This was a week for tough decisions. The Supplemental Budget (2009-2010) presented to the House of Representatives contained massive reductions to City of Atlanta and DeKalb County Schools including a shortened calendar year and increased furlough/non-paid days for teachers.
Revenue Enhancement Options previously introduced by my colleagues were not considered by the Appropriations Committee, only cuts. In addition , the projections for this budget had some very faulty accounting with assumed increased revenues for January through June of 2010 which is not likely given the current state of our economy.
This is a difficult time for our state, and I know we will continue to make hard decisions to move Georgia forward. I am pleased to understand and represent your concerns, and I look forward to continuing to work with you.
- Your State Representative, Simone Bell
Some key Legislation on which I voted this week:
Budget - HB 947 is the Supplemental Appropriations Bill for 2009-2010. This bill included massive cuts in Education and increased Furlough Days for Teachers with no consideration for revenue enhancement options that would not have increased taxes - Voted No
Teacher Retirement - HB 969 clarifies language in the Public School Employees Retirement System pertaining to military service - Voted Yes
Teacher Retirement - HB 542 increases the amounts paid to retired members of the retirement system while giving the state leeway to increase the amount in the future should the economy improve - Voted Yes
Taxes - HB 963 allows homeowners to pay property tax bills electronically as well as in person and by mail - Voted Yes
Justice - HB 896 allows for continuances in trials involving witnesses who are active duty members of the National Guard and other armed forces - Voted Yes
Justice - HB 898 - eliminates the requirement that the street address of someone with multiple DUI convictions be printed in the local paper - Voted Yes
Education - HB 908 allows local school systems greater flexibility in allocating financial resources as they see fit - Voted Yes
Education - HB 910 allows the Department of Education to post reports to the General Assembly online rather than print hundreds of paper copies - Voted Yes
State Employees - HB 916 clarifies the requirements for a retired employee who is returning to service after retirement - Voted Yes
*the bills above now go to the State Senate for consideration*
It was my honor and pleasure to meet with Ms. Margaret Manns-Jones and students from Crim High School who were at the Capitol this week for Family, Career and Community Leaders of America Week.
Bringing a group to the Capitol and need information? Contact my Secretary Rejenia Ford at 404-656-0325.
Transportation Meeting- MARTA is hosting a second Community Forum in Atlanta at MARTA Headquarters at 2424 Piedmont Road NE on February 20th from 10am to Noon and from 3pm to 5pm.www.itsmarta.com
Transit Day at the State Capitol - February 18th 9am to 12pm
At the Lobby Day we'll review the latest on the transit debate, some basic talking points and the best techniques for talking with your legislator. It will be a great way to learn more about transit and connect with your elected officials and other activists.
Click here to RSVP and Details
I want to hear from you!
Please visit my website to take this weeks' Survey Question about the State Budget Priorities. Go to simonebell.com and click on "Surveys".
The 2010 Census is here!
The US Census is starting for 2010! Please be sure you are counted and that our communities are accurately represented in this important event. For more information, visit the Census website at 2010census.gov.
Key topics of interest still ahead in the 2010 General Assemby:
- Budget Crisis - state revenue projections are down almost $1.3billion for fiscal year 2010-2011
- Water - solving our state's water crisis
- Jobs & Job-Creation - the statewide unemployment rate is currently at 10.3% up from 7.5% in 2008
- Ethics Reform - House Bill 920 has been introduced to attempt to limit the influence of lobbyists' gifts
Our contact information at the State Capitol:
State Rep. Simone Bell
18 Capitol Square
Coverdell Legislative Office Bldg Suite 612
Atlanta, GA 30334
404-656-0330
Email:simone.bell@house.ga.gov
State Website Link - Click Here
www.simonebell.com
