ATLANTA (February 27, 2009)— Georgia’s ranking in education and transportation leave much to be desired. Georgia’s high school graduation rates are still 49th in the nation, and recent reports state that Georgia is 12th in the nation of the worst states for transportation. Both education and transportation have dramatic effects on a state’s economy and development. This week I was proud to stand with my Republican colleagues in true education and transportation reform.
Sen. Harbison Urges Congressional Delegation to Fund Statewide First Responder System
ATLANTA (Feb. 26, 2009) – State Sen. Ed Harbison (D-Columbus) is requesting that the Georgia Congressional Delegation use a portion of the funds from President Barack Obama’s stimulus bill to assist with the creation and operation of a statewide first responder building mapping information system. The statewide system was established through Senate Bill 33, which passed in the Georgia General Assembly in 2008. Through the implementation of the system, state and local governments would be better prepared to respond to disasters, criminal behavior and acts of terrorism.
Sen. Johnson’s Universal Voucher Bill to Improve Education Passes Committee
ATLANTA (February 25, 2009)—Sen. Eric Johnson’s (R-Savannah) voucher bill that provides parents with public and private school choice passed through the Education and Youth Committee meeting this afternoon. The legislation will improve education in Georgia and will prepare our workforce for the global economy.
Continue reading “Sen. Johnson’s Universal Voucher Bill to Improve Education Passes Committee”
Transforming Transportation Investment Act Passes in Committee
ATLANTA (Feb. 25, 2009) – The Transforming Transportation Investment Act passed out of the Transportation Committee today with an 8-3 vote. President Pro Tempore Tommie Williams (R-Lyons) is leading the effort in the Senate for a new transportation governance structure that is responsive to the needs of Georgia’s citizens.
Continue reading “Transforming Transportation Investment Act Passes in Committee”
Where Do We Go From Here?
By Sen. Jim Butterworth
ATLANTA (February 24, 2009) – It took many months for economists to publicly admit that our economy was in a recession. When these “experts” finally decided to admit the obvious, the rest of us had realized the fact long before. So now that we know the truth, we can move on to the larger question about our economy: When will we get out of this?