After last week's budget hearings, the General Assembly reconvened this week for Legislative Days 5 through 8 with short days of legislative action followed by committee hearings reviewing pending bills.  The budget is continuing to be analyzed and priorities discussed and debated about how the state revenues are to be used, and where spending cuts can and must be made. This week's newsletter takes a look at the week under the Gold Dome and also provides important information regarding your property taxes.

  In light of the budget shortfalls, all Georgia Senate Republicans are volunteering to take a furlough day each month for the remainder of the fiscal year.  With these additional days, legislators will have taken a total of 11 furlough days in fiscal year 2010.  The money will be returned to the State Treasury to help fill additional budget gaps. 

  Below are some highlights from the week.  Please click on any piece of legislation listed as it is linked to the General Assembly's tracking of the legislation. Please also tell me 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 more details about the time and place of upcoming Town Hall meetings.

Lowering Your Property Taxes  - deadline April 1st

Due to the economic downturn, the market value of your home may have fallen, perhaps substantially.  Your property tax is based on your home's fair market value as determined by your County Tax Assessor.  Since counties are not required to re-assess homes annually, the current valuation may not reflect your home's current market value.  If that is the case, you may act to update your valuation.  The annual deadline to question your home's property value is ending soon.  

Is your Home Over-Valued? Here's how to update your property's tax value. By April 1st, you  must file a  Real Property Tax Return in the county where your property lies. For Cobb and Fulton property owners, here's the link - Cobb - Real Property Tax Return; Fulton - Real Property Tax Return. Filing a property tax return will trigger a re-assessment of your property.  The Tax Assessor will review your proposed valuation, determine if an adjustment is warranted, and mail you a Notice of Assessment reflecting any changes.  If you are satisfied with the re-assessed value, no further action is required.  If you are not satisfied, you have the right to appeal.  Specific instructions concerning the appeals process will be included in the Notice of Assessment.  Tell your friends and business colleagues about the April 1st deadline.  

For Cobb County (deadline April 1, 2010) for instructions and a link to the form: Cobb County Taxpayers Return of Real Property 
 
For Fulton County (deadline April 1, 2010) for instructions and a link to the form: Fulton County Taxpayers Return of Real Property 

New and Pending Legislation

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. As you are aware, tax and spending legislation must begin in the House and so once again Rep. Graves is pushing the Jobs, Opportunity, and Business Success Act of 2010 to help ensure that Georgians are employed, and that business owners have incentives to hire those unemployed.  The 2010 JOBS bill will: waive state fees for new businesses, give quarterly tax credits for unemployment to those businesses that hire someone currently receiving unemployment benefits, give a tax credit of $2,400 for businesses employing the unemployed for 24 consecutive months, provide a fifty percent reduction in the capital gains tax, offer a tax credit for investments made to small businesses, and gradually phases out the sales tax deposit required for businesses.  We believe that these incentives will encourage businesses in Georgia, and in return, individuals and the economy benefit as the steps are taken toward recovering from this economic recession. 


A few other bills of note this week include: 
Senate Bill 306 passed the Senate this week. SB 306 clarifies current law regarding the use of hands-free communication devices (bluetooth) while driving.  Current law restricts the use of headphones while driving and SB 306 carves out an exception making it clear that hands-free communication devices are permitted.  The Bill now heads over to the House for consideration.

  Senate Bill 319 passed the Science and Technology Committee; and is designed to provide more flexibility and resources to public school systems in how they use textbooks in the classroom.  The bill amends the definition of "textbook" to include digital, computer hardware, and technical equipment to allow Georgia schools to take advantage of growing technologies and give administrators the option of purchasing digital textbooks. 

  Senate Bill 315 passed the Health and Human Services Committee; and creates a registry for licensed health care practitioners that can voluntarily treat Georgians in the case of an extreme emergency.

  Senate Bill 318 was introduced; and would require an affidavit to accompany a civil lawsuit against a law enforcement professional.

Senate Resolution 794.  My SR 794 allows Georgians to decide through a referendum whether to adopt a Constitutional Amendment to provide that no law shall compel or mandates that any person participate in any health care system and prohibit a person from being fined if they choose not to participate.
 
Senate Bill 320 My SB 320 would provide for a bill of rights for Georgia teachers to help teachers enact better discline in the classsroom plus provides that the teacher can have a represenattive during annual evaluation reviews if they choose.  

    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 Begins

  The dicennial 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. 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

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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