Budget, Transportation Bills Pass
3/17/2009

The legislature has been in session for 27 days, and we are now taking up many important bills that have been working their way through the committee process. Next Thursday, March 12th will be Day 30. Day 30 is known as "Crossover Day", because it is the last day for Senate Bills to pass our chamber. After that, we will take up bills that have passed the House. Fortunately, much of my legislation has passed the Senate, including the bill mentioned below that gives family members more options in giving victim impact statements in court.

As you know, the revenue shortfall caused by the economic slowdown forced us to make tough choices in the budget process. But, when I thought about it I realized we, as leaders in the legislature, were merely doing what many of you have had to do in recent months -- only pay for what really matters. While we sit around a conference table instead of a kitchen table, the reality is the same -- we have to do more with less. I am confident that we have maintained sufficient funding for our necessities -- education, public safety, etc. -- while cutting funds for some programs that, while worthwhile, are just luxuries we can't afford right now. As we finalize budgets for 2009 and 2010, I promise you that I will continue to work to save programs that are important and necessary, and root out every penny of wasteful spending I can find. Thank you again for the opportunity to serve.

Sincerely,

John Wiles


Senate Passes Transportation Reform Bill

Last week in this space, we mentioned Senate Bill 200, an overhaul of the various transportation agencies in Georgia. Thursday, SB 200 passed the full Senate. Dubbed the Transforming Transportation Investment Act, the bill will ensure that transportation projects are started and completed in a timely manner, that funds are strategically distributed where they will be most effective, and that there is a clear management structure over transportation across the state. To do this, Senate Bill 200 merges the State Road and Tollway Authority (SRTA) and the Georgia Regional Transportation Authority (GRTA) into a newly created State Transportation Authority (STA), which will have all the functions, duties, responsibilities, and obligations of the former authorities. The Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) will be charged with the management of the state highway network.


Senate Passes Wiles' Bill Giving Crime Victim's Families a Stronger Voice

The Senate voted this week to pass Sen. Wiles' legislation (SB 151) that gives family members of a crime victim greater options in how they present their testimony before a jury. Under current law, family members are only allowed to deliver a victim impact statement by reading a written testimonial.

"A victim's family goes through a grueling process before they can give testimony in court, only to be faced with having to deliver that testimony in front of an audience, including the criminal who has devastated their family" said Sen. Wiles. "Anyone who loses a loved one because of a senseless act of violence is already under an undue amount of stress. Forcing them to stand before a court and speak publicly can render someone unable to do so, and they must give up their right to make a statement. This bill will ensure that their voices are still heard."

The bill will allow a crime victim's family to submit an audio or videotaped testimony, as well as allowing them to present their statement via teleconference or by other electronic means. Under this legislation, a judge retains the right to review the testimony and decide what to permit in court.

Several family members of crime victims delivered heart rending testimony when the bill was presented in committee. They noted that allow a statement to be pre-recorded would give family members the chance to humanize the victim for a jury. All too often, a jury only sees the victim through crime scene photos. This bill gives families more options to bring the victim to life and highlight the impact of the crime.


Amended 2009 Budget Passes State Senate on Thursday


On Thursday, the Senate passed HB 118, a $18.9 billion revision to the budget that cuts about $2.5 billion from the version passed last year. In spite of the difficult economic times and the huge revenue shortfall the state has experienced, the Senate joined the House in restoring funding for the Homeowner Tax Relief Grants that was promised last year.

"We had promised this tax relief to the people of Georgia, and I am proud we kept our word," said Sen. Wiles. "This budget makes some deep cuts, and involved many difficult choices, but I believe we adequately funded necessary services."

Because of changes made in the Senate, the bill will now head to a conference committee. A final version is expected to emerge next week.

With a revised revenue estimate from the Governor, the Senate will now accelerate work on the 2010 budget. As a subcommittee chairman on the Appropriations Committee, Sen. Wiles will be part of the team ensuring Georgia has a balanced budget that addresses citizen's needs without raising taxes.