Monday, August 03, 2009
Senator Saxby Chambliss and Senator Johnny Isakson partnered for a conference call with Georgia Chamber members and staff on July 22. Taking a few moments from their hectic schedules, the senators provided a brief overview of federal issues now playing out in Congress, and each gave insight as to what direction they expected these issues to move.
Senator Isakson started off the call by reviewing the latest developments in health care reform, including the heavy tax implications for small businesses with the minimum 25 employees and the potential to pay for universal health care by taxing high-income earners. Isakson predicted the Senate would not deal with the issue before the August break, and also revealed his office received over 9,000 phone calls on this subject.
The next topic on the agenda was climate change legislation, with Senator Chambliss leading that discussion. Chambliss stated that this will be the next big issue after health care, and the majority of the discussion will likely happen in September. He clarified the definition of the term "cap and trade," and said that power-generating facilities, particularly coal-burning plants, will be the most hurt should the bill pass. In a state that doesn't offer many sources of alternative power, these power-generating facilities will find such strict environmental standards hard to comply with – and the fines imposed will be reflected in the users' monthly bill.
Both Isakson and Chambliss touched briefly on the Employee Free Choice Act (EFCA), asking those on the conference call to not let up on lobbying efforts against this legislation. It is anticipated there will be a fall vote on EFCA.
The Georgia Chamber appreciates the time and effort both Senator Johnny Isakson and Senator Saxby Chambliss took to discuss these important federal issues with Georgia Chamber members and staff. Their insight gives business leaders a clear idea of where the important issues lie, and how much work there is to do on behalf of laws that will benefit Georgia business.
