March 15, 2010
Click here for a special video message from Sen. Ed Harbison on his legislation SB 498 to outlaw the sale of K2 synthetic marijuana and SB 313 to require all grand jury witnesses to testify under oath, which passed the Senate unanimously on March 8.
March 12, 2010
In a threatening move toward Georgia's financially struggling hospitals, Gov. Sonny Perdue announced Thursday his plan to cut Medicaid reimbursement rates by 10.25 percent and eliminate a sales tax exemption for non-profit hospitals. These actions will cost hospitals a total of $274 million during fiscal year 2011.
It is unfortunate that the governor would consider a proposal so damaging to our health care system without first supporting a concept that would bring in hundreds of millions of dollars in additional revenue - without raising taxes. A number of Georgia cities participated in a pilot program for the local collection of sales taxes and showed the state was failing to collect sales tax revenue that consumers were paying but was going unreported.
The state is losing up to $1 billion per year because the Department of Revenue in this administration has been unsuccessful in cracking down on sales tax cheating. Legislation that would authorize local governments to collect sales taxes and help make up for these losses has been stuck in committee since last year because of partisanship by the Republican majority.
The governor's new plan to slash Medicaid reimbursements and charge a sales tax on non-profit hospitals is apparently an angry response to the health care community's strong opposition to his previous proposal to impose a 1.6 percent tax increase on all hospitals. This proposal will likely draw similar opposition because of the devastating effect it would have on health care facilities across the state, including many hospitals already on the verge of financial collapse.
Also Thursday, the governor announced he is shifting $342 million in federal stimulus funding from the FY 2011 budget to the current year's budget, in the wake of February's revenue report that showed a 9.9 percent decline from the previous year. Georgia's tax collections have now fallen for 15 consecutive months.
Property Tax Reform: There was some good news for taxpayers in the Senate this week. SB 346, a property tax reform measure that would assure that all property owners receive an annual tax assessment notice, was approved unanimously Thursday. Taxpayers would also receive information on when to file an appeal and have 45 days to do so. SB 346 now goes to the House of Representatives for its consideration.
Water Conservation: Legislation calling for increased water conservation measures cleared the Senate unanimously Wednesday. SB 370 would establish new rules for public water systems, stronger efforts to plug leaks and new standards to require high-efficiency plumbing fixtures. The measure is intended to help Georgia resolve its water dispute with Florida and Alabama, in response to a federal judge's ruling that threatens the cutoff of water withdrawals for metro Atlanta from Lake Lanier. However, the proposal does not address the controversial issue of inter-basin transfers, which threatens the water supply in communities up and down the Savannah River. The House passed similar legislation the same day.
Paperwork Reduction: On Thursday, the Senate voted unanimously in favor of legislation that mandates the electronic distribution and publication of state government reports, unless printing is legally required. The sponsor of SB 388 said this measure helps create a culture of efficiency and cost savings within state government, which is necessitated by the economic recession. The bill is now under consideration in the House.
Fee Assessments: The Senate voted Monday to approve legislation that would assess the current level of fees charged by state agencies and commissions and determine which ones should be adjusted. SB 381, which now goes to the House for its consideration, would require the governor's Office of Planning and Budget to prepare a comprehensive report on the fees that are assessed and collected by the state, along with the amount of revenues raised by each fee. Some of the fees charged for state services have not been raised or lowered since 1955.
First Aid Training: On Monday, the Senate passed SB 298, which would make first aid a standard part of secondary health education, alongside health, drug prevention and sex education. The measure is aimed at creating a generation of Georgians with basic first aid skills. The House will now consider the proposal.
March 5, 2010
The Appropriations Committees of the Senate and House of Representatives just completed two weeks of hearings on the annual state budget for fiscal year 2011, for the purpose of considering more cuts to the $18.2 billion spending plan proposed by Gov. Sonny Perdue.
The governor is forecasting a 4.2 percent growth in revenue for next year, despite the fact that state tax collections have declined for 14 consecutive months and are now down by 13 percent through the first seven months of fiscal year 2010. It has been estimated that the amended budget for this year will have to be cut by at least another $200 million, and the 2011 budget is facing an overall shortfall of at least $1.5 billion.
Legislative budget writers are considering drastic actions in order to balance the budget. More personnel cuts will probably be necessary. Department heads are being asked for lists of employees who are fully vested in state pension benefits and could be encouraged to retire early.
The most controversial budget proposal is a recommendation to slash another $300 million from Georgia's public colleges and universities. Having already cut $380 million from the University System budget since 2008, further deep reductions would be painful for college students, faculty and staff and the state's economy.
Under the proposal, Columbus State University would lose $6.1 million in funding and 44 staff positions. Course offerings would be reduced by 240 sections, affecting 6,000 students. Statewide, a 35 percent student tuition increase is on the table, and elimination of the Georgia 4-H program has been suggested.
These proposals have resulted in a public outcry that is expected to increase as long as these catastrophic cuts to higher education are considered. Our University System has made great strides over the past 20 years in expanding opportunities for students all over the state to get a college education. No one I know wishes to see that progress reversed.
'Zero Tolerance' Reform: The Senate Education & Youth Committee has approved legislation aimed at bringing common sense to Georgia's so-called "zero tolerance" school disciplinary laws, which were intended to crack down on serious charges of having weapons in school but have too often resulted in students being criminalized for minor and insignificant infractions. SB 299 would prevent the immediate jailing of a student without a hearing and give judges more discretion into how they handle cases. The legislation, along with SB 332, which would require schools to include on their annual discipline reports the number of zero tolerance cases, will now be considered by the full Senate.
Property Tax Revisions: The Senate Finance Committee has approved SB 346, which would revise and streamline the procedures for appealing property tax valuations. This measure would standardize the process by which property owners can appeal the value assigned by tax assessors to their property and would require counties to mail valuation notices to property owners every year, along with information on how they can file an appeal. SB 346 now awaits a vote on the Senate floor.
Sen. Ed Harbison, Sen. Seth Harp, Rep. Calvin Smyre, Rep. Carolyn Hugley, Rep. Debbie Buckner, Rep. Richard Smith and Rep. Kip Smith will discuss and answer your questions on the 2010 Legislative Session during a Town Hall Meeting on Saturday, February 27. The meeting will be from 10 to 11 a.m. at the Columbus Public Library, 3000 Macon Road, Columbus, GA 31906.
February 25, 2010
The Georgia Senate voted Feb. 18 to approve a $17.4 billion amended state budget for the remainder of fiscal year 2010, which ends June 30. The revised budget is reduced by $1.2 billion from the original budget for this year and reflects a 23 percent decline in state revenues over the past two years.
The Senate version of HB 947 rejects an attempt by Gov. Sonny Perdue to take $33 million in lottery revenues out of the HOPE Scholarship program to pay for other scholarships currently funded by general revenues and restores $17.4 million in state equalization grants to low-wealth school districts, which the governor had proposed to eliminate.
The Senate also added $1.8 million to the Department of Revenue budget for the hiring of more employees to process income tax returns and avoid repeating last year's severe delays in refunds to taxpayers and delays until next year the payment of $14 million to private "disproportionate share" hospitals to compensate them for medical treatment of indigent patients.
Unfortunately, HB 947 cuts another $281 million in Quality Basic Education funding to local school systems, bringing the total school cuts under the Perdue administration to almost $2.5 billion. These cuts short-change our public school students and force property owners to make up the difference in higher local school taxes. The budget also forces teachers and other state employees to take three additional unpaid furlough days between now and June 30.
HB 947 now goes to a conference committee to resolve differences in the Senate and House of Representatives versions of the budget.
Long Adjournment: Immediately after adopting the 2010 supplemental budget, the Senate voted 35-17 to take an 18-day recess for the stated purpose of allowing Appropriations Committee members to give undivided attention to the fiscal year 2011 budget. Continued declines in revenues have lawmakers genuinely concerned over Gov. Perdue's rosy forecast of a 4.2 percent budget increase for next year. I voted against the adjournment resolution because, in addition to the budget, the state has major problems to be addressed. The legislature should remain in session and work overtime on a daily basis, if necessary, to do the people's business. But a majority went along with the proposal, and the full Senate and House are now in official recess until March 8.
Economic Development: Legislation that would create an economic development council of state lawmakers to evaluate all state-funded activities that support Georgia's economic development strategy received unanimous approval in the Senate. SB 374 would establish a council of Senators and House members for the purpose of reviewing current goals, tax exemptions and credits, as well as activities and expenditures of the Department of Economic Development. The bill is now under consideration in the House.
Kidney Patients: The Senate voted unanimously to approve legislation that would allow persons who are under age 65 but eligible for Medicare because of disability or end-stage kidney disease to purchase Medicare supplemental health insurance. SB 316 is primarily intended to help kidney patients pay expenses for dialysis treatments. It would also save the state $20 million over five years. SB 316 now goes to the House for its consideration.
February 13, 2010
Click here for a special video message from Sen. Ed Harbison.
February 12, 2010
Legislation I introduced, addressing the issue of who has the right to handle the disposition of the body of a deceased U.S. service member, was unanimously approved by the Senate Veterans, Military and Homeland Security Committee on Feb. 10.
I proposed SB 355 as a result of several stories from families who were plagued by the decision of who would handle their deceased loved one's body. Kept in the U.S. Department of Defense Record of Emergency Data, DD Form 93 allows the service member to designate an authorized person to handle their body in the event of death. My legislation would ensure this form is utilized in Georgia, ending any disputes over the matter. SB 355 now awaits consideration by the full Senate.
This week, I also co-sponsored legislation that would provide much-needed assistance to U.S. military veterans who want to attend one of Georgia's public colleges or universities. SB 405 would allow veterans who have enrolled but have not received their G.I. Bill money to attend classes until that assistance arrives from the Veterans Administration.
Currently, service members returning from active duty in Iraq or Afghanistan are unable to remain in a University System institution while awaiting their financial aid to arrive. Some have been kicked out of school, dropped from classes or assessed fines. This is no way to treat the troops who have put their lives on the line for our country. Our legislation would provide a grace period for these veterans to get their finances in order without delaying their pursuit of a college degree.
Board of Regents officials have expressed support for SB 405. A separate measure, SB 404, would excuse veterans from taking certain classes that they may have taken in the military. Both bills were referred to the Senate Higher Education Committee for its consideration.
Real Estate Loans: The Senate voted unanimously to give final approval to HB 926, which would make it easier for business owners to renew real estate loans with their local bank. State-chartered banks are currently barred from renewing loans to borrowers who owe an amount equal to at least 15 percent of a banks available funds. This measure would eliminate that restriction, allowing these companies to stay in business. The governor signed the bill into law on Thursday.
Revenues Fall Again: For the 14th consecutive month, state revenues declined in January. The 8.7 percent drop from the same month a year ago brings the total revenue shortfall for the first seven months of fiscal year 2010 to $1.28 billion, a decline of 12.9 percent from the previous year. Income tax collections were off 16 percent in January, while sales tax collections were down 5.5 percent. Corporate income tax collections actually experienced a huge 634 percent gain, but that is the smallest portion of revenue and was not enough to offset the other losses.
Communications Deregulation: The Senate approved an amended version legislation that would remove most remaining regulations on the telecommunications industry in Georgia. HB 168 would lower access charges, which are still fixed at 1995 rates, to current market rates. The measure goes back to the House of Representatives for final consideration.
Paperwork Reduction: Legislation has been introduced that is intended to cut government spending by reducing its paperwork. SB 388 was recommended by a task force of business leaders appointed by Lt. Gov. Casey Cagle to suggest ways the Legislature could cut spending in the current state budget. The measure would require state agencies to publish information in an electronic format rather than printing it as a paper document, except in cases where current law requires a printed format. The Senate State & Local Government Operations Committee will consider the proposal.
Ethics Legislation: SB 394, introduced this week, would prohibit anyone who has had an ethics fine levied against them in the past 10 years from serving on the State Ethics Commission. The measure is intended to increase public trust in the Ethics Commission. The Senate Ethics Committee has the bill under consideration.
February 5, 2010
There is a growing concern among law enforcement officials and citizens of Senate District 15 over the planned closing of the Georgia Bureau of Investigation Crime Laboratory in Columbus. Here are some valid arguments against this action, proposed to take place March 31:
There will be no budget savings gained by closing the Columbus Crime Lab. All the scientists and equipment will be transferred to another location.
The Columbus Crime Lab is one of the most cost effective labs in the state, sharing its facilities with a GBI Regional Office and thereby saving significant operational and utility expenses.
The lab provides forensic services to 19 counties in west central Georgia and firearm/ballistic services to another 27 counties in south Georgia, providing essential regional service to law enforcement agencies.
Closing the Columbus Crime Lab would have a severe negative effect on public safety in seven judicial circuits, hundreds of law enforcement agencies and more than 1 million citizens in 46 counties.
"What this means is that quick and speedy trials will be hindered due to not being able to have the evidence tested or processed in a timely manner for cases in which the forensic evidence is so crucial for the prosecution," said Sumter County Sheriff Pete Smith. "The closing and relocatoin of this lab to Atlanta will create a great hardship on locl law enforcement agencies that have utilized these services in the past."
I will continue to work toward reversing this decision so that hopefully our public safety officials will continue to benefit from the services of the Columbus Crime Lab.
February 4, 2010
Due to the state's budget crisis, our public school educators and other state employees have had to take unpaid furlough days as a cost-saving measure. Three additional furlough days between now and June 30 are proposed in Gov. Perdue's budget recommendation.
Lt. Gov. Casey Cagle and House Speaker David Ralston have announced a plan for members of the Senate and House of Representatives to take additional furlough days, which would save the state an estimated $2.7 million.
I support this plan because as elected officials in the legislative branch of government we must lead by example. We are not and should not be excused from giving up part of our legislative salaries to help in the very difficult task of balancing this year's budget.
By the end of fiscal year 2010, lawmakers will have taken 11 unpaid furlough days, including one day a month from August through December last year. Other state agences have each taken between three and 12 furlough days.
Budget Hearings: A series of Appropriations Committee hearings Jan. 19-21 began the legislative process for amending the state budget for the remainder of fiscal year 2010, which ends June 30, and the budget for fiscal year 2011, which begins July 1. Gov. Sonny Perdue released his budget recommendations, which propose reducing the current year's budget from $18.6 billion to $17.4 billion to reflect severe declines in state revenue collections. The governor is also reintroducing his plan for a 1.6 percent tax increase on hospitals and other health care providers to partially make up for an estimated $506 million deficit in the Medicaid program. Lawmakers rejected the governor's so-called "sick tax" last year out of concern the extra costs would be passed on to patients' health care bills and/or force some already-struggling rural hospitals to close their doors. For the FY 2011 budget, the governor is forecasting a 4.2 percent increase in state revenues and proposing $901 million in additional state debt to pay for construction and other capital outlay projects. I am among the legislators and economic observers who are concerned that growth rate is unrealistically optimistic, with the state not expected to reach 2007 revenue levels again until 2014. If we instead planned on flat growth, it might prevent so many cuts and the need for deep budget adjustments next year.
Lost Revenue: Also during the budget hearings, state Revenue Commissioner Bart Graham admitted as much as 5 to 10 percent of sales tax proceeds is going uncollected. Just 5 percent of the sales tax revenue would amount to $250 million.
Jobless Rate Increases: Statewide, the unemployment rate jumped to 10.3 percent in December, matching the record high jobless level registered last July. The percentage of Georgians without jobs was significantly higher than the 7.5 percent recorded in December 2008, with the number of payroll jobs down by about 175,000.
Health Insurance Reform: The issue of healthcare reform has been at the top of the political agenda at the federal level for most of the past year. This week, legislation was introduced in the Georgia Senate that would provide consumers with some health insurance protections at the state level. SB 330 would prohibit insurers from imposing a cap on the amount of lifetime benefits a policy holder can receive and would prohibit insurers from canceling a policy because of a misstatement or omission by the policy holder in the original application, unless the misstatement directly relates to the illness that produced the claim. SB 331 would enable parents to keep their dependents on their health insurance plan up to age 25, even if the dependents are not full-time students, and would make it easier for small businesses to offer group health insurance to employees by allowing them to pool their resources with other businesses to lower the cost of coverage.
Racial Profiling Ban: I have co-sponsored SB 325, which would address the issue of racial profiling by requiring law enforcement officers to record the age, gender, race and ethnicity of every motorist they pull over. That data would be analyzed later to detect trends on whether racial profiling is occurring. The bill also provides for annual officer training. Sixteen other states currently prevent racial profiling of motorists and pedestrians.
February 3, 2010
The Georgia Department of Transportation has announced the following paving projects in Muscogee and Chattahoochee counties, with a completition date of December 31, 2010:
~ Gordy Mill Pond Road in Cusseta (0.38 miles)
~ Eight streets in Columbus (total 3.292 miles)
~ Reese Road in Columbus (1.71 miles)
District 15
Email: ed.harbison@senate.ga.gov
Senator Ed Harbison — Georgia Senate District 15
Capitol
432 State Capitol
Atlanta, GA 30334
Phone: 404.656.0074
Fax: 404.463.5547
P.O. Box 1292
Columbus, GA 31902
Phone: 706.610.7120
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