I hope this finds you all well.Before the Legislature took a short break to work on budget issues, I was honored to hear from children in our Foster System about proposed legislation that will improve our current system including placing siblings together to maintain familial bonds.
I have also been honored to introduce, along with my colleagues, a Resolution Honoring the Life of Allen Thornell. Allen was a mentor and friend to many in our community, and he is sorely missed. To read a copy of the Resolution online, click here.
Even though the House is in recess until March 8th, there is much work continuing at the Capitol in regards to the Budget. However, all comittee meetings with the exception of House Appropriations, Transportation, Natural Resources & Environment, and the Ways & Means have been suspended. I appreciate the hundreds of constiuents who have contacted my office regarding legislation, and the overwhelming support you continue to provide me as I represent the people of State House District 58.
- Your State Representative, Simone Bell
Click here to read this update online on our website
LEGISLATION UPDATE
Some Legislation on which I voted last week:
HB 122 - Requires Cities and Counties with Annual Budget greater than $1million to post their budgets online for public review - Voted Yes / Passed
HB 991 - Changed provisions between state and county disputes on sales tax collections to allow for a time limit to appeals - Voted Yes / Passed
HB 665 - Allows for a pilot program in 2012 for electronic absentee ballots for overseas military personnel subject to funding for the program - Voted Yes / Passed
HB 1028 - Clarifies language related to the Forest Land Protection Act of 2008 - Voted Yes / Passed
*the bills above now go to the State Senate for consideration*
SB 131 - revises language regarding Trusts & Trustees to bring Georgia into compliance with other state 7 federal laws - Voted Yes / Passed
COMMUNITY
MARTA Community Forums:
MARTA is hosting a series of Community Forums March 1st and 2nd
March 1, 2010, 6-8pm
Maloof Auditorium
1300 Commerce Drive
Decatur, Georgia
March 2, 2010, 6-8pm
Adamsville Recreation Center
3201 MLK Jr Drive SW
Atlanta, Georgia
Property Tax Exemption Deadline Coming Up
The 2010 Property Tax Exemption deadline is March 1st. If you purchased a home for residence between January 1, 2009 and January 1, 2010, you can apply for a Basic Homestead Exemption and Property Tax Assesment Freeze with your County by March 1, 2010. There are also special exemptions for those over the age of 62, disabled and veterans. Apply in person at your county tax office or call 404-298-4000 for more information.
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.
DeKalb NAACP Housing Committee Presents a Landlord & Tenant Forum
Saturday March 13th at the DeKalb County Public Library - 215 Sycamore Street in Decatur - from 10AM to Noon.
Bikes/Cycling Survey
A group of Cyclists & Bicycle Riders has an online survey published to gauge support in addressing traffic safety and cycling in Decatur and surrounding areas. Take the Survey online here.
Bringing a group to the Capitol and need information? Contact my Secretary Rejenia Ford at 404-656-0325.
SURVEYS AND FEEDBACK
I want to hear from you! Insert Question Here...
Please visit my website to take this weeks' Survey. Go to simonebell.com and click on "Surveys".
COMING UP...
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
Your contact information for me 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
