GBAN Legislative Update – January 27, 2017
South Georgia Relief
Please consider making a donation to directly help families in south Georgia who are experiencing heartbreaking circumstances. $1 donation at this link allows Second Harvest of South Georgia to dispense four pounds of food. Our thoughts and prayers go out to all those effected by this tragedy.
Legislative Calendar
This past Thursday, January 26, wrapped up the 8th legislative day. The General Assembly will be in session Monday, January 30, for the 9th legislative day. They will remain in session through Thursday, February 2, the 12th legislative day.
Legislation of Interest
Senate Bill 2: The FAST Act – Fairness, Accountability, Simplification, and Transparency – Empowering Our Small Businesses to Succeed
Status: Under Consideration
Bill Author: Senator Mike Dugan; Senate Republican leadership has co-signed this legislation
SB 2 seeks to streamline regulations and licensing requirements for small business.
The Chamber Government Affairs team, our Government Affairs Council (GAC), and relevant GAC policy committees, are monitoring this bill as it makes its way through the legislative process.
Senate Bill 6: Georgia Regional Transit Council; House Bill 160
Status: Under Consideration
Bill Authors: Senator Steve Gooch and Representative Kevin Tanner, respectively. Senate leadership has signed on to Sen. Gooch’s bill; Rep. Tanner’s initiative is supported by House Majority Leader Jon Burns and House Majority Whip Christian Coomer.
SB 6 Seeks to create a statewide regional transit council to address regional solutions to issues of infrastructure, particularly transit. HB 160 is very similar in nature.
The Chamber Government Affairs team, our Government Affairs Council (GAC), and relevant GAC policy committees, are monitoring this bill as it makes its way through the legislative process.
Senate Bill 70: Hospital Medicaid Financing Program
Status: Under Consideration
Bill Author: Senator Butch Miller
SB 70 seeks to extend the sunset on the so-called “provider fee” for hospitals to June of 2020. The bill is expected to generate $311 million annually in state Medicaid funds and assists in drawing back $600 million in federal Medicaid dollars.
The Chamber Government Affairs team, our Government Affairs Council (GAC), and relevant GAC policy committees, are monitoring this bill as it makes its way through the legislative process.
Senate Bill 79: Destination Resort Act; House Bill 158
Status: Under Consideration
Bill Authors: Senator Brandon Beach and Rep. Ron Stephens, respectively
SB 79 and HB 158 are very similar bills – both aim to allow 2 “destination resorts” in Georgia and create the Georgia Gaming Commission. The legislation would require a $2 billion minimum investment in Atlanta with $450 million required for the unspecified second location. The resorts would be taxed at 24% with HOPE scholarship funds being directed 70/30 to merit and needs based initiatives, respectively.
The Chamber Government Affairs team, our Government Affairs Council (GAC), and relevant GAC policy committees, are monitoring this bill as it makes its way through the legislative process.
Political Engagement
The Georgia Chamber is gearing up for the 2018 election cycle and we need your help. Your personal or corporate commitment today to the Georgia Chamber PAC will ensure that we as an organization are prepared to meet the challenges ahead. If you have any questions or would like more information regarding the Chamber’s political engagement efforts, please contact Chelsey Ruppersburg at cruppersburg@gachamber.com.