The Anti-Immigrant Zealots are at it again. Not quite as bad as last year, but still really bad. One sane Senator said today that loss of state funds, when cities declare themselves "Sanctuary Cities", as bad as it is, was "mild for these anti-people, and sometimes you have to throw them a bone." How sad when laws get made this way.
The bill was SB 20, and it did pass out of the Senate today by a wide margin. The problem is, as Sen. Emanuel Jones said from the well, "It's a bill in search of a problem."
SB 20 would make it illegal for any Georgia locality to be a "Sanctuary City." But no city in Georgia has said it had any intention of being a Sanctuary City. What's a Sanctuary City? Exactly. . . . You haven't heard of it before because it's not an issue.
And there's the rub... In committee last week, the bill's author said that he really did want it to apply to cities that "acted like" Sanctuary Cities. So it would be a technical violation...no city declaration but still liable if someone thinks you act like you declared.
The bill doesn't say how one would identify that a city is acting like that, or how the state could enforce such a law. Or even who could report violations. So what the Senate has now passed is a bill that opens up a Pandora's Box where any anti-immigrant vigilante with a gripe can go after any locality he or she wants and report it for violating some standards that don't exist.
It's just another mean-spirited bill aimed at showing how hostile Georgia is to immigrants. Sen. Nan Orrock raised, from the floor, the concern that a bill like this would discourage foreign companies from coming to Georgia. We share that concern. But for some of our legislators, it's more important to look tough by demonizing whole sectors of the population than it is to look out for the real interests of hard-working Georgians -- like, say, jobs.
Which is why yesterday another anti-immigrant bill passed out of committee.
HB 45 would require proof of citizenship to register to vote. Has the state, or the bill's sponsors, or anyone, demonstrated a single instance of a non-citizen attempting to register to vote or to vote? No. Not a single one. And as Rep. Pedro Marin has said, no undocumented immigrant in her or his right mind would risk deportation by attempting to register. So this is another bill in search of a problem. Undocumented immigrants are not trying to vote.
While the bill won't address any problem, it will hurt elderly people, especially African-Americans, who don't have access to a birth certificate because they were born in another state or weren't born in a hospital. So, while there is not supposed to be any cost or poll tax for voting, you might have people who have to pay for document searches and perhaps even have to get a lawyer...just to straighten out their legitimate eligibility to vote. Put up enough barriers and people lose interest. Is that what's intended? You betcha!
Showing posts with label legislature. Show all posts
Showing posts with label legislature. Show all posts
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
Thursday, February 12, 2009
Day 16 - Dateline: Fantasy Island (Part II)
Wednesday, February 12
Well, the Senate passed the bill written by 70-some Georgia Power lobbyists to allow the electric company to bill customers, in advance, for the costs of building new nuclear power plants. (That’s not a typo, 70 lobbyists.) The monthly additional consumer charges will help pay for plants that have not yet even been approved for construction.
Usually the Public Service Commission oversees the rate increase process, but the legislature usurps power here as a favor to their corporate benefactors. Why a bill to step in now? The PSC’s own staff researchers recommended against approval of the Georgia Power scheme. Inquiring minds want to know why the PSC has rolled over and allowed the regulatory power to be taken away. Could it be that they would have likewise knuckeled under to their corporate friends and voted for approval against staff recommendation and they don’t want to be blamed? Shame.
Well, the Senate passed the bill written by 70-some Georgia Power lobbyists to allow the electric company to bill customers, in advance, for the costs of building new nuclear power plants. (That’s not a typo, 70 lobbyists.) The monthly additional consumer charges will help pay for plants that have not yet even been approved for construction.
Usually the Public Service Commission oversees the rate increase process, but the legislature usurps power here as a favor to their corporate benefactors. Why a bill to step in now? The PSC’s own staff researchers recommended against approval of the Georgia Power scheme. Inquiring minds want to know why the PSC has rolled over and allowed the regulatory power to be taken away. Could it be that they would have likewise knuckeled under to their corporate friends and voted for approval against staff recommendation and they don’t want to be blamed? Shame.
Wednesday, February 4, 2009
Day 13 -- One way to get out of the house
Another person commented on school vouchers today: "After 9 years of cuts, this is just another chip in the plan to eventually eliminate public schools."
Maybe it was because this assault on public education was on our mind, but it was difficult to be excited about the homeschoolers lobbying all over the place today. Not wanting to disparage them or their education, it was sort of painful to watch them unsuccessfully try to interact. They were cute, and they had their literature and their promotional tables, but they really did seem to need to get out more. Sorry.
Maybe it was because this assault on public education was on our mind, but it was difficult to be excited about the homeschoolers lobbying all over the place today. Not wanting to disparage them or their education, it was sort of painful to watch them unsuccessfully try to interact. They were cute, and they had their literature and their promotional tables, but they really did seem to need to get out more. Sorry.
Day 13 -- Who said fathers know best?
The Women's Policy Group held a lunchtime Capitol Briefing today that was so well-attended that about 15 of us sat on the floor.
And it was a good thing it was crowded -- with the budget cuts, women are taking some of the hardest hits, as usual.
Nice to hear from the crowd that many of them intended to run for office, as women are underrepresented under the Gold Dome.
Lobbyist Extraordinaire Elizabeth Appley listed some of the things coming down the pike:
The Governor's proposal to eliminate the Family Violence Commission: Since its creation in 2001, the Commission has reduced Georgia's per capita family violence homicides by 26.2%, a rate almost 6 times better than the national average. So why does he think cutting it is such a good idea?
He also wants to eliminate the Temporary Protective Order Registry, which keeps a computer record of every restraining order, so that when a woman flees her abusive partner with her kids in tow in the middle of the night, she doesn't have to find the paper copy of the restraining order first.
Oh, and he wants to freeze funding for Domestic Violence Shelters and Rape Crisis Centers. Who needs 'em anyway.
In the meantime, Appley pointed out, the state gives $5 million a year in tax exemptions to llama farmers. Call us if you want to find out how to get in on this great deal.
Oh, and if the state's in such a budget shortfall, wouldn't you think the 90% federal matching funds for family planning money make the state think twice about the 34% family planning cuts?
It's amazing how some people in our state government have said they are willing to turn down matching federal dollars.
And it was a good thing it was crowded -- with the budget cuts, women are taking some of the hardest hits, as usual.
Nice to hear from the crowd that many of them intended to run for office, as women are underrepresented under the Gold Dome.
Lobbyist Extraordinaire Elizabeth Appley listed some of the things coming down the pike:
The Governor's proposal to eliminate the Family Violence Commission: Since its creation in 2001, the Commission has reduced Georgia's per capita family violence homicides by 26.2%, a rate almost 6 times better than the national average. So why does he think cutting it is such a good idea?
He also wants to eliminate the Temporary Protective Order Registry, which keeps a computer record of every restraining order, so that when a woman flees her abusive partner with her kids in tow in the middle of the night, she doesn't have to find the paper copy of the restraining order first.
Oh, and he wants to freeze funding for Domestic Violence Shelters and Rape Crisis Centers. Who needs 'em anyway.
In the meantime, Appley pointed out, the state gives $5 million a year in tax exemptions to llama farmers. Call us if you want to find out how to get in on this great deal.
Oh, and if the state's in such a budget shortfall, wouldn't you think the 90% federal matching funds for family planning money make the state think twice about the 34% family planning cuts?
It's amazing how some people in our state government have said they are willing to turn down matching federal dollars.
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 27, 2009
And on the 7th Day...Not Looking Good for Kids
The H.O.T. Line
Here's Our Take
January 27
Sen. Nan Orrock spoke from the well this morning about the need for our Senators in Washington, Saxby Chambliss and Johnny Isakson, to vote to approve the SCHIP funding for healthcare for children. Doing her usual spot-on best, Orrock tried to light a fire under the two. Speaking of how Georgia could benefit by having a partnership with Federal programs like SCHIP and it would alleviate our PeachCare funding needs. And in addition, MORE kids would get coverage.
Both Chambliss and Isakson are expected to vote against it. What? Are they trying to find excuses not to vote for helping more Georgia kids? Calls to their offices elicited various cranky responses. Costs too much. If a family is earning the top qualifying income, they can afford to get their own insurance. And, surprise, documented children should have to wait five years for coverage. Blah, blah. In Saxby-ville, the babies on their way to becoming New Americans should just not get sick. And in "fiscal conservative" Isakson-land, it's apparently OK to pay more for treatment than for keeping well in the first place.
Have you made your call yet to the Senators offices? Get those dialing fingers to work! (1-800-828-0498)
Hundreds of white-coated angels from the ranks of Georgia's nurses overtook the capitol this morning.
One might have thought they were there because of Gov. Sonny Perdue's decision to cut $30 million from the school nurse budget. (That's right – kids, really, don't get sick. No, really, seriously, at this point, just don't get sick, okay?) In reality, the nurses were already planning to be at the capitol for their annual lobby day. But it was a timely and needed presence. It's always tough to reverse a cut in the Governor's proposal. But some hope when a member of the Governor's own party was overheard saying that the nurses ought to show up on the front lawn of the Governor's mansion in all their white coats. We'll see how much certain lawmakers can get away with in balancing the budget on the backs of sick kids.
And speaking about not being well, Rep. Bobby Franklin took his personal speaking privilege time this week to address what has certainly been on the top of everyone's mind this week. He railed about Hillary Clinton's Sec of State confirmation being unconstitutional. Yeah, as if there weren't big problems to solve. But we should just let him go...at least he's not passing any of his bills.
It's past due to be prioritizing transportation needs, but are some of the proposals to shake-up and reorganize hiding a hidden agenda. Will some "reforms" be so broadly written that they open the way for the state to claim a capitol city airport or transit system? We can only relay suspicious chatter from the hallways.
The AJC reported not-too-loud whispers speculating on the secret reasons for Gov. Perdue's $21 million dollar loan. We think they may be hard of hearing. That roar WE hear wonders why the stonewalling. Maybe a reason will eventually be revealed but the longer the fish stays out, the more it smells.
Here's Our Take
January 27
Sen. Nan Orrock spoke from the well this morning about the need for our Senators in Washington, Saxby Chambliss and Johnny Isakson, to vote to approve the SCHIP funding for healthcare for children. Doing her usual spot-on best, Orrock tried to light a fire under the two. Speaking of how Georgia could benefit by having a partnership with Federal programs like SCHIP and it would alleviate our PeachCare funding needs. And in addition, MORE kids would get coverage.
Both Chambliss and Isakson are expected to vote against it. What? Are they trying to find excuses not to vote for helping more Georgia kids? Calls to their offices elicited various cranky responses. Costs too much. If a family is earning the top qualifying income, they can afford to get their own insurance. And, surprise, documented children should have to wait five years for coverage. Blah, blah. In Saxby-ville, the babies on their way to becoming New Americans should just not get sick. And in "fiscal conservative" Isakson-land, it's apparently OK to pay more for treatment than for keeping well in the first place.
Have you made your call yet to the Senators offices? Get those dialing fingers to work! (1-800-828-0498)
Hundreds of white-coated angels from the ranks of Georgia's nurses overtook the capitol this morning.
One might have thought they were there because of Gov. Sonny Perdue's decision to cut $30 million from the school nurse budget. (That's right – kids, really, don't get sick. No, really, seriously, at this point, just don't get sick, okay?) In reality, the nurses were already planning to be at the capitol for their annual lobby day. But it was a timely and needed presence. It's always tough to reverse a cut in the Governor's proposal. But some hope when a member of the Governor's own party was overheard saying that the nurses ought to show up on the front lawn of the Governor's mansion in all their white coats. We'll see how much certain lawmakers can get away with in balancing the budget on the backs of sick kids.And speaking about not being well, Rep. Bobby Franklin took his personal speaking privilege time this week to address what has certainly been on the top of everyone's mind this week. He railed about Hillary Clinton's Sec of State confirmation being unconstitutional. Yeah, as if there weren't big problems to solve. But we should just let him go...at least he's not passing any of his bills.
It's past due to be prioritizing transportation needs, but are some of the proposals to shake-up and reorganize hiding a hidden agenda. Will some "reforms" be so broadly written that they open the way for the state to claim a capitol city airport or transit system? We can only relay suspicious chatter from the hallways.
The AJC reported not-too-loud whispers speculating on the secret reasons for Gov. Perdue's $21 million dollar loan. We think they may be hard of hearing. That roar WE hear wonders why the stonewalling. Maybe a reason will eventually be revealed but the longer the fish stays out, the more it smells.
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
Day 2 - 900 Bills Already Introduced?!
H.O.T. Line
Here’s Our Take
January 13
A local radio station was doing a great civic good this morning by informing its listeners of the bills that would be coming up this session.
They had been told that any of the bills from last year that didn't pass could be reintroduced this year.
The problem was, they misinterpreted that to mean that every bill from last year had already been reintroduced.
They were already up into the 900s when Representative Pedro Marin (D-96), who fortuitously heard the much-too-extensive list being read while on his way in to the capitol, called the station and rescued listeners from the onslaught.
Gives you hope to see what happens when good intentions combine with good looking out. Kudos to both the station and Representative Marin!
Here’s Our Take
January 13
A local radio station was doing a great civic good this morning by informing its listeners of the bills that would be coming up this session.
They had been told that any of the bills from last year that didn't pass could be reintroduced this year.
The problem was, they misinterpreted that to mean that every bill from last year had already been reintroduced.
They were already up into the 900s when Representative Pedro Marin (D-96), who fortuitously heard the much-too-extensive list being read while on his way in to the capitol, called the station and rescued listeners from the onslaught.
Gives you hope to see what happens when good intentions combine with good looking out. Kudos to both the station and Representative Marin!
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!
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