And connecting the dots between the last two posts:
Did we mention that Georgia Power has exempted its corporate customers from the rate hike? That's right - it's only we individual customers who get to pay the extra fees.
Showing posts with label georgia general assemby. Show all posts
Showing posts with label georgia general assemby. Show all posts
Thursday, February 12, 2009
Thursday, February 5, 2009
Day 14 - "Pass the Buck" and Buckle Up
"Pass the Buck" is gaining momentum. The coalition aiming to pass Ron Stephens' (R-Savannah) $1/pack cigarette tax held a press conference this morning with probably 30 doctors, and Stephens spoke to the Working Families Caucus this afternoon.
He noted that each pack of cigarettes carries with it $9 in healthcare costs for Georgia taxpayers, and that what he's asking for is only what turns out to actually be a $1 voluntary user fee. And could be expected to raise $350 million for the state.
Rep. Stephens and many doctors also noted that studies have proven that price hikes do help prevent teens from smoking, because, let's face it, most teens are broke.
With the current budget crisis, this bill -- which would help financially and directly help save lives -- seems like a no-brainer. A smokin' good idea.
And also remember, there are a couple of bills floating around that would remove the exemption from truck owners having to wear seat belts. This little change in law would trigger $4 million in Federal Highway Safety Funds to be released to Georgia. Hey this stuff adds up. Anyone have any more good ideas? Could be helpful.
He noted that each pack of cigarettes carries with it $9 in healthcare costs for Georgia taxpayers, and that what he's asking for is only what turns out to actually be a $1 voluntary user fee. And could be expected to raise $350 million for the state.
Rep. Stephens and many doctors also noted that studies have proven that price hikes do help prevent teens from smoking, because, let's face it, most teens are broke.
With the current budget crisis, this bill -- which would help financially and directly help save lives -- seems like a no-brainer. A smokin' good idea.
And also remember, there are a couple of bills floating around that would remove the exemption from truck owners having to wear seat belts. This little change in law would trigger $4 million in Federal Highway Safety Funds to be released to Georgia. Hey this stuff adds up. Anyone have any more good ideas? Could be helpful.
Wednesday, February 4, 2009
Day 13 -- One of the most frequently asked questions was . . . not answered today
Don't you know politicians always have to have it both ways . . .
This morning we heard legislative session would be 40 consecutive workdays and General Assembly would be out early this year -- Hooray.
But wouldn't you know, this afternoon, equally credible sources were saying, "Hey, it looks like they'll be taking Fridays and Mondays off for a couple weeks."
We're kind of hoping they go home early, because then we'll be safe until next year.
This morning we heard legislative session would be 40 consecutive workdays and General Assembly would be out early this year -- Hooray.
But wouldn't you know, this afternoon, equally credible sources were saying, "Hey, it looks like they'll be taking Fridays and Mondays off for a couple weeks."
We're kind of hoping they go home early, because then we'll be safe until next year.
Tuesday, February 3, 2009
Day 12
February 3
Cutting education funds, cutting school nurses, and now proposing vouchers, which would take even more money out of the education system.
Why don't they just go ahead and engrave the tombstone "Public Schools R.I.P." and be done with it?
Cutting education funds, cutting school nurses, and now proposing vouchers, which would take even more money out of the education system.
Why don't they just go ahead and engrave the tombstone "Public Schools R.I.P." and be done with it?
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
January 12 - Opening Day: Buckle your Seatbelts -- It's gonna be a bumpy ride (especially if you drive a truck)
H.O.T. Line
Here’s Our Take
January 12
Like going back to school after summer recess, the opening day of Georgia's General Assembly is mostly like “what I did last summer” day. Some ceremonial functions but mostly catching up with legislators or people in the halls you haven’t seen for a while.
There was no suspense in the voting for House and Senate Leaders. The Republican Majority had a lock on their folks. I think it’s in their DNA.
Most of the talk in the halls was about the budget. The mainstream press has written about this extensively, so in a way the mold is already set for what will be known as the over-riding issue. And it truly is. No one will be happy with the final budget. So tough is the balancing task, no one can even reasonably predict how long it will take.
Other issues on the table will be transportation plans that failed last year, a plan for funding trauma centers that failed last year, anti-immigrant proposals that failed last year, and even some proposals for new revenue sources (alcohol sales and tobacco taxes) that…you guessed it…failed in the past as well. No law against do-overs.
Too early to tell what stands a chance this time around. Although we know that the “sin taxes” give some cover to those who pledged never to vote for a tax increase. If proven to bring in enough dollars, watch for the magical transformation of new taxes to become “fees”.
One thing that may get traction this year is the proposal that would no longer exempt truck owners from having to wear seatbelts. After decades of being stymied by those so in touch with their inner NASCAR, the light bulb has flashed…removing the exemption will bring 4 million federal highway dollars to Georgia immediately. $afety first, eh?
Upsetting the jovial nature of the first day was a press conference by D.A. King, leader of an anti-immigrant organization designated as a “hate group” by the Southern Law Poverty Center and Anti-Defamation League. Same old bashing, with a dozen legislators and Governor candidate John Oxendine standing in support. It was a real vanity project…King spoke extensively but didn’t let any of the legislators speak. You’ll be happy to know they all just stood there like they lost a bet.
The Resolution will not be televised…from a Capitol newcomer, came the question of why the sound was so low on the House TV monitor that you couldn’t hear what they were doing inside the chamber. All the Capitol novices come in believing the place is consumer friendly. Sometimes trying to explain how things are decided here is like trying to explain why Paris Hilton is famous.
The newly issued lobbyist badges are way over-designed, but they do have enough colors to match any outfit. Stare at them long enough and you’ll see a sailboat.
OK, so the first day wasn’t exactly Jerry Springer material…but there are 39 left!
Here’s Our Take
January 12
Like going back to school after summer recess, the opening day of Georgia's General Assembly is mostly like “what I did last summer” day. Some ceremonial functions but mostly catching up with legislators or people in the halls you haven’t seen for a while.
There was no suspense in the voting for House and Senate Leaders. The Republican Majority had a lock on their folks. I think it’s in their DNA.
Most of the talk in the halls was about the budget. The mainstream press has written about this extensively, so in a way the mold is already set for what will be known as the over-riding issue. And it truly is. No one will be happy with the final budget. So tough is the balancing task, no one can even reasonably predict how long it will take.
Other issues on the table will be transportation plans that failed last year, a plan for funding trauma centers that failed last year, anti-immigrant proposals that failed last year, and even some proposals for new revenue sources (alcohol sales and tobacco taxes) that…you guessed it…failed in the past as well. No law against do-overs.
Too early to tell what stands a chance this time around. Although we know that the “sin taxes” give some cover to those who pledged never to vote for a tax increase. If proven to bring in enough dollars, watch for the magical transformation of new taxes to become “fees”.
One thing that may get traction this year is the proposal that would no longer exempt truck owners from having to wear seatbelts. After decades of being stymied by those so in touch with their inner NASCAR, the light bulb has flashed…removing the exemption will bring 4 million federal highway dollars to Georgia immediately. $afety first, eh?
Upsetting the jovial nature of the first day was a press conference by D.A. King, leader of an anti-immigrant organization designated as a “hate group” by the Southern Law Poverty Center and Anti-Defamation League. Same old bashing, with a dozen legislators and Governor candidate John Oxendine standing in support. It was a real vanity project…King spoke extensively but didn’t let any of the legislators speak. You’ll be happy to know they all just stood there like they lost a bet.
The Resolution will not be televised…from a Capitol newcomer, came the question of why the sound was so low on the House TV monitor that you couldn’t hear what they were doing inside the chamber. All the Capitol novices come in believing the place is consumer friendly. Sometimes trying to explain how things are decided here is like trying to explain why Paris Hilton is famous.
The newly issued lobbyist badges are way over-designed, but they do have enough colors to match any outfit. Stare at them long enough and you’ll see a sailboat.
OK, so the first day wasn’t exactly Jerry Springer material…but there are 39 left!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
