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AJC.com > Legislature > Georgia Beat > Archives > 2005 > January
January 2005
House passes Perdue’s land plan
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
The Georgia House cast its first vote today - a unanimous one for Gov. Sonny Perdue’s land conservation proposal.
The bill, which officially passed 174-0, would allow the creation of a pot of money — $100 million — to entice farmers, timber companies and other large landowners to permanently protect their pastures, forests and other landscapes from development.
The owners would still own their land and receive a flat sum for giving up their development rights, and tax breaks. In return, the state could forever protect fragile landscapes, including wetlands, an old-growth forest that’s home to endangered plants and animals, or Civil War battlefields.
The bill now goes to the state Senate for consideration.
After the vote, the House paused to pray for Republican state Rep. Paul Jennings of the Tucker area, who is having surgery today for bladder cancer.
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Bill would limit smoking across Georgia
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
The Senate convened at 1 p.m. today for a short session - just long enough to assign several bills to committee and hear a few announcements.
A bill to ban smoking in all indoor public areas across Georgia, sponsored by Sen. Don Thomas (R-Dalton), is headed to the Health and Human Services Committee. Last year, the measure passed the Senate 45-7. A coalition of Republicans and Democrats once again is backing the measure.
A measure that would establish a state-wide telecommunication system for blind and print-disabled Georgians also has bipartisan support. Sen. David Adelman (D-Decatur) and Sen. Tommie Williams (R-Lyons) introduced the bill Monday. It was assigned to the Regulated Industries and Utilities Committee.
The Senate approved the controversial measure to cap nonecomonic jury awards in medical malpreactice suits on its second reading. The bill may come to the Senate floor for debate later this week.
Senate Majority Leader Bill Stephens (R-Canton) told the chamber that both the House and Senate will meet on Saturday, March 12, for “Family Day” at the state Capitol. The Legislature will consider repealing old JIm Crow laws and other unenforced, antiquated statutes on the books. Stephens said he expects the bills, introduced in the House by state Rep. Tyrone Brooks (D-Atlanta), to move quickly through committee. Stephens asked for the Senate to support the legislation.
The Senate meets next at 10 a.m. Tuesday.
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State smoking ban bill introduced
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Georgia smokers who want to continue lighting up in restaurants, bars and other public places face another long, drawn-out fight in the Legislature this year.
The Georgia Smokefree Air Act of 2005 would ban indoor smoking in most public places, including restaurants, bars, retail stores, malls, sports arenas, and hotels.
Sen. Don Thomas (R-Dalton), a family practitioner, filed the bill Friday. A bipartisan coalition of 34 senators - 17 Republicans and 17 Democrats - co-signed the measure.
“The right of men, women and children to breathe smoke-free air supersedes the desire of a person to smoke,” Thomas said. “We’re not trying to make smokers quit, we’re just asking them to go outside.”
Last year, Thomas introduced a similar measure, which passed the Senate by a 45 to 7 vote. But the bill never escaped the House Governmental Affairs Committee.
A last ditch effort to graft the smoking ban to another anti-smoking measure also failed when former House Speaker Terry Coleman (D-Eastman) refused to let the bill come up for a vote.
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Master Teacher bill sails through Senate
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Successful teachers soon may receive kudos and financial incentives for mentoring less experienced colleagues if a bill moving through the state Legislature becomes law.
The measure cleared its first major hurdle Friday when the state Senate approved it by a vote of 51-0.
“No other state has anything that compares to Gov. Perdue’s proposal for truly excellent teachers,” said Sen. Dan Moody (R-Alpharetta), the bill’s sponsor.
The Georgia Master Teacher bill is the second part of Gov. Sonny Perdue’s education package. If the House gives the measure its stamp of approval, Perdue will appoint a committee of parents, educators and others who would develop appropriate incentives and requirements.
That committee would make recommendations to Georgia’s Professional Standards Commission, the agency that certifies teachers.
Under the legislation, the commission would have to consider, at a minimum, evidence of student achievement and progress.
This most likely would involve teachers whose classes had consistent gains on standardized exams, said Ben Scafidi, education adviser to Perdue.
A teacher who reached “master teacher” status could apply the following year to serve as an academic coach under a program to be developed by the state Department of Education. These teachers could earn a stipend.
An amendment that would have allowed the state to buy professional liability insurance for teachers died before coming up for a vote.
On Thursday, the Senate approved the first part of Perdue’s legislation. That bill would allow all Georgia high school students - including those who attend private, parochial and home schools - to take certain public school classes online.
Staff writer Mary MacDonald contributed to this report.
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Bill would require insurance to cover treatment of morbidly obese
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
With weather forecasts predicting ice and with some Legislators facing long highway trips home, House members moved this morning to quickly to wrap up their week.
Among legislation introduced today was a bill by state Rep. Nikki Randall (D-Macon) to require that health insurance policies issued in Georgia include coverage for the treatment for the morbidly obese, those who are at least 100 pounds overweight or who weigh twice what insurance tables list as their ideal weight.
The House adjourned at 10 a.m. and is scheduled to return 1 p.m. Monday.
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Democrats complain of new Republican rules
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
The controversy over tort reform set the mood in the Senate chamber Friday morning, ratcheting up tension between Republicans and Democrats.
Sen. Michael Meyer von Bremen (D-Albany) addressed the chamber and urged his colleagues not to stifle debate under the new Senate rules.
“Any rule serves best when it is applied with fairness,” Meyer von Bremen said.
He was referring to the conflict at Thursday’s Senate Judiciary Committee meeting. The committee voted 6-2 in favor of a tort reform bill that would cap jury awards for pain and suffering in medical malpractice suits.
The two Democrats present at the time of the committee vote - Sen. Kasim Reed (D-Atlanta) and Minority Whip David Adelman (D-Decatur) opposed the measure.
But both Meyer von Bremen and Minority Leader Robert Brown (D-Macon) had walked out of the meeting prior to the vote.
Meyer von Bremen said he had asked Judiciary Chairman Preston Smith (R-Rome) to consider one of his amendments. Smith declined, citing a new rule requiring changes be submitted at least 24 hours before the meeting.
Speaking from the well Friday morning, Meyer von Bremen apologized for abruptly leaving the meeting - a violation of the committee rules.
“I knew I would say things I would regret later,” Meyer von Bremen said, explaining why he walked out. “The last time I was that angry was 10 years ago.”
He implored the members of the Senate not to stifle debate by imposing inflexible rules. Both House and Senate Democrats have complained about some of the rules imposed by the Republicans since the beginning of the session.
Brown also addressed the Senate Friday morning, explaining his reasons for leaving the Judiciary Committee meeting.
Brown said he had filed his amendment within the required time frame, but was told by Smith that the proposal had a technical problem and would not be considered.
“When I’m not allowed to have the opportunity to have it heard, I think that is a violation and a disenfranchisement of the people who sent me here,” Brown said.
Adelman also asked for open debate within the Senate.
“What are they afraid of,” Adelman said. “Why not bring to the committee the thoughts of each and every committee member for full consideration?”
Sen. Jack Wiles (R-Marietta) said that the committee chairman followed the rules.
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Bill provides ‘virtual’ classes for high school students
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Public and private high school students throughout Georgia will be able to take some of their classes over the Internet if a measure approved today by the Senate becomes law.
The bill, part of Gov. Sonny Perdue’s education initiative, would provide online course options for every high school in Georgia.
After a lengthy debate, the Senate voted unanimously in favor of creating the “Georgia Virtual School.”
“This bill is all about how a student can take a class over the Internet for credit for graduation,” said Sen. Dan Moody (R-Alpharetta), chair of the Senate Education and Youth Committee and the sponsor of the bill.
The bill now heads to the House.
Earlier this week, Schools Superintendent Kathy Cox told legislators that the virtual high school is “a great opportunity for Georgia students,” but particularly for students in small or rural counties that lack rigorous Advanced Placement courses, which can help students enter selective universities.
Virtual, or online classes, are now offered in many Georgia schools. Cobb and Gwinnett counties are among the systems that currently have their own programs. Four years ago, the state Department of Education started offering the courses as well.
“We haven’t been able to make that available to all students in all systems,” Cox told the Senate education committee this week.
The legislation would provide state money to subsidize the courses, allowing students to take up to six classes a year. In committee, the bill was amended to extend the option to home and privately schooled students - a major point of contention in Thursday’s Senate debate.
“I rise to oppose this legislation in its current form because it does not place a priority on public school children,” said Sen. Kasim Reed (D-Atlanta). He also said that children under 18 should have priority over adult students for slots in the online program. The bill allows for students up to age 21 to enroll.
Sen. Don Thomas (R-Dalton) offered a different perspective, arguing that state lawmakers should give every child in Georgia the best possible educational opportunities. He argued that there are people who are paying millions of dollars in property taxes for education and have chosen home schooling, parochial schools and private schools.
“Why should we deny them when they’re paying to educate all children in Georgia,” Thomas said. “It doesn’t make sense to me that we should discriminate against those parents.”
Minority Whip David Adelman (D-Decatur) proposed an amendment to the bill that gave public school students priority over all other students. Sen. Moody, after hearing from numerous other Senators, said he was comfortable with language making public school students have first priority.
Adelman withdrew his amendment. Moody’s amendment, almost exactly the same as Adelman’s, passed 37-18.
Student participation in the Georgia Virtual School initially may be limited because the state only has 30 teachers who are trained to teach online courses. The Department of Education estimates that 2,000 students eventually could take the courses at a cost to the state of $800,000, or $400 per student.
In addition to providing Advanced Placement courses, the bill would make available a variety of other courses. Students would be able to take the online courses after normal school hours, or during the summer. Students in summer classes would have to pay a nominal fee.
The bill authorizes the state Department of Education to set the rules about student enrollment and tuition rates.
— Staff Writer Mary McDonald contributed to this report.
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Dems propose Miller share honor with late Sen. Coverdell
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Bipartisanship and brick apparently won’t mix at the state Capitol.
At least that’s how it appeared this morning when the GOP-controlled Rules Committee in the House shot down a Democrat’s suggestion that the state Legislative Office Building be renamed in bipartisan tribute to the late U.S. Sen. Paul Coverdell and former U.S. Sen. Zell Miller.
Leaders in the new GOP-controlled House have introduced a resolution to rename the building across from the state Capitol for Coverdell, a Republican who served Georgia both in Washington and in the state Senate.
House Majority Leader Jerry Keen (R-St. Simons Island), said, “probably none more than members of my party” appreciate the contributions of Miller, a Democrat who has staunchly supported President George W. Bush and been highly critical of his own national party. But Keen said the naming of public structures should be reserved for deceased political leaders and would be an appropriate tribute for Coverdell, who served in the state Senate for 15 years.
House Minority Leader DuBose Porter (D-Dublin) had argued that Miller deserved credit for having helped in his tenure as lieutenant governor to get the building renovated for lawmakers. Before the Legislative Office Building opened in the late 1980s, House members operated from their desk on the House floor and from telephone booths in the anteroom, Porter said.
State Rep. Carolyn Hugley (D-Columbus) made another suggestion. Since Coverdell served in the Senate, how about including the name of a House member as well? She did not suggest anyone in particular.
The Rules Committee meets again Tuesday and will decide whether to send to the House floor Keen’s proposal for the Paul D. Coverdell Legislative Office Building.
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Conservation bill put on fast track
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Republican Gov. Sonny Perdue’s land conservation legislation is slated to be the first bill passed by the GOP-controlled Georgia House this year.
This morning, the Republican-led Rules Committee voted to put the bill on the House calendar for Monday, the 9th day of the legislative session. The bill cleared the House Natural Resources & Environment Committee on Wednesday.
Although lawmakers meet again Friday, Rules Committee Chairman Earl Ehrhart said the wait gives lawmakers extra time to review the fine points of the bill.
Perdue wants to make $100 million available to entice farmers, timber companies and other large landowners to permanently protect their pastures, forests and other landscapes from development. The owners would still own their land and could continue to farm or timber it. They would not have to open it up for public access.
Land owners could receive a flat sum for giving up their development rights, and tax breaks. In return, the state could forever protect fragile landscapes, including wetlands, an old-growth forest that’s home to endangered plants and animals, or Civil War battlefields.
Environmental advocates and land conservation groups, including Georgia Conservancy and Georgia Wildlife Federation, and the state offices of the Nature Conservancy and Trust for Public Land, support the legislation.
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Senate calls for Ronald Reagan Day
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
The state Senate breezed through the first reading of several bills, the prayer of the day and a few announcements in less than 30 minutes this morning.
Sen. David Shafer (R-Duluth) introduced Gov. Sonny Perdue’s anti-spam legislation. Senate Bill 62 would make it a crime to send more than 10,000 misleading e-mails in a 24-hour period, make large sums of money off those e-mails, or use juveniles to transmit the bogus correspondence.
Sen. Bill Hamrick (R-Carrolton) introduced a bill that would stiffen the punishment for a person convicted of murder who has been convicted previously of three or more felonies. Under Senate Bill 57, the sentence for such a person would be would be life without parole.
The state of Georgia will recognize and honor President Ronald W. Reagan Feb. 6, the 94th anniversary of his birth. Senate Majority Leader Bill Stephens (R-Canton) introduced the resolution for “Ronald Reagan Day.”
Rev. Vince Allen of New Life Church International in Columbus delivered the inspirational message and prayer of the day at the invitation of state Sen. Ed Harbison (D-Columbus). Benson counseled the Senate to use their influence to change Georgia for the better.
The Senate meets again Thursday at 10 a.m.
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Perdue proposes land conservation program
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Palmetto — Gov. Sonny Perdue today announced a Republican-style conservation program that will rely heavily on local governments and private landowners to preserve the state’s disappearing landscapes.
Without raising or adding new taxes, Perdue wants to set up a $100 million fund for cities, counties and the state to use to protect land from development. Most of the money would come from state and federal government. The rest — $25 million — would be donated by the private sector.
Some of the conservation money would be given as grants; the rest would be put in a revolving loan program.
Cities, counties and the state would compete for the loans and grants, which would be doled out based on the conservation value of the land under consideration. An old-growth forest surrounding the headwaters of several streams, for example, would have a higher value than timberland without significant water resources.
Partnerships would matter too. The more entities involved in protecting a piece of land, from the federal government to the local neighborhood association, the more likely it would be to receive a loan.
Perdue is calling his packet of legislative proposals the Georgia Land Conservation Act, which the Georgia General Assembly would need to approve to move forward.
“It is a commitment to our children and grandchildren to preserve a statewide network of land and water resources, prime agricultural and forestry lands, and natural, historic and recreational areas for them to enjoy,� Perdue said in a statement. “This legislation is more far-reaching than any previous conservation efforts. It encourages creative partnerships that will allow us to stretch our conservation dollars further.�
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House bill would help fund judicial candidates
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
On Day 5 of the 2005 legislative session, dozens of bills were assigned to committee in the House.
Among them is a bill by state Rep. Mary Margaret Oliver (D-Decatur), calling for voluntary public financing of major judicial elections. The bill would allow citizens to donate their tax refunds to a fund for judicial candidates.
House members were still struggling today with their new card-key voting system. When some members couldn’t get their cards to work today, House Speaker Glenn Richardson (R-Hiram) quipped: “It helps if you don’t use your American Express card.”
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Senate bill targets telemarketers
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Several Senate bills and resolutions were read and assigned to committees during a short session this morning.
Gov. Sonny Perdue’s initiative to stop telemarketers from making unsolicited calls to wireless customers was assigned to the Science and Technology Committee. Sen. David Shafer (R-Duluth) introduced the bill.
A bill that would regulate the sale of products used to make methamphetamine, introduced by Sen. Bill Hamrick (R-Carrollton) is headed to the Senate Health and Human Services Committee.
Sen. Chip Rogers (R-Woodstock), the new chair of the Senate Reapportionment and Redistricting Committee, introduced a bill that would set forth new parameters for drawing legislative and congressional districts. Sens. Eric Johnson (R-Savannah) and Bill Stephens (R-Canton), the powerful leaders of the Senate, CO-sponsored the bill.
“The bill says the next time we do redistricting, whether it’s this year, next year or five years from now, these are are the guidelines we would follow,” Rogers said after the Senate adjourned. Rogers said the bill’s intent is to ensure that the courts would not have to get involved in drawing districts.
Rogers stressed he was unaware of any plans for new maps right now.
Sen. Doug Stoner (D-Smyrna) introduced the first of a series of bills aimed at helping members of the National Guard and U.S. Reservists in Georgia with economic, education, life insurance and tax relief. Senate Bill 47 would require the state to pay the monthly life insurance premium for National Guard members called to active duty. The premium is $16 per month for a $250,000 policy; it would cost the state approximately $800,000 per year.
Last week, Lt. Gov. Mark Taylor, surrounded by several House and Senate Democrats and National Guard members, announced the legislative package at a press conference.
Sen. Michael Meyer Von Bremen (D-Albany), plugged Taylor’s initiative during the announcements and asked for support across party lines.
“It’s not Republican, it’s not Democrat,” Meyer Von Bremen said. “It’s bipartisan.”
The Senate opened Tuesday morning with an inspirational message on wisdom from Pastor Andy Childs of Ebenezer Baptist Church in Toccoa. Freshman Sen. Nancy Schaefer (R-Clarksville), addressing the Senate for the first time, introduced Childs. She praised her pastor for his bravery, steadfastness of purpose, and “his complete reliance on the Lord Jesus Christ.”
“I encourage you to seek wisdom, for wisdom is greater than wealth,” Childs said. He said that God is liberal with two things: grace and wisdom.
The Senate adjourned at 10:40 a.m. and meets again 10 a.m. Wednesday.
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House plans to honor Coverdell
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
House Majority Leader Jerry Keen (R-St. Simons Island) found plenty of support Monday for a proposal to name the state’s legislative annex building for late U.S. Sen. Paul Coverdell.
“We feel this is a fitting honor for a statesman who has gone before us,” Keen said in proposing a resolution to rename the Legislative Office Building, which is across the street from the Capitol.
Coverdell died in 2000 of complications from a massive stroke. He was 61.
At the time of his death, Coverdell held the No. 5 position in the Republican leadership and served on the U.S. Senate Finance Committee.
Coverdell was instrumental in developing the Georgia Republican Party, beginning his state Senate career in 1970 when there were only five GOP senators.
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Senate gets hopping with state amphibian bill
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
After a week-and-a-half hiatus, the Georgia Senate convened at 1 p.m. today with the first reading of several pieces of legislation, including a bill that would designate the green tree frog as the official state amphibian.
The bill, sponsored by Sen. Preston Smith (R-Rome), was assigned to the Rules Committee.
The Senate also assigned several education bills to committee. Senate Bill 22, a proposed constitutional amendment that would cap teacher-student ratios in kindergarten through grade three, was assigned to the Senate Education and Youth Committee. The bill, sponsored by Sen. Valencia Seay (D-College Park), Horacena Tate (D-Atlanta) and Terrell Starr (D-Jonesboro), is one of Lt. Gov. Mark Taylor’s legislative priorities for the 2005 session.
A bill to outlaw female genital mutilation, introduced last year, was assigned to the Judiciary Committee. A similar bill has been filed in the House.
The Senate also assigned a bill that would require carbon monoxide detectors or alarms in new dwellings to the Regulated Industries Committee.
The Senate adjourned at 1:40 p.m. and will reconvene Tuesday at 10 a.m.
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Divorce process may get longer
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Spouses who want a divorce may have to wait longer to call it quits, and husbands and wives who commit adultery could lose their rights to marital property.
Several members of the state Senate and House are pushing bills they say will strengthen marriage by making divorce a longer, and perhaps, more costly, process.
State Sen. Mitch Seabaugh (R-Sharpsburg) introduced a bill Wednesday that would extend the waiting period for an uncontested divorce for a couple with children younger than age 18 from 30 days to six months. The waiting period for a divorcing couple without children younger than 18 would be four months.
“The General Assembly finds that children are the innocent victims of legal separation and divorce and that, when two parties separate or divorce, there is a devastating impact on their children who have had no voice in the decision to disrupt the family,” the first section of the bill reads. “Oftentimes, these children of divorce are negatively affected academically, socially, emotionally, and psychologically as a result of the stress and trauma placed on the family by the separation or divorce.”
The bill also would require divorcing parents with children to attend classes that focus on the effects of divorce and separation on children. Many judicial circuits in Georgia already require such classes.
“The social impact of divorce is overwhelming,” Seabaugh said. “I think it is important to do what we can to help families.”
In the House, state Rep. Nikki Randall, a Macon Democrat, prefiled a bill that would prohibit a divorcing man or woman from receiving any marital property if he or she committed adultery, leading to the break-up of the marriage.
The bill also would require the person who committed adultery to attend 12 hours of counseling on marital issues within six months of the final order granting divorce.
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House Republicans designated as ‘hawks’
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Three Republican House members will serve as “hawks” in the first year of GOP control of the Legislature.
Reps. Tom Graves of Fairmount, Stacey Reece of Gainesville and John Lunsford of McDonough have been given the new designation by House Speaker Glenn Richardson (R-Dallas).
Richardson has said the hawks will be allowed to drop in on any committee and vote on any issue before it.
House members, voting along mostly party lines, gave Richardson the authority to make sweeping changes to the chamber’s rules, including the addition of the hawks.
House Democrats have said the hawks could undermine the committee system and give the speaker too much power to influence the committee process, where bills can be approved or pushed along.
They say the hawks will guarantee Republicans can win any dispute in committee.
Richardson has promised not to abuse the power the hawks give him.
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Bill aims to limit Atlanta’s anti-discrimination law
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Legislation was introduced in the Georgia House today that would bar the city of Atlanta from fining Druid Hills Golf Club for not treating partners of gay members the same as spouses of married members.
The bill, filed by state Rep. Earl Ehrhart (R-Powder Springs), new chairman of the House Rules Committee, would have broader implications than just the city of Atlanta. It would prohibit similar actions by the state, any local government, agency or authority.
Ehrhart said Mayor Shirley Franklin’s threats of fines against the golf club were the driving factor behind his bill.
He called it a “non-discrimination bill” to assure private organizations the right of freedom of association.
“You can’t abrogate those, and you shouldn’t have to sue your political subdivision to get your rights,” Ehrhart said.
He said club members “knew going in what the rules were.”
Ehrhart said he introduced a similar bill last year, but did not push it because he thought the city had decided not to go after the club. “Then all of the sudden they decided to enforce [the 2000 human rights ordinance],” he said.
He said the bill does not indicate a rift between the new GOP-controlled Legislature and Franklin.
“I think there’s an excellent working relationship with Mayor Franklin. We had no relationship with her predecessor.”
He said he thinks this might put Franklin in a good position. “She can say to one constituency that’s very important to her: ‘I’m supporting this.’”
But Franklin also can say the Legislature took it out of her hands, Ehrhart said.
The legislation, House Bill 67, specifically states: “It is the policy of this state that any organization or person in this state may elect to, or elect not to, contractually provide to unmarried persons one or more benefits, rights or privileges in the same manner that such organization or person contractually provides benefits, rights or privileges to married persons.”
It further states: “State and local government shall not impose any penalty on or withhold any benefits, rights or privileges from any organization or person on the basis of such organization’s or person’s election to or election not to contractually or otherwise provide to unmarried persons one or more benefits, rights, or privileges in the same manner that such organization or person contractually or otherwise provides benefits, rights or privileges to married persons.”
Translation — the city would not be able to fine or otherwise punish private clubs that deny privileges to umarried members that are offered to married members.
The new law would apply to the state, any political subdivision of the state and to any department, agency, authority, commission, or other entity of the state.
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Brooks urges investigation into 1946 lynchings
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
In the hour or so the House was in session this morning, members heard plans for a tribute to late U.S. Rep. Bo Ginn and discussed activities to honor the late Dr. Martin Luther King.
The slain civil rights leader’s 76th birthday would be Saturday. The state will hold an official tribute to him Friday and will close Monday for the King holiday.
State Rep. Tyrone Brooks (D-Atlanta) said the best tribute to King would be for prosecutors to take the decades-old case of the Moore’s Ford Bridge lynchings in Walton County to a grand jury.
Brooks said he has read reports by the GBI and FBI and said, “In my opinion, there’s sufficient evidence for prosecutors to move forward to the grand jury and seek indictments.”
Brooks pointed out that authorities in Mississippi just recently charged Edgar Ray Killen, 79, in the slayings of three civil rights workers there.
“If Mississippi can close out one of the most horrendous cases in its history … I’m calling on the state of Georgia to do likewise.”
At Moore’s Ford Bridge, four blacks — George and Mae Murray Dorsey and Roger and Dorothy Dorsey Malcom (reportedly 7 months pregnant) — were brutally beaten and shot by an unmasked mob on the afternoon of July 25, 1946.
The lynching followed an argument between Roger Malcom and a local white farmer. These unsolved murders played a crucial role in both President Truman’s commitment to civil rights legislation and the ensuing modern civil rights movement.
In 1998, a biracial memorial service honoring the victims was held at Moore’s Ford Bridge.
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Members to reconvene tonight for Perdue speech
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
After hearing the devotional message, several announcements and a quick reading of a few bills and resolutions, the House and Senate recessed before 11 a.m. today.
They will reconvene at 8 p.m. tonight, when both chambers will hold a special joint session for Gov. Sonny Perdue’s State of the State Address.
The Senate will not meet again until Monday, Jan. 24th at 1 p.m. Next week, House and Senate committees will review the state’s $17 billion budget.
The new Republican-controlled House ended its morning session today in song. As a cake was wheeled into the chamber, members sang “Happy Birthday” to new Speaker Glenn Richardson (R-Dallas). He turned 45 today.
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House Republicans shuffle committee assignments
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
The new Republican majority in the House today continued the shuffle of committee assignments, floor seats and office space that are all part of the biggest upheaval in state government in 135 years.
The House met for less than two hours, and members spent most of that time in private conversations about committee assignments that were announced just before midnight on Monday, the opening day of the 2005 legislative session.
House Majority Leader Jerry Keen (R-St. Simons Island) told the House that a special committee appointed by new House Speaker Glenn Richardson (R-Dallas) is putting the finishing touches on committee assignments.
Members may have their seat assignments later today and in time for Wednesday night’s State of the State address by Gov. Sonny Perdue.
Perdue delivers the speech at 8 p.m. Wednesday in a joint session of the House and Senate held in the House chambers.
Three House members who switched to the GOP last spring were among the list of all-Republican committee chairs.
They include state Rep. Tom McCall of Elberton, who will head the Agriculture & Consumer Affairs Committee; Bob Lane of Statesboro, who will head Game, Fish & Parks; and Tommy Smith of Nichols, who will run State Planning & Community Affairs.
The defection of the three helped the GOP achieve its current 99-member majority in the 180-member House.
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Governor to address joint session Wednesday
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
With the fanfare of Day One of the 2005 Legislative session behind it, the Georgia Senate began Tuesday morning with a down-to-earth-message from Rev. Milton Wood of Forest Park Baptist Church.
State Sen. Terrell Starr (D-Jonesboro) introduced Wood, his pastor.
“I want to encourage you to seek divine guidance,” Wood said.
He then offered the Senators three suggestions to guide them through the session:
“I want to encourage you to remember that every single day and every single session of the Legislature is a new day. … Every day is a new day with God. Begin every morning with a clean slate.”
“No failure is ever absolute.”
“Find encouragement in the strength God can provide for you.”
Senate President Pro Tempore Eric Johnson (R-Savannah) introduced a resolution calling for a joint session of the House of Representatives and the Senate for Gov. Sonny Perdue’s State of the State Address Wednesday at 8 p.m. He encouraged all the senators to be on time, and in the spirit of friendly rivalry between the House and Senate, said: “We want to make sure the Lt. Gov. gets as loud as applause as the new Speaker of the House.”
The Senate also passed a resolution expressing sympathy for the victims of the tsunami in Asia and observed a moment of silence.
The Senate adjourned until 10 a.m. Wednesday.
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Perdue proposes adding 500 DFCS workers
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Gov. Sonny Perdue said Tuesday he plans to hire 500 more child welfare caseworkers to add muscle to an agency plagued by employee turnover, crushing caseloads and low morale.
The Republican governor said he will earmark $5.4 million in his proposed budget, which is expected to be made public Wednesday. The budget must receive approval from the Legislature. The state funding would draw a federal match of $6.8 million, he said.
“Protecting children is a top priority for my administration. We cannot stand by while another child suffers abuse or neglect while under the state’s supervision,” Perdue told about 2,400 people at Georgia Chamber of Commerce Eggs and Issues Breakfast at the Georgia World Congress Center.
The governor called it a “moral obligation” to reduce the caseloads for the social workers.
Adding 500 new caseworkers would mark a 25 percent increase to the existing 2,000 caseworkers. Perdue said he hopes to reduce many workers’ high caseloads, which officials say have overwhelmed staff and contributed to a state of crisis in the agency. He also hopes to stabilize a workforce that has seen an exodus of staff.
“Reducing the load on our caseworkers will allow them to better protect Georgia’s greatest resource - our children,” Perdue said.
Perdue also plans more money for state crime labs. He proposed $4.4 million to reduce backlog at labs for the Georgia Bureau of Investigation, including $1.4 million for 20 new lab analysts and $3 million to outsource work to private labs.
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Hot under the collar in the House
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
In the House, the largely ceremonial first day’s session ended just before 1 p.m. and shortly after tempers started to flare between the new GOP leadership and Democrats.
Democrats challenged some major changes to the House rules, declaring the changes would give unprecedented power to newly elected GOP Speaker Glenn Richardson of Dallas.
Richardson and newly elected House Majority Leader Jerry Keen (R-St. Simons) cut off some angry questioning by Democrats and won approval of the rule changes, 132-50.
The biggest fight occurred during the creation of hawks, members who can jump into committee votes at the speaker’s direction.
Democrats also questioned new powers given to the rules committee.
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Senate votes to change its governing rules
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
In its first order of real business for the 2005 Legislative session, the Senate today voted 51-5 in favor of a resolution making several substantive changes to the rules that govern the body.
Senate Rules Committee Chairman Don Balfour (R-Snellville) explained the changes and answered questions from his fellow lawmakers.
Several Democrats raised concerns about the changes, such as the revision stating that a senator who misses a committee meeting three times in a row without an excuse could be removed from that committee.
Sen. Steve Thompson (D-Marietta) asked Balfour to hold off on the vote so members could study the rules overnight. They first saw the changes Monday morning. “I’m not smart enough to read these rules and understand the width and breadth of these changes, and the depth,” Thompson said.
Sen. Regina Thomas (D-Savannah) also expressed misgivings about voting on the rules without a chance to review them. “I encourage each and every one of you not to make it a habit to vote on legislation that you don’t know what it entails.”
Sen. Minority Leader Robert Brown (D-Macon) also spoke from the well. “This process seriously and unnecessarily limits debate on the floor,” Brown said. He added: “The Rules Committee becomes the rulers.”
The proposed revisions include:
- Changes in Committee names and sizes. Members will continue to serve on four committees. Membership on the Ethics and Reapportionment Committees won’t count as one of the four, except for the chairs.
- New sexual harassment and discriminatory harassment rules have been added to the Ethics Rules of the Senate. The role of the Ethics Committee has been clarified and expanded. Senators will be able to request confidential opinions from the Ethics Committee regarding questions involving Senate Ethical Rules.
- Failure to attend three consecutive meetings, unless excused from the Senate on that day, is cause for removal from the Committee by the Committee on Assignments.
- The Rules Committee will be able to send a bill back to the Committee from where it came or send it to another Committee. Also, new is that Rules Committee members can also be removed by the Committee on Assignments.
- Members may not abstain from voting unless they have a direct financial interest in the item being voted on. (Similar to the Rule currently in place for voting on the floor of the Senate).
- Engrossment will be allowed by majority vote at the Third Reading. Debate on a motion to engross, which means that a bill can no longer be amended, will be limited to 10 minutes for each side. Also engrossment extends to House amendments of Senate bills that have been engrossed. In other words, a motion to amend a House amendment to a Senate bill which has been engrossed will be out of order.
- The Rules no longer use masculine terms as the sole terms. Rules now use the masculine and the feminine (“he and she”) to reflect all Senators. Committee chairs are still referred to as Chairmen, however.
- Motions to be excused must briefly state a reason why the Senator should be excused. The current rule is that such motions may state a reason.
- No guest will be allowed to address the Senate. Senators may only bring three guests on the floor at a time. Senators may recognize any person or group at any time before the Third Reading. Photos or presentations of groups larger than three will only be held before and after each session.
- All of the Governor’s appointments will go to the Rules Committee for confirmation.
Before noon, the Senate adjourned until 10 a.m. Tuesday.
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In Senate, recalling George Washington
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
The 2005 Georgia Senate convened shortly after 10 a.m. with plenty of pomp, circumstance and picture-taking.
Following a long tradition, the first order of business was the Pledge of Allegiance and then a devotional message.
Senate President Pro Tempore Eric Johnson (R-Savannah) introduced Cam Huxford, pastor of Savannah Christian Church, as chaplain of the day.
Huxford opened his message with an anecdote about a visit to Poland. There, he said, some Polish friends asked him and other Americans to sing the national anthem. When Huxford asked his Polish hosts to return the favor, they replied they had no national anthem. Huxford reflected on America’s proud heritage, in particular the strength and courage of President George Washington during battle.
He said that if there was ever a time when Georgia and the nation needed to look to their leaders, who are blessed and guided by God, now is the time.
“We need you to be as confident as George Washington was,” Huxford said. “We’re praying you will play your part.”
Then, the Secretary of the Senate announced role call for the 56 Senators-elect.
Lt. Gov. Mark Taylor announced that state Sen. Tommie Williams’ (R-Lyons) wife had a daughter, Emma, last night. Taylor said of Williams, “He has gone beyond the call of duty,” to be here today. “You might have expected him to be in the hospital today, but he’s here for the people of Georgia.”
Then, Superior Court Judge Jeff Bagley, of Forsyth County, administered the oath of office for the Senate’s new members.
Next, Taylor called for bipartisan support to do the work of the people of Georgia.
“After a contentious election, can we as members of both parties put the public interest over partisan interest?” Taylor asked rhetorically. He urged his fellow lawmakers to work toward improving education, health care, creating jobs, and crafting ethics legislation that keeps the government transparent.”
Johnson, after being unanimously re-elected to his position as top dog in the chamber, welcomed his fellow Senators and offered advice to both veterans and freshman.
“Be grounded. Never forget your family, business and constituents. Be honest. Your word is your currency in this building. Be patient. There are no shortcuts to success. Be civil. We are not enemies. Make friends across the aisle. Visit other districts. Think globally. Have fun. Keep your sense of humor. Take your job seriously, but not yourself,” Johnson advised.
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GOP officially takes control
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
The 2005 General Assembly session opened this morning with Republicans taking charge of the House for the first time in 135 years and formally electing the first GOP speaker.
State Rep. Sharon Cooper (R-Marietta) stood before the House just before 11 a.m. to officially nominate state Rep. Glenn Richardson, of Dallas, for the speaker’s job.
“Glenn will put people before politics and will work for the good of the state, not the spoils of politics,” Cooper said.
Her nominating speech drew a standing ovation from Republicans, who control the House, 99-81. Some Democrats, including Minority Leader-elect DuBose Porter, of Dublin, did not stand.
Republicans in the House met shortly after the Nov. 2 elections to pick Richardson as their choice for speaker.
He immediately went to work making plans for major changes in the House, including a new key-card voting system and sweeping changes to rules that govern the 180-member chamber.
Richardson, a Paulding County attorney and eight-year House veteran, was officially picked at 11:10 a.m.
House Democrats, now the minority, offered their own candidate. But even some of them supported Richardson’s nomination.
The official vote was 117-60 in the 180-member House.
“Thank you for having the faith in me,” Richardson told the House, which greeted his selection with a standing ovation.
In his acceptance speech, the eight-year House veteran teared up briefly as he thanked his wife, Susan, and their three children for their support.
“I don’t mean to be emotional. I’m trying not to be,” Richardson told House members and a standing-room only crowd of well-wishers. “The gravity of this moment is overwhelming to me.”
Richardson said the new era of Republican control in the Georgia House since 1870 is “a time for change” and “a time to lead.”
House Republicans in November tapped Richardson to succeed state Rep. Terry Coleman (D-Eastman) as speaker. But his election was not official until the full House vote.
His mark is already on the House. House members used their new key-card voting machines for the roll call and for the speaker’s election.
Richardson said the new key-card voting system will bring a new air of professionalism to the chamber.
Democrats offered their own nominee for speaker, as Republicans used to do when they were in the minority. They nominated state Rep. DuBose Porter (D-Dublin).
State Rep. Mary Margaret Oliver (D-Decatur) said Democrats acknowledge Richardson’s abilities and values, but picked Porter as their nominee “because of the issues that face Georgia” and “because of the way he cares about all Georgia.”
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