By Sen. Jesse Stone (R-Waynesboro)
ATLANTA (February 23, 2012) –We are only six legislative days away from Crossover Day – the last day bills can transfer between chambers. With this deadline looming, my colleagues and I are hard at work passing legislation that promotes government efficiency and expands economic opportunities.
This week I presented a substitute for SB 365 in the Senate Judiciary Committee. This bill will give anyone damaged by a person or entity engaged in the unauthorized practice of law right to sue for damages and attorney’s fees. The committee passed SB 365, and it will now be considered for a Senate vote.
As a member of the Senate Education and Youth Committee, I want to highlight some recently passed legislation. SB 289 will require all students beginning in the ninth grade to complete at least one online learning course during their time in high school. These courses are provided by the Georgia Virtual School and postsecondary institutions and virtual programs approved by the Department of Education. If passed into law, the bill will take affect in the 2014-2015 school year.
Another bill to pass the committee is SB 153. This bill will implement a Professional Development Plan designed to help school personnel improve based on their annual performance evaluation. SB 153 will also protect educators who lose their position because of a reduction of staff, by stating on their record that the termination or suspension was not a result of the individuals’ performance. The bill passed the Senate with an amendment directing that furlough days, when necessary, be scheduled on Mondays or Fridays rather than midweek.
The Senate Appropriations Committee has passed HB 741, which is the fiscal year 2012 amended budget. At almost $18.5 billion, the budget is an increase of almost $20o million more than 2011. In order for the state to maintain its budget, revenue must increase on average by 4.4 percent in a month-over-month comparison to last year. Georgia’s fiscal year begins July 1 and ends June 30.
The fiscal year 2013 budget is currently under review by House and Senate subcommittees. The General Assembly is legally bound to pass a balanced budget every year before Sine Die, or the end of the legislative session.
Over the weekend, I attended precinct meetings in Richmond and Columbia counties. This was a great opportunity to meet with constituents and hear the concerns of the district. If you can’t speak with me in person, please contact me with your issues via e-mail, phone or Face Book.
RELEASE
For Immediate Release:
February 23, 2012
Contact:
Natalie Dale, Director
Kate Greer, Broadcast Specialist
kate.greer@senate.ga.gov
404.656.0028