In the News - February 6

http://www.gainesvilletimes.com/section/6/article/62894/

February 6-10 Recap

After passing the amended FY 2012 budget last week, we returned to the State Capitol on Monday, February 6th to begin our fifth week of the 2012 session.  While we continued to work on legislation aimed at creating jobs and reducing bureaucratic red tape, we also took steps to increase safety for Georgia families and children. 

One move we made towards a safer Georgia was passing House Bill 711, legislation that increases protection for victims of domestic abuse and sexual assault.  Supported by the Georgia Network to End Sexual Assault, the Georgia Coalition Against Domestic Violence, and the Georgia Commission on Family Violence, HB 711 provides confidential communication between victims and their advocates at domestic violence and sexual assault centers.  This measure ensures that information released in a victim’s treatment is not used against them in court.  HB 711 also makes it easier for victims to testify by exempting domestic abuse cases from spousal privilege.  This exemption will ensure that batterers cannot pressure their victims not to testify against them under spousal privilege.  Similar legislation to HB 711 has been passed in 43 other states, and the Georgia Commission on Family Violence, as well as other advocacy organizations supporting this bill, believes that it will enhance the ability of prosecutors to hold those guilty of domestic violence accountable.  Having received passage from the House, HB 711 will now go to the Senate for consideration.

While it is important to protect victims whose abuse has come to light in court, it is also important to expose hidden cases of abuse. One bill introduced this week, House Bill 948, makes an effort to do that by expanding Georgia’s child abuse laws to add coaches and members of the clergy to the list of individuals required to report suspected child abuse.  Coaches and pastors also often work directly with children, enabling them to recognize signs of abuse.   If these individuals do suspect abuse, they have an obligation to take action to stop that abuse and prevent future abuse.  Child abuse is a serious problem in our nation, with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services estimating that over 3 million reports of child abuse are made each year in the United States.  Hopefully HB 948 will help us combat this serious issue in Georgia.  If you suspect a child is being abused, I encourage you to report it to the Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline at 1-800-4-A-CHILD. HB 948 has been assigned to the Judiciary Non-Civil Committee, where it will receive further review.

Another bill introduced this week increases safety for children by ensuring schools are prepared to care for students with diabetes.  Under House Bill 879, schools would be required to have a minimum of two personnel trained in the administration of diabetes treatment.  These individuals would be trained to check blood glucose levels, treat hypoglycemia and hyperglycemia, and recognize situations that require emergency assistance.  The bill also allows students with diabetes to check and regulate their own blood glucose levels with permission from a parent or guardian.    With more than 13,000 children diagnosed with diabetes each year, I believe it is vital that schools be prepared to care for these students.  HB 879 has been assigned to the Health and Human Services Committee, which will study the measure and its potential effects.

In addition to the legislation creating a safer environment for our students, we also reviewed legislation this week that would increase safety for student athletes.  House Bill 673 establishes a “return to play” policy for student athletes.  This policy ensures coaches, students-athletes, and their parents are aware of the risks that athletes face when they continue to play after obtaining a concussion.  It also prohibits a student athlete that is suspected of suffering a concussion from playing on the same day, unless he or she is evaluated by a licensed health care provider. 

The return to play policy that HB 673 would implement is similar to one practiced in the NFL.  This is why several Atlanta Falcons players came to speak to the Health and Human Services Committee in support of the bill and the importance of return to play legislation.  It was an honor to hear from these fine athletes, but alarming to hear the statistics on how the lives of student athletes are put in danger when they continue to play with a concussion.  From this hearing, we learned that 40 percent of student athletes continue to play after immediately receiving a brain injury.  Though the Health and Human Services Committee is still working on HB 673, I hope that the final version of this legislation will reduce this percentage in Georgia and provide a safer environment for student athletes.

As we move forward with the 2012 legislative session, I will work to keep you informed about legislation that increases safety for Georgians.  While, HB 711 has been passed by the House and has now made its way to the Senate, HB 948, HB 879, and HB 673 are still being reviewed by House committees.  While in committee, these bills will be reviewed and refined to ensure that they accomplish their stated purpose in the best way possible.  You can play a vital role in this process.  Please call my capitol office at (404) 656-0126 or email me at emory.dunahoo@house.ga.gov and let me know if you have an opinion or personal experience that you think we should consider when reviewing this legislation.  

Thank you for allowing me to serve as your representative.    

January 30-February 3 Recap

Last year, Governor Deal estimated that the state would bring in approximately $18.3 billion for Fiscal Year 2012 (FY 2012). We used that estimate during last year’s session to pass the FY 2012 budget, which directs state spending from July 1, 2011 through June 30, 2012. Since then, we have seen modest economic growth resulting in a very slight uptick of about $102 million in state revenues. To account for this change and help our state’s schools support additional students, this week we passed House Bill 741, the Amended Fiscal Year 2012 (AFY 2012) state budget.

Each year the amended budget takes into account the difference between the expected revenue used to create the fiscal year budget, and a more accurate estimate obtained halfway through that fiscal year. The amended budget also allows us to account for differences in the number of students we expected to be enrolled in kindergarten through 12^th grade when we passed the budget last year, and the number of students actually enrolled. This year, the very slight economic growth, in conjunction with a one percent withdrawal from the state’s Revenue Shortfall Reserve, and some other very slight adjustments, constitute a 1.39 percent increase in state revenue, bringing the total AFY 2012 state budget to $18.5 billion. Despite this positive sign of economic recovery, per capita spending in Georgia continues to be held at decade-old levels.

In keeping with the purpose of having an amended budget process to adjust for education needs, I am pleased to let you know that the biggest adjustments to our current state budget were made in K-12 education funding. The AFY 2012 state budget includes an added $85.9 million for student growth and $7.7 million in supplemental grants for special charter schools. The House proposed AFY 2012 budget also includes $6.4 million in stipends for all qualifying math and science teachers, including the 939 teachers who earned the stipend but have not received it for the past two years because of a computer coding error.        

The AFY 2012 state budget also secures healthcare programs for children and the indigent. This includes $66.1 million in Medicaid and PeachCare funding, as well as $21.6 million in the Indigent Care Trust Fund for the Disproportionate Share Hospital (DSH) program. Additionally, the amended budget restores the 1/2 percent provider rate cut that was reflected in the original FY 2012 budget that we passed last year. 

Other noteworthy investments in the AFY 2012 budget include restoring GBI agent positions, and funding a fraud detection computer program for the Department of Revenue, which will actually show an immediate return on investment after this tax season.           

While we were able to partially restore some important programs in the AFY 2012 budget, state revenue growth is only increasing at a modest rate, so the budget remains austere. State agencies are still working to do more with less. In fact, the AFY 2012 budget cuts funding for state agencies by about $110 million, making it even more important that we ensure funds are not tied up by unnecessary restrictions. In an effort to simplify the bureaucratic red tape of agency funding and ease infrastructure development, this week we also passed House Bill 806. 

HB 806 frees up prior year motor fuel funds so that they can be used on public roads and bridges.  Prior year motor fuel dollars are motor fuel revenues that were previously appropriated and spent in prior fiscal years, but were reimbursed to the Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) by the federal government or released by projects completed under budget. Due to technicalities in current state law, departments and state authorities cannot redirect these prior year motor fuel funds to current programs. As a result, the reimbursed funds sit in an account, untouchable and unusable – caught in bureaucratic limbo. Fortunately, HB 806 changes that.

HB 806 creates a Mandatory Appropriation Carryover Program, which allows up to 20 percent of prior year motor fuel dollars to be rolled over into the next fiscal year. These funds are then authorized for use in GDOT’s mission to provide an adequate system of public roads and bridges. This program will allow us to begin utilizing the near $1 billion in prior year motor fuel funds that cannot currently be used by the state. While it is just one step towards cutting the red tape in our state, HB 806 ensures that funds are able to be fully utilized for the betterment of our infrastructure system. 

Like all legislation, HB 806 and the AFY 2012 budget must still be considered by the state Senate. This means that these bills may change as we work alongside our Senate counterparts. As this process continues, I will keep you updated on important legislation passed throughout each week, as well as any major changes that the Senate may make to the budget. In the mean time, please let me know if you have any questions or concerns regarding our state. You can reach me at my capitol office at 404-656-0126 or email me at emory.dunahoo@house.ga.gov

Thank you for allowing me to serve as your representative.

January 23-27 Recap - Red Tape Watch

We returned to the House chamber on Monday, January 23, to begin our third legislative week of the 2012 session.   In our first week, we heard Governor Deal deliver his State of the State Address, and last week we began working on the state budget by hearing from the leaders of our state agencies.  This week, the Speaker of the House challenged the House Special Committee on Small Business Development and Job Creation to undertake serious regulation reform in order to help spur our state economy and create jobs for Georgians. 

             

The initiative, called “Red Tape Watch,” charges the House Special Committee on Small Business Development and Job Creation to spend this legislative session reviewing and evaluating Georgia’s current regulatory environment. To do this, the special committee will meet periodically throughout the 2012 legislative session to hear directly from small business owners about burdensome or onerous state regulations that unnecessarily hinder economic development, business growth, and job creation in Georgia.  These meetings will allow us to identify opportunities to further shrink the size of our state government and thereby help create an economic environment that fosters job creation and is conducive to the growth of strong small businesses throughout the state.

             

You should know that the idea for Red Tape Watch came directly from individual Georgians, like you, voicing their concerns about bureaucratic regulations and time-consuming red tape that directly interfere with their everyday operations.  We heard their frustrations, and now we want to hear yours.  That is why I am personally asking anyone in House District 25 who has been burdened by oppressive and outdated state regulations to please visit www.house.ga.gov/redtapewatch and make your experiences known.  With your help, we can make it easier for small businesses in our community to thrive and hire new employees.

In addition to our efforts to cut red tape, we also gained insight into our state’s court systems when State Supreme Court Chief Justice Carol Hunstein delivered her State of the Judiciary Address, which primarily focused on the recommendations of the Special Council on Criminal Justice Reform.

The special council was a joint effort by Chief Justice Hunstein, Gov. Deal, Speaker Ralston, Lt. Gov. Cagle, Representative Jay Neal, and others to develop a more cost effective corrections system in Georgia.  After concluding an in-depth review of our state’s current justice system and those of other states, the council published a report of its findings.  According to the report, non-violent drug and property offenders represent almost 60 percent of prison admissions.  With each prisoner costing taxpayers $49 a day, it is no surprise that Georgia spends one billion dollars a year on our corrections system.  Instead of sending these low-risk, non-violent, first offenders to an expensive prison, where they often learn to become hardened criminals, the council’s report recommends cost effective alternatives, like community treatment at a Day Reporting Center for $16 a day or probation supervision for $1.50 a day. 

The strategies recommended by Chief Justice Hunstein and the Special Council on Criminal Justice Reform have been proven to save taxpayers’ dollars and decrease crime in other states.  For example, Texas avoided the need for two billion dollars in new prison construction and is actually closing a prison down, after making an investment in diversion and treatment centers.  More importantly, after introducing these prison-alternatives, Texas saw its lowest crime rate in 37 years.

Chief Justice Hunstein also recommended expanding our state’s accountability courts.  This includes creating new drug, mental health, and veterans’ courts throughout the state.  Also, she suggested a new class of violations for less serious traffic offenses that do not require full court hearings.  These changes would free up our courts, allowing judges to focus on other important criminal and civil cases. 

This week, we also passed an adjournment resolution that sets a preliminary legislative schedule for most of this year’s 40 day session.  For this schedule, please visit our website at www.house.ga.gov and click on the Adjournment Resolution link.  If everything goes according to plan, we will complete three-fourths of the legislative session by March 8th.  As we continue to work through this calendar over the next several weeks, I hope to hear from you and learn about your views on regulation reform and criminal justice reform.  You can call my capitol office at 404-656-0126 or email me at emory.dunahoo@house.ga.gov 

Thank you for allowing me to serve as your representative.

First Week as a State Representative

Sunday Jan 8 – Wild Hog Dinner

The wild hog dinner was a treat, featuring wild hog halves that were served to those in attendance. Buffet lines of pulled BBQ, potato salad, stew, fried chicken, and fried okra, were lined up for the faint of heart who didn’t want the wild stuff. Fruits, cobbler, and Mayfield peach ice cream were on hand, if anyone had room for dessert. 

I met Phil Kemp from the Georgia Gang on Fox 5, who welcomed me aboard as a newcomer. He was very nice, and it was a pleasure to him in person. I got to speak with Casey Cagle, briefly, for the first time since being elected to office. Governor Deal was there, being followed by the television cameras, looking for words of wisdom. There was a great number of folk in attendance, and many ate their meal standing and talking to the crowds. We were fortunate enough to get a seat near the speaking platform and the food!   My wife and I were accompanied by Bonnie and Mickey Burns, two of our neighbors who helped out with the campaign. None of us had ever been to the Train Depot, and it is very unique. I could just imagine the depot 140 years ago with the people and their bags, goods being moved in and out, and the noises of a busy train depot, much like tonight! The huge doors are still there with the numbers painted on the bricks. 

Monday – FIRST DAY!!!   

Drove down and got into my office by 7:30. Traffic wasn't too bad. Checked in with my calendar, and went to the first chamber meeting. Met with the Republican caucus, who was meeting with all the freshmen -  Donna Shelton, Alan Peake, and Ed Lindsey. They let us know they were there to help us, but advised us to sit tight, listen, and learn as newbies. They encouraged us to be educated voters, and gave us info about the upcoming session.

Attended the chamber dinner at the World Congress Center, and sat with Lee Chapman and Randall Pugh, as the guest of Jackson EMC. Then, I hurried back to stay at the Sheraton, since I had decided to stay in Atlanta the first two nights to soak it all in. The Sugar Bowl was on, so I immediately got the TV on, and pulled for Alabama to win, which they did in rare form!

Tuesday - Eggs and Issues Breakfast at 7:30 at the World Congress Center  

Bright and early, I was up and at the Eggs and Issues Breakfast where Gov. Deal revealed his plan and budget for 2012. I returned to the office to catch up on mail, email, and get ready for the State of the State Address, that was broadcast live at 7 pm on PBS -  Click here to watch the State of the State Address Gov. Deal spoke of returning funds to education, reworking parts of our criminal justice system, creating a friendly place for small business and new business in Georgia, and create a viable work force for employers.  This was a unique event and a highlight of the week for me. To be there live and hear the Governor speak, and to be sitting in the chamber was a very humbling and honorable experience. I was proud to be there representing the fine people of Southern Hall County. The speech was a good one, and outlined many points that the legislature hopes to tackle during this session. Hall County is a good place to live, as they are definitely well represented at the Capitol!!! I went back to my room for the night, and fell into bed to be ready for tomorrow!

Wednesday 

Into the office at 8 to meet and talk with many of the reps, getting to know them a bit. The Okefenokee area from Georgia, Education, and Rehabilitation groups had receptions, along with Banking at the Commerce Club. I spent some time with Gary Black, our AG guy. Mining and Minerals met with us lastly. Ate dinner with the freshman group that evening. Home to see my wife and sleep in my own bed tonight!!

Thursday 

Traffic was awful, and I made it at 10:10, almost late for session. I had lunch with the Republican Caucus, and met more new reps. I was also interviewed by the Times here. Went out and met with Ga. Power and caucus leaders.  

Friday 

Left earlier this am. Got there with time to spare. Had session in the chamber, a few bills went into committee, and we were finished by noon. After checking in at my office, I left ahead of the traffic, and headed home for the holiday weekend, and a week at my other job, since there is no session next week due to the Martin Luther King Holiday.

Summary

My first week as a legislator was exciting and invigorating! Everyday is full of learning about Georgia and how government is run here in our state. It is an awe-inspiring experience, and I am humbled to be a part of it.  My homework is “reading” two one inch thick spiral bound notebooks on the budget…

I have met a nucleus of business oriented new freshmen legislators. That is encouraging to see down at the capitol. I am excited to see these folks, and feel that real change is being talked about, and a framework laid down for this to occur in the future.         

We do not have session next week, so it is back to Robinson Harrison Poultry to make a living – see the legislature again on Monday January 23.