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House News
Supplemental Budget On Friday the House passed HB 989 by a vote of 159-6. This is the state's $20.5 billion supplemental budget, which is revised state spending plan for the current fiscal year that ends June 30. Highlighted is $30 million restored for equalization grants which are a part of the QBE education funding formula dedicated to low-wealth schools. Also included is $53 million to begin a trauma care network that was recommended by Governor Perdue and $40 million for water reservoirs and water system improvements. Other highlights are: $6.5 million for the indigent care trust fund to help treat the uninsured at hospitals; $300,000 for the Meals on Wheels program and $6.3 million for the Hazardous Waste Trust Fund. Every City and County School System benefit under Democratic Plan - Georgia students, homeowners, and local governments could see some muchneeded help under the Democratic tax relief bill released last week. Data released Wednesday in a press conference shows how much each city and county school system could receive after they lower property taxes with HB 1057. "It's not too often in politics that you find a win-win scenario, but the Democratic plan is just that," said House Democratic Leader DuBose Porter (D-Dublin). "We keep our promise to Georgia's students to give them a world-class education and schools we can finally be proud of, we put an end to $1.5 billion in education cuts forced on families by the Republicans, and we provide some fiscally sound tax relief for homeownership. This is true property tax relief." "This is a win-win situation; we invest in education without burdening the local taxpayer," said Senate Democratic Leader Robert Brown (D-Macon). Last week, Georgia Democrats proposed HB 1057, which will put a stop to school cuts and take the burden of $1.5 billion in property tax shifts off local government. Under HB 1057, city and county school systems that lower local property taxes can access their share of $300 million in state education funding. The funding for local governments that reduce property taxes would come from the state's $1.6 billion reserve fund for the next two years, $300 million this year and $300 million next year. Funding received would be dedicated to the Quality Basic Education formula that funds public education. "HB 1057 touches every city and county in Georgia. It is immediate, effective tax relief without shifting the burden to local governments," said Rep. Jeanette Jamieson (D-Toccoa), sponsor of HB 1057. "And, unlike the Speaker's plan, HB 1057 creates no new taxes." "Our Democratic plan just makes good common sense," said House Democratic Caucus Chairman Calvin Smyre (D-Columbus). "It's based on Georgia's values - equipping our children for the future, and not punishing homeowners for realizing the American Dream." In total, public education cuts by the GOP are as follows: Budget Year Amount Proposed fiscal year 2009, $141,510,679; Fiscal year 2008, $142,968,687; Fiscal year 2007, $169,745,895; Fiscal year 2006, $332,835,092; Fiscal year 2005, $332,838,099; Fiscal year 2004, $283,478,659; Amended fiscal year 2003, $134,594,245; Total, $1,537,971,356 Advanced Practice Nurses On Wednesday the House adopted HB 492 by a vote 91-73. However, the amended legislation was reconsidered the next day by a vote of 101-58 and was sent back to the general calendar. The measure changes the name of the Composite Board of Medical Examiners to the Georgia Composite Medical Board. It also adds two lay people and one more physician bringing the total number of board members to 15. Under a law passed in 2006, the board is charged with approving regulations that allow Advanced Practice Nurses to write prescriptions. However the board is mostly made up of doctors and has passed regulations that are very restrictive towards APNs. HB 492 was amended to establish a sub-committee of the board composed of three nurses and three doctors that would be charged with reviewing rules concerning the ability of APNs to write prescriptions. Supporters claimed that creating the subcommittee would allow nurses to have more of a say over their regulations. But doctors claim nurses don't have enough expertise in writing prescription. Citing technical problems with the legislation, a majority voted to reconsider the House's action the following day in giving HB 492 approval. Retired Teachers Returning to the Classroom HB 157, which passed on Friday 158-0, allows retired teachers to return to the classroom. Under the legislation former teachers who have been retired for at least 12 months can return to the classroom. They would receive no more retirement credit but would still draw their benefits. That is this week UNDER THE GOLD DOME. I appreciate the many emails and calls concerning this article and your interest in what is going on at your State Capitol. Until next week have a good day.
Rep. Gerald Greene represents the 149th District (Calhoun, Clay, Early, Miller, Randolph and Seminole counties) in the Georgia House of Representatives. Contact him at 611 Coverdell Office Building, Atlanta, GA 30334; by phone at 404-656-0314; voicemail at 404-656-0317 or by e-mail at gerald. greene@house.ga.gov
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