ATLANTA (February 16, 2011) – The Georgia Legislative Black Caucus (GLBC) will host its annual Heritage Dinner at the Georgia Freight Depot tomorrow, February 17.  The Caucus will honor Dr. Joseph E. Lowery with the Man of the Century Award, the highest honor the GLBC has ever bestowed on a member of the community.

WHEN: Thursday, February 17, 2011
6:00 p.m.

WHERE: Georgia Freight Depot
65 Martin Luther King Jr. Drive SW Atlanta, Georgia 30334

Media will be asked to sign in at will call

Sen. Emanuel Jones serves as chairman of the Georgia Legislative Black Caucus. He represents the 10th Senate District, which includes portions of DeKalb and Henry counties.  He may be reached at 404.656.0502 or via e-mail at emanuel.jones@senate.ga.gov.

ADVISORY
For Immediate Release:
February 16, 2011
For Information Contact:
Natalie Strong, Director
Kallarin Richards, Deputy Director
kallarin.richards@senate.ga.gov
404.656.0028