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- Tuesday, May 21, 2013 DAWSONVILLE, GA
Archive By Section - Opinion: Letters/Columns
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.
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.
Articles by Section - Opinion: Letters/Columns
Knocking down the silos
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.
Skeeter not impressed with reform
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.
The final countdown
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 ...
Some more learnings to share
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.
Honoring District 51
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.
Some things I have been learning
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 ...
From the mountains to the ocean
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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