Representative Simone Bell Featured Content

Rep. Simone Bell: Legislative Update March 1st, 2010

Simone's Campaign Team timcairl@gmail.com — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 11:51:23 PST

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

Legislative Update: Feb 15th 2010

Rep. Simone Bell simonebell@comcast.net — Mon, 15 Feb 2010 20:28:28 PST

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!

Key topics of interest still ahead in the 2010 General Assemby:

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