The Senate’s action this week to table consideration of House Bill 218 is a sign that it does not currently have enough support to win approval.
Supporters of HB 218 say it is intended to improve Georgia’s competitive position in recruiting industries and more jobs to our state. But others believe its harmful side effect – that of denying the people of Georgia knowledge of what their government is doing and how their tax dollars are being used – outweighs the positive intentions of the legislation.
As approved in the House of Representatives, the bill would allow state economic developers as well as local governments and development authorities to negotiate deals with prospective businesses in secret, and keep the public out of the loop until the deal is practically completed. This bill would need to be amended, especially to protect citizens of counties without zoning, in order to be acceptable.
Georgia has succeeded under previous administrations in securing industry and jobs. I support business-friendly initiatives that make our state attractive to prospective employers, including good transportation, quality health care, solid educational opportunities and lower taxes.
These are the proven strategies for boosting economic development in our state, regardless of whether HB 218 is revived. We can continue to bring jobs to our communities without keeping the public in the dark as to tax incentives being offered or the type of industries being recruiting.
Smoking would be prohibited in most indoor public spaces in Georgia under legislation approved by the Senate on Wednesday. Supporters of the legislation point to evidence that second-hand smoke is a serious public health hazard and that non-smokers should not be subjected to its effects in their workplaces or while visiting other public facilities including restaurants.
A similar ban is already in effect in several Georgia cities and counties, and representatives of the restaurant industry have said they would prefer a consistent policy throughout the state. The measure was approved by a 44-7 vote and now goes to the House for its consideration.
My fellow Senate sponsors of the HEROES legislative package, which would provide enhanced financial and educational benefits for members of the Georgia National Guard on active duty in Iraq, and I continue to be concerned that none of this legislation has yet made it out of committee.
Many of us are dismayed that the Senate majority leadership has found time to pass legislation such as naming the green tree frog as our official state amphibian but has failed to move on legislation to show support to our National Guard members and their families.
We were told that at least one of the bills would move out of committee next week, but with no more than 15 legislative days remaining in this session, time is running short to get this package through both houses of the General Assembly.
Underage drinking continues to be a problem in our state. I have co-sponsored legislation that would address this issue. Under Senate Bill 205, the driver’s license of anyone under 21 years of age convicted of consuming an alcoholic beverage would be suspended for six months on the first offense and for one year on the second and subsequent offenses.
The legislation has been favorably reported by the Senate Public Safety and Homeland Security Committee and will be considered by the full Senate.
Despite substantial opposition, the Senate voted to approve Gov. Sonny Perdue’s proposal to delay reductions in public school class sizes for another two years. The bill, which now goes to the House for consideration, would allow schools to put off for two more years the class size reductions in grades 4-12 that are required by the state’s education reform program.
Smaller class sizes will allow students at all grade levels to learn more, and this important initiative should not be delayed any further. Hopefully, the House of Representatives will reject this legislation.