Using the Web to watch the Legislature
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Atlanta Journal-Constitution Staff Writer
How to best help you follow what's happening at the Gold Dome:
The official state Web site has a wealth of information. It's the best jumping-off point for getting a handle on the General Assembly
Many other sites can help Web users unravel the mysteries of Georgia lawmaking.
Note that between legislative sessions, some sites are not regularly updated.
The basics
How laws get made
Who represents you?
How to contact legislators (or find out more about them)
Going to the Capitol
Keeping watch
Tracking legislation
Online audio, video
What the governor said
Lobbyists
Following the money
Reapportionment
Other links
THE BASICS
How laws get made
For a brief refresher course on how laws get made in Georgia, try the Carl Vinson Institute of Government. This extensive site by the University of Georgia institute has a handy illustrated explanation. It also has a list of terms that get thrown around in the Capitol, from "local courtesy" to "point of personal privilege."Don't know who represents you?
Go to Project Vote Smart and plug in your ZIP code. You'll get a list of your elected officials (including district numbers). There's also a ZIP code lookup that will give you your full nine-digit ZIP code. The site has lots of information on elections, candidates and political parties in Georgia.
Other sites:
Search by county
Search by district number, House district map or Senate district map.
To contact legislators
(or get information about them)
For others, call the House Information Office at 404-656-5082 or 1-800-282-5800 or Senate Information Office at 404-656-0028. Or go to the official list of legislators maintained by the House and the Senate, where you'll also find biographical information and commmittee assignments. Occasionally the online list is not entirely up-to-date.
Lists and other information from Capitolimpact.com:
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Senate Democrats Senate Republicans |
Senate committees House committees |
Going to the Capitol
The Secretary of State site has directions to the Capitol and parking information. Schedule a group tour, visit the Capitol museum, or take a virtual tour.
KEEPING WATCH
Tracking legislation
On the official state site, you can search for bills by number, keyword, author and by other information. The text and status of the bill will be provided, as well as votes or other actions taken on the bill.For a $200 fee, Lobbyist-in-a-Box TM will provide customized reports about legislation. In addition to registered lobbyists, this service is used by the media and by professional and trade associations. To subscribe
"If you're trying to follow a large number of bills, it makes it a lot easier," says Michael Clark of the Georgia Technology Authority. If you're following the progress of certain bills, an e-mail will be sent to you notifying of any changes to those bills.
Other fee-based tracking services include Capitolimpact.com. and Governet Affairs.
Online audio, video
For the fifth year you can follow the General Assembly via a live feed. For example, you can tune in Monday for the opening ceremonies. Web users can witness the entire proceedings of both chambers. It's necessary to download RealPlayer software.What the governor said
Find out the governor's agenda for Georgia. Check his recent speeches about the budget.Keeping tabs on lobbyists
A list of registered lobbyists is available at the State Ethics Commission, although the commission may still be updating its list for the current session. You may need to download Adobe Acrobat Reader software to see the lists.Following the money
The state budget is available on the official state site. The Georgia Legislative Budget Office makes a fair effort to explain the process.An easily understood breakdown of campaign contributions is available from the National Institute on Money in State Politics. Contributions to legislators are listed by individual, sector and top contributor. There's also a general analysis.
Campaign disclosure forms filed by legislators are available from the Secretary of State. Some are photocopied, showing scribbles and scrawls as well as the contributions received by the legislator. You'll need Adobe Acrobat Reader to access some forms. You may also be able to search on the names of contributors.
Reapportionment
Current House districtsCurrent Senate districts
Reapportionment maps from the Legislative Redistricting Office
Other links
State Ethics CommissionSecretary of State
Department of Revenue
House Information Office
Senate Information Office
Legislative Budget Office
Carl Vinson Institute of Government, a University of Georgia institute
Georgia Public Policy Foundation
Southern Legislative Conference
The Council of State Governments
National Conference of State Legislatures
Common Cause
Capitolimpact.com publishes the Georgia Report for subscribers only.
Services »
