Q: Regarding the bill that would require fingerprint background checks for all child care center employees, I want to know the names of the legislators who voted against it.
— Jacqueline Stevenson, Kennesaw
A: The state House passed House Bill 350 on March 4. The representatives who voted against it were: Stephen Allison, R-Blairsville; Paulette Braddock, R-Powder Springs; Michael Caldwell, R-Woodstock; David Casas, R-Lilburn; Kevin Cooke, R-Carrollton; Mike Dudgeon, R-Johns Creek; Emory Dunahoo, R-Gainesville; Geoff Duncan, R-Cumming; Delvis Dutton, R-Glennville; Charles Gregory, R-Kennesaw; Dustin Hightower, R-Carrollton; Tom McCall, R-Elberton; John David Pezold, R-Fortson; Regina Quick, R-Athens; Jay Roberts, R-Ocilla; Jason Spencer, R-Woodbine; Scot Turner, R-Holly Springs; and Bruce Williamson, R-Monroe. If the bill is approved by the Senate and signed by Gov. Nathan Deal, Georgia would become the 32nd state to mandate FBI fingerprint checks for child care workers.
Q: How much do Cabinet members, such as the Secretary of State, get paid? Do they qualify for federal pensions?
— Joe Sappington, Lawrenceville
A: The 15 chiefs of the executive departments who make up the Cabinet made $199,700 in 2012, according to the U.S. Office of Personnel Management. Retirement benefits and pensions for Cabinet members, and other federal employees, are determined by the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS) and the Civil Service Retirement System (CSRS), and are based on years of service and salary levels, among other factors. They also participate in Social Security.
Andy Johnston wrote this column; Nancy Badertscher contributed. Do you have a question about the news? We’ll try to get the answer. Call 404-222-2002 or email q&a@ajc.com (include name, phone and city).
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