Opinion: Traffic Congestion Relief within Reach?

By Candace Boothby, President, Newnan-Coweta Chamber of Commerce, and Terry Lawler, Executive Director, Regional Business Coalition of Metro Atlanta

From Five Points to Five Forks Trickum and from Moreland to Marietta, metro Atlantans face daily challenges when traveling around our community.

And everyone has a personal story to tell: The missed dance recital, the late arrival to the ball game, the missed flight or even the melted ice cream on the car seat coming home from the supermarket.

And sometimes it's an even bigger story.

Like the manufacturer who needed to move to a neighboring county to expand the size of its factory only to find that a large percentage of its existing employees quit because of the increased commute time.

Or the telecom company that realized only too late that its new call center wasn't located near transit services which were primarily used by its employees to get to work.

Every day metro Atlantans, and metro Atlanta businesses, face increasing mobility challenges.

But Atlantans, and Georgians, have always responded to past challenges.

Some folks said we would never get the Olympics. But we did.

Some folks said the Atlanta Airport would never be the world's largest or busiest. But it is.

And a lot of people said Atlanta and Georgia would never vote for a lottery to fund college scholarships, pre-K and educational technology. But we did that too.

Now some folks are saying we don't need additional funds to make improvements to metro Atlanta's transportation systems.

What would happen if we didn't make those improvements?

You don't really want to see that happen.

According to GDOT, commute times in metro Atlanta will increase dramatically, potentially doubling today's commute times. In other words, a rush hour commute from Perimeter Center to I-20 could take over 2 hours in the coming years...on a normal day.

Metro Atlanta transit systems, which provide services to a quarter of a million riders daily, could be operating at half of today's capacity, adding tens of thousands of cars to metro Atlanta's highways every day and potentially devastating Atlanta's tourism and convention business.

Tractor trailer truck traffic, which is growing at least 50% faster than automobile traffic, could double tractor trailer congestion on I-75, I-85, I-20 and I-285 in the future.

Express bus services would have to be discontinued, adding potentially thousands of additional cars on metro Atlanta's highways daily, especially in our outlaying communities.

Metro Atlanta would no longer have just traffic congestion. Metro Atlanta would have "Extreme Traffic Congestion."

But like our past challenges, extreme traffic congestion in metro Atlanta can be overcome.

The Georgia legislature is presently looking at a regional transportation funding mechanism that would allow metro Atlanta residents the option to raise the needed funds to address traffic congestion and other future transportation needs.

Traffic congestion is not a republican problem, nor is it a democrat problem or an independent problem. It is everyone's problem.

Our legislators have the ability to provide the citizens of metro Atlanta with the opportunity to avoid "Extreme Traffic Congestion."

We need to let our legislators know that metro Atlanta voters need that opportunity, and we need it now.

The Regional Business Coalition of Metropolitan Atlanta (RBC) is an organization of over a dozen local Chambers of Commerce throughout the metro Atlanta region. The RBC's primary goal is to represent the interests of RBC Chamber members on public policy issues impacting our transportation, water and air quality and to advocate for solutions that improve metro Atlanta's quality of life and economic vitality.

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Governor Perdue Honors Tourism Leaders at Industry Conference

Annual tourism event held at Lake Lanier Islands Resort

Governor Sonny Perdue honored several of the state’s most dedicated tourism professionals at the 2009 Governor’s Conference on Tourism at Lake Lanier Islands Resort yesterday. The Georgia Department of Economic Development (GDEcD), Georgia Association of Convention & Visitors Bureaus (GACVB) and the Tourism Development Alliance of Georgia (TDAG) hosted the joint tourism industry conference from August 31 – September 2. More than 400 tourism industry professionals from around the state attended the annual conference.

Award recipients were nominated by Georgia’s tourism industry professionals. Recipients of the 2009 tourism awards include:

The Antebellum Trail was recognized with the Paul Broun Award for Marketing Initiatives, given in memory of Senator Paul Broun of Athens. The trails seven communities joined forces to create the Antebellum Trail Pilgrimage to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the trail this spring. The Antebellum Trail features Athens, Watkinsville, Madison, Eatonton, Milledgeville, Macon and Gray/Old Clinton.

Lisa Smith, Executive Director of the Greater Rome Convention & Visitors Bureau, received the Larry Allen Award for Excellence in Tourism, given in memory of the late Larry Allen, general manager of Stone Mountain. Smith was recognized for her excellent leadership skills, community involvement and innovative thinking. Smith serves as the President of the Georgia Association of Convention and Visitors Bureaus.

The Macon Convention & Visitors Bureau (CVB) received the Al Burris Award for Creative Expression, named after Representative Al Burris of Marietta. The Macon CVB was recognized for their creative and innovative USB Guitar Flash Drive used to attract meetings and media to Macon.

Bill Hardman, Jr., President & CEO of the Southeast Tourism Society (STS), was honored with the 2009 Lifetime Achievement Award. Hardman, Jr. has worked tirelessly to promote travel and tourism in the state of Georgia since 1969. An innovative leader and a true tourism champion, he has twice been named Georgia’s Travel Industry Leader of the Year. In 2007, he was appointed by U.S. Secretary of the Interior to serve on the National Park System Advisory Board.

Georgia State Representative Larry O’Neil was awarded the Legislative Award for his outstanding support of the tourism industry during the Legislative session. Representative O’Neil is the Chairman of the Ways & Means Committee of the Georgia House of Representatives, representing House District 146, Warner Robins. During his tenure, tax bills have been introduced that support tourism including a bill creating oversight at DCA and the Performance Review Board (HB1415) and legislation for Callaway Gardens and the hotel tax (HB1168). He was also present for the Zoos Incentive Bill (HB 129); the Civil Rights Museum (HB 349); and the Symphony Incentives bill (HB 395). He also championed the Tourism Product Development Act (HB 1129); the limited liability act to protect the state’s small agri-tourism businesses; the tax credit bill for growing Georgia’s film industry (HB 110) and numerous other pro tourism tax credits.

The Tourism Champion Awards were created in 2003 to acknowledge the support and guidance given to the state’s tourism industry by individuals and organizations who have taken leadership roles in developing tourism opportunities in communities across the state. This year’s private industry partner is Sean McGinnis and Emmis Publishing. Emmis’ publication collection has grown to include the state’s travel, golf, kids, African-American, calendar of events and foreign language guides. The partner agency award goes to the Department of Transportation for establishing Georgia’s Old Federal Highway Driving Trail, a first-class heritage tourism product. The product development award went to Martin Harmon Director of Public Relations at Roosevelt Warm Springs. Harmon is responsible for the re-location of the Smithsonian Exhibit “Whatever Happened to Polio?” from the National Museum of American History in Washington, D.C., to Warm Springs.

The Governor’s Conference on Tourism is intended to further educate members of the tourism industry about travel and tourism related issues on a national and statewide level, reinforce existing tourism development efforts and plan for future initiatives. It offers a opportunity for discussion on the challenges and opportunities faced in a changing world, an economic forecast for the industry, current travel trends, the development of a strategic plan, methods of supplementing tourism dollars and how to develop tourism products.

The 2010 Governor’s Conference on Tourism will take place August 30 – September 1 in Athens, Georgia.

The Georgia Department of Economic Development (GDEcD) is the state's sales and marketing arm, the lead agency for attracting new business investment, encouraging the expansion of existing industry and small businesses, locating new markets for Georgia products, attracting tourists to Georgia, and promoting the state as a location for film, video and music projects, as well as planning and mobilizing state resources for economic development. For more information, visit www.georgia.org.
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Governor Perdue Appoints U.S. Attorney David Nahmias to Supreme Court of Georgia

Governor Sonny Perdue announced today the appointment of U.S. Attorney David Nahmias to the Supreme Court of Georgia. Nahmias has served as the U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Georgia since Dec. 1, 2004.

“David has the ability to serve this state well and is someone who we can trust to guard this country’s bedrock principles,” said Governor Perdue. “His integrity, commitment to public service and strict adherence to the law as written will make him an excellent Justice.”

As U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Georgia, Nahmias served as the chief federal law enforcement officer in the region and managed approximately 80 lawyers who represent the United States in all criminal and civil litigation in federal court in the district. While serving as U.S. Attorney, Nahmias served on the Attorney General’s Advisory Committee of United States Attorneys. He has also received appointments to serve as Chairman of the Terrorism and National Security Subcommittee and the White Collar Crime Subcommittee.

“I am deeply honored and humbled by Governor Perdue’s selection of me to serve as a Supreme Court Justice, a position that is so important to protecting the rule of law and the democratic system of government in this state,” Nahmias said. “Decisions by our Supreme Court that properly apply the laws as enacted through the democratic process are vital to the safety and prosperity of our citizens.”

Nahmias graduated second in his class at Duke University and magna cum laude from Harvard Law School where he was an editor of the Harvard Law Review. After graduation he clerked for U.S. Circuit Court Judge Laurence Silberman and U.S. Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia.

He then worked as an appellate lawyer at the law firm of Hogan and Hartson with now Chief Justice John Roberts before returning to Atlanta to serve in the United States Attorney’s Office.
After September 11, 2001, Nahmias returned to Washington to serve in the area of counterterrorism in the Department of Justice. As Deputy Assistant Attorney General for the U.S., he oversaw the prosecutions of Zacarias Moussaoui, John Walker Lindh, Richard Reid and many others.

In 2004, Nahmias returned home after the U.S. Senate confirmed his nomination as the U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Georgia. Among the prosecutions that he has guided during his time here in Atlanta include Centennial Park bomber Eric Robert Rudolph, former Atlanta Mayor Bill Campbell and the Neal Street police shooting case.

Nahmias was recommended by some of the most highly regarded legal minds in the nation including Chief Justice Roberts, Justice Scalia, Judge Silberman, former U.S. Attorney General John Ashcroft and former Secretary of Homeland Security Michael Chertoff.

A native Georgian, Nahmias lives in Dunwoody with his wife Cathy and their two sons Steven and Michael.
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Governor Perdue Announces July Revenue Figures

Governor Sonny Perdue announced today that net revenue collections for the month of July 2009 (FY10) totaled $1,096,238,000 compared to $1,213,291,000 for July 2008 (FY09), a decrease of $117,053,000 or 9.6 percent. The percentage decrease year-to-date for FY10 compared to FY09 is 9.6 percent.

A complete copy of the press release which includes tax collection numbers is available at:
https://etax.dor.ga.gov/pressrel/Governor_Perdue_Announces_July_2009_Revenue_Figures.pdf

July 2009 - Financial Reports Press Release Package
https://etax.dor.ga.gov/servlink/July_2009_Financial_Press_Release_Package.pdf

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Georgians Celebrate the 120th Anniversary of the Georgia Capitol

Georgia Secretary of State Karen Handel celebrated the 120th anniversary of the Georgia Capitol today with citizens from around the state. Joining the Secretary as sponsors for the Capitol birthday party were the Office of the Governor, Office of the Lieutenant Governor, The Georgia Capitol Museum and Friends of the Georgia Archives.

“The Georgia Capitol plays host to legislators and constitutional officers as they conduct the State’s business,” Secretary Handel said. “Many Georgians forget they also have the opportunity to visit the Capitol to learn our State’s storied history. I enjoyed seeing so many Georgians take that opportunity today.”

Constructed between 1884 and 1889, this monumental neoclassical structure with its gilded dome is the perfect expression and symbol for the capitol of the “New South” as Atlanta considered itself to be after the Reconstruction. Along with many state capitols, its design and form follow architectural precedents established by the United States Capitol.

The Georgia State Capitol is open to the public 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday and is closed on weekends and holidays. Guided tours are available Monday through Friday at 10:00 a.m., 11:00 a.m., 1:00 p.m., 2:00 p.m., and 3:00 p.m.

Additional events are planned throughout the year to celebrate the Capitol’s anniversary. For more information, visit www.GeorgiaArchives.org.

Karen Handel was sworn in as Secretary of State in January 2007. The Secretary of State's office offers important services to our citizens and our business community. Among the office’s wide-ranging responsibilities, the Secretary of State is charged with conducting efficient and secure elections, the registration of corporations, and the regulation of securities and professional license holders. The office also oversees the Georgia Archives and the Capitol Museum.
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Full-Power TV Broadcasters Go All-Digital

FCC Assists Consumers to Ease Transition

The nation’s historic switch to digital television by 971 full-power stations Friday prompted hundreds of thousands of consumers to call for assistance but caused no widespread disruption of free, over-the-air television broadcasts.

A record 317,450 consumers called the FCC’s toll-free help line, 1-888-CALL-FCC, for a total of almost 700,000 from June 8 through 12. Of the calls handled by live FCC help line agents, nearly 30% concerned the operation of digital converter boxes. Most of those calls were resolved when consumers were instructed to “re-scan” their converter boxes in order to receive the digital channels that had moved to new frequencies. Over 20% of the calls handled by live agents dealt with reception issues.

Reports from the 200-plus FCC staff stationed across the country as part of the Commission’s extensive outreach effort reflected similar concerns. At DTV transition events held across the country, consumers routinely sought information on the government converter box coupon program and raised concerns about reception. FCC field staff also worked closely with local broadcasters, cable operators and satellite providers to identify and address issues that arose, and to serve as a liaison with FCC headquarters in Washington.

“I am pleased with the way our FCC team responded to the technical challenges that arose throughout the course of the day,” said Acting FCC Chairman Michael Copps. “But our job is far from over. This transition is not a one-day affair. We have known about re-scanning and reception issues for some time and have been doing our best to get the word out. We will continue to work with every consumer who needs assistance in making this important and necessary transition.”

The largest volume of calls per TV household among markets registering 1,000 or more calls came from the Chicago media market, followed by the Dallas-Ft. Worth, New York, Philadelphia, and Baltimore markets.

Despite extraordinarily high call volume, average wait time on the help line was 4.6 minutes overall and 1.8 minutes for Spanish-speaking calls. Periodic call spikes slowed response time for limited intervals, but staffing by 4,000 agents throughout the day permitted the call center agents to take the time and care necessary to walk each consumer through the necessary steps to get DTV-ready. Agents on average spent over 8.4 minutes per call.

Inside the Commission building, two DTV transition command centers were staffed day and night to monitor call center activities and maintain contact with field staff, broadcasters and electronics manufacturers and retailers. The FCC and the Commerce Department’s National Telecommunications and Information Administration also continued to coordinate activities and promote the NTIA’s converter box coupon program.

Chairman Copps and FCC Commissioners Jonathan Adelstein and Robert McDowell spent the morning getting out the word about the steps consumers need to take to make the transition, conducting over 25 national and local live television and radio interviews across the country. The Chairman and commissioners also were in close contact with Commission staff throughout the afternoon and evening to monitor call center and field operations.

The FCC’s Media Bureau monitored technical problems reported by broadcasters and granted requests to adjust power and other needed accommodations while fixes were made. Problems included the failure of a shared transmitter in one market that affected four channels. The stations were back on the air in a few hours.

In addition, the FCC’s Office of Engineering and Technology monitored and analyzed reception problems involving specific stations and markets to identify solutions.

The Commission’s Consumer and Governmental Affairs Bureau monitored supplies of DTV converter boxes and antennas through industry sources, while staying in touch with field staff working with consumers and broadcasters in markets across the nation. While anecdotal reports of antenna shortages surfaced, industry officials reported that supplies were adequate in most markets.

The bureaus also worked with the cable and satellite industries to monitor and resolve any problems. Reports included various stations that had initial problems moving digital channels, and instances of satellite providers momentarily losing broadcast station feeds.

The digital deadline prompted consumers across the nation to enlist the services of vendors working under contract with the FCC to provide free in-home installation of converter boxes. Vendors scheduled thousands of visits Friday, many through the FCC’s toll-free help line.

While unprepared consumers lost television service when analog signals were turned off, their TVs still provided helpful information in many markets. Analog “nightlight” service informing viewers that analog signals have been terminated and providing them with the FCC’s 1-888-CALL-FCC number and other transition information was provided by 121 stations in 87 markets, including 45 of the 49 markets designated by the government as “hot spot” markets needing special attention in the transition. These analog nightlight stations will also broadcast urgent news and emergency information.
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Obama Justice Department Decision Will Allow Non-Citizens to Register to Vote in Georgia

Decision Bars Georgia From Continuing Voter Verification Process

Georgia Secretary of State Karen Handel issued the following statement following the U.S. Department of Justice’s denial of preclearance of Georgia’s voter verification process

“The decision by the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) to deny preclearance of Georgia’s already implemented citizenship verification process shows a shocking disregard for the integrity of our elections. With this decision, DOJ has now barred Georgia from continuing the citizenship verification program that DOJ lawyers helped to craft. DOJ’s decision also nullifies the orders of two federal courts directing Georgia to implement the procedure for the 2008 general election. The decision comes seven months after Georgia requested an expedited review of the preclearance submission.

“DOJ has thrown open the door for activist organizations such as ACORN to register non-citizens to vote in Georgia’s elections, and the state has no ability to verify an applicant’s citizenship status or whether the individual even exists. DOJ completely disregarded Georgia’s obvious and direct interest in preventing non-citizens from voting, instead siding with the ACLU and MALDEF. Clearly, politics took priority over common sense and good public policy.

“This process is critical to protecting the integrity of our elections. We have evidence that non-citizens have voted in past Georgia elections and that more than 2,100 individuals have attempted to register, yet still have questions regarding their citizenship. Further, the Inspector General’s office is investigating more than 30 cases of non-citizens casting ballots in Georgia elections, including the case of a Henry County non-citizen who registered to vote and cast ballots in 2004 and 2006.

“It is important to underscore that not a single person has come forward to say he or she could not vote because of the verification process. Further, while DOJ argues that the process is somehow discriminatory, the historic voter turnout among Hispanic and African-American voters in the 2008 general elections clearly says otherwise.

“This decision provides a specific example of the inherently illogical and unfair nature of Section 5 of the Voting Rights Act. It is a sad day for the rights of our state and for the integrity of our elections. I remain committed to continuing the fight for citizenship verification. In the coming days, I will consider every option available to the state, including the possibility of legal action.”

Background:

As required by law and ordered by federal courts in October 2008, the eligibility of new applicants to register and vote is checked against the Georgia Department of Driver Services (DDS) and Social Security Administration databases to ensure that individuals registering to vote report similar information. If information in these databases does not match information reported on the voter registration form, the applicant is asked to clarify the information. Additionally, if the applicant previously reported to DDS that he or she is not a U.S. citizen, that person is asked by a registrar to provide proof of citizenship.

Prior to the November 2008 General Election, Secretary Handel sent letters to 4,771 voter registration applicants whose records at DDS indicated they were not U.S. citizens, asking them to provide documentation of their citizenship. As of March 2009, 2,148 of these applicants still have chosen not to resolve the question about their U.S. citizenship.

In the November 2008 General Election, county election officials reported that 599 individuals cast a challenged ballot because the voter had previously indicated to DDS that he or she was not a United States citizen and had not resolved their status with county officials at the time of the election. Of those, 369 ballots were accepted because the voter provided documentation of their citizenship after the election; and 230 were rejected because the individual chose not to confirm his or her citizenship status.

On October 10, 2008, activist organizations including the Mexican-American Legal Defense and Education Fund (MALDEF) and the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) filed a lawsuit to attempt to prevent Georgia from verifying the eligibility of applicants to register and vote in the November General Election, including whether those individuals were citizens of the United States.

On October 16, 2008, U.S. District Court Judge Jack Camp denied the motion by MALDEF and ACLU; directed the State to continue the verification process; and acknowledged the State’s requirements to verify information under the Help America Vote Act. In his order, Judge Camp stated:

HAVA requires that Defendant Handel match information in the statewide voter registration database with information from the Georgia DDS and the SSA databases “to the extent necessary to enable each such official to verify the accuracy of the information provided on the applications for voter registration.”

Judge Camp also stated:

Since the possibility of fraudulent and inaccurate voting could significantly injure and diminish the public’s respect and confidence in the electoral process, the State’s ability to maintain reliable voter lists is paramount to a temporary and minor inconvenience to a few individuals.

On October 27, 2008, a U.S. District Court three-judge panel again directed the State to continue its voter registration verification process and challenge ballot procedures through the November General Election.

The 2008 elections were the largest in Georgia’s history, featuring record turnout among minority voters with the citizenship verification program in place. The figures below represent voter turnout statistics among Hispanic/Latino, African-American and White voters from the 2004 and 2008 General Elections.

Voter Demographic
2004 Total Number of Votes Cast
2008 Total Number of Votes Cast
Percentage Increase in Votes Cast

Hispanic/Latino
18,000
43,000
140%

African-American
834,000
1.2 million
42%

White
2.3 million
2.5 million
8%

Karen Handel was sworn in as Secretary of State in January 2007. The Secretary of State's office offers important services to our citizens and our business community. Among the office’s wide-ranging responsibilities, the Secretary of State is charged with conducting efficient and secure elections, the registration of corporations, and the regulation of securities and professional license holders. The office also oversees the Georgia Archives and the Capitol Museum.
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Judicial Nomination Commission to Receive Georgia Supreme Court Nominations

Governor Sonny Perdue’s Judicial Nominating Commission (JNC) is now accepting nominations to fill the vacancy on the Georgia Supreme Court created by the resignation of Chief Justice Leah Ward Sears.

Members of the State Bar of Georgia and the public may submit nominations to Michael J. Bowers, chair of the JNC, by June 4, 2009. Nominations may be sent by mail to 30 Ivan Allen Jr. Boulevard., NW, Suite 700, Atlanta, Georgia 30308; by Fax to 1-866-547-3433; or by e-mail c/o bwatson@balch.com .

For each person nominated, the JNC will send a questionnaire to be returned on or before June 22, 2009. The questionnaire will also be available on the State Bar of Georgia website – www.gabar.org . The Commission will meet to interview nominees on June 29, 2009.
The JNC will select and recommend to the Governor a short list of up to five nominees who are found to be “qualified” or “well qualified.”
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Residents in Two More Georgia Counties Eligible to Receive Federal Assistance

Residents in Baker and Early counties are now eligible to receive federal assistance. Governor Sonny Perdue requested this aid following severe thunderstorms and flooding that hit Georgia on March 26, 2009, and continued through April 13. The Federal Disaster Declaration follows one issued for 27 counties on April 23. Twenty-three additional counties were added on May 1, 2009. Eight additional counties were added on May 7.

"South Georgia was devastated by this severe weather system, and numerous Georgia families and businesses, many of whom were already struggling, are going to need this financial assistance to fully recover,” says Governor Perdue.

“We are pleased that FEMA recognized the need for and approved the state’s request, which will facilitate recovery efforts of families and businesses in these two counties,” says Georgia Emergency Management Agency–Office of Homeland Security (GEMA-OHS) Director Charley English.

Baker and Early counties are eligible to receive Individual Assistance. Residents and business owners in these counties who sustained losses can begin applying for assistance by registering online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov or by calling 1-800-621-FEMA (3362) or 1-800-462-7585 (TTY) for the hearing and speech impaired. The toll-free telephone numbers will operate from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. (local time) Monday through Sunday.

Individual assistance can include grants to help pay for temporary housing, home repairs and other serious disaster-related expenses. Low-interest loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration also will be available to cover residential and business losses not fully compensated by insurance.

Governor Perdue made the request for a federal declaration after reviewing preliminary damage assessment figures.

GEMA is the lead state agency for coordination of emergency and disaster response activities. For more information on GEMA, visit www.gema.ga.gov. To learn how to prepare for disaster, visit www.ready.ga.gov.
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Juvenile Justice Released from Federal Monitoring

After 11 years, U.S. Justice Department Dismisses Memorandum of Agreement

After 11 years, the United States Department of Justice has ended monitoring of the Georgia Department of Juvenile Justice. Major service improvements in the areas of education, medical, mental health, protection from harm and quality assurance resulted in the final closure of the longstanding 1998 Memorandum of Agreement (MOA).

“Our juvenile justice system was not up to par 11 years ago, but we have made strategic investments and placed a focus on improving the level of care these young people receive,” Governor Sonny Perdue said. “Our goal in this agency is to ensure that every child coming through these facilities is treated as if they were our own son or daughter, and I want to thank Commissioner Albert Murray and the rest of the DJJ staff for making the needed changes and improvements to bring our system to the level Georgians expect and deserve.”

U.S. DOJ and the state of Georgia jointly filed for dismissal in federal court in early May 2009, verifying that all requirements of the MOA between the two parties had been met. DJJ has received final notification stating it has met all requirements to close the MOA.

“This is a banner day for all Georgians,” said DJJ Commissioner Albert Murray. “All Georgians can be proud of the Department of Juvenile Justice and the employees who ensure we operate a constitutionally safe system. It has been my belief that DJJ has operated safe and constitutionally sound facilities and programs for many years, and we can finally put an end to any question about that.”

Commissioner Murray made closing out the longstanding MOA a priority, which led to a modified Memorandum of Agreement being signed in 2008. The modified MOA called for final inspections of DJJ facilities. Those inspections were completed by December 2008. Independent monitors ensured the facilities and programs were in substantial compliance.

The lead monitor for U.S. DOJ, Dr. David Roush, wrote in the final report that he has seen substantial improvement in many programs during his 10-year involvement with DJJ. Roush singled out DJJ’s Office of Medical Services and Office of Behavioral Health Services, which he wrote are used as models for juvenile justice systems nationwide.

The MOA proved to be a catalyst for positive change in Georgia’s juvenile justice system. Before the MOA, DJJ’s facilities operated well above capacity, and many necessary services were lacking. Now, DJJ’s facilities function within their rated capacity, the agency’s school system is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS), and the department has offices dedicated to medical and mental health care and has greatly increased youths’ access to both services.

Direct care staffing, including juvenile correctional officers and counselors, has been dramatically increased in every DJJ facility. Staff training has been standardized and upgraded, and the agency’s Office of Continuous Improvement monitors the system to ensure compliance and accountability.

DJJ entered into the MOA on March 18, 1998 and immediately began working to come into compliance with the agreement. In 2004, DJJ was released from the education, investigations, and quality assurance portions of the agreement.

Last October, monitors resumed final review for the mental health, medical, and protection from harm portions of the MOA. Now, with the closure of the MOA, DJJ has been found to be in substantial compliance with these portions of the agreement. For this final inspection, the independent monitors visited the Elbert Shaw Jr. Regional Youth Detention Center (RYDC) in Dalton, the Macon RYDC, the Blakely RYDC, the Albany RYDC, the Macon Youth Development Campus (YDC), and the Sumter YDC. The facilities were randomly chosen for inspection.
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Georgia Welcomes 2009 BIO International Convention to Atlanta

State’s bioscience assets on center stage at world’s largest biosciences gathering

Governor Sonny Perdue welcomed the 2009 BIO International Convention to Atlanta yesterday. 2009 BIO takes place May 18 through May 21 and is expected to draw up to 15,000 industry professionals in the biosciences, one of Georgia’s fastest-growing industries.

“Bioscience is one of Georgia’s strategic industries, and hosting the 2009 BIO International Convention is an unparalleled opportunity for the state and our many partners,” said Governor Perdue. “Georgia’s bioscience resources embody the convention theme, ‘Heal, Fuel, Feed the World,’ and the executives who come to Georgia will get a first-hand look at our state’s strong industry assets, including our global reach, vast reserves of talent and our commitment to collaboration.”

This year marks the first time a Southeastern U.S. city has hosted the BIO International Convention, one of the most significant business conferences in the world. About 70 percent of the attendees are C-level executives, and one-third of the registrants are international. Sixty countries and 48 states will be represented at the convention. In addition to a business forum, exhibition hall, and full schedule of educational programming, BIO activities include a diversity summit, career fair, entrepreneurship bootcamp, conference on biotechnology education, translational research forum and leadership summit.

The biosciences industry is one of the bright lights in Georgia’s economy. It had a significant economic impact in Georgia in 2007, according to the “Shaping Infinity” report released recently by the University of Georgia and Georgia BIO:

· 17,941 jobs in life sciences companies
· 62,033 jobs in all industries (including life sciences)
· $16 billion in output
· $6.2 billion in state GDP
· $3.6 billion in labor income
· $517 million in tax revenues for state and local governments.

In addition, life sciences research at the state’s colleges and universities generated $1.3 billion in output and nearly 15,000 jobs in fiscal year 2006.

“The bioscience industry is important to Georgia because it creates high-wage jobs and clean-tech economies and is a leading driver of innovation,” said Ken Stewart, commissioner of the Georgia Department of Economic Development. “As part of our long-running strategic drive to build our reputation as a major hub for the biosciences, we will take full advantage of the opportunity to showcase our great strengths to the most important audience in the industry.”

As host of the convention, Georgia has a tremendous opportunity to brand the state as a biotech hub and grants state leaders access to industry decision-makers. The state is hosting 32 Georgia universities, companies and agencies in a 5,400-square-foot in its exhibit hall booth (see list at end of release). Activities at the Georgia Pavilion will include business meetings, press conferences and demonstrations of iResearchGeorgia, a newly-launched online database of published papers, patents, faculty profiles and grants associated with Georgia’s universities. In addition, the pavilion will feature a Coca-Cola fountain, exhibitor give-aways and a drawing for a new KIA Soul on May 20 at 3 p.m.

The state has a strong presence elsewhere at the conference as well. Governor Perdue will receive the “BIO Governor of the Year” award from BIO president Jim Greenwood at the keynote luncheon, which features part-time Atlantan Sir Elton John of the Elton John AIDS Foundation. More than 30 bioscience business leaders and scientists from Georgia will participate in sessions and panels throughout the conference. These sessions will include the most pressing issues of the biotechnology industry, including workforce development, climate change and biofuels and healthcare access.

In addition, Johnny Fells, a senior from Northside High School in Warner Robins, is a finalist in the sanofi-aventis International BioGENEius Challenge, a competition for high school students who demonstrate an exemplary understanding of biotechnology through science research projects.

The Georgia Department of Economic Development has led a multi-year marketing campaign to build awareness of and investment in Georgia’s bioscience industry, targeted for growth in 2004 by the Commission for a New Georgia. Governor Perdue attended the 2008 BIO convention in San Diego and the state has participated in numerous bioscience industry-related conferences and has hosted international business and media delegations focused on the life sciences. Hosting the conference in Atlanta opens the door for the city’s possible inclusion in the BIO conference’s regular rotation of host cities.
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Less Than 30 Days to DTV Transition

FCC concentrates on preparing consumers for June 12 deadline

With only 30 days left before the nationwide digital television (DTV) transition, the Federal Communications Commission is gearing up its ongoing consumer assistance efforts for a final push to make sure consumers are prepared for the end of analog broadcast service. On June 12, all full-power television stations in the United States will cease analog transmission and broadcast only in digital. Consumers who use an antenna to get free, over-the-air programming could lose their television signals on June 12 if they haven’t taken steps to make their televisions DTV-ready.

“The switch to DTV offers benefits to consumers and society but we must be vigilant to make sure all Americans are prepared for the transition,” said Acting FCC Chairman Michael Copps. “Television is a primary source for news, weather and public safety information for many Americans so the FCC is working overtime to reach those remaining viewers who still have not taken the necessary action to continue to receive television programming after June 12. Consumers should know that help is available through a wide range of sources – including the phone, the Internet, walk-in centers and clinics, and in-home assistance.”

More than a third of the country’s full-power broadcast stations already have ceased analog broadcasts and now provide service only in digital, but June 12 is the deadline for all stations to do so. Consumers who do not subscribe to pay television services and have older, analog televisions will need to attach digital-to-analog converter boxes to their televisions in order to continue receiving television programming. They also may need to adjust or replace their antennas. According to a Nielsen survey, 3.5 million households – 3.1 percent of U.S. households with TVs -- were still “completely unready” for the transition to DTV as of April 26.

The Commission at its open meeting today outlined a wide-ranging outreach plan for the remaining 30 days before the June 12 deadline. As it has done in the past, the FCC will give special attention to six groups that the Commission has targeted as particularly in need of help. They include low-income individuals, minority communities, non-English speaking consumers, senior citizens, consumers with disabilities and individuals living in rural areas or tribal lands.

Among the many activities in the Commission’s action plan:

· About 180 FCC employees have been dispatched to communities in 49 markets that are home to the greatest concentrations of unprepared households. FCC staff members are working with local governments and community-based organizations to get the word out on DTV preparedness and educate consumers on how to get ready. FCC commissioners also are speaking and answering questions about the digital transition at events such as town hall meetings and community gatherings.

· The Commission has revamped its DTV website, www.dtv.gov, to make it more useful to consumers and easier to use. The updated site gives consumers help and information specific to their communities on a variety of topics. By entering their zip codes in a search box, consumers can locate nearby support centers, get contact information for local stations and find DTV events near them. Information on sources of assistance is being updated daily. Online reception maps will show consumers what stations they should be able to receive at their home address once the transition is complete, information that can be useful in choosing and installing an antenna.

· The FCC so far has issued 12 grass roots contracts to establish up to 400 walk-in centers and 12,000 DTV help clinics across the country to offer consumers hands-on assistance on how to connect and operate converter boxes, help in ordering converter box coupons and other services.

· The Commission has awarded 34 contracts for free, in-home technical assistance for consumers having trouble installing their converter boxes and adjusting their antennas for digital signals. The Commission expects to issue several more contracts within the next week, resulting in a group of contractors capable of providing up to 218,700 installations across the country. Joining FCC contractors in this effort are two valuable volunteer partners – members of AmeriCorps National Civilian Community Corps and fire fighters in cooperation with the International Association of Fire Chiefs. Consumers can request such “house calls” by dialing 1-888-CALL-FCC.

· Operators at the FCC’s national DTV help line, 1-888-CALL-FCC (1-888-225-5322), can troubleshoot common converter box or antenna installation problems and will refer consumers to groups providing in-home installation if more assistance is needed. Several hundred operators are now working seven days a week, and their numbers will increase to as many as 4,000 as the June 12 deadline nears.

· The Commission has teamed with Consumers Union to distribute a consumer guide, written by CU’s Consumer Reports, that provides clear instructions and diagrams to help viewers prepare for the transition. “DTV Made Easy,” a 15-page booklet, can be downloaded from www.dtv.gov or obtained by calling the FCC’s DTV help line, 1-888-CALL-FCC. It also will be available at DTV walk-in help centers and mobile clinics throughout much of the country, from in-home installation helpers, and from major retailers.

· The FCC has called upon television broadcasters nationwide to conduct a “soft test” at three different times on May 21, when analog programming will be interrupted with a special message telling viewers that if they are seeing the message, it means they are not prepared to receive a digital signal and will lose reception on June 12 if they don’t take action.

· The FCC will launch a “home stretch” communications campaign coinciding with the May 21 “soft test,” which could include new Public Service Announcements, localized media announcements and interviews and grassroots educational literature distribution.

The digital TV transition benefits consumers by delivering better picture quality and sound, more channels and more programs. It benefits society by freeing airwaves for use by first responders, leading to more seamless communications between police, fire and other emergency services. It also opens spectrum for popular advanced mobile communications services such as wireless broadband.

Coupons worth $40 toward purchase of a converter box can be obtained from the National Telecommunications and Information Administration by visiting www.dtv2009.gov or calling 1-888-DTV-2009 (1-888-388-2009). Each household is entitled to coupons for up to two boxes. Consumers can continue to order converter box coupons through July 31, 2009. For the latest information on the transition, please visit www.dtv.gov, or call the DTV help line at 1-888-CALL-FCC (1-888-225-5322).

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Bond Sale Nets Historic Low Interest Rates, Saves State More than $34 Million

Annual debt service reduced by $2.3 million, another $32 million captured in one-time savings

Governor Sonny Perdue announced today that the State of Georgia successfully sold $314,530,000 in general obligation bonds to fund new schools, public safety projects, hospital improvements and other crucial infrastructure projects throughout the state. The state was able to lock in a rate of 1.54 percent – the lowest rate in state history – for 5-year bonds and 3.8 percent for the 20-year bonds – the second lowest rate for the state.

The historic rates translate into an annually recurring debt service savings of $2.3 million compared to originally budgeted amounts. This is in addition to annual savings against budget of nearly $6 million attained in February, when the state sold more than $600 million in bonds. Both bond sales are part of the $1 billion capital outlay program approved in the State’s 2009 budget.

In addition to the bond sale for new capital projects, the state was able to refinance outstanding debt at lower rates, netting savings of $32.6 million. These funds will be used to pay off bonds maturing on July 1, which will free up funds budgeted for that purpose to meet other needs in the FY 2010 budget.

“In a year where revenues are down and the budget has been trimmed, we know taxpayers appreciate the state’s continued commitment to manage the budget and our bond program conservatively. We are spending wisely and realizing savings opportunities whenever available,” the Governor said.

This week’s sale was sold on a negotiated basis with both retail and institutional investors showing solid demand for Georgia's high-grade bonds.

Moody's, Fitch, and Standard & Poor's assigned the triple-A bond rating with a stable outlook to the state’s General Obligation bonds last month. The rating firms’ individual ratings are Aaa, AAA and AAA, respectively. The triple-A ratings reflect the highest rating available to government issuers and demonstrate what a great value Georgia municipal bonds are to investors.

“In these challenging economic times, this bond offering gave Georgians the opportunity to invest in the state while strengthening their own portfolio,” said Governor Perdue. “Georgia is one of just seven states with triple-A bond ratings, reflecting the consistent, value-driven management of the state budget over the past few years. The interest savings, combined with current low construction costs, give Georgians a great value on these needed capital projects, which will put many Georgians back to work.”

The Georgia State Financing and Investment Commission officially approved the sale and rate on Wednesday, May 6.
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Governor Perdue Signs Aviation Authority Legislation

Governor Sonny Perdue today signed Senate Bill 85, creating the Georgia Aviation Authority that will govern the state’s aircraft management. SB 85 was introduced by Administration Floor Leader Sen. Bill Heath and carried in the House by Administration Floor Leader Rep. Jimmy Pruett. Senators Ronnie Chance, Chip Pearson, Jim Butterworth, Bill Cowsert and Ross Tolleson also worked in the Senate for passage of the legislation, along with Representatives Jim Cole, Matt Ramsey, Rich Golick and Barry Loudermilk in the House.

“The Georgia Aviation Authority will consolidate our aircraft management resulting in greater coordination and mission efficiency,” said Governor Perdue. “It will ensure the best return on Georgia taxpayers’ investment in aviation assets.”

Governor Perdue signed the legislation at the Waycross-Ware County Airport where the 2007 wildfires burned more than 882 square miles of woodland in Georgia and North Florida. The response to the wildfires required close coordination of the state’s aircraft fleet, and the Georgia Aviation Authority will ensure that coordination occurs at all times, not just during emergencies.
The legislation is a result of recommendations from the Commission for a New Georgia task force on aviation management. The task force found that five different state agencies own a combined total of 85 aircraft, which are based in 18 locations around the state. More than half of the aircraft are over 20 years old and represent 13 different types with vintages dating to the Vietnam era.

The aviation authority will deploy these assets more efficiently by using the aircraft to meet the missions of multiple agencies rather than one agency. This will enable the state to cover existing missions with fewer aircraft. The authority will also standardize the type of aircraft the state owns, allowing the state to standardize maintenance and training which will reduce costs and increase safety.

The authority will also allow the state to modernize its fleet and eliminate the higher costs of maintaining old aircraft. By establishing a unified team of aviation professionals, the authority will ensure safe, effective and efficient operations.

“The Aviation Authority applies a business model to the state’s aviation management,” said Sen. Bill Heath. “Doing so will enhance safety, make state government more efficient and save the citizens of Georgia money.”

The authority will be composed of nine members: the Governor, Lieutenant Governor and Speaker of the House (or their designee); the Department of Transportation Commissioner; the Department of Public Safety Commissioner; the Department of Natural Resources Commissioner; and the Director of the State Forestry Commission; and the two remaining members will represent the aviation business community and will be appointed by the Lieutenant Governor and the Speaker of the House.

“The new Authority will result in better and more efficient service for Georgians by allowing for the cross-training of pilots and the consolidation of aircraft,” said Rep. Jimmy Pruett.
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GA Receives Presidential Disaster Declaration for Eight Additional Counties

The State of Georgia received a Federal Disaster Declaration amendment today for eight additional counties that Governor Sonny Perdue requested aid for following severe thunderstorms and flooding that hit Georgia on March 26, 2009, and continued through April 13.

"After witnessing first-hand the widespread damage this spring that occurred in Georgia as a result of severe weather, and we are pleased that federal recovery assistance is now available to even more Georgians, enabling them to rebuild their lives faster,” says Governor Perdue.

This means that federal assistance is now available to eight more counties, bringing the total number of counties designated under this disaster declaration to 46. The list now includes Ben Hill, Brantley, Camden, Lee, McIntosh, Montgomery, Seminole and Tattnall counties.

“We are pleased that residents in these eight South Georgia counties now have additional resources to help them better recover from this spring’s devastating storm systems,” says Georgia Emergency Management Agency (GEMA) Director Charley English. Eligible applicants in Ben Hill, Camden, Montgomery and Tattnall counties are eligible to receive Individual Assistance. Residents and business owners in these counties who sustained losses can begin applying for assistance by registering online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov or by calling 1-800-621-FEMA (3362) or 1-800-462-7585 (TTY) for the hearing and speech impaired. The toll-free telephone numbers will operate from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. (local time) Monday through Sunday.

Individual assistance can include grants to help pay for temporary housing, home repairs and other serious disaster-related expenses. Low-interest loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration also will be available to cover residential and business losses not fully compensated by insurance.

Governmental applicants in Brantley, Lee, McIntosh and Seminole counties are eligible to receive public assistance. This means that federal funding is available to local governments and certain private nonprofit organizations on a cost-sharing basis for emergency work and the repair or replacement of facilities.

The federal declaration also means that affected counties can apply to be part of a Hazard Mitigation Grant program, which provides assistance to state and local governments and certain private nonprofit organizations for actions taken to prevent or reduce long-term risk to life and property from natural hazards.

To view a map of the counties included in the current disaster declaration, click here Map of Counties in Disaster 1833.GEMA is the lead state agency for coordination of emergency and disaster response activities. For more information on GEMA, visit www.gema.ga.gov. To learn how to prepare for disaster, visit www.ready.ga.gov.
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Secretary Handel Announces Enactment of Project VoteSafe

Program will Protect Abuse Victims throughout Voting Process

Yesterday Georgia Secretary of State Karen Handel announced enactment of Project VoteSafe, a program to ensure that individuals under protective orders or residents of family violence centers are protected from having their addresses exposed during the voting process. Governor Sonny Perdue signed the enabling legislation, House Bill 227, into law Friday.

Project VoteSafe, sponsored by Rep. Katie Dempsey (R-Rome), applies to citizens who have received a protective order issued by a court and to residents of family violence shelters. These individuals would be eligible to confidentially register to vote without their voter registration information becoming available as public information.

“I want to thank Governor Perdue for signing this important legislation and Representative Dempsey for her leadership in passing Project VoteSafe,” Secretary Handel said. “Georgia citizens should not fear for their safety while trying to exercise their right to vote.”

House Bill 227 received overwhelming support in the Georgia General Assembly, passing by a margin of 155 to three in the House and 50 to zero in the Senate.

Representative Dempsey said, “I’m delighted that Governor Perdue signed this common sense bill into law. It has been an honor to work with Secretary Handel to ensure that individuals in need of protective orders, such as victims of domestic abuse or stalking, have the opportunity to register and vote without the fear of being located by those wishing to do them harm.”

The Project VoteSafe legislation allows the Secretary of State’s Office to implement the mechanism by which an individual’s information will be kept private.

Please click here for more information on HB 227 from the Georgia General Assembly website: http://www.legis.state.ga.us/legis/2009_10/sum/hb227.htm.

Karen Handel was sworn in as Secretary of State in January 2007. The Secretary of State's office offers important services to our citizens and our business community. Among the office’s wide-ranging responsibilities, the Secretary of State is charged with conducting efficient and secure elections, the registration of corporations, and the regulation of securities and professional license holders. The office also oversees the Georgia Archives and the Capitol Museum.
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Governor Signs Bill to Help Fund Trauma Care, Discourage Dangerous Driving

Bill raises fines for excessive speeding, other unsafe driving behaviors

Governor Sonny Perdue today signed into law House Bill 160, which raises fines for dangerous driving behaviors to help fund the state’s trauma centers. The legislation was introduced by Rep. Jim Cole and will help reduce traumatic automobile crashes and provide funds for trauma care in the state.

“This is a simple, straightforward attempt to slow high-speed drivers and reduce high-speed crashes and trauma injuries,” Governor Perdue said. “I believe we can not only help fund trauma care through increased fines, but we can also reduce the heavy burden on our state’s emergency rooms.”

André Benjamin of the Atlanta-based musical group OutKast joined Governor Perdue at today’s bill signing ceremony at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta’s Scottish Rite campus. The musician, clothing designer, television/film producer and actor was recently ticketed for excessive speeding, and joined the Governor today for a tour of the trauma center at Children’s at Scottish Rite and to support efforts to reduce dangerous driving behaviors. Benjamin has a heightened awareness of the perils of excessive speeding and is very pleased to see corrective measures in place. Children’s managed more than 170,000 emergency department visits in 2008, making it a critical link in Georgia’s trauma network.

Each year, traffic crashes on Georgia’s roadways cause more than 1,600 fatalities, about a quarter of them caused by excessive speeds. This legislation will generate approximately $23 million in Fiscal Year 2010, which Governor Perdue recommended be spent to improve the state’s trauma care network. This is the second infusion of state funds by Governor Perdue into the trauma network. In the Amended 08 budget, the Governor recommended $53 million for the state’s first-ever investment into improving trauma care in Georgia. The General Assembly eventually appropriated an additional $5 million for a total of $58 million in the Amended 08 budget.

“This bill sends a strong message that Georgia is serious about slowing people down to make our highways and byways safer for our citizens, visitors and future generations of drivers. I was honored to carry this bill for Governor Perdue and his team,” said Rep. Cole.

The legislation adds an additional $200 fine for driving over 85 mph anywhere in the state and for driving 75 mph or more on a two lane road. Super Speeders will also increase driver’s license reinstatement fees for drivers committing a second and third offense for violations that result in a suspended license and for other negligent behaviors.

Senator Bill Heath, the Governor’s Senior Administration Floor Leader, carried HB 160 in the Senate.

“This legislation will slow down reckless drivers and prevent life-threatening crashes, while providing additional funding for trauma care,” said Sen. Heath. “Simply put, this bill saves lives.”

“For too long, too many Georgia drivers have treated the route marker signs along I-75 and I-85 like they were minimum speed limit postings,” said Bob Dallas, Director of the Governor's Office of Highway Safety. “Now when the numbers 75 and 85 roll-up on a speedometer it should make those drivers think about how higher speeds will result in even higher fines. The goal of this law is simple: Speed kills and speed limits are there for a reason. Slowing down will save lives wherever we drive in Georgia.”

Governor Perdue today also signed Senate Bill 201, which gives more flexibility in the use of funds raised by a check-off option on yearly income tax forms. The bill expands the types of cancer research to which tax-deductible funds can be donated, deleting specific references to prostate, breast and ovarian cancer. This will allow research on all types of cancers to be funded through the donations made by Georgians on their annual tax forms. With the signing of this bill into law, Children’s will be able to compete for grants to conduct pediatric brain cancer research.

Representatives of the Georgia Cancer Coalition joined the Governor today for the bill signing. A total of $2.5 million has been donated since the check-off program began. The funds are matched by the receiving institution and often used for pilot studies, which are used to attract larger NIH grants. Thus far, this investment has resulted in $14 million in cancer research grants in Georgia. The bill was sponsored by Sen. Don Balfour and carried in the House by Rep. Fran Millar.
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Georgia Receives Presidential Disaster Declaration for 23 Additional Counties

The State of Georgia received a Federal Disaster Declaration yesterday for 23 additional counties that Governor Sonny Perdue requested aid for following severe thunderstorms and flooding that hit Georgia on March 26, 2009, and continued for several weeks. The Federal Disaster Declaration follows one issued for 27 counties on April 23.

"Severe spring storms caused damage across our state, and the addition of these counties to the federal disaster declaration means assistance will be available in the areas where it is most needed, enabling us to continue to move forward with our recovery efforts,” says Governor Perdue.

This means that federal assistance is now available to 23 other counties in addition to the original declaration of 27 counties, bringing the total number to 50. This list now includes Brooks, Calhoun, Cook, Crisp, Decatur, Dodge, Dougherty, Irwin, Jeff Davis, Lanier, Miller, Monroe, Pulaski, Tattnall, Telfair, Thomas, Tift, Turner, Upson, Wayne, Wheeler, Wilcox and Worth counties.

“This is the good news for 23 more counties in Georgia, many of which are suffering budget challenges,” says Georgia Emergency Management Agency (GEMA) Director Charley English. “This federal assistance will enable them to recover and rebuild faster.”

The 23 counties will receive public assistance. This means that federal funding is available to local governments and certain private nonprofit organizations on a cost-sharing basis for emergency work and the repair or replacement of facilities.

The federal declaration also means that affected counties can apply to be part of a Hazard Mitigation Grant program.

Governor Perdue made the request for a federal declaration after touring the areas and reviewing preliminary damage assessment figures.

GEMA is the lead state agency for coordination of emergency and disaster response activities. For more information on GEMA, visit www.gema.ga.gov. To learn how to prepare for disaster, visit www.ready.ga.gov.
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Governor Perdue Announces Bond Sale, AAA Ratings Confirmed for State Once Again

Another chance for Georgia investors to diversify their portfolio, invest in state projects

Governor Sonny Perdue today announced the sale of up to $314,530,000 in tax-exempt bonds, currently scheduled for May 4 and 5, through negotiated sale. This method of sale gives retail investors the ability to buy Georgia bonds directly by placing orders with their brokerage firm on the day of the sale. By expanding the investor base and increasing demand, the state expects the transaction to result in a favorable outcome for both the buyers and the state.

“In these challenging economic times, this bond offering gives Georgians the opportunity to invest in their own state while strengthening their portfolio,” said Governor Perdue. “At the same time Georgia investors add a stable, non-taxable investment to their collection of investments, they will also help to build schools, state facilities and other projects that put their neighbors to work.”

The Georgia State Financing and Investment Commission (GSFIC) approved the sale of the bonds at its February 4 meeting following the successful sale of just over $613 million in bonds at historically low interest rates.

Moody's, Fitch and Standard & Poor's have assigned their triple-A bond rating with a stable outlook to the State's General Obligation Bonds. The rating firms' individual ratings are Aaa, AAA and AAA, respectively. The triple-A ratings reflect the highest rating available to government issuers and demonstrate what a great value Georgia municipal bonds are to investors. The bonds are backed by the full faith and credit of the state of Georgia and, subject to the limitations and conditions described in the Official Statement relating to the Bonds, interest on the bonds is, in the opinion of bond counsel, excludable from gross income for federal and Georgia state income tax purposes.

Individuals can learn more about the Series 2009C and Series 2009D General Obligation Bonds at www.buygeorgiabonds.com.

The bond sale is a part of the capital outlay program approved in the state’s 2009 budget. The FY 2010 appropriations bill authorizes an additional $1.2 billion in general obligation bonds for K-12 school construction, improvements and expansions at university campuses, and a variety of other projects. In addition to low interest rates, the state is also benefitting from low construction costs and putting Georgians to work building these needed projects.

“Georgia's longstanding ‘AAA’ rating is the result of its conservative debt management, consistent maintenance of sound finances, and a diversified economy,” Fitch ratings indicated in their ratings report. The report added, “The state is demonstrating conservative fiscal management in its response to the recession.”

“These top bond ratings affirm that our proactive, conservative fiscal practices and our good management of the state’s debt structure put Georgia in better shape than most states,” Governor Perdue added. “These ratings will save the state in the form of lower interest rates, and will generate attention from potential buyers looking for a stable, low-risk investment option.”
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Former Chattooga County Judge Resigns After Indictment

Georgia Secretary of State Karen Handel today announced the resignation of former Chattooga County Judge Carlton Vines.

Vines was indicted September 5, 2008 on felony charges of illegal possession of absentee ballots, conspiracy to commit election fraud, and false swearing. The indictment followed a joint investigation by the Secretary of State’s Office and other agencies.

“Voter fraud undermines the integrity of our elections processes and the public’s trust, and will not be tolerated,” Handel said. “Carlton Vines’ resignation is a victory for Georgia’s election laws and Chattooga County voters.”

Pursuant to the consent order, Vines will resign his position as State Court Judge in Chattooga County effective May 1, 2009. Further, Vines agrees to not seek, request, or accept elected or appointed judicial office in the future.

Handel added, “I want to thank the cooperating law enforcement agencies, prosecutors, and investigators in the Secretary of State’s Office of Inspector General for their invaluable assistance on this case.”

In 2007, Secretary Handel created the Georgia Secretary of State’s Office of Inspector General to add efficiency and professionalism to the investigations, inspections, and prosecutions processes. The Secretary of State’s Office of Inspector General oversees investigations of elections inaccuracies and fraud, investigations of securities brokers, and inspections of professional license holders.

Karen Handel was sworn in as Secretary of State in January 2007. The Secretary of State's office offers important services to our citizens and our business community. Among the office’s wide-ranging responsibilities, the Secretary of State is charged with conducting efficient and secure elections, the registration of corporations, and the regulation of securities and professional license holders. The office also oversees the Georgia Archives and the Capitol Museum.
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