Lawmakers consider options to save PeachCare
LEGISLATIVE REPORT
By REP. CHARLES JENKINS

Charles Jenkins

Saturday was another work day at the Capitol. This day's activities included a special opportunity for the family members of Representatives and Senators to visit and observe laws being made. In fact, I would like to invite every citizen of District 8 (Union, Towns, Rabun and White Counties) to visit the General Assembly while it is in Session. The Speaker of the House makes himself available for a photo session with all visitors. Call my office at (404)656-0126 if you would like to schedule a visit.

Unfortunately, there was nothing but bad news this week about the future of Georgia's PeachCare for Kids program. First, President Bush refused to include funding that would cover the current $131 million federal shortfall in a special appropriations bill. Then, Georgia Department of Community Health Commissioner Rhonda Medows announced the program would stop accepting new enrollees effective March 11 unless the funding is approved.

PeachCare, which provides affordable health care to the children of working Georgia families, serves about 270,000 children throughout the state. PeachCare is a vitally important program, and it is essential that a solution be found to the current funding crisis.

In the House, three pieces of legislation have been introduced that would provide at least temporary relief. HB 236 would allow the state to fully fund the entire shortfall instead of relying on the federal government. HB 324 would increase the number of children eligible for coverage and thus increase revenues to the state from premiums. Conversely, HB 340 would tighten eligibility in order to reduce the program's cost.

In a bipartisan manner, Georgia lawmakers are calling on Congress to act swiftly to avert this crisis and address problems with the federal funding formula, which penalizes Georgia and other states that have worked hard to enroll uninsured children.

The House of Representatives will soon be considering legislation that has already passed the state Senate, allowing the state to issue vouchers to special needs students to attend a private school or public school outside their district.

Senate Bill 10 was adopted in the Senate by a narrow margin, and House Bill 199, which is similar but not identical, is under consideration in the House Education Committee.

While this legislation includes some good points for special needs students, it could open the door for a wider use of vouchers, which would take away funding from Georgia's public schools.

For now, I will take time to study the Bill, but I would like to know your thoughts on the issue.

Due to increasing concerns from many Georgians over the state government's movement toward expanded commercial development on Jekyll Island, House Resolution 182 was introduced this week.

The state's Jekyll Island Authority is reportedly considering the construction of a luxury hotel, condominiums and other tourist developments that threaten the island's environmental qualities and the tranquility enjoyed by current residents and visitors.

HR 182 would urge the Jekyll Island Authority to exercise the greatest caution and restraint in its supervision of the redevelopment of resort and other facilities on the island, assuring that the property continues to meet the needs of all Georgia citizens, while imposing the least possible negative impact on the island's existing natural environment.

I am opposed to the selling of any State Parks in Georgia.

Rep. Charles Jenkins (DBlairsville) represents the 8th District (Rabun, Towns, Union and White counties) in the Georgia House of Representatives. Contact him at 411 Coverdell Office Building, Atlanta, GA 30334; by phone at 404-656-0126 or by e-mail atcharles.jenkins@house.ga.gov