Rep. Barbara Massey Reece, D-Menlo.
Media release: The Georgia House of Representatives voted Feb. 3 to approve an amended $18.6 billion state budget for the remainder of fiscal year 2012, which ends June 30. The plan would increase state spending by just over 1 percent. For the first six months of the fiscal year, revenue collections were up by 5.2 percent.The measure, also known as the supplemental budget, includes a number of adjustments in spending, including the following:
Additional funding for local school systems to address increased enrollment and increased contributions to the State Health Benefit Plan.
An increase of $300 million for a toll highway, the Northwest Corridor, which is designed to alleviate congestion on Interstates 75 and 575 in metro Atlanta.
An increase of $75,000 to pay for state liaisons who would help farmers find laborers using a federal guest worker program that grants visas to people willing to work in the agricultural sector.
An increase of $35,000 to fund new staff at the Judicial Qualifications Commission, which investigates allegations of misconduct by judges.
A decrease of $200,000 from business assistance grants run by the Department of Community Affairs.
A restoration of grant funding for the Mercer School of Medicine, the Morehouse School of Medicine and increase funding available to repay the student debt for doctors who commit to working in rural areas.
A restoration of funding for three Georgia Bureau of Investigation agents.
The supplemental budget now goes to the Senate for its consideration. The proposed $19.2 billion state budget for fiscal year 2013 is under consideration in the House Appropriations Committee.
Tax Credit for Firefighters
In appreciation of the volunteer firefighters who put their lives on the line for our safety, I have introduced HB 873, which would provide a state income tax credit of up to $200 for firefighters who have completed at least one level of training toward certification by the Georgia Fire Standards and Training Council. My proposal, which has strong bipartisan support, was referred to the House Ways & Means Committee for its consideration.
School Bullying Reports
To address the ongoing problem of student bullying incidents in our schools, I have introduced HB 874, which would require annual, detailed reporting of these incidents by local school boards. This bipartisan proposal would also require school principals to regularly report bullying incidents to their local school councils and directs the principals and school councils to work together to develop and implement strategies to prevent bullying. The bill was referred to the House Education Committee for its consideration.
Actions in the House
In addition to the supplemental budget, other legislation approved by the House this week includes:
HB 475, which would allow local development authorities to issue bond financing for projects that involve private developers. The bill now goes to the Senate for its consideration.
HB 675, which would expand the definition of acceptable nursing school programs to allow experienced military nurses to obtain licenses. The bill now goes to the Senate.
HB 706, which would repeal nearly 40 obsolete or outdated rules, regulations and funding provisions in state laws related to K-12 public education. The bill, the product of a special education finance study committee, now goes to the Senate.
Charter School Amendment
The House Education Committee has favorably reported legislation that would allow the state to create charter schools without the approval of locally elected boards. HR 1162, a proposed constitutional amendment, addresses a decision by the Supreme Court of Georgia that declared the Georgia Charter Schools Commission unconstitutional because it approved and gave tax dollars to charter schools over the objection of local school boards. I originally voted against this legislation two years ago due to concerns on constitutionality and loss of local control. Even though I support charter schools, I continue to have deep concerns when a state level appointed body is allowed to make decisions which over ride a locally elected school board which is accountable to the people of the district.
This legislation is being intensely lobbied and debated in the halls and chambers of the Capitol. Many questions are under discussion. Many feel that local funds could be diverted to fund these state approved charter schools.
The measure now awaits a vote by the full House, requiring two-thirds approval by both the House and Senate and majority approval by the voters in the next General Election to become law.
IRS Free File
Georgians are being urged to take advantage of free tax preparation services available through the IRS Free File program. Since its inception in 2003, IRS Free File has offered 70 percent of taxpayers free access to leading commercial tax preparation software. Every taxpayer with a 2010 Adjusted Gross Income of $57,000 or less may visit www.IRS.gov/freefile to prepare, complete and e-file their federal tax returns at no cost. This service is made possible through a partnership between the IRS and the Free File Alliance, a coalition of industry-leading tax software companies. Users will find a list of Free File Alliance member companies and may either choose the one that fits their needs or utilize the "help me find a company" tool. After selecting a tax software company, users will be transferred to the company's website to prepare, complete and electronically file their federal income tax returns.
Session Schedule
Monday, February 6, is the 15th legislation day of the session. Please continue to contact me with your view on the issues or whenever I can be of service.
Rep. Reece may be reached at 404-656-7859 or barbara.reece@house.ga.gov. Rep. Reece serves on the Education Committee, State Institutions and Properties Committee, Science and Technology Committee, and the Legislative and Congressional Reapportionment Committee. She is also Vice-Chair of the Rural Caucus.
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