ATLANTA (April 29, 2010) – Critical funding for Georgia’s trauma care network may soon be a reality from legislation sponsored by Sen. Cecil Staton (R-Macon). Senate Resolution 277, which passed the Georgia General Assembly today, would create the Georgia Trauma Trust Fund (GTTF) if Georgia voters approve the measure this November. The fund would become the state’s first dedicated funding source for the statewide trauma network, possibly generating up to $90 million a year.
“I am grateful that after four years that we have passed a permanent funding vehicle for trauma. Georgia death rates are 10 percent higher than the rest of the nation. This will help the Georgia Trauma Care Network Commission realize its dream of an adequate trauma network for our citizens,” said Staton.
SR 277 would allow Georgia residents to vote this November to impose a charge of $10.00 per year on each passenger vehicle licensed and registered in the state. Those fees collected would be placed into the GTTF to be solely dedicated for management and improvements to the state trauma care system.
SR 277 was overwhelmingly adopted in the Georgia House of Representatives Thursday by a 149 to 14 vote after being approved in the Georgia Senate during the 2009 General Assembly.
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Sen. Cecil Staton serves as Chairman of the Science and Technology Committee. He represents the 18th Senate District which includes portions of Bibb, Crawford, Houston, Jones and Monroe counties. He may be reached by phone at 404.656.5039 or via e-mail at cecil.staton@senate.state.gov.
For Information Contact:
Raegan Weber, Director
Matt Colvin, Broadcast Specialist
Matthew.colvin@senate.ga.gov
404.656.0028