Session Is One-Fourth Complete
Greetings to all of my friends in House District 129! I am back with another Gold Dome report. Although last week was a short week on Capitol Hill, Wednesday, Feb. 4 marked the 11th day of 40 legislative days. That means that we are over a quarter finished with this session already!
Regardless of the short week, our schedule was full of committee meetings and legislation review. Important issues such as transportation and medical cannabis oil are awaiting debate as we take a closer look at all of the legislation presented. There was also good news for Georgia on the Federal level as lawmakers in Washington begin working on the Federal budget!
Federal Budget Includes $30 Million for the Deepening of the Savannah Port
Good news for Georgia as President Obama presented his budget which included $30 million dedicated to deepening the Savannah port. The budget proposal includes approximately $21 million for the harbor project and an additional $8.66 million for dredging waste disposal.
More good news from Washington, the budget also lists the deepening project as “ongoing” which means there is a possibility for future federal funding. In addition to the funding in the 2016 budget, U.S. Senator Johnny Isakson reports that the Army Corps of Engineers has indicated that it is working to secure an additional $21 million dedicated to the Savannah project in the Corps’ 2015 fiscal budget.
We are hoping that we will receive more than $420 million in federal funds for the project, which involves deepening the Savannah River by an additional five feet to accommodate larger cargo ships. We feel this project will eventually bring more companies and jobs to Georgia. After years of discussing this, everyone in the state legislature is thrilled to see the project go from a possibility to a hopeful reality in the near future.
Medical Cannabis Oil Draws Opposition
House Bill 1, Georgia’s medical cannabis oil legislation has hit a road block as numerous groups in the state, including Governor Deal, came out against the latest version of the bill. The bill proposal includes cannabis oil treatment for groups suffering from cancer, AIDS, autism and a range of terminal illnesses.
The prosecuting attorneys group, Sheriffs Association and Governor Deal feel that the current listing of illnesses is too long and should be limited to children suffering from seizures. This issue continues to be a hotly debated topic and I will keep you posted on any movement through the general assembly. It is likely that the bill will see changes as it makes its way through the committee process.
Fireworks Legalization-
A Possibility
House Bill 110 creates the possibility for future sales of fireworks in Georgia. Georgia citizens have long traveled to bordering states where fireworks are available for purchase. Similar legislation has been presented in recent years, but eventually defeated.
Those in favor of the legislation insist that Georgia is losing revenue to other states that allow the sale of fireworks.
Opposition of the bill includes healthcare facilities which have said that firework accidents are far more prevalent in facilities closer to bordering states. HB 110 has been referred to the House Regulated Industries Committee.
Georgia’s New Cash Crop?
It has been reported that the state’s blueberry farmers have had a good year! Blueberry production in Georgia during 2014 surpassed all other U.S. states, according to the final citrus and tree fruit and nut crop report by the USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service released January 27. The 2014 statistics confirmed preliminary reports from October that Georgia has become the top blueberry-producing station.
Georgia growers produced 98 million pounds of blueberries in 2014, a 29 percent increase over their 2013 production. Georgia overtook Michigan as the No. 1 blueberry-producing state. As a member of the Agricultural and Consumer Affairs committee, I am so pleased that Georgia farmers continue to prosper through the expansion of new crops and products!
Farm Bureau Day
February 19
Thursday, February 19 is Farm Bureau Day at the Capitol! The keynote speaker for the event will be Governor Deal. I sincerely hope that all of you farmers from home will stop in a say hello!
In closing, I just want to thank all of you for allowing me to represent you. I also want to personally thank those of you that have offered kind words and encouragement throughout my time in office. As we make our way through the 2015 session, your support means a great deal and reminds me daily of my primary task—ensuring that YOU have a voice at the Capitol. If you ever need anything, please reach out to me at anytime.