Eventful Week

Another eventful week has passed at the Georgia State Capitol, and the Senate has been hard at work passing meaningful legislation that will continue to improve the lives of our citizens.

This week, my colleagues and I spent countless hours vetting and discussing 10 important bills on the Senate floor that will help improve access to mental health care, give an income tax credit to those who donate to rural hospitals and address duties of dental hygienists.

One of the 10 measures we passed was House Bill 43, the Fiscal Year (FY) 2017 amended budget. In the FY17 amended budget, the Senate agreed to the Governor’s proposal of adding $27.2 million to begin funding the significant salary increase for law enforcement officers, public safety trainers and criminal investigators.

These brave citizens respond to the call no matter what and put their lives on the line every day to protect us. This is a step in the right direction to decrease turnover within the departments and to ensure Georgia keeps its most talented employees.

Along with addressing the well-earned salary increases for our law enforcement officials, the Senate agreed with the Governor and House to add $50 million for a new Georgia Cyber Range in Augusta. This center will help Georgia attract young people who are interested in cyber security and will increase economic development by bringing companies interested in protecting their cyber infrastructure to our state. Bringing additional businesses here will ensure our future as the number one state to conduct business in.

Additional funds are also proposed for the Department of Natural Resources to address project expenditures and recreation trails within our state parks and historic sites including some located within District 25.

A complete overview of the Senate substitute to HB 43 can be found at the link below:

http://www.senate.ga.gov/sbeo/Documents/AppropriationsDocuments/FY2017/Amended/AFY17_SAC_FINAL.pdf

We will return to the Capitol Tuesday, Feb. 14 for Day 17 of the legislative session. 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.