The same Georgia lawmaker who wants to drug-test parents who apply for welfare filed a separate bill this week to eliminate mandatory carrying permits for gun owners.
State Rep. Jason Spencer, R-Woodbine, would instead make state gun-carrying licenses voluntary. He also would eliminate a requirement that guns be unloaded when carried by an individual in public. No other lawmakers signed on in support of the bill, which Spencer called the "Georgia Constitutional Carry Act of 2012."
State lawmakers since Nov. 15 have been allowed to submit proposed laws and resolutions in advance of next year's legislative session, which begins Jan. 9.
Spencer last month filed a bill to mandate drug-tests for anyone applying for the federal Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program. The program provides temporary financial help to low-income families with children who cannot meet basic needs. The federal government provides grants to individual states to run the program. KRISTINA TORRES
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
The governing board of Georgia's Natural Resources Department unanimously approved Wednesday the appointment of Jud Turner to lead the state's top environmental agency.
Turner was the choice of Gov. Nathan Deal for the job. He will replace Environmental Protection Division Director Allen Barnes, who leaves this month after two years. Turner begins work in January.
Deal knows Turner from his work for the state about an ongoing battle with Alabama and Florida over the use of Lake Lanier as a drinking water source for metro Atlanta. Turner, a lobbyist and lawyer who once worked for former Gov. Sonny Perdue, has no other environmentally related credentials, however.
Environmentalists questioned his appointment. KRISTINA TORRES
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Atlanta Toys For Tots, the non-profit organization that gives toys to children in need, has a shortage of toys. Last week, volunteer Cherrie Carney, received an email from the warehouse in Suwanee stating that all the toys had been allocated through various organizations that connect Toys for Tots with families. “We have a tremendous need,” Carney said. “Last week there was a request 800,000 toys just in the 17 metro-Atlanta counties.” Donations of unwrapped toys can be made at local drop-off sites or at various events which are hosting toy drives. For a list of sites or events visit www.northatlantatoysfortots.org or call 678-887-5179. NEDRA RHONE
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
County by county
Restaurant Inspections
How did your favorite neighborhood nosh rate with the county health inspector. B4
Three of a Kind
A look at Christmas trees popping up throughout the metro area. B5
About the Author
