Wednesday, February 5, 2003
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Wednesday, February 5, 2003 |
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House Republicans tell of legislature's 1st week Last week Gov. Sonny Perdue, in the first-ever State of the State address by a Republican governor, outlined a clear vision for the future of Georgia, a vision that restores the public trust in government, meets our economic challenges, and is responsive to the state's education, safety, and human needs. The governor addressed the budget challenges Georgia faces, and announced that he had found enough money to fully fund the homestead exemption at $10,000 and make it permanent. The previous administration had tied the exemption to the surplus, so without a surplus, the exemption disappeared. In the future, rather than being a mere contingency, the money for the exemption will be specifically funded in a straightforward manner. Redistricting was another issue the governor addressed, saying that new district lines should be determined by principles, not by partisan politics. He promised to listen and get input first, then make the best decision for the people of the state. Gov. Perdue likened the situation in Georgia to an airplane ride, with some turbulence ahead. But he is confident we will break through the dark clouds and rise to a brighter future than we have known before. House Republicans continued their work on the budget [last] week, seeking additional ways to cut state spending to avoid tax increases. Republicans met with experts from across the country who have assisted other states with budget difficulties and have begun putting together a plan to assist the Governor. The governor acknowledged the contributions of the House Caucus during his press conference announcing the homestead tax exemption would be saved. Moving forward to work to restore trust in government, the governor's floor leaders unveiled the first part of the governor's ethics package. The proposal addresses four areas of ethical behavior in government officials. Specifically, the proposal: (1) restricts candidate-to-candidate transfer of campaign funds, (2) stops legislative lobbying on behalf of inmates to the Board of Pardons and Paroles and Department of Corrections, (3) prohibits soliciting pledges of campaign contributions during the legislative session, and (4) restructures the Ethics Commission to make it more efficient and effective. The package is the first of a series of ethics legislation the governor plans to offer before the session is complete. After an announcement that Standard and Poors and Moody's were both withdrawing their ratings of the mortgage market in Georgia, legislators began working to repair the Georgia Fair Lending Act passed during the last legislative session. The law was intended to prevent unscrupulous lenders from taking advantage of those obtaining loans, but may adversely affect anyone trying to obtain a loan in Georgia. Legislation has already been introduced in both the House and Senate to deal with the problems; hearings are underway, and action should be taken [this] week. House members were in session all week, and began committee meetings after receiving their assignments from the speaker. The Rules Committee will decide which bills come to the floor of the House each legislative day. The House [was to] be in session on Monday and Tuesday, then adjourn for Wednesday, Thursday and Friday to continue work on the budget. Rep. Chris Elrod, a freshman Republican Representative from Jackson County, was called up on active duty to serve his country last week. He is stationed in South Carolina and his tour of duty could last a few weeks or up to a year. He has been in the Coast Guard Reserves for five years and was called up to assist with port patrols as additional troops go to the Persian Gulf. Our thoughts and prayers are with Rep. Elrod and we are grateful for his willingness to serve his country and his state! [This report is furnished by the Georgia House Republican Caucus, composed of House Minority Leader Lynn Westmoreland of Sharpsburg; Jerry Keen, Republican whip; Sharon Cooper, chairman; Warren Massey, vice chairman; and Sue Burmeister, secretary.]
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