MARIETTA (Dec. 15, 2009) – The Cobb Legislative Delegation, chaired by State Sen. John Wiles (R-Kennesaw), held its annual Cobb County public forum day on Monday. Cobb County leaders and citizens attended the event to voice their thoughts and concerns about the upcoming 2010 Legislative Session.
“Times are tough and the budget is tight. I really appreciate our local leaders bringing us their concerns and their willingness to work collectively for the people of Cobb County. The citizens were represented well and the Delegation was presented with some realistic changes we can make to improve Cobb County,” said Wiles. “This forum gives legislators an opportunity to hear firsthand the main concerns of our citizens.”
Discussions of the economy, transportation, health care and education dominated the meeting. Representatives from the Cobb Chamber of Commerce, WellStar, Kennesaw State University, Southern Poly Technical College, Chattahoochee Technical College, the Cobb County and Marietta City Schools, the Cobb Parent Teacher Association (PTA) and the Cobb County Community Service Board.
In September, the Cobb Legislative Delegation teamed up with The Center for Family Resources (CFR) to provide much needed flood aid to residents of Cobb County who were devastated by the floods. The CFR presented a flood report detailing how many donations were received and how they helped Cobb County Residents. Thanks to support from the Delegation and generous Cobb citizens, CFR took in an additional $20,000 in donations for flood victims.
Sustainable funding formulas for transportation and trauma care were of great concern across many of the groups. Transportation has an effect on multiple areas including private businesses, schools and health care providers. Local sales tax collections were also important to most groups in order for them to regain lost revenues from the economic downturn. Many of the colleges expressed concerns of growing enrollments and needing more resources. Enrollments for technical colleges have increased in this economy because many citizens want to gain new skills and for new jobs.
Educators and parents urged the Delegation to maintain funding for school nurse programs, spending public dollars only in public schools, and a desire to maintain a 180 day school calendar. In addition, it was recommended that the legislature create a commission to review stimulus funding and its appropriations to the schools.
It was noted that in these tough budget times, education funding remains a top priority of the Cobb Delegation. The meeting adjourned with thanks from the chairman and the committee for the participation in the public process. The Delegation will review the suggestions and work toward reasonable solutions for the citizens of Cobb County.
Sen. John Wiles serves as chairman of the Special Judiciary Committee. He represents the 37th Senate District, which includes a portion of Cobb County. He may be reached by phone at 404.657.0406 or by e-mail at john.wiles@senate.ga.gov.
PRESS RELEASE
For Immediate Release:
December 15, 2009
For Information Contact:
Raegan Weber, Director
raegan.weber@senate.ga.gov
404.656.0028