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Governor Signs Sen. Buckner’s Co-sponsored Cancer Check-off Legislation

ATLANTA (May 5, 2009) – Governor Sonny Perdue today signed into law legislation that was co-sponsored by Sen. Gail Buckner (D-Morrow) to allow income tax contributions for cancer to be used for all types of cancer research. By checking off a box on their Georgia state income tax return, taxpayers can contribute to the Georgia Cancer Research Fund that awards grants to scientists conducting medical research in Georgia.

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Governor Signs Sen. Wiles’ Legislation Allowing Public Access to Juvenile Hearings

ATLANTA (May 1, 2009) – Governor Sonny Perdue yesterday signed into law Sen. John Wiles’ (R-Kennesaw) legislation giving the general public access to juvenile hearings. Amid strong public concern to protect foster children in the juvenile court system, Sen. Wiles authored Senate Bill 207 to improve the lives of children in state custody and bring real reform to Georgia’s child welfare system. Under the bill, extended family members, friends, neighbors and others who are concerned about a child’s welfare will have the right to attend hearings.

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State Parks are an Important Economic Tool

Sen. Chip Pearson
Sen. Chip Pearson

By Sen. Chip Pearson
ATLANTA (May 1, 2009) – Summer is quickly approaching, and this year the idea of planning a “staycation” at home is becoming a popular alternative to investing in pricey travel arrangements. At a time when money is tight and the luxuries in life seem few and far between, we need to consider what diversions our local communities have to offer.

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Governor signs Sen. Adelman’s Darfur Contract Ban into Law

ATLANTA (April 29, 2009) – A bill that will impose financial sanctions on the Government of Sudan by prohibiting Georgia state government entities from entering into contracts with companies that have certain Sudanese business interests was signed into law by Governor Sonny Perdue Wednesday at the State Capitol. State Senator David Adelman (D-Decatur) authored this bi-partisan legislation (Senate Bill 170) which is an important step toward stopping the mass genocide taking place in the Sudanese southern region of Darfur. Continue reading “Governor signs Sen. Adelman’s Darfur Contract Ban into Law”

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Senator Rogers’ Streamlined Appeals Bill Becomes Law

Governor Perdue Signs Senate Bill 240

ATLANTA (April 30, 2009) – A measure to help Georgia property owners has been signed into law by Governor Sonny Perdue. The legislation authored by Senate Majority Leader Chip Rogers (R-Woodstock) allows property owners to take assessment disputes directly to arbitration. The law is designed to bypass lengthy government processes and finally put property owners and government on equal footing when determining valuation disputes. Continue reading “Senator Rogers’ Streamlined Appeals Bill Becomes Law”