State of the State Address
By STATE SEN. CHIP PEARSON

Chip Pearson

We heard from Governor Sonny Perdue this week in his annual State of the State Address. In this speech, the

Governor takes time to give all Georgians a progress report on our state, and then rolls out his new budget initiatives for Fiscal Year 2009 (FY 09) and his legislative agenda for 2008. Gov. Perdue's address was especially inspired this year, as he discussed the many ways in which our state is moving forward. Our State Reserves, more commonly referred to as the Rainy Day fund, are healthy and stable, and we are one of the fastest growing states in the nation. Gov. Perdue said our state must continue to grow and flourish, so we must prepare for Georgia's future.

When it comes to Gov. Perdue's key initiatives for 2008, the biggest buzz right now concerns a proposed Constitutional Amendment to eliminate the state portion of property taxes that residents pay on homes and automobiles. This would eliminate the state portion of the ad valorem tax, providing approximately $94 million in tax relief to property owners, beginning in fiscal year 2010. The Governor also reaffirmed his commitment to the Senior Income Tax Credit to help keep Georgia families together and to spur economic development by attracting new retirees to the state. Some of you will remember that Gov. Perdue proposed this measure last year, and the Constitutional Amendment awaits action in the Legislature.

Some of Gov. Perdue's other initiatives for 2008 include:

• The Governor's education funding task force recommends giving public schools some of the same flexibility that charter schools enjoy through new contracts between the state and local school systems.

• $65 million in the Governor's amended FY 2008 budget proposal would fund two priority needs for schools - transportation and technology.

• $120 million in funding for water infrastructure and reservoirs. He also urged quick passage of the Statewide Water Plan to ensure responsible use and conservation of Georgia's precious water resources.

• A Transportation Infrastructure Bank to provide low interest loans to complete transportation projects for local governments, public transit agencies and community improvement districts. This will be a $50 million revolving loan fund with loans to be paid back and made available for new roads, bridges and transit.

• $14 million in the FY 09 budget to create the Very Important Parent Recruiter program for at-risk elementary, middle and high schools. Another $14.4 million will be put in the budget to continue funding the graduation coach program, and $6.4 million in lottery money for additional pre-kindergarten slots. Teachers will again this year receive the $100 gift cards to purchase classroom and library supplies.

• Of particular interest to Dawson County and residents of the 51st District, Gov. Perdue's FY 09 budget recommendations include $5 million for Lanier Technical College for the design and construction of a new campus expansion.

House Overrides Vetoes

On the dramatic first day of the 2008 Session, the House of Representatives opted to exercise a rarely used power to override the Governor's veto of 12 bills from last session. Much has been made in the media on these override votes, and many have suggested that the overrides show disharmony within state leadership. This is not the case. The Senate simply plans to review these votes carefully, as these bills have broad statutory and budgetary impact, and we need to fully weigh the perspectives of the Governor and the House prior to a floor vote. We have an obligation to the voters who put their trust in us to act with care on all issues, but particularly constitutional matters. It should be interesting to see how this issue plays out as we get further into the session.

HB 89 - the Parking Lot Bill

Thursday, the Senate passed its version of House Bill 89, which has become known by many at the Capitol as the "parking lot" bill. HB 89 would allow those who lawfully possess a concealed weapon to store that weapon in a locked vehicle in the parking lot of an employer, a public park, a historic site or recreation area under certain circumstances. The bill goes on to protect the state against "straw purchasers" who come to Georgia to buy guns. This tactic was used by Mayor Michael Bloomberg of New York in an attempt to set up and sue Georgia gun dealers. Members of the Senate feel that the current version of the bill strikes a fair balance between private property rights and the Second Amendment right to bear arms. After some debate, the bill passed by a vote of 41 to 15, and now goes to the House for final approval. I think that if an individual has met the stringent requirements set forth by Georgia law to hold a concealed weapons permit, he/she is responsible enough to safely carry that firearm with them wherever the law permits to protect them from harm.

Many other important issues will face the Georgia General Assembly during the 2008 session and hundreds of pieces of legislation will be introduced. My role will be one of judicious consideration for each bill that crosses my desk. My focus will be on improving the quality of opportunities as well as the quality of life for all Georgians, especially those in the 51st District. Remember to contact me in my office on the issues that are affecting you and your area.

Please feel free to contact Sen. Chip Pearson at his office in Atlanta at 404.656.9221 or by email at chip@team51.org.