Georgia Chamber of Commerce Legislative Update: April 12
Monday, April 12, 2010
Members of the General Assembly returned to the State Capitol today after a one-week spring break recess. With seven days left to the 2010 legislative session, work continues on the FY2011 budget, which currently includes a health care provider tax opposed by the Georgia Chamber. The budget also features a broad array of fees for state services, which the Georgia Chamber is studying closely to understand the potential impact on our state's employers.
Legislators received a welcome piece of good news last week as March revenue numbers were reported to be 1% higher than the previous year - a much-anticipated uptick after 15 months of consecutive decline.
Transportation As early as this week, the appointed conference committee could send its version of a transportation funding bill to both the House and Senate. The Georgia Chamber supports a proposal that would define a region for metro Atlanta while allowing other areas of the state to come together according to common needs, and that would allow funds to be used for all modes so that both people and freight can move efficiently.
Employment Covenants House Resolution 178, which would improve Georgia's economic competitiveness by providing predictability in the enforcement of employment contracts, may be brought to the full Senate for a vote this week.
Trauma Care Senate Resolution 277, which would help to fund a comprehensive, statewide trauma care network through the creation of a $10 vehicle tag fee, awaits a vote by the House of Representatives. The Georgia Chamber strongly supports this bill, which could save several hundred lives per year by making specialized trauma care more accessible to all Georgians.
Tax Council House Bill 1405, which would create a special council to study Georgia's tax and regulatory system and recommend changes to the General Assembly in 2011, is ready for a vote by the full Senate. The 2010 Chair of the Georgia Chamber is one of the named appointees to the council and the Tax Policy Committee stands ready to assist in any way needed should the bill be passed and signed into law.
Georgia Work Ready House Bill 1195, which would ensure the continued success of the Georgia Work Ready program by codifying its mission and governance, will soon be addressed by the Senate Insurance and Labor Committee. The Georgia Chamber helped launch Georgia Work Ready and has been a partner since its inception.
School Board Excellence The full House may act on Senate Bill 84, which aims to improve Georgia schools by standardizing training and qualifications and clarifying the roles and responsibilities of school board members, this week. The bill has passed both chambers, but in order to achieve final passage, the House will need to agree to modifications made Monday by the Senate. Alternatively, the bill may be sent to conference committee in search of compromise language that is acceptable to both chambers.
For additional information about these and other bills of importance to the business community, as well as contact information for legislators, click here.
