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Wednesday, May 23, 2007

State House Update

Friends and Neighbors-

The 2007 legislative session ended April 20 becoming one of the longest sessions in Georgia history. Its length stemmed from uncertainty over federal funding for PeachCare, a mean-tested insurance program for underinsured children. The Governor and Georgia General Assembly were awaiting Congressional action on funding before finalizing the state's budget.
Session was spread out over 40 official days as determined by Georgia's constitution. The 180 Representatives and 56 Senators spent the intervening days working in committees and on the budget.

The legislature passed 22 percent fewer bills than the previous year. Fewer bills usually mean fewer regulations on Georgians, which is good. Overregulation can be expensive and burdensome to the individual and businesses.

GENERAL BILLS

In all, 208 general bills passed both houses. General bills have statewide applicability. I authored two general bills that gained passage. The Governor signed HB 107 requiring utility companies disclose and itemize franchise taxes on customers' bills. In current law, franchise taxes may be levied by cities on wired telephone, cable, electricity, natural gas and garbage. The taxes vary from 3 - 5 percent. The bill will bring greater transparency for taxes paid by citizens.

I explained last week about the amendment to SB 72 that I sponsored through HB 208. It makes local school councils parent-majority. The Governor has signed the bill.
Next update, I'll detail a number of the more significant bills that passed the Georgia General Assembly.

LOCAL BILLS

A total of 187 local bills passed the Georgia General Assembly pertaining to specific jurisdictions. I passed five bills affecting Roswell and Milton. Both the Roswell and Milton City Councils voted to officially support all five local bills.

By state constitution, only the state legislature can modify or expand cities', counties' and school boards' powers. The legislature, in fact, exercised this authority last year regarding Fulton County. It altered the county's powers by passing HB 1470, which allowed the creation of the city of Milton (Fulton County passed a resolution opposing the bill).

HB 810 and HB 812 settle annexation border disputes between the two cities avoiding potential costly litigation. The bills provide for final borders between the two cities giving first consideration to the wishes of the residents. HB 809 and HB 813 grant Milton the authority to pay for long-term capitol projects with bonds (such as parkland improvements) out of current revenues. By exercising this authority, the city would be able to more quickly offer needed recreation services to residents.

HB 811 clarifies and corrects Milton's original charter, which I authored last year. As I committed during the cityhood campaign, HB 811 provides for city council term limits. The council will be limited to two four-year terms in addition to partial terms. Alpharetta has the same term limits. The legislation also eliminates a mandated position in the charter as requested by an earlier city council vote. It assures consistency by providing for the same geographic representation of appointed committees as the original charter requires for city council members.

LOOKING FORWARD

During the summer and fall, I'll work on charter school and tax reform legislation. Tomorrow, I leave for Tallahassee to meet with Florida legislators and learn from their successes in raising academic achievement and customer satisfaction through charter schools.
I filed HB 881 on the last day of session, which is patterned after Florida legislation. If passed next year, it would lead to bold charter school reform and more public school choice for Georgians.

Charter schools are tuition-free public schools that parents may elect to send their children to. Charter schools tend to be smaller, more differentiated and oftentimes more specialized than regular public schools. One example is Connected Academy High School, which opens in August to serve up to 500 11th and 12th graders in the former Milton High School facility.

I authored HR 12 this session, a state constitutional amendment that would enable Milton County to be re-created (Fulton County also opposes this legislation, excepting Commissioner Lynne Riley). Because it is a constitutional amendment, it will not be discussed in House Committee until next year during the year of the General election. After the funding is finalized, Rep. Mark Burkhalter and I will initiate a University study to evaluate its impact. More about this in a future update.

IN CLOSING

I'll send out a final update soon on the 2007 legislative session and list 30 significant bills that passed the Georgia General Assembly. I'll also touch on several bills that did not move forward, but remain "alive" for next year.

Thank you for the privilege of serving your family in the Georgia General Assembly. As summer begins, I wish you a safe and relaxing season.

Jan Jones
State Representative - District 46Serving northwest Fulton, including Milton, Roswell, Alpharetta and Mountain Park

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