Georgia Chamber of Commerce Legislative Update: June 7

Monday, June 07, 2010

Georgia Chamber Supports State Bid for Race to the Top Dollars
The State of Georgia has submitted a second application for federal school improvement dollars.  The Race to the Top program, for which Georgia was a finalist in the first round of awards from the U.S. Department of Education, would provide funding for programs critical to increasing student achievement throughout the state.  Click here to read an editorial from Georgia Chamber president George Israel. Governor Perdue Signs Transportation Funding Bill
Governor Perdue signed House Bill 277 last Wednesday.  The bill calls for a statewide referendum in 2012 through which 12 regions across Georgia will each decide if they want to establish a one-cent sales tax to fund transportation projects.  Between now and that time, regional leaders will be working with the state Department of Transportation to determine project lists, and the Georgia Chamber will be working with key stakeholders to assist with education and advocacy efforts.  The bill allows new funding to be used for any mode of transportation and will provide much-needed improvements to the state's highway, rail, airport and port infrastructure. Tomorrow, June 8, is the final day for the governor to sign or veto or let them become law without his signature.  We will provide an update on additional key bills next week. Key Initiatives on 2010 General Election Ballot
In addition to candidates for federal and state office, the 2010 general election ballot will include referenda asking for voters' approval on a number of diverse issues, three of which are key priorities for the Georgia Chamber:

• Funding a comprehensive, statewide trauma care system through the creation of a $10 vehicle tag fee
• Ensuring fairness and predictability for employers and employees through changes to Georgia's current employment contract law
• Eliminating the state ad valorem tax on business inventories, which will help make our state more competitive with our neighbors

Be on the lookout for information about these initiatives throughout the year. Early Voting Begins Today
Voting for the 2010 primary elections begins today throughout most of the state.  For information about early voting, voter registration and to see a list of qualified candidates, click here. FOLLOW US!   Facebook   |   Twitter To unsubcribe from this email, click here.