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- Sunday, May 19, 2013 DAWSONVILLE, GA
Archive By Section - Opinion: Letters/Columns
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 ...
It’s time for the second annual citizens academy
School is back in session, summer is almost over and fall is around the corner. With the arrival of fall comes time for the second annual Dawson County Citizens Academy.
Housing sales up in Dawson
Is there a billboard somewhere in Dawson County that says "Hurry and Buy a House Before It's Too Late?"
Where does Socialism begin?
Socialism is defined by Webster as a "system based on government control of the production and distribution of goods and services." For the last eight months we have seen the federal government move toward control of the banking, automotive and healthcare industries.
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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