As I have done for the last nine years during the Legislative Session, I will hold Saturday breakfast with constituents in the district to keep you up to date on what's happening under the Gold Dome.
Along with the arrival of a new year comes the start of another legislative session. It's no secret that this year, legislators must find solutions to some challenging problems - a shrinking budget, securing access to water resources, funding transportation and fixing a broken property tax system.
The above title may seem a bit unconventional, but if the wise men came back today they'd probably agree that we have too much government and not enough God.
Last Thursday, two more blessings were heaped upon us. First, we had U.S.
In 2006 the Dawson County Board of Commissioners initiated the necessary steps to determine the need for a new courthouse and administration facility. A company with expertise and a background in this type of project was hired by the county to research the need and to determine the size and scope of this project.
Let's talk turkey. Well maybe that wasn't such a great choice of words so let's talk about home sales then?
Christmas is right around the corner. That means it's time to count some of this year's blessings.
Georgia is open for business and will remain that way as long as we don't raise taxes.
For the past six weeks, some of my fellow legislators and I have been preparing for the upcoming hard work on the amended 2010 budget.
As the Thanksgiving holiday approaches, we reflect on what has been a financially tumultuous year for families and individuals across America.
Several years ago in the middle of rapid growth, I along with other county commissioners began to hear rumblings about the current courthouse.
Celebrating Veterans Day has always been important to my family.
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 ...
Time is running out. The window of opportunity for the Federal and State Tax Credit is closing quickly.
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
I stood on an oil rig miles off the coast of Africa as the final pipe joints were pulled from a just completed well. The mood was somber because we had not found oil. The following week I sat in an uncomfortable meeting where our corporate vice president declared my efforts had resulted in the driest well in years. Back in my office overlooking the beautiful San Francisco hills I pondered what to do next with the project.
When the phone rang, I knew who was on the other end: Skeeter Skates, owner of Skeeter's Tree Stump Removal and Plow Repair in Greater Metropolitan Pooler. I can't tell you exactly why but the phone always sounds more urgent when Skeeter calls. One thing about Skeeter Skates. He gets right to the point. Niceties aren't his style.
In January, the Georgia State Senate started the first term of the 152nd legislative session of the Georgia General Assembly with a challenging task list. We were asked to find a way to fill a large anticipated Medicaid shortfall, evaluate the ethical behavior of elected officials, do more with less in the state budget, revamp the state's juvenile justice system, clarify points from 2012's tax code overhaul and find ways to expand access to higher ...
In my last column, I shared some observations about current happenings and promised some more. So here they are. As Christians observed Holy Week leading to Easter, one of the emphases has been on service and sacrifice.
One of the best parts about serving in the Georgia State Senate is the ability to honor groups and individuals in the Senate chamber. I am proud to represent District 51 at the State Capitol, and I am even more proud of the efforts that keep our district one of the best places to work and raise a family in Georgia. While the work we do in the Senate is great, it pales in comparison to the way each of you represents the pride and labors of our communities.
It is IRS time and I've been putting together information to take to the CPS who has figured Taylor taxes for decades (one thing I have not completely learned). Surprisingly, I admit my gratitude that, even with a limited income, I usually must pay some extra dollars. That means that I have had money to live well enough and have something left. Fortunately, I don't have huge medical bills or credit interest payments and I ...
It is a theological fact that God really likes Georgia. That is why He put mountains in north Georgia and the Golden Isles smack up against the Atlantic Ocean and added a bunch of lakes and parks and historical sites in between. Otherwise, we could have been Iran. Or Detroit. I stopped by last week to visit the man who is entrusted with these assets, Commissioner of the Department of Natural Resources Mark Williams, to ...
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