Georgia Chamber of Commerce 2009 Legislative Wrap Up
Wednesday, April 08, 2009
The 2009 session of the Georgia General Assembly came to a close at midnight on Friday, April 3rd. Numerous issues important to Georgia business were addressed by our elected leaders during this period of time and many were resolved in a way that we believe will be beneficial to our state.
The Georgia Chamber wants to thank our 400+ member Government Affairs Council for the countless hours they spent working on behalf of business this year and commend them for their dedication to our organization and its membership.
Links to legislation and General Assembly members can be found HERE.
State Budget
Clearly the overriding issue this legislative session, House and Senate leaders came to an agreement on an $18.6 billion budget for Fiscal Year 2010 that reduces the size of state government without creating new taxes. It also maintains current reimbursement rates for Medicaid -- a key priority for the Georgia Chamber. The budget now goes to Governor Perdue for his signature.
Transportation
SB200, which will dramatically change the way transportation projects are planned, funded and constructed, was passed by both chambers. The bill provides for a new director of planning, appointed by the Governor, and gives the legislature a greater role in choosing which projects will be built. The Georgia Chamber believes sound governance is critical to our state's future transportation success and commends Governor Perdue, Lieutenant Governor Cagle and Speaker Richardson for their leadership on this important issue.
House and Senate leaders did not reach consensus on a new source of transportation funding before the session came to a close; however, the Georgia Chamber is confident that their work will continue until a resolution that meets the needs of our state as a whole is reached.
Economic Development
The General Assembly passed bills including a number of provisions designed to help business at a time when it is needed the most.
The JOBS Act of 2009, introduced by Representative Tom Graves and shepherded in the Senate by Senator Chip Rogers, passed both chambers and provides numerous incentives for business such as elimination of the state inventory tax, creation of tax credits for employees hired, a temporary suspension of filing fees for new businesses and a 50% reduction in the capital gains tax. This bill was passed by both chambers and the Georgia Chamber is hopeful that it will be signed into law by Governor Perdue.
The existing BEST Act was revised to include expanded tax credits for job creation, research and development, imports and exports through Georgia ports, and a reduction in capital gains taxes. The legislation also provides for a "mega tax" credit for significant investment in Georgia.
Metal Theft
Legislation targeted at reducing the amount of metal theft in Georgia was passed by both chambers. The bill, introduced by Senator Renee Unterman, institutes additional record keeping requirements for scrap metal buyers in order to curb this growing crime, which costs businesses and property owners millions of dollars each year.
Education
Education reform was also a high priority during this year's legislative session.
Both chambers approved the Move on When Ready Act, sponsored by Representative Jan Jones. This bill allows high school junior and seniors to receive high school credit for work completed in post-secondary institutions.
HB251, sponsored by Representative Alisha Thomas Morgan, passed both chambers and will allow school choice under certain conditions within a student's assigned school district.
New math and science teachers, which Georgia is experiencing a shortage of currently, will be paid at the same rate as fifth-year teachers as a result of the passage of HB280, sponsored by Representative Brooks Coleman.
Finally, SB84, which was supported by Governor Perdue and contained the recommendations of the Commission on School Board Excellence, did not receive final passage. However, this bill received wide support and we are confident that the improvement of school boards across our state will remain a priority that our leaders will address.
Trauma Care
HB160, sponsored by Representative Jim Cole and supported by Governor Perdue, will increase fines for "super speeders," providing an estimated $23 million annually to address the state's trauma care needs.
Legislation to create a $10 vehicle tag fee, which would provide approximately $80 million annually, was not successful; however, this will continue to be a priority for the Georgia Chamber and we are hopeful that an adequate, dedicated source of funding will be identified in the future.
