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- Thursday, May 23, 2013 DAWSONVILLE, GA
Archive By Section - Opinion: Letters/Columns
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.
Articles by Section - Opinion: Letters/Columns
Legislators need a push
It turns out that you can go home again. I recently established a chair in crisis communications leadership at the Grady College of Journalism and Mass Communi­cations at my beloved University of Georgia. UGA President-elect Jere Morehead, along with Dink NeSmith, chairman of the Board of Regents came for the ceremony and both made my family and me feel warmly welcomed on campus. That is something we haven't felt at my alma mater for a long time.
Team is UGA’s best-kept secret
They are the best University of Georgia athletic team you have likely never heard of. They have won five national titles and go into next week's national championships one of the favorites to win it all again.
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.
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