Greetings!

As the General Assembly has spent  the past week in hearings on the proposed state budget, I wanted to take the opportunity to discuss major issues we will face this Session and initiatives being proposed.
 
The top priority and the issue that affects all other issues is the budget and the state's economy.  Although revenues have declined substantially the past year or so, Georgia is positioned better than many other states to weather this economic storm.  
 
Some facts which you may not know about Georgia: 1. The lowest state tax revenues per capita; 2. the lowest state debt per capita; 3.  the lowest "pork barrel" spending [none the past 3 years]; 4. the lowest state selective sales tax collections per capita in the United States; 5. Georgia is one of only seven states with a AAA Bond Rating; and 6. State spending in Georgia has Decreased 16% per capita adjusted for inflation since FY 2003; and 7. since FY 2004 Education spending in Georgia has Increased 34% from $8.59 Billion to $11.47 Billion.  Over the past 6 years Georgia set aside almost $1.8 Billion in our rainy-day fund - which helped us address many of the recent budget challenges. Most of that money is now depleted.
 
Current estimates show state revenues falling by seven percent over FY09 which would leave a $1.9 billion shortfall between our latest budget and state revenues. This must be reconciled as every detail of the Governor's proposed budget will be thoroughly analyzed to establsih government spending priorities.  
 
Below I highlight several issues and bills of interest. For more information on any legislation, please visit www.legis.state.ga.us and click on Legislation. I will keep you informed throughout the 2010 Session and hope that you will let me know of any issues that concern you.  I greatly appreciate the opportunity to serve you and the State of Georgia and always welcome your feedback.  
 
Please join me for my Town Hall meetings every month to hear more about the 2010 Session and to share with me your ideas and thoughts. Visit www.judsonhill.com for details.

Legislative Priorities in 2010

Our number one priority must be job creation and enhancing the economic climate which incents people to start businesses and expand in Georgia. In 2009 the Legislature passed the JOBS  Bills (HB 481 and HB 482), which was later vetoed. We are re-introducing this legislation which has its primary focus to create new jobs. HB 481 waives all business start-up fees for one year to help new businesses; provides a $500 credit towards the unemployment insurance tax for each newly hired employee that was receiving unemployment benefits; gives businesses a $2,400 income tax credit for each eligible employee hired and retained for two years; and gradually eliminates the business income tax for Georgia-based corporations. HB 482 is a referendum to eliminate the state inventory tax on all Georgia businesses.
 
Another major focus during this Session will be passing legislation that optimizes the ability to raise dedicated funds to address our transportation challenges. Governor Sonny Perdue recently proposed allowing a state referendum to allow Georgians to decide by region if they want an additional 1% T-SPLOST tax in their region to fund specific pre-approved transportation projects. This concept is gaining support across the state and seems preferred over a statewide 1 cent sales tax. If it passes in the legislature this proposal then goes on a November 2010 statewide ballot for voters consideration. Lt. Governor Casey Cagle recently stated that "Judson Hill plays a significant role on the Transportation Committee in bringing transportation solutions to the forefront.  He is a true leader for the citizens of Cobb and Fulton Counties." Please tell me your thoughts on this T-SPLOST proposal as well as other suggestions you have to raise moneys for transportation.
 
Another major issue currently being debated in Washington D.C. and which has an immediate impact on our state, is healthcare reform.  Over the years, I've been very involved in the state health care debate passing several major patient centered reform measures in past years.  This year I have introduced several health care bills including SR 794 which is a proposed Constitutional Amendment that protects Georgians freedom to choose a health care provider and insurance plan that they want without fear of being fined by the federal government if they don't participate in some federal government run healthcare system.  Many believe that it is important for Georgia to take a stand against any federal government attempts to force a single-payer government run health care plan on Georgians.  The Senate Resolution has already garnered great support in the Senate and the House.  Almost 2 weeks ago the Georgia Senate Republicans called on our Attorney General to stand up and protect Georgians against any unconstitutional federal health care initiatives.  In addition, a week ago I introduced SB 307 to allow Georgians to buy health insurance across state lines while insuring that out-of-state companies selling in Georgia are financially strong and will pay insurance claims.
 
Improving the education system in our State remains high on our priority list. The Governor announced legislation that would provide a performance based pay option to teachers. Currently, teacher pay increases are based only on a rigid schedule and an experience-oriented system.  The proposed new system gives current teachers the option to opt in and rewards salary bonuses based on student achievement. New teachers would be on the new performance pay system beginning 2014.  Please tell me your thoughts about this proposal.  A week ago I introduced a bill to provide certain rights for our teachers to encourage our best teachers to remain in the classroom. In many counties teachers cannot keep unruly students out of their classroom for very long, SB 307 gives teachers the discretion to remove a disruptive student for the remainder of a school day as well as allows a teacher to have a representative appear with them for annual evaluation reviews and grievance proceedings.
 
 Also expect the Senate to lead on a property tax reform measure that improves the assessment process for property owners to insure that fair market values are used to establish taxable property values and the government, not property owner, has the burden of proof when you appeal a property tax assessment.
 
While these are several of the major issues, many more important pieces of legislation have already been proposed or will be introduced in the coming days.

2010 US Census

The U.S. Census Bureau will once again commence in a few short weeks.  Please plan to return your completed Census documents as soon as possible to insure that all Georgians are accurately counted. It's very important that the count is fair and accurate and not based on estimates or sampling. To review a sample of the Census form click here.
 
Please remember, if a Census worker visits your home the worker will have an official Census ID.  They will not ask to enter your home nor will they represent or be representatives of any other organization, ACORN, or otherwise.  If you have questions about a Census worker's identity you can call the US Census Bureau toll-free (404)-335-1555. All information that you provide on a Census form is held in strictest confidence under federal law.  If you have questions about the US Census please visit www.census.gov

Capitol Tours, Paging & Info

Our State Capitol is a great educational experience at any age. If you plan to visit the Gold Dome please contact my office at 404.656.0150 so we can help arrange a Capitol Tour. If your son or daughter is between the ages of 12 and 16 and wishes to serve as a Senate Page for the day please contact my office.
 
Please visit the Senate website to watch the Georgia Senate Live most days during the Session, to learn more about other pending legislation, or to learn more about your Georgia Senate.
 
If you're looking for a speaker at your community event or wish to hear an discussion about the 2010 Session, please call me.
 
Remember also to visit Georgia's new Healthcare Information website www.georgiahealthinfo.gov to access the latest information on about quality, cost and health education as well as to learn about prescription drug prices in your area. The website also contains helpful information about prevention, wellness and disease management. Stay tuned for continuing updates to the website as more information becomes available to help you stay healthy.

If you've received this e-mail from a friend and would like to add your name to our distribution list, just send me an e-mail at judson.hill@senate.ga.gov and put "Weekly Newsletter" in the subject line.

Facebook and Twitter

Shelly and I appreciate your friendship and support. I am now Twittering and I invite you to follow me there: twitter.com/Judsonhill

I also have created a personal Facebook page and would
welcome being Facebook friends. To visit my page go to:
www.facebook.com/judsonhill.  I am posting regular updates from the General Assembly while we are in session, and will continue posting about issues related to state government throughout the year.

I have uploaded pictures of the family and me at work on Facebook, so go take a look.
 
As always, thank you for the honor to serve our great State of Georgia.  Please call me with your thoughts or concerns at 404.656.0150.  

Sincerely,

Senator Judson Hill