Legislative priorities fulfilled

Now that the gavel has fallen on the 2009 legislative session, Georgians will soon begin to see the product of the past 40 legislative days.

Tax assessments could be frozen

As a first step towards permanently eliminating "back door" ad valorem property tax increases statewide, the House and Senate passed House Bill 233 and sent it to the Governor for his signature.

General Assembly offers real stimulus to Georgians

The General Assembly took heed this week to provide Georgia residents with solutions that will stimulate the state's economy. Two important sectors of the economy are targeted under measures on their way to final passage: Housing and jobs.

Volunteer for the Special Olympics

Special Olympics recently announced a new campaign, "Spread the Word to End the Word - 3.31.09," encouraging people to stop using the derogatory word "retard" in casual conversation.

Projecting revenue is not an easy job

The Georgia Constitution requires that the House of Representatives appropriate money for an annual budget to operate the functions of the State. That is the main reason we have an annual legislative session. This year the economy has declined so quickly, that projection of future revenues is like hunting rabbits in a briar patch. The target keeps moving, while the thorns keep grabbing you. When it's over, you ...

The continuing crisis of common sense

As the crisis in common sense continues in Washington and across the nation, here in Georgia I'm working with my Senate colleagues for real stimulus solutions to put the economy back on track.

In touch with your local government

There is a Jewish proverb that says: "Everyone should carefully observe which way his heart draws him, and then choose that way with all his strength."

‘Crossover Day Deadline’ signals end of session

Last Thursday marked the 30th legislative day of the 2009 Session. Known as "Crossover Day," it marked the deadline for legislation to pass from one house to the other.

Ethical treatment of human embryos passes

The legislature cleared the annual Crossover Day hurdle this week with both the Senate and House working feverishly to pass bills out of their respective chambers before the midnight deadline on Thursday.

Thanks to all opposing the park

My name is James Thurmond and I love my family.

Taxpayers punished by gain in value

"Georgia's property tax system is a broken relic of a bygone agrarian-based economy. It fails every test of what constitutes good tax policy. It is not transparent, it is not easy to understand, it is not fair, it is not flat and, worst of all, it does not facilitate accountability.

Senate debates Nuclear Energy Financing Bill

Consumer concerns were high on the Senate's list of priorities this week. We engaged in a spirited debate over how to finance two nuclear generators that will be built at Plant Vogtle near Augusta.

Sheriffs and noise ordinances

When I was a boy up in rural Tennessee I got really interested about the county sheriff.

Senate improves transportation

The senate made great strides this week in bringing needed relief to Georgians on the road and at home.

Everybody has good reasons for not cutting budget

It should come as no surprise to anyone that every department in state government has compelling reasons for not cutting "their" budget during these challenging economic times.

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.