By: Sen. Ross Tolleson
The papers have all fallen to the ground, the bills have all been sent to the Governor to be signed, and all Atlanta can see of my truck is the tail lights. The first part of the 2009-2010 legislative session has come to an end. As your Senator, this session, I have worked to preserve the environment, make government more transparent, protect the rights of workers, lower taxes, and make government smaller and more efficient.
The Natural Resources and the Environment Committee have had some success at seeing the committee’s bills land on the Governor’s desk to be signed into law. S.B. 30 which allows gasoline distributers or dealers to blend their fuels with ethanol or other alternative fuels. This bill’s main purpose is helping put the emphasis on alternative fuels in Georgia. It also helps lessen our dependence on foreign oil. Then the voluntary remediation bill, S.B. 78 has been merged with a House Bill to create an even better bill. The compromise bill allows for contaminated properties to be cleaned up by their owner to EPD standards so they can speed up the process and start developing their property sooner. When property is developed it helps bring life into a community, it can bring business, new families, and so much more to an area.
One of the bills I was sad to see fail was the reservoir bill. This bill which would help build up water reserves for cities in north Georgia, was strongly opposed by members of the Atlanta delegation because Atlanta would loose them as paying clients for water. It was a progressive bill, which would have done a lot to ease water restrictions on the hardest hit part of the state because of the draughts. Since we were not able to build the reservoir we will have to look at ways to conserve water in the North Georgia Metro Water Planning District. I will be working on legislation that will accomplish that, and introduce it next session.
The Senate and House have also have reached on an agreement on a budget for the next fiscal year. It was not an easy budget, and many tough cuts were made across the board. In the end there were over $2 billion in budget cuts. Though, we did what we were sent up here to do, and that is creating a budget that is balanced. The Senators are proud to say that they did the same thing your family does and did not spend more money then it collects.
It has truly been an honor to continue to serve as your State Senator. It is a humbling experience to walk the same halls as my grandfather once walked representing you, the people. Thank you again for this high honor. Please continue to keep in touch with my office if there is anything I can do for you.
Sen. Ross Tolleson represents the 20th Senate District and serves as chairman of the Natural Resources and the Environment Committee. He may be reached at 404.656.0081 or ross.tolleson@senate.ga.gov. Sen. Tolleson represents Bleckley, Dodge, Houston, Johnson, Laurens, Pulaski, Telfair and Wilcox counties.
Column
For Immediate Release:
April 6, 2009
For Information Contact:
Raegan Weber, Director
raegan.weber@senate.ga.gov
404.656.0028