Over the course of the 2008 session we debated hundreds of bills aimed at moving our state forward. Over 250 initiatives passed, and I look forward to seeing how the state benefits once they are put into effect.
While this bodes well for Georgia, I have vocalized my disappointment on the failure to provide a stable source for trauma funding, as I believe it is one of the most crucial needs of our state. However, I am pleased to announce that the FY 08 amended budget includes $58.5 million for trauma funding, while the FY 09 budget includes an additional
$17.3 million in total funds for trauma care providers in the state trauma network. I will continue to do all I can to see that funding measures that produce real solutions for trauma care are implemented.
I am also proud to announce that some initiatives I’ve been working on did pass through in 2008, a few of which I’d like to highlight below.
We made great strides in protecting children from Internet predators with the passage of Senate Bill 474, which requires Internet access providers to offer subscribers in Georgia the ability to block their child’s access to specific Web sites and monitor their child’s activity on
the Internet. The bill also allows law enforcement to monitor a
registered sex offender’s online activity, and to obtain records involving
a possible sexual offense against a child. This model legislation is the first of its kind in the country.
I authored SB 387 to address ongoing problems with absentee voter fraud in Georgia. The bill requires all ballot clerks to compare absentee ballots with the voter information on file, including signatures.
Completed ballots are required to be stored in a manner that prevents tampering and unauthorized access. Furthermore, in an effort to make requesting an absentee ballot easier for those living overseas, the bill allows applicants to submit their information electronically.
SB 24 addresses the crime of “phishing,” in which a perpetrator seeks to obtain sensitive information from others by posing as a legitimate business online. The bill prohibits persons from falsely representing themselves, through the Internet or email, for the purpose of inducing another to provide identifying information, such as social security
numbers or passwords.
I have also secured some local assistance grants that have been
included in the budget, which are dedicated to funding the following projects in our district:
City of Roberta - $50,000 for improvements to wastewater treatment and the sewer system
Jones County - $12,000 for sod grass and a sprinkler system for the county courthouse
City of Macon - $10,000 for improvements to downtown alley
Downtown Development Authority of Forsyth - $5,000 for improvements to the community park
In addition to these local projects, the FY 09 budget includes a total of $4.2 million for Macon State College. $2.6 million will go towards purchasing equipment for the Professional Sciences Center, and an additional $1.6 million to design a teacher education building. Also in the budget is $2 million for the Houston County Public Library System to construct a new library in Centerville.
Statewide funding in the budget includes $50 million in new education funding to repay austerity cuts to public education, $10 million in bonds for low wealth school districts and $92 million in general school construction money.
An important measure that addresses our current drought situation, House Resolution 1022, passed this year to identify a set of statewide water management policies to guide sustainable use of Georgia’s water resources. The implementation of this plan will ensure that future water needs are met while protecting our environment.
The Drought Relief Act, SB 342, also passed to allow communities to apply for state funds to enlarge existing reservoirs and obtain permits to construct new ones. The FY 09 budget contains funding for new reservoirs. Additionally, the bill creates partnerships between the state and
local communities to secure necessary federal reservoir permits, which aims to streamline the permitting process to build reservoirs.
Other important measures of the 2008 session include:
HB 89 expands concealed carry rights to allow those who lawfully possess a concealed weapon to carry it in a public park, on public transportation, or in a historic site or recreation area under certain circumstances.
HB 978 requires law enforcement officials to impound any motor vehicle whose driver is not licensed to drive. The vehicle would only be released to the owner, the owner’s spouse, child or a parent upon proof of relationship and a current driver’s license.
SB 1 restores the 1,000-ft. rule for those who rent property or work near a child care facility, church, school or area where minors congregate. In addition, SB 1 prohibits convicted sex offenders from photographing minors without parental consent.
HB 130 allows consumers to place or remove a credit freeze for a $3 fee, and provides an exemption for those 65 and older.
It was an honor for me to serve you once again in the Senate this year, and as always, please contact me on the issues that are affecting you and your area.
Sincerely,
On January 8, 2008, Senator Cecil Staton was sworn in for his second term in the Georgia Senate with his wife, Catherine, by his side.
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