Jan. 21, 2020 Legislative Update
Happy New Year! I hope you had a great long weekend and the opportunity to celebrate and recognize a great Georgian - Martin Luther King, Jr.
Last Monday, Jan. 13, we began the 2020 legislative session. We hit the ground running - we've already voted as a body on two measures and our committees are hard at work. I'm excited about several items of legislation I'm working on that will continue to help us move our state forward.
Please read below for an update on last week's progress, plans for this week and updates from back in the district
Last Monday, Jan. 13, we began the 2020 legislative session. We hit the ground running - we've already voted as a body on two measures and our committees are hard at work. I'm excited about several items of legislation I'm working on that will continue to help us move our state forward.
Please read below for an update on last week's progress, plans for this week and updates from back in the district
We adopted an adjournment resolution (calendar of session dates) that has set our legislative session through mid-February. As we approach that time, we will set a new adjournment resolution to continue moving us closer to the end of the 40 day session.
On Thursday, we heard from Gov. Brian Kemp as he addressed a joint session of the General Assembly to deliver his State of the State address. Please see below as I highlight the priorities Gov. Kemp outlined.
After Gov. Kemp's address, we voted to approve House Bill 276. The legislation was one that didn't quite reach agreement last year. In the offseason, the House and Senate came together to find a solution that addresses the inequity between brick-and-mortar stores and online marketplace facilitators. Current law doesn't make clear who is responsible for remitting the sales tax in certain online sales - HB 276 changes that so facilitators are responsible for remitting the tax akin to any local business.
After Gov. Kemp's address, we voted to approve House Bill 276. The legislation was one that didn't quite reach agreement last year. In the offseason, the House and Senate came together to find a solution that addresses the inequity between brick-and-mortar stores and online marketplace facilitators. Current law doesn't make clear who is responsible for remitting the sales tax in certain online sales - HB 276 changes that so facilitators are responsible for remitting the tax akin to any local business.
Before completing the week, Gov. Kemp released his proposed amended Fiscal Year 2020 and full Fiscal Year 2021 budgets. Over the weekend, I reviewed the proposal. Locally, I was excited to see key University of Georgia projects included and further funding to grow the UGA/Augusta University Medical Partnership class size in Athens. This week, we will hold joint House and Senate budget hearings, as the budget will now move through the legislative appropriations process.
STATE OF THE STATE RECAP
Gov. Kemp outlined his priorities in the State of the State, and I'm excited to support his agenda this legislative session.
Education: In his address, Gov. Kemp vowed to fully fund our public school education again - only marking the third time in history we've done so. The Governor also outlined his plan to reduce the number of required high stakes tests that weigh down our education system. Finally, Gov. Kemp announced that his budget includes an additional $2,000 pay raise for all public school teachers (adding to the $3,000 raise from last year).
Education: In his address, Gov. Kemp vowed to fully fund our public school education again - only marking the third time in history we've done so. The Governor also outlined his plan to reduce the number of required high stakes tests that weigh down our education system. Finally, Gov. Kemp announced that his budget includes an additional $2,000 pay raise for all public school teachers (adding to the $3,000 raise from last year).
Healthcare: Gov. Kemp also highlighted the gains we've made in healthcare here in Georgia - including over 20 bills we passed in 2019 to increase access and lower costs. Additionally, Gov. Kemp shared his plans to implement legislative reforms to address surprise medical billing.
Public Safety: The entire Kemp family has spent significant time and attention on increasing public safety - by dismantling street gangs and fighting human trafficking in our state. This session, we will advance legislation to help us address both of these challenges, and I look forward to being heavily involved in these efforts.
Foster Care: Improving foster care in Georgia is another top legislative priority of Gov. Kemp. He outlined his plan to increase the adoption tax credit from $2,000 to $6,000 and lower the adoption age from 25 to 21-years-old. Creating the Families First Commission, while offsetting the costs of adoption and making more people eligible to adopt, will help more children find their forever home.
Public Safety: The entire Kemp family has spent significant time and attention on increasing public safety - by dismantling street gangs and fighting human trafficking in our state. This session, we will advance legislation to help us address both of these challenges, and I look forward to being heavily involved in these efforts.
Foster Care: Improving foster care in Georgia is another top legislative priority of Gov. Kemp. He outlined his plan to increase the adoption tax credit from $2,000 to $6,000 and lower the adoption age from 25 to 21-years-old. Creating the Families First Commission, while offsetting the costs of adoption and making more people eligible to adopt, will help more children find their forever home.
Finally, Gov. Kemp commended former U.S. Senator Johnny Isakson, who was in attendance at the State of the State address, on his recent retirement after serving as one of Georgia's greatest statesmen. In Senator Isakson’s honor, Gov. Kemp announced that the University of Georgia will create the Johnny Isakson Professorship for Parkinson’s Research, which will use technology and innovation to break new ground on treatments and medicine for patients.
I enjoyed visiting with many visitors before and after the State of the State. Among others, I had the opportunity to speak with former Gov. and First Lady Nathan and Sandra Deal and University of Georgia President Jere Morehead.
I enjoyed visiting with many visitors before and after the State of the State. Among others, I had the opportunity to speak with former Gov. and First Lady Nathan and Sandra Deal and University of Georgia President Jere Morehead.
EVENTS IN THE DISTRICT
Over the holiday weekend, I enjoyed being a part of multiple events across the district. I attended the annual University of Georgia Freedom Breakfast - where we heard from Judge Steve Jones. On Saturday evening, I joined the Athens Human Relations Council for its Scholarship Banquet. And finally, on Sunday, I enjoyed visiting Redeemer Church for the MLK Ecumenical Service.
Just before session, we joined Farm Bureau for a breakfast legislative update at the Oconee Civic Center. We also joined the Jackson County Chamber of Commerce for its annual Eggs & Issues legislative preview. These events rounded out dozens of legislative updates prior to session.
WHAT'S NEXT
This week, we are back at the Capitol for budget hearings. I anticipate the budget being the key issue this legislative session with static revenue. The Governor's proposed budgets will now move through the legislative appropriations process. I look forward to participating in the hearings and will update you as we move through the process.
One of the most rewarding parts of being in the State House is assisting constituents with issues they face with state agencies. If you have any issues with state government, I stand ready to assist. Additionally, please feel free to reach out with any thoughts, questions or concerns on any issue.
Finally, if you are in Atlanta, we would welcome the opportunity to have you join us at the Capitol anytime. It's always great to have visitors during the legislative session. And if you have a child aged 12-18 who is interested in the Page Program, please visit the link below to learn more and apply.
http://www.house.ga.gov/en-US/HousePageProgram.aspx
Finally, if you are in Atlanta, we would welcome the opportunity to have you join us at the Capitol anytime. It's always great to have visitors during the legislative session. And if you have a child aged 12-18 who is interested in the Page Program, please visit the link below to learn more and apply.
http://www.house.ga.gov/en-US/HousePageProgram.aspx