Moving Quickly
We are continuing to move quickly in Atlanta as the Georgia General Assembly moved through day 21 of the legislative session. This week bills continued to move through the legislative process, the Senate took up the amended budget and I was able to welcome multiple special guests to visit the Capitol.
Last week it was to meet with multiple constituents and groups from District 25. Tuesday I was honored to host members of Leadership Butts County to thank them for their hard work and dedication to our county. I was also lucky to welcome Pastor Benny Tate to serve as Chaplain of the Day in the Senate where he opened the legislative day with his powerful faith in the Word. Pastor Tate brought students from Rock Springs Christian Academy that were able to visit the Capitol and watch the legislative process.
Wednesday I was able to meet with local firefighters from Baldwin and Putnam counties as well as the city of Flovilla on Firefighters Day at the Georgia State Capitol. Firefighters deserve all the thanks in the world for placing their lives on the line daily to ensure the protection of Georgia citizens and their property. In addition, students from Georgia College came to visit and I was happy to meet with them to discuss the achievements of the college and the individual students.
The appropriations subcommittees made up for lost time last week by working diligently to complete the Senate version of the proposed $20.2 billion Fiscal Year ’14 amended budget. The amended budget is a continuation from the previous year General Budget and addresses up to date changes in the current fiscal year.
The Senate added an additional $130 million for school enrollment increases in K-12 and $58 million for the recent updates to the State Health Benefit Plan. Since the House version of the bill includes line items different than the bill passed in the Senate, members from both chambers will now determine a mutually agreed-upon bill before it ultimately heads to the Governor’s desk for final approval.
With the committee process in full swing, bills are continuing to be vetted by interested parties so it can move on to the Senate floor for a full body vote. The bills below were voted on last week and will strive to bring pro-business, fiscally responsible legislative action to all Georgians:
Legislative Actions:
Senate Bill 296 will replace the limits on Jekyll Island land development. Currently, there is a limit of only developing 35 percent of land on the island. The bill would change the previous existing law from a 35 percent limitation, which caused ambiguity due to tidal changes, erosion and other natural changes.
Senate Bill 288 will require all interscholastic athletic agencies to provide an annual distribution of the previous year’s financial report to all members. The report must cover all activities and include a summary of assets, liabilities, incomes and operating expenses.
Senate Bill 283 will allow public school systems to educate students about the history of traditional winter celebrations and greetings without legal retribution.
Senate Resolution 736 calls for a convention of states to impose fiscal restraints on the federal government to address the lack of a balanced budget and growing national debt. The resolution also provides for potential constitutional amendments that would limit the power and jurisdiction of the federal government as well as the terms of office for federal officials and members of congress.
Senate Bill 240 would allow non-profit museums to manufacture and distribute samples of distilled spirits through obtaining a $100 annual permit.
The General Assembly will convene again on Monday, February 17 for the twenty-second day of the 2014 Legislative Session. 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.