House Passes Amended Budget
The House passed HB 743, sponsored by Speaker David Ralston (R-Blue Ridge), the FY2014 Amended state budget by a vote of 163-1. The amended budget adjust state funds by $313.9 million to a total of $20.3 billion for the year ending June 30, 2014. The increase includes $1.4 million to upgrade PeachNet, the statewide communications network supporting all University System of Georgia (USG) Information Technology Services (ITS) efforts. An additional $5.5 million was added for the Accel program. This program is for students at eligible high schools that wish to take college level coursework for credit towards both high school and college graduation requirements. The increase also includes $183 million for the mid-year adjustment for K-12 education. The measure now goes to the Senate for similar view and passage.
Calendar Set Thru Day 24
Monday, January 27, in session for day 10.Tuesday, January 28, in session for day 11.Wednesday, January 29, in session for day 12.
Thursday, January 30, in session for day 13.
Friday, January 31, in session for day 14.
Monday, February 3, in session for day 15.
Tuesday, February 4 , in session for day 16.
Wednesday, February 5, in session for day 17.
Thursday, February 6, in session for day 18.
Friday, February 7, in session for day 19.
Monday, February 10, in session for day 20.
Tuesday, February 11, in session for day 21.
Wednesday, February 12, in session for day 22.
Thursday, February 13, in session for day 23.
Tuesday, February 18, in session for day 24.
Intern Spotlight: Justin Brightharp
Justin Brightharp is a physics major assigned to the Senate State Institutions and Property Committee. “My expectation is to get the full experience,” says Justin. Learning how the process works at the state level and what goes into being a public servant are most important to this Lawrenceville native.
Justin is both surprised and impressed at how involved the interns are in the daily legislative process. He considers himself a public servant serving public servants and is willing and eager to do whatever job is necessary for the legislative assistant and the senator.
Along with tutoring, Brightharp’s Georgia State University activities include serving as Secretary of the Sustainable Energy Tribe, Senator for the College of Arts and Sciences in the Student Government Association, and Classroom Assistant for Literacy Action Inc.
Justin’s future plans are to attend graduate school and obtain a Masters and possibly a Ph.D. in sustainable development and environmental law. He would like to work with sustainability and engineering and eventually sustainable policy and how it affects people and the environment.
Next Week’s Spotlight: Kassi Conley
USG Seeks To Privatize Student Housing
The University System of Georgia is seeking to facilitate partnerships to manage student housing more efficiently by extending the existing tax-exemption of USG property to private partners who operate student housing for public colleges and universities.
Under this proposed legislation, the objective is to privative housing design, construction and operations while maintaining affordability, quality and safety for our students. Reduce the $3.6 billion in debt obligations of the Board of Regents by selling existing housing properties and retiring outstanding bonds. Phase I would reduce $250 million of the $2.1 billion owed for housing facilities.
HB 788, sponsored by Rep. Lynne Riley (R- Johns Creek), provides for an ad valorem tax exemption for property owned by the University System of Georgia that is operated by a third party. Approval would require a two-thirds vote by both the House of Representatives and the Senate. The Secretary of State would then call a referendum for the approval or disapproval on the date of and in conjunction with the November, 2014 general election. Assigned to the House Ways and Means Committee.
Other Legislation
SB 214, sponsored by Sen. Josh McKoon (R-Columbus), would allow lottery winners to remain anonymous if they contribute 25% of their proceeds to the Lottery for Education Account or any other charitable organization. The bill passed the Senate Higher Education Committee and is now eligible for consideration in the Senate Rules Committee.
SB 300, sponsored by Sen. Jeff Mullis (R-Chickamauga), stipulates that in order for SAT and ACT scores to qualify for the Zell Miller Scholarship, the SAT or ACT scores received on the exams must be administered up to and including the next exam date following graduation from an eligible high school or completion of a home study program. Assigned to the Senate Higher Education Committee.
HB 763, sponsored by Rep. Bubber Epps (R-Dry Branch), would expand options at Georgia Military College, which has several locations in the state. The bill inserts a clause into the college’s code section that says it can teach classes that lead to a bachelor of applied science degree, a major offered by many Technical College System of Georgia schools. Assigned to the House Higher Education Committee.
HB 810, sponsored by Rep. Joyce Chandler (R-Grayson), revises requirements for home study students regarding scores on a standardized college admission test relating to HOPE scholarships and grants. In lieu of graduating from an eligible high school, earning a score in the eightieth percentile or higher nationally on a standardized college admission test, such as SAT or ACT shall be eligible. Assigned to the House Appropriations Committee.
SR 782, sponsored by Sen. Hunter Hill (R-Atlanta), creates a Joint Study Committee on the Design of the Teacher’s Retirement Center of Georgia. Assigned to the Senate Retirement Committee.
HB 807, sponsored by Rep. Kevin Cooke (R-Carrollton), would allow firefighters, with permission of the local fire department, to carry firearms while on duty. Assigned to the House Public Safety and Homeland Security Committee.
Upcoming Events
Day 10: The Senate will convene at 10:00 am and the House will convene at 11:00 am on Monday, January 27.
House Retirement Committee: Hearing on HB 516, allow current members of ORP to have a one-time opportunity to opt-in to the TRS. January 29, 2:00pm – Room 515, Coverdell Legislative Office Building
Georgia State University Day at the Capitol — February 5, 8:00 am – 11:00 am
Government Affairs Team
Tom Lewis, Senior Advisor to the President
Julie Kerlin, Director of Government & Community Affairs
Jason Thomas, Assistant Director of Government & Community Affairs
Debbie Jones, Associate to the Director
Georgia State University
P.O. Box 3999
Atlanta, Georgia 30302
404-413-2030 (office)
404-413-1410 (fax)