Upcoming Legislative Session
Greetings to my friends in District 129! I hope all of you are having a wonderful holiday season as you gather with family and friends. Before we know it, 2016 will be upon us and, like most, I have already begun thinking of my resolutions. As I head into the New Year, I will do my best to resolve personal goals I have set for myself. And as your Representative, I will continue my work in resolving issues plaguing our great state and district. The New Year brings hope, excitement and an opportunity to begin anew!
For me and other members of the General Assembly, the New Year also brings a new session, new issues and new debate. One question I hear often this time of year is, “What issues will the General Assembly discuss in 2016?” While I can’t be sure of every issue that will arise, I do know more than a few that will be discussed. Below is a forecast of major issues we will likely see during the 2016 legislative session.
Education Reform
Last January, Governor Deal announced the creation of Georgia’s Education Reform Commission. The commission, made up of education experts as well as a number of legislators held study committee meetings throughout the year. Georgia’s funding formula, improved educational standards and increased access to early learning programs are just a few examples of what the reform committee was tasked to review.
In November, the commission completed a report of recommendations for Governor Deal’s review. Their report will largely determine education legislation during the 2016 session. I look forward to reviewing the full committee report and hearing debate as education issues arise.
Funding / Appropriations
2015 has been a positive year where the state budget is concerned. Going into the 2016 session, we are expecting a surplus of funds. With education reform measures on the table, it is likely that more money will be pumped into K-12 education funding. We have made large strides in recent years where education funding is concerned and I look forward to seeing what else we can do to further support our education systems.
Georgia Gambling
The allowance of pari-mutuel wagering on horse racing has been a hot topic in recent sessions and now, the stakes are even higher with proposed legislation to allow for casino gambling. Currently, the only “gambling” allowed in Georgia is the Lottery system, which funds Georgia’s HOPE scholarship program. With an increase in HOPE recipients and needed program funding, the General Assembly will consider House Bill 677 and House Resolution 807. If passed, HB 677, paired with HR 807 would allow Georgia citizens to eventually vote on casino gambling.
Those in support of these measures insist that this is a great way to ensure the continuance of Georgia’s HOPE scholarship program. Those opposed fear that legalized gambling will lead to an increase in crime and gambling addiction rates. Supporters have yet to convince Governor Deal, who has stated he is not currently in favor of casino gaming coming to the Peach State.
Religious Measures
In 2014 we saw the introduction of The Religious Freedom Restoration Act (RFRA). After heated debate, this issue will return, along with other religious liberty measures including the “First Amendment Defense Act” (FADA) and the “Pastor Protection Act.” While these measures are intended to protect religious liberties in our state, each proposal is different and offers separate protections.
RFRA is intended to protect individuals from government intrusion on people of faith. FADA is intended to protect individuals and businesses from forced participation of activities that are against their religious beliefs, such a florist or baker that does not wish to service same-sex weddings.
The Pastor Protection Act would ensure that Pastors are protected from being forced to perform same sex marriages. Supporters of these measures believe that legislation is needed to protect Georgia citizens against interference of religious expression and personal beliefs. Opponents claim that the proposals open the door for discrimination. Religious measures are always controversial, and I encourage you to research each piece of legislation and offer your feedback!
Gun Control
In light of recent attacks, the topic of gun control will once again make an appearance as we gather for the 2016 session. House Bill 709, which would require the completion of firearms safety training by certain persons for the issuance of a weapons carry license, has been pre-filed and is ready for further discussion. In 2014, we passed House Bill 60, which allows Georgians to legally carry firearms in a wide range of new places. We also expect “campus carry” legislation, which would allow firearms on college campuses, to be up for discussion.
Governor Deal, who is strongly in support of second amendment rights, has commented on the importance of allowing people who follow the rules to protect themselves and their families from people who don’t follow the rules. Governor Deal has stated, “The Second Amendment should never be an afterthought. It should reside at the forefronts of our minds.”
Medicaid Expansion
With approximately 300,000 Georgians without health care insurance, some members of the General Assembly are pushing for the expansion of Medicaid for people who fall into the no coverage gap. With an estimated cost of nearly four billion dollars, Governor Deal is not in favor of expansion and says that the state can’t afford to expand an already burdened program. Opponents of Medicaid expansion believe it is a temporary fix to a larger problem being our flawed national healthcare system.
Supporters of expansion believe that this measure is necessary to combat future healthcare costs from rising as a result of those that are uninsured. Other states, such as Arkansas have expanded with the condition that the state uses the additional funding to provide private insurance for citizens through the public marketplace. Healthcare is always a top priority as we search for solutions to improve Georgia’s health rating and 2016 will be no exception as we continue to discuss Georgia’s future where Medicaid is concerned.
Tax Reform
Georgia tax reform measures will be up for discussion as we look for ways to improve our current tax code. Last session House Bill 445, a comprehensive tax reform plan was brought forth. In short, HB 445 would lower Georgia’s current income tax (both for individuals and corporations) to a flat four percent, while raising the state’s sales tax to five percent from the current four percent. Those in support of tax reform insist that allowing folks to bring home more money will stimulate the economy. Those against the measure believe that taxing needs such as groceries and other staple items will negatively impact low income families.
As you can see, there will be no shortage of debate during the 2016 legislative session. The first of 40 days will begin on Monday, Jan. 11. I encourage you to contact me throughout session with questions, concerns or ideas regarding proposed legislation.
Please be on the lookout for my weekly legislative updates as I will continue to keep you informed. As far as 2016 and what it holds, no one can predict. However, there is one goal that I will have no trouble meeting… I will continue to work hard, serving and protecting the interest of our district citizens I hold so dear.
Thank you for the opportunity to work on your behalf. May the New Year bring each of you hope, excitement and of course- Health, Wealth and Happiness!