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A Tribute to Our Colleague, Our Friend Leah Tatum-Dick

By Vicki Gibbs on behalf of State Senate Colleagues and Friends

Leah 2009-2c “Grieve not, nor speak of me with tears, but laugh and talk of me as if I were beside you there.” Those are the words of Isla Paschal Richardson displayed on the inside of the memorial ceremony program for Leah Tatum-Dick and her husband Bill.  Close friends, colleagues and family members gathered last week at the State Capitol in remembrance of our friend Leah.  Many feel the shock and pain of the sudden tragedy that took their lives, but we gathered to celebrate the wonderful blessing she brought to each of our lives. Continue reading “A Tribute to Our Colleague, Our Friend Leah Tatum-Dick”

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Health Care Reform: What really works?

By Georgia Senator Judson Hill
Sen. Judson Hill
Sen. Judson Hill

The people adamantly asked Congress not to sprint to the finish line passing national health care reform that doesn’t meet their needs, but which only contributes trillions more to the national debt and becomes just another poorly run government program.  Thankfully, members of Congress have returned home without national health care reform.  Americans justifiably want specific answers from Congress.  Many people are now frustrated   with the Obama administration that once vowed to be open and listen to all suggestions.  The White House is now turning a deaf ear by claiming conservative “operatives” are staging protests.  Mr. President and Democratic members of Congress, there’s no reason to stage anything with the government-controlled health care reforms you are attempting to pass. Please remember these are your constituents and you should listen to them.

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Build Reservoirs Now or Leave Georgians without Drinking Water in Three Years

By Sen. Chip Pearson

Sen. Chip Pearson
Sen. Chip Pearson

ATLANTA (August 13, 2009) – Recently, a federal judge ruled that metro Atlanta residents have no right to tap Lake Lanier for their drinking water. Because that function was not originally authorized when the lake was built 50 years ago, 3 million people could be without a single source of water if a compromise with Florida and Alabama is not reached within three years.  While I understand the need to follow the letter of the law, we must also consider what’s practical.  We cannot leave 3 million citizens without drinking water.

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Sen. Murphy Participates in H1N1 Preparedness Plans to Coordinate in his District

ATLANTA (August 11, 2009) – State Sen. Jack Murphy (R-Cumming), chairman of the Senate Public Safety Committee, yesterday participated in a H1N1 preparedness briefing at the Georgia Emergency Management Agency (GEMA).  Members of the Senate and House Public Safety Committees were briefed during a joint public safety meeting today.

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Beyond the Tap: Every Idea must be considered to Solve Water Wars

By Georgia Senator Judson Hill

Sen. Judson Hill
Sen. Judson Hill

Approximately 26 billion gallons of water are used every day in the United States. According to the United States Geological Survey, the average American uses between 80 and 100 gallons of water daily.  People depend on water for healthy lifestyles; and Atlantians depend on Lake Lanier as their primary water source.  Earlier this month a federal judge ruled that Georgians have no right to use the lake for water consumption. According to U.S. District Court Judge Paul Magnuson, drinking water was not an authorized purpose for the lake when it was created 50 years ago and should not be now.  The judge gives Congress three years to act to change the law; otherwise his ruling will be implemented.  While I understand the need to follow the letter of the law, Georgians, and even this judge should consider what is practical.  We cannot leave 5 million metro Atlanta residents without drinking water. This ruling must not stand.

Continue reading “Beyond the Tap: Every Idea must be considered to Solve Water Wars”