WOODSTOCK, GA (Dec. 8, 2009) – Georgia’s property tax system is under a microscope and Senate Majority Leader Chip Rogers (R-Woodstock) is leading the Georgia Senate to find greater protections for property owners and taxpayers. Recently, the Atlanta Journal and Constitution (AJC) ran a series of investigative reports of which Sen. Rogers applauds their efforts. Continue reading “Senate Majority Leader Responds to Investigation of Georgia’s Broken Property Tax System”
Sen. Jones Introduces Bill to Limit Abuse of Zero-Tolerance Discipline Policies
ATLANTA (Dec. 8, 2009) – Sen. Emanuel Jones (D-Decatur) in a press conference today at the State Capitol announced legislation that will limit the abuse of zero-tolerance discipline policies in schools. He prefiled the bill in preparation for the 2010 Legislative Session, which begins January 11.
Continue reading “Sen. Jones Introduces Bill to Limit Abuse of Zero-Tolerance Discipline Policies”
Family Physicians Name Goggans Top Lawmaker
State Senator honored as “Family Medicine Legislative Champion of the Year”
ATLANTA (December 4, 2009) – Sen. Greg Goggans (R-Douglas) has been chosen as the 2009 Family Medicine Legislative Champion of the Year by the Georgia Academy of Family Physicians (GAFP). Goggans received the award at the GAFP Presidential Gala and Awards Banquet at the Cobb Galleria Convention Center last month.
“It is extremely humbling to be recognized by a group that I have the respect and gratitude for as I do for Georgia’s family physicians,” said Goggans. “Our state is extremely fortunate to have these dedicated, hard-working men and women providing the best-possible care for our families and loved ones. I will continue to work hand-in-hand with our medical community and ensure doctors around the state have the resources and support they need to give their patients access to the highest-quality healthcare.”
The GAFP Family Medicine Legislative Champion of the Year Award is given to a lawmaker who demonstrates distinguished leadership and an unceasing commitment to assist family physicians and their patients in Georgia. This is done in conjunction with other educational efforts aimed at promoting premier practices to family physicians in Georgia and the Southeast.
Goggans was chosen by the GAFP Legislative Committee because of his strong commitment to family medicine.
“Sen. Goggans has been a strong supporter of family medicine and our patients. He also understands the importance and the need for all Georgians having access to health care. Coming from Douglas, he is keenly aware of the need for support for those physicians practicing in a rural community,” said 2009 GAFP President, Dr. Howard McMahan.
Established in 1947, GAFP is a member chapter of the American Academy of Family Physicians, representing family physicians throughout the state of Georgia. GAFP strives to promote the specialty of family medicine through the education of and service to family physicians in Georgia.
Photo (L-R): Sen. Greg Goggans receives the GAFP Family Medicine Legislative Champion of the Year Award from Dr. Bruce M. LeClair, GAFP Board Chairman during the 2009 GAFP Presidential Gala and Awards Banquet Nov. 13, 2009.
Sen. Greg Goggans represents the 7th Senate District, which includes Atkinson, Bacon, Berrien, Clinch, Coffee, Echols, Lanier, Pierce and Ware counties and a portion of Cook County.
PRESS RELEASE
For Immediate Release:
December 5, 2009
For Information Contact:
Matt Colvin, Broadcast Specialist
matthew.colvin@senate.ga.gov
404.656.0028
Government Bans – A Slippery Slope
By Sen. Bill Heath
BREMEN – (Dec. 1, 2009) – The new trend sweeping across state legislatures nationwide is banning cell phone use while operating a car. Seven states and the District of Columbia have completely banned cell phone use while driving and nearly every other state in the Union has considered some form of this law. In examining this trend, a disturbing truth becomes apparent: people approve of government thinking and making basic choices for them.
While it is not the government’s role to make common sense choices for individuals, we do need laws on the book to protect public safety. For example, within the Georgia Code is a law that states a driver must exercise due care in operating a motor vehicle on the highways of Georgia. Engaging in any actions which distract the driver from the safe operation of a motor vehicle is illegal. This means that you can be ticketed for texting and talking on the cell phone if you are clearly not paying attention to the road. This law combined with common sense, should be an adequate solution to the problem of distracted drivers causing accidents. We do not need any more unnecessary laws in the books that will fly in the face of those who believe that personal responsibility is a virtue of the individual and not a function of government.
The government is not responsible for educating the populace about common sense. It is the job of a parent or guardian to teach their children personal responsibility and accountability. If the state banned operating a cell phone and texting while driving, why not ban using a GPS system, tuning the radio, eating, or having unrestrained pets within reach of the driver? Disciplining your child for talking too loudly or digging in your purse for change for the toll would become against the law as well. These are all things the government trusts you to keep under control, so why do we need a new law to keep cell phone operation at limited use? It is a frightening slippery slope for state government. We do not need cell phone and texting restrictions to become a catalyst for other, frivolous limits on our behavior.
With the state of the national economy, we watch as Washington shovels out trillions in taxpayer money for bailouts, pork barrel projects and bureaucratic government programs, of which we never see a dime. We should be focused on the American taxpayers who vote us into office and expect us to represent them. We need to get Americans working again. We should be focused on how to help them move forward into more prosperity and a better job market. This is not the time for needless laws that take resources away from the limited time we have to make a difference in our great state.
Sen. Bill Heath serves as Chairman of the Retirement Committee and Governor Sonny Perdue’s Floor Leader in the Senate. He represents the 31st Senate District which consists of Haralson and Polk counties and portions of Bartow and Paulding counties. He may be reached at 404.651.7738 or by email at billheath@billheath.net.
PRESS RELEASE
For Immediate Release:
December 1, 2009
For Information Contact:
Raegan Weber, Director
raegan.webern@senate.ga.gov
404.656.0028
Georgia State Sen. Judson Hill Pre-files Health Care Freedom of Choice Constitutional Amendment
Rep. Calvin Hill pre-files the bill in the State House.
ATLANTA (Dec. 1, 2009) – Georgia State Sen. Judson Hill (R-Marietta) pre-filed legislation proposing to amend the Georgia Constitution to protect individuals’ right to make their own health care choices. The legislation, dubbed the Health Care Freedom of Choice Constitutional Amendment, preserves the rights of individuals to pay directly for medical care—something not allowed in single-payer countries like Canada—and prohibits any individual from being penalized for not purchasing government-defined insurance. State Rep. Calvin Hill (R-Canton) has pre-filed the legislation in the State House. Continue reading “Georgia State Sen. Judson Hill Pre-files Health Care Freedom of Choice Constitutional Amendment”