Session Adjourns Sine Die
4/17/2009

Before getting to legislative business, let me say that I hope you and your family were able to enjoy spring break and Easter. Now that some of the dust has settled from our recently concluded session, I wanted to update you on some of our accomplishments.

We faced more challenges in the legislative session that wrapped up last week than any time in my tenure in public service. We had to cut over $3 billion in state spending from two budgets, and I pledged not to raise taxes. We managed to not only accomplish that feat, but we actually passed tax cuts that I believe will stimulate Georgia's economy.

We passed a new governance package to manage our state's transportation issues. While we were unable to reach a compromise on a new funding proposal, that measure would have to go before the voters in November of 2010, so we will return to continue to work toward a solution.

While there are more details on other legislation below, I wanted to thank you for your input this session. Between town hall meetings, surveys, phone calls and emails, I heard from hundreds of you during the session. Hearing from you makes my job easier, and I appreciate you taking the time.

Finally, I would like to invite you to join me at the Marietta Tea Party tomorrow at the Marietta Square. The event starts at 4:00, and many folks will be heading from there to the Atlanta Tea Party at the State Capitol.

Sincerely,

John Wiles


Review of Major Legislation Passed This Year

Here are some of the important measures the legislature dealt with over the past 40 days.

Budget - The budgets were balanced without any state tax increases. Approximately $3.3 billion dollars were cut from the budgets.

Taxes - Unlike most states, Georgia chose to reduce the tax burden on its citizens during this economic downturn. The JOBS Act was the most pro-growth economic package passed by any state in America this year. It would create and preserve jobs by phasing out the corporate income tax; eliminating the sales tax deposit; eliminating the state inventory tax and giving businesses a $500 credit toward unemployment insurance tax and $2,400 income tax credit for each eligible employee hired. Legislation was also passed to help reduce the property tax burden on Georgians.

Transportation - A bill to change the governance of transportation in Georgia was passed. Senate Bill 200 would allow the Governor to appoint a planning director who must be confirmed by the House Transportation Committee. The Legislature will also appropriate some 20% of GDOT's budget, which is roughly equivalent to the agency's new project budget. A new funding mechanism will continue to be perfected in time for the November 2010 ballot.

Trauma Care - A new "super speeder" law was passed, increasing the fines for those who go more that 85 MPH on our highways or 75 MPH on two lane roads. The measure is expected to raise over $20 million for trauma funding.

DHR Reorganization - The largest of a state agency in decades passed this year. HB 228 reorganizes Georgia's agencies into three new organizations: the Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities, the Department of Community Health, and the Department of Human Services. The Department of Community Health will include all of the public health and long term care regulation programs of DHR. DHR will retain current programs including DFACs and Child Support Services.


Sen. Wiles Legislation Awaits Governor's Signature

Three major pieces of legislation authored by Sen. Wiles passed the legislature this session and awaits the Governor's signature.

SB 104 would license and regulate Cosmetic Laser Practitioners to protect patients around the state.

SB 151 would give families of crime victims more options in how to present their victim impact statements. Currently, they have to read the statement in full court, in front of the perpetrator of the crime. This bill would allow video or audio taped statements, thus freeing them from this burden. This legislation enjoyed strong support from victim's rights groups and prosecutors in Georgia.

Finally, SB 207 would improve juvenile court proceedings by giving more access to certain proceedings. The general public would be allowed to witness hearings involving certain felonies, or hearings involving an allegation of delinquency brought in the interest of a child who has previously been adjudicated delinquent. The hearing would still be closed for certain sensitive matters (for instance, sexual abuse or child support issues), or by the judges order.