Georgia Chamber of Commerce Legislative Update: April 5

Monday, April 05, 2010

The Georgia General Assembly recessed on Thursday, April 1 and will reconvene on Monday, April 12.   Fiscal Year 2011 Budget
Work continues to balance the Fiscal Year 2011 budget.  Both the Senate and House have passed HB 307, which will raise approximately $216 million through a 1.45% health care provider tax - though the Senate did so with the addition of amendments opposed by both Governor Perdue and Speaker Ralston.  HB 1055, which would raise an estimated $96 million through a wide array of fee increases has passed the House and will soon be up for debate in the Senate Finance Committee.  Revenue figures for March 2010 will be released in early April and will be an indicator as to whether the legislature needs to identify even more funds than currently anticipated. JOBS Act
HB 1023, the Jobs, Opportunity and Business Success Act of 2010 is on its way to Governor Perdue after passing the Senate last Thursday.  This bill will, among other things, create a tax credit for hiring unemployed workers, reduce the capital gains tax, create a tax credit for investment in technology start-ups, and eliminate the corporate net worth tax in 2010.  The Georgia Chamber strongly supported this bill as we believe it will help stimulate the economy and encourage job creation throughout the state. Health Care
SR 277, which would raise approximately $90 million to fund a statewide trauma care network through the creation of a $10 vehicle tag fee, passed the Senate in 2009, has passed House committee this year, and will hopefully be sent to the House floor for a vote before the end of this year's legislative session.  The Georgia Chamber strongly supports this bill as we believe ensuring that all Georgians have access to specialized trauma care is key to both economic development and our quality of life.   Transportation
The Georgia Chamber remains hopeful that legislators will reach agreement on a transportation funding proposal before adjournment.  A conference committee will be meeting between now and the end of the session with the goal of developing a solution that can be agreed to by both the Governor and the General Assembly and that will help our state build and maintain a quality transportation infrastructure long into the future. To review past Legislative Updates, get contact information for elected officials, or find links to legislation, please visit www.gachamber.com.