Notes from the Georgia Senate

by Sen. Bill Hamrick

ATLANTA (January 23, 2009) – The current economic downturn and its effect on the Georgia state budget were the topics that dominated conversation at the Capitol this week. The General Assembly was in recess for Martin Luther King, Jr. day and the presidential inauguration ceremonies, but starting Wednesday, legislators began budget hearings. Gov. Sonny Perdue addressed the House and Senate appropriations committees, outlining his plan to balance the state’s budget to account for a projected $2 billion revenue shortfall. This plan is being considered in House and Senate subcommittees, and must be passed by the House before being voted on in the Senate. Continue reading “Notes from the Georgia Senate”

Community Health and Human Resources Focus of Final Day in State Budget Hearings

ATLANTA (January 23, 2009) — The Senate and House Appropriations Committees concluded their state budget hearings today with the Departments of Human Resources and Community Health. Lawmakers also had the chance to address specific areas of the budget during the Office of Planning and Budget’s presentation on their approach to how the FY 2009 and 2010 budgets were structured.

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Sen. Chapman Named Influential Georgian by Georgia Trend Magazine

Sen. Jeff Chapman
Sen. Jeff Chapman

ATLANTA (January 23, 2009) – State Sen. Jeff Chapman (R-Brunswick) was recently named one of the 100 Most Influential Georgians by Georgia Trend, a popular business and political magazine. Sen. Chapman has also been appointed by Lt. Gov. Casey Cagle to vice-chairman of the Veterans, Military and Homeland Security committee for the 2009 Legislative Session.

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Notes from the Senate

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Senator Bill Heath

ATLANTA (January 23, 2009)- This week legislators from the General Assembly began budget hearings with Governor Sonny Perdue’s address to the House and Senate appropriations committees where he outlined his plan to balance the state’s budget by $2 billion. Georgia is required by law to produce a balanced budget, and we are proactively analyzing state spending to ensure a fiscally responsible, efficient and effective state government. Through the Senate Government Best Value Task Force the senate has been working to be sure the state is still focused on its core functions.


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First Weeks Set Positive Direction for Legislative Session

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Senator John Bulloch

ATLANTA (January 23, 2009)—The first couple of weeks of the 2009 Legislative Session outlined the productive direction we will take for the rest of the year. As a member of the Appropriations Committee, we will be taking on balancing the budget while addressing critical issues that affect all of Georgia’s citizens.

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