‘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.

In touch with your local government

Those of us who have children know what a positive influence they can have on our lives.

Transportation and tourism highlight of the week

Session is now officially in full swing as lawmakers filed key bills this week.

Capping property taxes will require lobbying

Friday, House Resolution 1, the cornerstone legislation of this session to cap ad valorem property tax increases statewide, was scheduled to make it to the floor of the House for the first time. It didn't make it to the House floor on Friday.

Budget discussions begin with agency hearings

This week, as I sat with my Senate and House colleagues through state budget hearings, I was encouraged to see a sense of cooperation emerging. Our state leaders have been advocating such cooperation since the beginning of session, as it is the only way we will solve the serious issues facing our state.

Watch bills, resolutions during session

During each legislative session, some 2,000 bills are introduced by legislators.

Governor, don’t eliminate our Homeowners Tax Relief Grant

When Roy Barnes was governor, and the state economy was riding high, he instituted the Homeowners Tax Relief Grant, which started as a $2,000 homestead exemption credit against the assessed value of property and topped out a few years later as an $8,000 credit.

Budget the hot topic of first week

The one thing on everyone's mind during the first week of the 2009 session was the budget, which will be sure to dominate all business under the Gold Dome this year.

Commission in good hands

I have said it before, but let me repeat: I have no problem with charter schools. I did have a big problem with the ham-handed way last November's referendum was rammed through by proponents.

A two-step I’d rather not dance

To understand this column, one must be aware that since April 28, I have been in a "confined" situation not of my choosing.

Islam and history

The religion of extremist Islam is a mortal danger to the world and to the United States.

Waiting for atheists to create sunset

Dear God:

The Port of Savannah: Key to Georgia’s economic success

Georgia is well-known throughout the United States as a strong competitor for international business investment. Fortune 500 companies such as Coca-Cola, AFLAC and Delta Air Lines are as synonymous with Georgia as sweet tea and peaches - and each year, the list of companies that call Georgia "home" grows longer.

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!