Friday, January 21, 2011
January 21, 2010
Legislative Calendar
The General Assembly will reconvene on Monday, January 24, for its third legislative day.
Eggs & Issues to Take Place January 25
Rescheduled as a result of the winter snow storm earlier this month, the Georgia Chamber’s annual Eggs & Issues breakfast will be held this Tuesday, January 25. Governor Deal, Lieutenant Governor Cagle and Speaker Ralston will all appear before the sold-out crowd. Attendees will also hear from the Chamber’s president, Chris Clark, and 2011 board chair, Doug Carter.
Legislators Spend Week Examining Budget
Appropriations Committee Chairmen Senator Jack Hill and Representative Terry England led budget hearings throughout the past week. Governor Deal opened the hearings, reminding legislators that despite improved revenue figures, they will need to close a $1 billion gap -- and calling for a 7% average cut across state agencies. Governor Deal’s proposed budget does include bond funding for Chamber priorities such as the Savannah Harbor deepening and additional water reservoirs.
Appointees Named to Legislative Committee on Tax Reform
Lieutenant Governor Cagle and Speaker Ralston have each named two appointees to a special legislative committee created to study the recommendations made by the Special Council on Tax Reform and Fairness for Georgians. Lt. Governor Cagle appointed Senators Bill Cowsert (Athens) and Steve Thompson (Marietta) and Speaker Ralston tapped Representatives Allen Peake (Macon) and Bob Bryant (Garden City).
U.S. House Votes to Repeal Federal Health Care Law
On Wednesday, January 19, the U.S. House of Representatives voted 245–189 to appeal the federal health care reform law passed last year. The measure now goes to the U.S. Senate for debate. The Georgia Chamber encouraged the members of the state’s Congressional delegation to support the repeal based on the increased burden and cost that will be experienced by business should the law stand. The Chamber agrees that reform is needed and supports a free-market approach to improving the current system that both lowers cost and increases access for all Georgians.
Visit Georgia Chamber Website to Track Bills, Find Resources
Throughout the legislative session, the Georgia Chamber will be tracking bills important to the business community. Follow these efforts on the Bill Tracker at http://www.gachamber.com, which also provides information and links to a number of helpful resources.
