Short Week
Last week was a fairly short week as a result of the severe winter storm that hit portions of Georgia. Due to the weather and harsh road conditions, the Georgia General Assembly did not convene as regularly scheduled. However, as required by state law, Lt. Governor Casey Cagle gaveled in at 10 a.m. on Wednesday and Thursday to complete days 12 and 13 of the session.
Throughout the hardships of the week, it was encouraging to see the outpouring of Southern hospitality and generosity demonstrated by Georgians across the state. Now that the snow has melted and things are getting back to normal here in Atlanta, the Georgia General Assembly resumed business on Friday, Jan. 31 with the Senate gaveling in for Day 14 of the legislative session.
Last Tuesday, the Capitol dedicated the morning to celebrating Georgia National Guard Day to acknowledge and thank them for their hard work. However, a lot changed in a couple of hours and by late afternoon, members of the Guard had changed from their formal wear to their fatigues to get out and help in a time of extreme need.
The Ga. Guard provided assistance to around 500 stranded motorists, transported 60 meals ready to eat and 1,000 bottles of water and assisted in the towing of cars. Not only did the Ga. Guard report for duty, but the Georgia State Patrol, local police departments, outstanding citizens and many more went to work last Tuesday afternoon assisting stranded drivers and ensuring the safety of students late into the night. I want to thank everyone for showing America how great the people of Georgia are through your selfless acts during the winter weather.
Recently the Insurance and Labor Committee met to discuss two House of Representative bills I signed on to carry through the Senate, House Bill 375 and House Bill 229. HB 375 allows an insurer to cancel a policy under certain circumstances relating to policy terms that permit an audit and noncompliance by the insured.
HB 229 will no longer require each property and casualty insurer to submit an annual report to the commissioner detailing its direct writing, instead, now the commissioner can require the reports by rule or regulation instead of statutorily. I will continue to update you on the status of these bills as they move through the legislative process.
Appropriations meetings are still being conducted and Georgia’s economic outlook is looking bright in the form of an increased budget recommendation for FY 2015. The increase in state funds from $20.2 billion in FY 2014 to $20.8 billion in FY 2015 is proof of a slowly growing economy and will allow our state to reinvest funds in the areas hurt the most by the national recession.
The FY 2015 budget has recommended a $547 million increase for K–12 education and specifically includes $171 million for enrollment growth and training; $314 million to increase instructional days, reduce teacher furloughs or increase teacher pay; $16.5 million in capital funding to expand technology infrastructure; and $10 million for the development of rigorous statewide assessments aligned with state standards.
In addition, $35 million in bonds were allotted for the Savannah Harbor Expansion Project. By dedicating funds to the crucial areas of education and infrastructure we are continuing to attract businesses and provide all citizens with the best conditions and opportunities possible.
The General Assembly was to convene again on Monday, Feb. 3 for the 15th day of the legislative session. We will continue to work hard on passing a balanced budget and passing legislation that ensures the best lifestyle for all Georgians.
I look forward to seeing many of you at the State Capitol this year and encourage you to reach out to me with any issues that you feel should be of importance to your elected officials.
I remain committed to supporting policies that promote business growth and get Georgians back to work. It remains a pleasure to serve you, the constituents of the 25th Senate District. If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact my office at 404.656.0082 or via email at burt.jones@senate.ga.gov.
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Sen. Burt Jones represents the 25th Senate District which includes Baldwin, Butts, Greene, Jasper, Morgan and Putnam counties and portions of Bibb, Jones and Walton counties. He may be reached at 404.656.0082 or via email at burt.jones@senate.ga.gov.