Posted on

From The Capitol…

By: Sen. Cecil Staton

ATLANTA (January 23, 2009) – The joint House and Senate Appropriations Committee met this week to oversee the annual budget hearings that started Wednesday at the State Capitol. As a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee I spent these last three days meeting with fellow legislators and state agency directors from across the state as we begin the challenging process of cutting $2.2 billion dollars from our 2009 budget. Over the course of this legislative session, I and my fellow committee members will be charged with making certainly difficult choices that will affect our community and state as a whole. Continue reading “From The Capitol…”

Posted on

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”

Posted on

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.

Continue reading “Community Health and Human Resources Focus of Final Day in State Budget Hearings”

Posted on

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.

Continue reading “Sen. Chapman Named Influential Georgian by Georgia Trend Magazine”

Posted on

Notes from the Senate

00heathheadshotbig
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.


Continue reading “Notes from the Senate”