Hello!

Week 8

We have now spent 29 Days in the Wilderness with 11 days to go. One of our Chaplains for the day said that Jesus spent 40 days in the wilderness, I suppose this is where Georgia gets the 40 day session from. It is a battle - with many vipers and evil doers in the name of doing what is right. What we are doing and allowing to happen is definitely insanity. Here goes…..

Another exciting week in the Georgia General Assembly. Since one of my pet peeves is Education, I will begin with the SB506 - which is the “BMI” bill or "The Shape Bill”. As reported to you in week 7, this bill passed the Education Committee. On Friday (2/29) the bill passed the full Senate with a vote of 37/13 with 6 not voting. This is the bill that will take the weight and height of all students from K-12 to determine their body fat – all without "Parental Consent or Notification". This bill will do nothing to improve test scores, discipline or attendance. We should be producing legislation that lowers class sizes, improves instruction, provides for a safe learning environment, returns the control of the classroom back to the teacher, and enforces school boards to comply with mandates already on the books, etc. But wait, a glimmer of hope - The sponsor of the bill has said that he will look for improvements to the bill! Hopefully those changes can be made in the House Education committee. I will keep my eye on this one.

SB458 - "The School Voucher Bill". Senator Eric Johnson of the 1st District (Chatham County) sponsored yet another school voucher bill. This time, the bill provides for any student who attends a school that has either lost its accreditation and/or has failed to meet AYP (Average Yearly Progress) will be able to use a State Voucher to attend another school of their choice - provided that space is available and the receiving school accepts the voucher. This bill is just another step toward Statewide Vouchers for ALL students. Remember SB10? A voucher bill for children with disabilities passed the General Assembly last session; which I knew was the first of many voucher bills to come. I voted against SB10 and voted against SB458 in committee. However, I have had a change of heart (not by any coercion - you know me better than that). My change of heart comes as a result of my local school board’s arrogance in allowing our students to be put out of school for the “least little reasons”. Case in point: Last year, a high school student went camping with his father, over a week-end, and used his school book bag. When the student returned to school the following Monday he realized that his pocket knife was in his book bag. He, himself gave the pocket knife to his teacher and explained what had happened - the teacher turned him in and off to Scott (jail?) he went, and he remains there today. Now this is a student that has never caused any problems, a good student, doing the right thing, yet he was punished for it. Is this looking out for the best interest of our students? There are many more cases I can site - but you see what I mean.

Back to SB458: I had just as many reasons to vote against the bill as I had to vote for the bill. Will it water down public education? You bet it will. Is No Child Left Behind Working for our system/students? No! I must say that this bill is not a panacea for what is wrong with our school system. This bill is not a "One size fits All". Do we have too many schools on the Needs Improvement List? Yes. Do we know all the reasons that a school does not meet AYP? Maybe. Let me give you a few examples: Non-English speaking students, absenteeism, children with disabilities, putting children out (as mentioned earlier) - Zero Tolerance without common sense. All are some of the reasons for not making AYP. When our elected School Board members, Administrators and others make mistakes/errors and refuse to own up to them, what do they do? They justify the mistake by punishing our children anyway. This makes no sense at all. Educators and elected officials should own up to their mistakes and correct them ASAP. They do not - thus my yes vote on SB458.

Our Insurance Commissioner touted a bill that is supposed to help those who are not insured with High Deductible Health Plan choices. This is nothing more than a bill that will help Insurance Companies. This bill will do nothing but cause people who can not afford insurance to purchase “minimal insurance” for lower premiums on the front end and very costly deductibles on the back end. And, they still won’t have the insurance they need. Example: A family of 4 will pay say $45.00 a month for “minimal coverage” with a family deductible of $2,000.00 per year. Can a family of four, on low or fixed income afford to pay $2,000.00 out-of-pocket expenses before the Insurance pays anything? I do not think so. Everything that they say is good is not good for everybody. SB383 is not a good bill and if it should pass both bodies maybe the Governor will veto it. The bill was labeled GA Affordable HSA Eligible High Deductible Health Plan. The Insurance Commissioner has fooled no one - the vote in the Senate was 36/12 with 8 not voting.

Under Education: To find any and all pertinent information concerning education K-12 go to: www.gadoe.org/legislators.

Health Care: We truly need to put families first. After all, this is what the Republicans campaigned on. We need affordable Quality Child Care where demand exceeds supply. With an estimated 12,000-14,000 children on the waiting list, the 2009 budget eliminates TANF transfer of $29 million - which is equivalent to 8,000 subsidized slots. Low income families need child care! Unaffordable childcare is one of many barriers in the transition to work. Why, when the Federal Government permits families with income up to 85% of the State median income does the State choose to only allow 50% of the State median income? These and other issues are of great concern to this Senator.

Health Care: High deductible health plans are problematic for working families because more costs are shifted to the patients. In actuality, the out-of-pocket limit is $5,000 for an individual and $10,000 for a family. Preventable services are not covered (well-checks, for example). In addition, the State will use tax-payers dollars to promote this.

Workforce Ready: Work Ready, a partnership between government, business, education and citizens, is a strategy for improving training and marketability of our workforce. The Governor's office of Workforce Development has made great strides in bringing together organizations from around the state. To-date, 73 counties have committed to becoming Certified Work Ready and$3.5 million has already been granted to seven regions to develop talent pools. To see a complete report on this Work Ready program, visit http://www.spunlogic.net/GOWD/creative/web/working/flash/sherman/GOWD.html.

2008 Budget Requests HB989: Restore and Preserve the Houston Baptist Church in North Port Wentworth Citizens Council - $20,000; Lutheran Services of Georgia Parent nurturing program - $20,000; Rossignoll Hill Community Park in Garden City - $3,000; Community Services Improvements for the City of Savannah - $15,000; Fund improvements for Water/Sewer due to Saltwater intrusion for the Town of Thunderbolt - $20,000. These are all Local Assistance Grants through the Department of Community Affairs.

The General Assembly will be in adjournment Friday March 7th and Monday March 10th. Tuesday March 11th is cross-over day (the 30th Legislative day) where bills must pass either chamber to be considered for passage this session.

Your Senator will be visiting Mercer Middle School to install officers on Monday, March 17th, at the invitation of one of our systems best teachers, Ms. Ella Harmon.

Until next week!

Yours,
Regina Thomas

NOTE: Please note the following Press Release from Georgia Public Service Commission.

Natural Gas Marketer Accepts Settlement to Resolve Alleged Violations of PSC Rules and Georgia Laws

ATLANTA, March 6, 2008 – Natural gas marketer Georgia Natural Gas (GNG) today accepted a settlement to resolve issues stemming from numerous consumer complaints about the marketer’s variable rate plans. A majority of the Georgia Public Service Commission (Commission) voted to accept the settlement proposed by Commission Chairman Chuck Eaton.

The terms of the proposal include:

• Affected GNG customers up to the first 100,000 will receive a $25 credit if they switched to another GNG plan between December 1, 2006 and July 31, 2008. The total amount of credits will be capped at $2.5 million. If more than 100,000 qualify for the credits, the $25 credit will be reduced accordingly.
• Any remaining funds not credited to customers would be disbursed as the Commission determines.
• All credits will be issued in August 2008.
• GNG will use bill inserts for two billing cycles no later than the May 2008 cycle to communicate to their legacy customers the opportunity for the credit and that they are offering other rate plans to which the customers may switch.
• GNG will not object to the Commission’s issuance of a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NOPR) to require that marketers provide notice to existing customers when they create new pricing plans and when they retire existing plans.

Nothing in the settlement prevents consumers from pursuing any civil claims they may have against the Company. More information on these issues can be found on the Commission website, www.psc.state.ga.us, under Docket Numbers 26838.  

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February 29, 2008

Hello!

Week 7

Let's cut through the chase – calling it like I see it. GAE, PAGE and the Superintendent's Association have literally dropped the Ball. They are giving up on OUR children! Allow me to explain:

EDUCATION & YOUTH

SB257 "The Dropout Bill" - The only thing this bill does is to "up" the dropout age from 16 to 17. I am a co-sponsor of this bill. Because of the wisdom of the Education & Youth Committee, the bill passed out of committee on 2/27 with a vote of 7/0. However, not without much discussion and input from speakers representing the above named organizations. While the Superintendent's Association did not have a position on the bill, they did have some concerns (in a negative way). GAE did not oppose the bill, but they too have concerns – as does PAGE. Personally, I will never give up on a child, and at 17 they are still children! They need to be IN school and not OUT learning how to become criminals. If that weren’t enough, it was mentioned that a "fiscal note" would be needed for the bill. How much will it cost to keep 17-year old children in school? An Education & Youth Committee member asked, “What does the Governor think or has he weighed in on this bill one way or the other? Then, another question raised was, "Where does the State School Superintendent stand on this bill?" Am I missing something? Why were these questions even raised when our concern should be about keeping our most prized assets in school, rather than provide them an opportunity to become criminals on the streets?

SB506 "The BMI Bill" – Body mass index (BMI) is measure of body fat based on height and weight. The BMI Bill was debated in the Education & Youth committee and it passed overwhelmingly. What does this bill do? It provides for testing of our students from K-12, twice a year, to see what their Body Mass Index is – and ....WITHOUT PARENTAL CONSENT. Can you believe that! Yes, twice a year all children in the Public School System will be tested to see how fat they are. Can you imagine how the children will be teased and ridiculed? Whether a child is fat or skinny - they will be subject to ridicule. I can just hear some of the comments now -"Oh, you are way too skinny - don't even bother", or "You are so fat until you will break the scale." Cruel isn't it. What happens to "self-esteem" when children are teased? By the way, this bill did not have a fiscal note and no one even asked whether there will be one. GAE, PAGE, the Superintendent's Association nor any other educational organization spoke against this bill. Nor did they have any concerns to share. Well, I am waiting to see how many Teachers will have to be pulled out of the classroom to accompany their students to the Nurse's office, gym, or auditorium to be tested. How many teachers do you know that love lunchroom duty, bus duty or any other duty that takes them away from classroom instruction? I am also wondering what happens to all the time wasted out of the classroom? Did anyone ask where the Governor or the State Superintendent stand on this issue? No! Did anyone even consider whether or not testing a child's BMI will help that child eat any better or healthier? What about the families that are desperately trying to make ends meet just to put food on the table - a task all by itself? What about the single parent or grandparent making minimum wage or on a fixed income who cannot afford to purchase the "correct food choices” for their families – more concerned with keeping a roof over their heads and keeping the utilities on? Who cares? Well, I care - and so did 3 other Senators on the Education Committee. Of course the 4 votes against this bill were from African American Senators that happen to be Democrats. 2 males, 2 females. Yes your Senator voted NO! The bill passed anyway.

How can we promote good nutrition? We can start with eliminating school vending machines full of products containing sugar, lunch menu items full of sugars, carbohydrates, fats and other unhealthy ingredients in our schools. We can require physical education for all grades in the school systems. We can return recess to elementary grade levels. Promoting good nutrition in our schools should not be accomplished by supporting actions that will further lower the self esteem of our youth – possibly encouraging bulimia, suicide, etc. Nor should our measures produce additional tracking methods that ultimately lead to the denial of health or life insurance. Further, we need to seek and obtain the input of all stakeholders without violating the rights of our citizens, especially our children.

SB497 - Removing Foreign Languages from High School and putting it in Elementary School. Yet another bill so many of our Education Associations have been mum on. The objections to this bill were valid and on point. The wisdom of the sponsor said that he will hold this bill until after further discussions with the Board of Regents and others. Good thing too, particularly because the sponsor is the Majority Leader and a Republican. And we know since Republicans rule – this bill would have passed. Keep a watch on this. Removing Foreign Languages from High School will adversely affect public school students who desire to enroll in four year universities at the completion of high school. Many of those universities have a minimum of four years foreign language requirements. Thus, it will be difficult and unreasonable to expect students to retain foreign language instruction from elementary school to high school graduation in order to pass competency tests in that language. What will this mean - Another obstacle to receiving a college education?

SB458 - Another voucher bill passed the committee without a whimper. To his credit, the Chair of the Committee did have 3 separate hearings on this bill. It passed anyway. Before you know it, this State will be a full Voucher State. There are many pros and cons on this issue. Keep your eyes and ears open on this issue because there will be more voucher bills coming in the very near future - to YOUR school system.

More to come.....

Yours,
Regina Thomas

 

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February 22, 2008

Hello!

Week 6

Another 4-day work week - I was excused from roll call and voting on Tuesday as I remained in Savannah to support families of the victims of the explosion – two of which were Eric Barnes’ and Tony Thomas’. Eric was a classmate of mine from Alfred E. Beach High School. About 20 class mates attended his services. In another life, when I was employed at Gulfstream, I met Tony Thomas' wife - she still works there. My prayers go out to all of the families.

Water...where is our water? Does Tennessee have it? SR822 passed the Senate 52/0 to create a Commission on Georgia-North Carolina and Georgia-Tennessee Boundary Line. It appears that some of Tennessee’s boundary lines are in Georgia. Boundary lines were incorrectly drawn back in the 1800's and no one bothered to correct the error. Why now? Well we need our water!

Hundreds of miles of the Tennessee River were included within Georgia’s original boundaries. The 1802 agreement between Georgia and the United States ceding the Mississippi Territory confirms Georgia’s co-ownership of the Tennessee River. On a map, prepared in 1813 during the War of 1812, it indicates Georgia’s northern border at its correct location at the 35th parallel with the waters of the Tennessee River flowing through Georgia.

Lobby Day - Many advocates visited their State Capitol. Breast Cancer Awareness Day, Cancer Day, and Disability Day. Pink shirts, purple shirts and buttons for "Unlock the Waiting List" - keep coming! Your causes are important.

The mid-year budget HB989- was debated and voted on. Naturally it passed and yes - your Senator voted in favor.

If I have not addressed your concerns - please email me for any updates on issues that I have not addressed in this report.

Until the next update - remain knowledgeable and stay active in YOUR State's politics.

Yours,
Regina Thomas

 

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Week 5

During week 5 we heard a total of twenty bills and resolutions. Please visit the General Assembly link to see what bills and Resolutions are of interest to you.

Visitors - Many visitors from Chatham stopped in to say hello. Representing the Blind Association was McArthur Jarrett and Stephanie Scott - discussing SB49 that passed last session. Budget woes.....I have submitted $1 Million for SB49 - Services for Deaf/Blind individuals. If you are concerned about this funding and wish for services to be more available for hard of hearing, visually impaired or deaf/blind individuals - please call Senator Eric Johnson and Senator Jack Hill.

We had a visit from the Dean of the College of Sciences and Technology of Savannah State - Dr. Jide Familoni. Dr Familoni had the experience of attending a committee meeting with me where I presented a bill on behalf of the Commission of the Blind. Among their concerns are that the Department of Labor has not provided complete services for the visually impaired/blind consumers. The consumers/advocates want more oversight of the funding and better services.

Thunderbolt is still on the map. Since Savannah State University is in Thunderbolt - we need to provide funding for a Ladder Fire Truck. Remember Hill-Hall and the fire? Well…. Thunderbolt was the first responder; however, they did not have a fire truck with a ladder tall enough to reach the top of the building.

We are still discussing water. Water will be discussed for some time to come. An update will be provided for week 6.

For the November Ballot. We have already passed several constitutional amendments for the November ballot - all having to do with Taxes. These bills are worth watching very closely. All tax cuts are not what they appear to be! I will provide updates as the bills move through the House of Representatives.

We had a 4-day work week - Friday was an off day. Several legislators visited the Burn Center in Augusta. The Doctors and staff gave us a tour of the Center. God bless them all for the love and care that they are providing to the victims of the explosion at the sugar plant in Port Wentworth. Augusta is to be commended for their outreach and care given to the families. Nothing but praise and accolades to Augusta. Georgia has proven time and time again that we take care of our own.

On Friday 15th, I met with the families and employees of the sugar refinery - quilt signing and support for the families and employees was heart-felt. About 120 employees have gone back to work - moving sugar and clean-up.

Yours,
Regina Thomas

 

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February 12, 2008

Hello!

Please continue to pray for the families of the Savannah Sugar Refinery in Port Wentworth. Include in your prayers the survivors, victims and rescue workers – all members of our community at large. The devastation from the explosion has reached across county and state lines.

Here is small brief on the developments during Week 4 in our Georgia General Assembly.

Water - Gov Perdue has signed the water plan into law. HR1022 will guide Georgia in how it manages it's water resources. This one needs to be watched. For continued updates, go to: www.conservewatergeorgia.net or www.georgiaepd.com.

Natural Gas - On February 5th, Georgia’s Public Service Commission (PSC) voted 4/1 to approve a revised commission rule that prohibits a certified natural gas marketer from preventing consumers from switching their natural gas service to another marketer or provider. This is specifically for renters who live in apartments. Prior to this new ruling if a person resided in an apartment complex - they must use the marketer or provider that the owner has chosen. This is in direct conflict of a person's right to choose their marketer/provider.

If you know anyone that lives in an apartment and wishes to switch their natural gas provider and is prohibited from doing so - please contact the public service commissioner at 1800 282-5813 or you may email your Senator - I will be more than happy to take your information.

In other action by the PSC: Georgia Power has filed for another rate increase to recover the cost of fuel used to generate electricity (Docket number 26794). These actions will not come before the Georgia General Assembly. The PSC must issue a decision on this request within 90 days of the filing. More info on this at www.psc.state,ga.us.

Pages to the Capitol: Mrs. Janice Banks James ascended the Capitol on Friday with seven (7) pages in tow. Mrs. James is the founder and president of Youth for a Cleaner Environment (YFACE). Rev Willie James, Mrs. James’ husband, was the driver. We thank the James' for all they do for our youth and the environment.

Thank you for your interest.

Yours,
Regina Thomas

 

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February 11, 2008

Hello!

Please see below some examples of how the recently introduced Economic Growth Package will benefit Americans.
(Source: United States Department of Treasury)

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February 6, 2008

Hello!

Here is small brief on the developments during Week 3 in our Georgia General Assembly.

Education has been under funded since 2003. It was said to be temporary because of an “economic downturn”. That was the reason then. What is the excuse now? We have a surplus and improved economic times.

Cumulative austerity cuts since 2003 have totaled $1.5 billion, which has forced some communities to raise property taxes.

My opinion remains the same - Education is the very last area we should be cutting. This alone destroys “No Child Left Behind” (NCLB). Education has not been a priority for this administration. For the 2009 Budget – this Governor is once again making cuts to Education to the tune of $171.1 million.

Please, call your Governor, call your legislators, fax them, email them and write them. Ask, “Why are we continuing to make cuts in Education when we have such a large surplus?”

School Choice continues to be on the minds of many. School Choice waters down public education. Eventually we will go to a voucher system – which, by the way, this Senator Does Not Support. More children will be left behind. One of the Bills to watch is the Charter School bill. The Charter bill that passed the House this week certainly takes away local control.

Need Funds? The deadline for legislators to submit requests for Local Assistance Grants (LAGs) is Friday, February 22nd. Have you given your proposal to your legislator(s)? As you may know, these funds come through the Department of Community Affairs (DCA). Please include with your request for funds, all supporting documentation to support your project(s).

Good News for County Jails: SB360, co-sponsored by your Senator, passed the Senate on Friday, February 1st, by a vote of 51/0. The Senate has agreed to increase the reimbursement rate the State pays to Counties who house State inmates. Last session I sponsored a bill to raise that amount to $50.00. Even though it was in the budget – the Governor vetoed the subsidy. The State now pays private prisons $43.00 for reimbursement (or so they say) – I believe that it is more.

SB369 Passes Senate. The Senate passed SB369, which states that Active Duty Military Physicians may issue parking permits for disabled persons. This bill passed 54/0. Both bills now move to the House of Representatives.

Savannah/Chatham Day. It was that time of year again. Hundreds descended upon the State Capitol to lobby Legislators, and Constitutional Officers. What a wonderful time we all shared. Barnes once again provided the food. Kudos to the Chamber of Commerce, and all the Businesses in Chatham County. Another job well-done.

With Savannah/Chatham Day once again came Alderman Van Johnson, traveling with his children: The Chatham County Youth Commission, and the City of Savannah Youth Council. Ninety-Five students in all, from the Chatham County School System, visited their Capitol. Special thanks to the Chaperones and parents for accompanying the students. Thanks to donations from Rep. Bob Bryant, Rep Craig Gordon and your Senator – we were able to provide the group a delicious Spaghetti Meal, complete with all the fixings. See you next year!

Anderson renews seat on DOT Board. Raybon Anderson will retain his seat on the Department of Transportation Board for the 12th Congressional District. After a second round of voting, Mr. Anderson garnered 15 votes out of 28, he resides in Bulloch County. Congratulations Mr. Anderson – we in the 12th Congressional District will be expecting updates on road projects as you are made aware of them.

Thank you for your support.

Yours,
Regina Thomas

 

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February 5, 2008

Hello!

I am very glad to introduce to you my intern, Qiana Glasper. Qiana is a junior at Savannah State University, and she is majoring in Behavior Analysis with a minor in Business Administration. She will be doing her internship with me during this Spring Semester.

Qiana is from Stone Mountain, GA, and she aspires to become a Child Psychologist or Industrial Psychologist. Some of her research is geared toward psychotic drugs administered to children - doctors prescribing these drugs to appease parents/school and the adverse effects of these drugs in social settings. I really look forward to her and other similar research findings.

Dr. Ja Jahannes, Professor in the College of Liberal Arts & Social Sciences at SSU, advised Qiana to work as an Intern with me during this semester. I thank Dr. Jahannes and look forward to Qiana getting a fruitful internship.

Until next time,

Yours,
Regina Thomas

 

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January 24, 2008

Hello all:

This week I am spending in Atlanta for Budget Hearings. The Session is in adjournment until Monday 1/27. This gives the Appropriations committee an opportunity to hear from the State's Constitutional Officers, Agency Heads, Commissioners and the like.

Monday was a National Holiday (MLKing, Jr Day). Back to work Tuesday morning 1/22. The Governor gave remarks and reiterated his agenda for Georgia. "I must say, I do not agree with some of agenda items. Especially in Education - where he is cutting funds for our schools. Our schools will not receive full funding as is specified in the state's long-standing per pupil funding formula."

An Economic Outlook was given - some would have you to think that this slow recession will be over soon. "I think that it will get worse before it gets better."

Pardons and Parole was next followed by Public Safety. The Commissioner for Natural Resources spoke on the water crisis in Georgia. "Of course I am still not convince that passing SR701 is best for the Coast where we live. Hopefully, the Water Council will reconsider their position and treat the Coastal Counties as though we are a part of this State."

The Employee's Retirement System is always a very big issue, "after all once you have worked and think that you are saving and trying to get ahead - then the State change the system and what you are told at the time of hire. Shame on them, we wouldn't want another Enron."

Wednesday, we heard from The Chancellor of the University System. Did you know that we have over 270,000 students enrolled in Georgia's Colleges and Universities?

Our State Schools Superintendent gave her report on the state of education. Some good - some not so good. I will keep up abreast on this issue - I serve as you know on the Education Committee. Just a side bar " our Superintendent does not understand nor does she fully agree with the Governor on cutting the funds to our schools". This is only my opinion after hearing her present to the Joint House and Senate Committee on Appropriations.

Technical and Adult Education was next to present and you would be proud to know that we are number one in the nations as far as adult literacy and graduation rates on GED's and certificates. Employing people and helping them to get on their feet is commendable. Three former students gave presentations, they were awesome!

I commend and give accolades to our new Commissioner of Transportation Ms. Gena Abraham for opening up the process so that legislators will know when Cities and Counties make requests for road projects locally.

We ended the day with our Court System: Superior Court, District Attorneys and the Court of Appeals. It was a long day - after all this is what you elected me to do. Look out for your interest and report back to you.

Thursday 1/24 - we will hear from Commissioner of Human Resources , Community Health, Corrections, Juvenile Justice and the Office of Planning and Budget. Another long day. I will update you next week on these issues, which are as critical as our very existence.

Your comments are welcome.

Regina Thomas

 

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January 17, 2008

Hello!

Week one of the 149th Session of The Georgia General Assembly:
It started with fanfare, beginning with 12 veto overrides by the House of Representatives – which now resides in the Georgia State Senate Rules Committee. That’s right, the Senate must either vote with the House to override the Governor’s vetoes or let the Governor’s vetoes from the 2007 session stand.

Water, Water, Water. Water everywhere. Water over here, water over there. Ironically, the Executive Summary presented to the General Assembly, on the first day of the session, by the Georgia Comprehensive State-Wide Water Management Plan states, ”…and while water in Georgia is abundant, it is not an unlimited resource…”. It further states,”… we do not have good measurements of how much water is available from Georgia’s streams and aquifers….”

I have received more emails, calls and letters objecting to this Statewide Water plan. As I see it – the Metro Atlanta Areas are free to expand and take in more counties – and their water resources. There are no mandates placed on Atlanta for conservation neither does it restrict growth in Metro areas concerning existing water resources.

Water should not be a commodity, and permit selling is wrong. In the infinite (sic) wisdom of the Legislature, we can not make any changes to this plan. We either vote it up/down or get our own plan. In the event this body fails to act on the plan – it becomes law without such approval.

What in the world were we thinking? We (each of us) were elected by the voters to take care of the people’s business and this state ….. And, to allow a group of ten (10) citizens and four (4) legislators to have ‘carte blanch’ over our water for this state is insanity.

In my opinion – there are too many flaws; this plan protects Metro Atlanta and does not take into full consideration the environmental impacts……MORE TO COME ON THIS ISSUE.

Tax this, tax that – I haven’t met a tax that I like yet. However; taxes keep municipalities, cities, counties, businesses, and this state afloat.

But, a regressive tax? NO! Led my Senator Eric Johnson, President Pro Tem of the Senate from District 1 (Chatham County) and yours truly with other Senators sponsored and co-sponsored SR686. A constitutional amendment requiring 2/3 votes of the Senate and the House before it can be placed on the Ballot in November as a referendum. This is exactly what Chatham County now has. Only for Residential Property that the homeowner resides in, (Stephens/Day) – to put a freeze statewide on property taxes – only increasing due to the Consumer Price Index (CPI) for inflation.

But, WATCH OUT! This could possibly be the ‘vehicle’ to turn this into Speaker Richardson’s ‘Tax Plan’. Realistically, if this happens, and at the end of the session, I may have to vote against the very bill I co-sponsored. Definitely more to come on this issue.

Because bills must be read three (3) times on three (3) separate days before going to committee – the first week is slow. But hold onto your hats – Things will pick up!

I welcome your thoughts.

My subcommittees on appropriations are: Community Health, Criminal Justice, Judicial and Public Safety.

Watch us online:    Reconvening on Monday 1/28.

Best to all

Sincerely

Your public Servant

Regina Thomas