Honor America's heroes on Veterans Day

For generations, American men and women have risked their lives to defend our country on the front lines of battle. Rather than drive to an office each day and go home to their families at night, they work in war zones where danger lurks around every corner. Instead of watching their kid's sports games or dance recitals on weekends, they continue fighting to protect the people they love ...

Prices, inventory are on the decline in Dawson

Time is running out. The window of opportunity for the Federal and State Tax Credit is closing quickly.

First look at Georgia’s state 2010 budget

Over the last year, Georgia has seen historic drops in revenue. Our state has had only 10 years of revenue declines since 1952, and 2009 proved to have the most significant decline of those 10 years. Looking ahead to the 2010

Real tax relief for senior citizens and the permanently disabled

This is the kind of column that I love to write.

IN TOUCH WITH LOCAL GOVERNMENT

Lake Lanier has risen to full capacity with the rain that has been received in the area over the past month.

Most states, schools in same boat

My research as a member of the House Higher Education Committee and the House K-12 Education Appropriation Committee reveals that we are not alone when it comes to revenue shortfalls. Reductions impacted K-12 and higher education in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Mississippi, North Carolina, Oklahoma and South Carolina.

Tourism industry a key component

Georgia, like so many states, is facing tough economic times right now.

Revenue picture for 2010 session is still grim

Today, all levels of government are short on revenue. The major portion of the state's revenue collection comes from individual income taxes and sales taxes.

Home sales drop in the month of August

Ahhh, fall is in the air. The pumpkins are on sale at Wal-Mart, football is in full swing, the days are getting shorter, and so is your opportunity to take advantage of the Federal and State tax incentives to buy a home.

A freeze in Social Security benefits affects Medicare

Forecasts by the Obama administration and the Congressional Budget Office indicate that Social Security beneficiaries will not receive any cost-of-living (COLA) increase in 2010 or in 2011.

How Georgia can protect health care freedom

I've felt a swell of pride for my fellow Georgians and every American who flooded town halls across the state and country in August to raise their voice against a government take-over of health care. To every mother, father, doctor, nurse and concerned citizen who took time out of their day to tell their congressman what they think of health care reform - thank you. You raised concerns ...

SAT scores need fair comparison

In his Gainesville Times Sept. 2 column, Tom Crawford takes unjustified shots at Gov. Sonny Perdue and State School Superintendent Kathy Cox over Georgia SAT scores. Crawford uses his brand of statistical reporting to indicate how poorly Georgia has done in education over the past seven years.

Counties responsible for higher taxes

Property owners beware. Some counties are sadly misleading taxpayers to believe the Legislature is responsible for any potential property tax increases this year. They suggest this is due to there being no Homeowners Tax Relief Grant in the Fiscal Year 2010 state budget.

Reconsider benefits of plan

It was with great disappointment that I read that the Dawson County Commission had voted to notify the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service that it opposes the Etowah Habitat Conservation Plan - an effort on the part of numerous local governments along the Etowah River to protect endangered fish species that live in the river and the creeks feeding it.

Plan could save darters

Since 2002, local governments and their partners in the Etowah Watershed have devised a proactive plan to address development impacts on federally protected fish. If the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service approves it, and participating cities and counties implement it, the plan would require new subdivisions, retail centers and offices to meet construction standards that keep pollution out of the river and its streams. <font ...

Revitalization interesting

It was interesting to read the recent recommendations for downtown Dawsonville revitalization. They were almost identical to the items we identified when the previous revitalization committee was active probably 15 years ago, including the desire to utilize the David house in some way. We also worked under the guidance of a University of Georgia planner, Paul Kreager.

Expert: Students are not blueberries

Dear public school teachers in Georgia:

Mayor mulls run against Gov. Deal

David Pennington, the mayor of Dalton, is making noises about challenging incumbent Gov. Nathan Deal in the 2014 Republican primary. Say what?

Session has ended

The legislative session has ended, and Gov. Nathan Deal has now either signed or vetoed every bill that passed the General Assembly.

What’s next for Georgia?

The debate surrounding second amendment rights received national attention a few weeks ago as the U.S. Senate voted down a bill that would require expanded background checks for firearm purchases.

Senior triumphs, inspires

Thankful for the community support

We just wanted to say thank you to everyone who supported the Lady Tigers basketball team this season.

The continued budget cuts

Senator Gooch recently wrote about the final budget for Georgia for fiscal year 2014.

Concert supports recovery

Relay for Life is a stunning example of what the caring, compassionate and hard-working people who live in Dawson County can accomplish.

Nothing to do but dress as Big Bird

RING! RING!

Ensuring returns on state’s transportation investment

When I was named chair of the Senate Transportation Committee in January, it was becoming clear that there could be some struggles with producing a balanced FY 2014 budget for Georgia.

Brings back memories of Atlanta attack

When the terrorist attacks occurred in Boston during the running of the Boston Marathon, memories came flooding back of our own dark days in Atlanta. It was 17 years ago, July 27, 1996, when those of us who were a part of the Atlanta Committee for the Olympic Games had our worst fears realized. A pipe bomb detonated in the Centennial Olympic Park during the middle weekend of that worldwide celebration, killing two people and ...

You never really get back home

A friend and I met up in the massive Frankfurt airport's central lobby just by coincidence.

Education, Medicaid are areas of concern

One of the most challenging tasks the Georgia General Assembly takes on each year is sorting through the state's finances. Unlike legislation, the budget isn't something that can be carried over to the next biennial year.

Does this column sound familiar?

Has it really been 43 years since the first "Earth Day?" I remember it well; that's when I became an environmentalist.