By Sen. Don Thomas
As my colleagues and I near the completion of our two week recess, I would like to take an opportunity to update you on what has been going on here at the State Capitol. By now, I am sure you are aware of the dire situation our state budget is facing. As we continue to experience the worst economic downturn since the Great Depression, our revenues have declined month after month. We have used this necessary break from the normal legislative process so that we can dedicate a sufficient amount of time to examining every avenue state funds are appropriated to.
Over the past year, we have tried to adjust our budget through the use of furloughs and other cost-cutting measures. However, it has become apparent that there must be more permanent action. Throughout this process, I have remained committed to eliminating waste from our budget so that Georgia’s citizens can continue to enjoy the programs they depend on. Currently, the most accurate projections show the state will have to operate at the same level as in 2005. However, since that time our population has increased by over 600,000. These numbers are just one example of the uphill challenges we face in the second half of session.
Though these conversations and meetings are quite challenging, I remain confident about the ability of our legislative body to come together and do what is best for the entire state of Georgia. As we continue to work together through the remaining days of session, we must prioritize protecting educators and state employees. It is my hope that we will be able to eliminate unnecessary spending while maintaining the integrity of our crucial state programs.
While the budget has dominated much of the political discussion here at the Capitol, there are other matters that are need our immediate attention. One very important piece of legislation moving through the legislative process right now is Senate Bill 5. With this bill, adult citizens in the state of Georgia would be required by law to wear a seat belt in a pick-up truck. Unfortunately, our state is the only state that lacks a seat belt law for individuals in pick-up trucks. The statistical information is alarming in its own right: 67.4 percent of deaths in pick-up trucks accounted for those occupants not wearing their seatbelt. As a practicing physician for over fifty years, I am hopeful that we will come together and ensure the passage of this bill as I have seen first hand the devastating effects of car accident. Our state has lost too many citizens by the senseless act of not wearing a seat belt and we as legislators must address this grim reality.
Senate Bill 5 is also a money-saving measure and in this economy, we must find every avenue of savings possible. Thousands of tax-payer dollars will be saved in health care costs.
As always, it is a great honor to serve as your state Senator from the 54th district of Georgia. Please feel free to contact me with any questions or concerns that you have. You, my constituents, will continue to be in my thoughts and prayers as we move forward through the coming months. I assure that I will be steadfast in protecting our district, our state, and our conservative values that we all hold so dear to our heart.
Sen. Don Thomas serves as chairman of the Health and Human Services Committee. He represents the 54th Senate District, which includes Murray and Whitfield counties and portions of Catoosa and Gordon counties. He may be reached by phone at 404-656-6436 or by e-mail at don.thomas@senate.ga.gov.
COLUMN
For Immediate Release:
March 5, 2010
For Information Contact:
Natalie Strong, Deputy Director
Katie Wright, Communications Associate
katie.wright@senate.ga.gov
404.656.0028