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After two sleepy days to start off the 2014 session of the Legislature, actors in the state Capitol will attempt to cram a week's worth of politics into a 12-hour sack.
Events that used to be spread over several days will be squeezed into a single sweep of the clock.
Gov. Nathan Deal will give three speeches, starting bright and early at the Georgia Chamber's Eggs and Issues 7 a.m. breakfast. His State of the State is set for 11 a.m., followed by a 1 p.m. roll-out of his budget plan. If you don't consider that the events will be closely tied to his re-election campaign, consider that he's sent out this link to a live Internet broadcast of his 11 a.m. speech – and this preview:
The Democratic response will come at 12:30 from state. Sen. Jason Carter, who just happens to be running against Deal for governor.
The House and Senate will convene at 10 a.m. Neither chamber is expected to make any news. It’s Deal’s day.
After all the speeches are done, budget hearings will begin. A week’s worth of hearings have been condensed into a day’s session divided into four parts, on the topics of education, higher education, transportation and the Department of Community Health.
Good luck, and God speed.
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