Contribued by: Lee Lemke, Executive Vice President,
Georgia Industry Association
Scroll down for the very latest industry news from the
State Capitol.
The Georgia Industry Association is tracking state
legislation that could potentially impact industry and
manufacturing business. From new leadership in the state
House to expected budget short-falls and a gubernatorial election
on the horizon, GIA keeps us up-to-date on important changes at the
Georgia Capitol.
Senate Appropriations Chairman Jack Hill said "with January
marking the halfway point for fiscal year 2010, Georgia's overall
total revenue collection shortfall now stands at $1.148 Billion or
-13.7%.
Transportation
Governor Perdue released his recommendations for the amended
FY2010 budget and the recommended budget for FY2011. The
FY2010 amended budget calls for a further reduction of the state
budget from $18.6 billion to $17.4 billion by the end of the fiscal
year ending June 30.
The 2010 budget recommendation includes $300 million in
bond projects for transportation. The Governor laid out a
vision for committing a similar amount in the future budgets, which
total as much as $3 billion over the next decade. The bonds will be
paid back using state general funds rather than motor fuel taxes,
which are declining at a time when transportation needs are
increasing.
"This is the ultimate accountability system, the DOT will be
responsible for delivering projects, and the legislature will
answer to the voting taxpayers in deciding whether to continue
making these investments," the Governor said.
Voters in each region will have the ability to decide on new
transportation improvements by voting on a one percent sales
tax. If the district votes yes, the additional sales tax
collected in their district will be used to fund their list of
projects. If the district votes no, the tax will not be levied.
The Governor also recommended $68 million for the deepening of
the Savannah River Harbor. The joint federal-state project will
deepen the shipping channel from 42 feet to 48 feet allowing the
world's biggest ships to call on the Savannah Port.
Read more about legislative activity affecting industry
during the 2010 Legislative Session: