/PRNewswire/ -- Yesterday, the Republican-controlled Oklahoma legislature sent House Joint Resolution 1054, the Freedom of Healthcare Choice Act, to Democrat Governor Brad Henry's desk. The statutory measure--which prohibits a federal requirement to purchase health insurance and allows the legislature to hire outside counsel in a lawsuit against federal health reform--was also supported by nine Oklahoma House Democrats. And last week, Georgia's legislature sent similar legislation, Senate Bill 411, to the governor's desk. Both measures are modeled after the American Legislative Exchange Council's (ALEC) Freedom of Choice in Health Care Act now introduced or announced in 42 states.
"The fallout from ObamaCare continues to fuel rebellion in the states," said ALEC health task force director Christie Herrera, who is coordinating the nationwide effort.
"ALEC applauds Oklahoma and Georgia's lawmakers for protecting their citizens from abusive federal power when other state officials will not," Herrera added. Last month, Georgia Governor Sonny Perdue also appointed special counsel to represent Georgia in the multi-state challenge of the federal health reform law.
ALEC's Freedom of Choice in Health Care Act has already been enacted in statute form by the Virginia, Idaho, and Arizona legislatures, and constitutional amendments in Oklahoma, Arizona, and Florida will appear before voters on the November ballot.
In addition to the Georgia and Oklahoma statutes on the governor's desk, Freedom of Choice in Health Care Act statutes have also been passed by one chamber in the Missouri and Tennessee legislatures. And active citizen initiatives are underway in Colorado, Michigan, and Mississippi.
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Thursday, May 6, 2010
Oklahoma, Georgia Send Health Care Freedom Act to Governor's Desk
Tuesday, May 4, 2010
Two Georgia Youth Honored for Volunteerism at National Award Ceremony in Washington, D.C.
(BUSINESS WIRE)--Two Georgia students, Mackenzie Bearup, 16, of Alpharetta and Andrew Vassil, 14, of Woodstock, were honored in the nation’s capital last night for their outstanding volunteer work during the presentation of The 2010 Prudential Spirit of Community Awards. The two young people – along with 100 other top youth volunteers from across the country – received $1,000 awards as well as personal congratulations from former Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice and Olympic snowboarding champion Seth Wescott at the 15th annual award ceremony and gala dinner reception, held at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of Natural History.
“The only way I could get my mind off the pain was to escape into a great book”
Mackenzie and Andrew were named the top high school and middle level youth volunteers in Georgia last February. In addition to their cash awards, they received engraved silver medallions and an all-expense-paid trip with their parents to Washington, D.C., for this week’s recognition events.
“The Prudential Spirit of Community honorees give us great hope for the future,” said Dr. Rice. “Their compassion and commitment are already making a real difference in so many lives, and I have no doubt that their leadership will continue to positively impact the world for many years to come.”
Mackenzie, a home-schooled eleventh-grader, has collected more than 30,000 children’s books over the past three years to establish libraries or reading rooms for 27 homeless shelters in four states. Mackenzie was diagnosed with a painful neurological condition several years ago and spent many months in bed. “The only way I could get my mind off the pain was to escape into a great book,” she explained. When her doctor told her about a homeless shelter in need of a children’s library, Mackenzie decided to help. “I thought about how reading helped me get my mind off my pain and hoped it would do the same for these children.”
Mackenzie gathered books she no longer needed and asked friends and neighbors if they had books to donate. Then she dropped fliers in mailboxes throughout her subdivision, and began distributing them at garage sales. When a local newspaper published a story on Mackenzie’s efforts, donations began to pour in. With help from her family, Mackenzie sorted, boxed, and delivered 10,000 books to the shelter. Soon other shelters learned of her work and asked her to help them as well. Now, Mackenzie goes to garage sales every Friday and Saturday to look for donations, contacts homeless shelters to ask if they need books, and uses pet- and babysitting earnings to help pay for expenses. To date, she has donated more than 30,000 books to homeless shelters in Georgia, Kentucky, Illinois, and Missouri, and recently set up a nonprofit organization, Sheltering Books Inc., to expand nationwide. “I have learned that, in spite of my pain, I can feel better by helping others,” said Mackenzie.
Andrew, an eighth-grader at Queen of Angels Catholic School in Roswell, has been raising money and giving speeches for the past six years to support childhood cancer research and patient care, in appreciation for the treatment he received at age 6 for an inoperable brain tumor. “The hospital I went to, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in Memphis, Tennessee, saved my life,” said Andrew. “I feel I owe something to St. Jude.” He shares his story on behalf of the hospital at golf tournaments, schools, country club dinners, auctions, radio station “phone-a-thons,” corporate events, major galas, and in television commercials. He also participates in the annual St. Jude Memphis Marathon on a team formed in his honor, which has raised more than $100,000 over the last three years.
Two years ago, Andrew expanded his fund-raising activities to benefit the Rally Foundation for Childhood Cancer Research as well. He spends hours writing and rehearsing speeches, tailoring his remarks to the ages and backgrounds of his audiences. With as many as five events per month, Andrew has spoken directly to thousands of people about the importance of cancer research. In addition, he spends time supporting and comforting other kids who have been diagnosed with cancer. “I know so many people who have been through the horrors of childhood cancer,” said Andrew. “I want to help find cures so other kids don’t have to experience what I did.”
“Mackenzie and Andrew are wonderful examples of young Americans who care about the world around them and have taken the initiative to improve that world,” said John R. Strangfeld, chairman and CEO of Prudential Financial, Inc. “We salute their effort, their achievements, and their spirit of community.”
More than 21,000 young people submitted applications for the 2010 awards program last fall through schools, Girl Scout councils, county 4-H organizations, American Red Cross chapters, YMCAs and affiliates of the Points of Light Institute’s HandsOn Network. The top middle level and high school applicants in each state were selected in February and flown to Washington this week with their parents for four days of special recognition events.
Conducted in partnership with the National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP), The Prudential Spirit of Community Awards were created 15 years ago by Prudential Financial to encourage youth volunteerism and to identify and reward young role models. Since then, the program has honored nearly 100,000 young volunteers at the local, state and national level.
“The young women and men in America’s schools are nothing short of amazing, and nowhere is this more evident than amongst this year’s award recipients,” said NASSP President Steven Pophal. “They possess a keen intellect, servant hearts, capable leadership skills, and are filled with energy and ambition. NASSP and Prudential are honored to recognize them.”
The Prudential Spirit of Community Awards are supported by the American Association of School Administrators, the National Middle School Association, the National School Boards Association, the Council of the Great City Schools, Girl Scouts of the USA, National 4-H Council, the American Red Cross, YMCA of the USA, the Points of Light Institute, and other national education and service organizations.
More information about The Prudential Spirit of Community Awards and this year’s honorees can be found at http://spirit.prudential.com or www.principals.org/spirit.
In existence since 1916, the National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP) is the preeminent organization of and national voice for middle level and high school principals, assistant principals, and aspiring school leaders from across the United States and more than 45 countries around the world. NASSP’s mission is to promote excellence in school leadership. The National Honor Society®, National Junior Honor Society®, National Elementary Honor Society™, and National Association of Student Councils® are all NASSP programs. For more information about NASSP, located in Reston, Va., visit www.principals.org or call 703-860-0200.
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Wednesday, April 28, 2010
Georgia Home Care Costs Among the Nation's Lowest
/PRNewswire/ -- According to Genworth's 2010 Cost of Care Survey, home care costs, as well as the costs of other long term care services, are lower in Georgia than they are nationally. The median annual rate for home care costs in Georgia is $38,896 statewide, about 11 percent below the median annual rate of $43,472 nationally.(1) Georgia is the 7th most affordable state for home care services, along with Idaho and Kentucky.
This is important to note given that a majority of Americans prefer to receive care in the home. According to another Genworth survey conducted earlier this year, when asked to identify the setting most preferred to receive long term care, 78 percent chose the home; 18 percent chose assisted living, and only 2 percent selected a nursing home.(2)
"Long term care is not just about nursing homes anymore," said Buck Stinson, President, U.S. Life Insurance Products at Genworth. "For many Georgia residents, the ability to live independently is critical to maintaining quality of life. Preparing for the expenses associated with one's preferred care setting is a key factor in retirement planning," he added.
Now in its 35th year of providing long term care insurance to American families, Genworth's annual Cost of Care Survey helps raise public awareness of the costs associated with various care options across the U.S. In Georgia, the survey includes information on long term care costs in 15 regions.
Georgia Cost of Care Survey Findings Home Health Aide Services (Licensed)Statewide, costs are rising at a rate of 1 percent annually over the past five years. This compares to an annual increase of 2 percent nationally over the same period.(3) Costs in Columbus are 17 percent lower than nationally.
Select Regions Median Hourly Rate Georgia-Statewide $17 Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Marietta $19 Augusta-Richmond County $16 Columbus $16 -------- --- US National $19 ----------- --- Assisted Living (One Bedroom/Single Occupancy)Annual cost increases across the state are lower than they are nationally over the past five years (costs in Georgia have remained relatively flat compared to 7 percent across the U.S.) (3) Costs in the Augusta area are 44 percent lower than nationally.
Select Regions Median Annual Rate(4) Georgia-Statewide $28,200 Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Marietta $33,000 Augusta-Richmond County $21,300 Columbus $24,450 -------- ------- US National $38,220 ----------- ------- Nursing Home (Private Room)Statewide, nursing home costs are significantly lower than national levels. The annual increase in the cost for this type of care in Georgia is 5 percent over the past five years, in line with the national increase.(3)
Select Regions Median Annual Rate(5) Georgia-Statewide $61,926 Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Marietta $62,134 Augusta-Richmond County $63,875 Columbus $56,747 -------- ------- US National $75,190 ----------- ------- Adult Day Health Care Costs for this type of care are lower statewide than they are nationally. Select Regions Median Annual Rate(6) Georgia-Statewide $14,300 Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Marietta $14,300 Augusta-Richmond County $13,879 Columbus N/A -------- --- US National $15,600 ----------- -------
Let's Talk
To help families plan more effectively for potential long term care needs, Genworth Financial launched its national "Let's Talk" campaign in 2009.
"The first step in developing a comprehensive long term care plan is to speak with loved ones about the impact that a long term illness would have on them, emotionally and financially," added Mr. Stinson. "Genworth's 2010 Cost of Care Survey, when used in conjunction with the resources available at caringtalk.com, provides families with a complete tool kit for mapping out a comprehensive long term care plan that addresses these concerns."
About Genworth's 2010 Cost of Care Survey
Genworth's Cost of Care Survey is the most comprehensive of its kind, covering nearly 13,000 long term care providers in 436 regions nationwide. It surveys the cost of long term care across the U.S. to help Americans plan for the potential costs associated with the various types of care available in their preferred location and setting.
CareScout, acquired by Genworth in June 2008, has conducted the survey since 2004.
Genworth's 2010 Cost of Care Survey was conducted during January, February and March 2010.
Full results of Genworth's 2010 Cost of Care Survey, including an interactive map of the cost of care in all 50 states and 436 regions, and other useful tools and information is available online at Genworth.com/CostofCare2010.
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Thursday, April 15, 2010
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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Wednesday, April 14, 2010
Census Bureau Director To Georgia: There Are Only Three Days Left to Mail Back Your Census Form
/PRNewswire/ -- With three days left to mail back 2010 Census forms, U.S. Census Bureau Director Robert Groves today sent an urgent message to the people of Georgia:
"The census form on your kitchen table is a vital investment in your community. It's time for all of us to do our part. Fill it out and mail it back today. Get it in the mail by Friday and you can avoid a visit from a census worker in May.
"Remember that the U.S. Constitution requires that we count everyone. That means we must visit every household that doesn't mail back a form. It's much easier for all of us - and much less expensive for taxpayers - if we get your census responses by mail. After Friday we have only two weeks to determine which of more than 134 million addresses we must visit in person starting May 1. Join your neighbors who have already performed this important civic duty and take the 10 minutes or less that are required to fill out the census."
As of Tuesday, April 13, 65 percent of households in Georgia have mailed back their form. Nationally, 67 percent have. In the 2000 Census, 72 percent of the public mailed back their forms.
Households that normally pick up their mail from a post office box are already slated for follow-up in May from census workers. But if you are concerned that your household is not in the census address list and that you won't be counted, you can submit your census responses in one of the following ways. Note, however, that there is still a strong likelihood that you will be visited by a census worker in May because of the time it takes to process and verify addresses from these sources:
(1) Call the 2010 Census toll-free Telephone Questionnaire Assistance number, where operators who are sworn to protect the confidentiality of your answers can take your responses over the phone.
-- English: 1-866-872-6868
-- Chinese: 1-866-935-2010
-- Korean: 1-866-955-2010
-- Russian: 1-866-965-2010
-- Spanish: 1-866-928-2010
-- Vietnamese: 1-866-945-2010
-- TDD (Telephone Display Device for the hearing impaired):
1-866-783-2010
-- Puerto Rico (in English): 1-866-939-2010
-- Puerto Rico (in Spanish): 1-866-929-2010
(2) Pick up a form at a Questionnaire Assistance Center or Be Counted site in community locations nationwide and mail it back by Friday. The pick-up locations can be found at: http://2010.census.gov/2010census/take10map/.
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Saturday, March 13, 2010
SBA Disaster Loans Available Following Secretary of Agriculture Disaster Declaration in Georgia
(BUSINESS WIRE)--The U.S. Small Business Administration announces today that federal economic injury disaster loans are available to small businesses, small agricultural cooperatives and most private non-profit organizations of all sizes located in all Georgia counties except Catoosa, Columbia and Whitfield as a result of excessive rainfall that began on Sept. 18, 2009.
“When the Secretary of Agriculture issues a disaster declaration to help farmers recover from damages and losses to crops, the Small Business Administration issues a declaration to assist eligible entities affected by the same disaster”
“When the Secretary of Agriculture issues a disaster declaration to help farmers recover from damages and losses to crops, the Small Business Administration issues a declaration to assist eligible entities affected by the same disaster,” said Frank Skaggs, director of SBA’s Field Operations Center East.
Under this declaration, the SBA’s Economic Injury Disaster Loan program is available to eligible farm-related and nonfarm-related entities that suffered financial losses as a direct result of this disaster. Agricultural producers, farmers and ranchers are not eligible to apply to SBA.
The loan amount can be up to $2 million with a 4 percent interest rate and terms up to 30 years. The SBA determines eligibility based on the size of the applicant, type of activity and its financial resources. Loan amounts and terms are set by the SBA and are based on each applicant’s financial condition. These working capital loans may be used to pay fixed debts, payroll, accounts payable, and other bills that could have been paid had the disaster not occurred. The loans are not intended to replace lost sales or profits.
Disaster loan information and application forms may be obtained by calling the SBA’s Customer Service Center at 800-659-2955 (800-877-8339 for the hearing-impaired) Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. EDT or by sending an e-mail to disastercustomerservice@sba.gov. Loan applications can be downloaded from the SBA’s Web site at www.sba.gov/services/disasterassistance. Completed applications should be mailed to: U.S. Small Business Administration, Processing and Disbursement Center, 14925 Kingsport Road, Fort Worth, TX 76155.
Those affected by the disaster may apply for disaster loans from SBA’s secure Web site at https://disasterloan.sba.gov/ela/.
Completed loan applications must be returned to SBA no later than November 2, 2010.
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Wednesday, March 10, 2010
Legislature Shows Unprecedented Support for Fair and Equitable Sharing Of Georgia Water
While Georgia’s water wars wage on against Alabama and Florida, a new front has arisen within the state’s boundaries as legislators concerned about ensuring water for all Georgia communities introduced bills this week seeking to regulate interbasin transfers.
House Bill 1301, the River Basin Protection Act of 2010, sponsored by Representative Tom McCall, Representative Alan Powell and 64 other representatives, would establish a system for regulating interbasin water transfers of 100,000 gallons or more, without prohibiting them. The Senate’s version, SB 462, is sponsored by Senator Jim Butterworth and Senator Preston Smith and 22 other senators.
The growing support for regulation of interbasin transfers has been fueled by recent proposals to pipe water to Metro Atlanta from as far away as Lake Burton in Rabun County and wells in South Georgia.
“Roughly half the Senate signed on,” said Senator Smith who represents portions of North Georgia impacted by a water transfer from the Coosa River Basin into to Metro Atlanta out of the Coosa River Basin. “It’s increasingly important as Atlanta’s need grows....we want to help solve that problem, but we want to do it in a way that protects the Coosa and other basins.”
Support for the measures is also growing among citizens, local chambers of commerce and river protection groups. More than 2,000 people have signed an online petition urging Governor Perdue and the General Assembly to adopt the legislation. The petition was organized by the Georgia Water Coalition, a consortium of more than 170 groups working to protect the state’s rivers. The supporters come from more than 200 communities across the state. The petition can be viewed at www.nowatergrabs.com
Supporters of the bill call the state’s existing laws regulating interbasin transfers weak. Under current law, the Georgia Environmental Protection Division (EPD), which issues water withdrawal permits from rivers, need only issue a press release seven days before approving a permit involving an interbasin transfer.
The River Basin Protection Act keeps the existing prohibition on water transfers into the Metropolitan North Georgia Water Planning District and creates a list of criteria for EPD to consider in evaluating whether to issue a permit for an interbasin transfer. These criteria are similar to the criteria found in the statewide water plan for donor and receiving river basins. Both Tennessee and South Carolina have similar state laws regarding interbasin transfers.
The Act also would codify the concept of a safe yield, which is used by engineers to determine the amount of water available for withdrawal without impairing the biological, chemical or physical integrity of the water source. The bill also expands the public notice requirements, and exempts agricultural land, mining processes and distribution of products containing water from the need to obtain an interbasin transfer permit.
Supporters include locally elected officials and planners working to develop regional water plans.
“Interbasin transfers fundamentally and irreversibly alter the natural flows in our rivers and streams and can harm the long-term prosperity and quality of life of the basin of origin,” said Ron Cross, a Columbia County Commissioner and chair of the Savannah-Upper Ogeechee Regional Water Council.
Water planners in Northwest Georgia and Southwest Georgia have also expressed opposition to interbasin transfers.
“The state of Georgia should be encouraging growth and economic development in areas that have water resources to sustain such growth,” said Richard Royal, a former state representative from Camilla and chair of the Lower Flint-Ochlocknee Regional Water Council. “The state should share the development opportunities with these regions and not entertain proposals to transfer water from one region to another especially when other regions have not exercised good water stewardship.”
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Tuesday, March 2, 2010
Free Health Care for the Uninsured Is Coming to Atlanta This Month
/PRNewswire/ -- Georgians struggling with the lack of health insurance will soon get much-needed help when the National Association of Free Clinics (NAFC) in conjunction with the Georgia Free Clinic Network (GFCN) holds its next C.A.R.E. Clinic at the Georgia International Convention Center in Atlanta on March 27 from 9:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m.
This will be the sixth in a series of large, mostly one-day C.A.R.E. (Communities Are Responding Everyday) Clinics held around the country to bring together physicians and other health care professionals, as well as non-medical volunteers, to serve the needs of thousands of people who might otherwise go without medical care. Since last September, more than 7,000 uninsured patients received treatment at C.A.R.E. Clinics in Houston, New Orleans, Little Rock, Kansas City and Hartford.
"As long as affordable health insurance is not available for everyone, there will be a great need for the work that more than 1,200 free clinics across the country do every day," NAFC Executive Director Nicole Lamoureux said.
In Georgia, almost 18 percent of the non-elderly residents do not have health insurance.
"We are excited to be able to hold a C.A.R.E. Clinic in Georgia, where the work of free clinics is very much needed," Donna Looper, executive director of the Georgia Free Clinic Network, said. "A strong network of clinics and other safety-net providers exists throughout the state. Not only will patients receive immediate care at this event, but they also will be connected to this network that can offer them care on an ongoing basis."
In 2008, free clinics across the nation provided care to about 4 million uninsured people, including 175,000 in Georgia. In 2009, that doubled to about 8 million people, despite a decline in donations. A $1 donation to free clinics typically provides $5 worth of services.
"It is important to note that being uninsured is not the same as being unemployed," Lamoureux said. "About 83 percent of uninsured people have jobs. At past C.A.R.E. Clinics, we found that many of the patients worked at two or more jobs but did not receive health insurance benefits. Some even worked as nurses or for insurance companies but still did not have insurance themselves."
Volunteers can register now for shifts between 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. on March 26, when the clinic will be set up, and between 7:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. on March 27.
Medical volunteers needed for the Atlanta clinic include doctors of medicine, doctors of osteopathy, nurse practitioners, physician's assistants, registered nurses, licensed vocational nurses, emergency medical technicians, medical administrators, licensed clinical social workers and more. Non-medical volunteers are needed to help with documentation, logistical support, patient intake and translation, as well as to be patient greeters and escorts. Help also is needed for setting up the clinic, as well as breaking it down.
Information for volunteers is available online at http://www.regonline.com/Atlanta_CARE_Clinic, as well as at http://freeclinics.us/ or http://www.gfcn.org/. Those interested in appointments for patients at the clinic may call 1-277-233-5159 to sign up now.
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Friday, February 26, 2010
Kia Celebrates Grand Opening of $1 Billion State-of-the-Art Automobile Manufacturing Plant in Georgia
/PRNewswire/ -- Officials with Kia Motors Manufacturing Georgia (KMMG), Inc. were joined by dignitaries from the Hyundai-Kia Automotive Group, the State of Georgia, and local city and county officials to celebrate the official grand opening of Kia's first-ever U.S. automobile manufacturing plant in West Point, Georgia, capable of producing 300,000 cars annually for the North American and global markets.
The ceremony was attended by approximately 500 VIPs from Korea and the U.S., including Chairman of the Hyundai-Kia Automotive Group Mong-Koo Chung; Group President and CEO of KMMG and Kia Motors America (KMA) Byung-Mo Ahn; Georgia Governor Sonny Perdue; and a number of other high-ranking Korean government and State of Georgia officials.
"Kia is proud to call West Point, Georgia home and we look forward to many years of growing together," said Ahn. "Continued diligent work has helped elevate Kia to one of the fastest growing automobile brands around the globe. With the successful launch of the 2011 Kia Sorento CUV and establishment of our first manufacturing plant in the United States, the Kia brand is well positioned for further growth and to become a worldwide leader in quality and innovation."
Representing a $1 billion investment by Kia Motors Corporation, the sprawling, new 2.2 million-square-foot automobile manufacturing plant is situated on more than 2,200 acres of land between Exit 2 and Exit 6 along Interstate 85 in West Point. KMMG consists of four main shops: stamping, welding, paint and assembly. The site also includes a transmission shop, module shop and a two-mile test track where every vehicle produced by KMMG will be thoroughly tested. KMMG's general assembly area is outfitted with more than a half mile of height-adjustable conveyors to achieve the most favorable installation position for each team member and reduce physical fatigue. It is outfitted with wood flooring, which provides a more comfortable and forgiving work environment for team members.
Governor Perdue noted today's event meant the continuation of a mutually beneficial partnership between the State of Georgia and Kia that will mean many great things for the State in years to come.
"This is a momentous day for Georgia as Kia Motors has brought thousands of new jobs to this area, and is truly delivering as a tremendous corporate citizen," said Governor Perdue. "We value our relationship with Kia and pledge to continue providing specialized training through the Kia Georgia Training Center that will guarantee a quality workforce and the future success of this plant in Georgia."
The massive Kia automobile manufacturing plant and its supplier companies have already provided thousands of jobs. KMMG currently employs more than 1,200 team members and is expected to nearly double that number by the end of the year, while onsite and nearby suppliers will create up to 7,500 additional jobs in the region.
Randy Jackson, director of human resources and administration, said he was glad that KMMG could help give back to the local community through job creation, community development and tourism.
"The Grand Opening marks a new milestone for Kia," Jackson said. "Beginning this spring, we are pleased to open our doors to the community and have them see firsthand the quality and craftsmanship that is built into every Kia vehicle. We hope every Kia owner, and anyone thinking about purchasing a Kia, will visit us."
Mass production of the all-new 2011 Kia Sorento CUV began on Nov. 16, 2009 with the product officially going on sale in the U.S. in January of this year. Selling 7,398 units in its first month, the 2011 Sorento was Kia's best-selling vehicle in January.
"The outstanding early performance of the first vehicle produced from our West Point, Georgia plant is a significant achievement for KMMG, KMA and the Kia brand as a whole," said Ahn. "As we grow we will continue to expand our line of vehicles here and abroad while staying true to the Kia brand tenets of value, quality, safety and technology; and KMMG will play a prominent role in achieving our goals."
Kia Motors Manufacturing Georgia, Inc. (KMMG) is the first manufacturing site in North America for Kia Motors Corporation based in Seoul, Korea. KMMG is located on 2,200 acres in West Point, Georgia, and began mass production of the 2011 Kia Sorento on November 16, 2009. At full capacity, the plant will have the ability to build 300,000 vehicles annually from U.S. and globally sourced parts.
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SBA Disaster Loan Deadline in Georgia is March 22; There is Still Time to Apply
(BUSINESS WIRE)--The U.S. Small Business Administration reminds small businesses affected by the excessive rains and flooding that began in March 2009 in Georgia of the March 22 deadline to file applications for loan assistance. The SBA’s Economic Injury Disaster Loan program, with loan amounts up to $2 million with a 4 percent interest rate for businesses and 3 percent for non-profit organizations, is available to entities that suffered financial losses as a direct result of this disaster.
“When the Secretary of Agriculture issues a disaster declaration to help farmers recover from damages and losses to crops, the Small Business Administration issues a declaration to eligible entities affected by the same disaster”
“When the Secretary of Agriculture issues a disaster declaration to help farmers recover from damages and losses to crops, the Small Business Administration issues a declaration to eligible entities affected by the same disaster,” said Frank Skaggs, director of SBA’s Field Operations Center East. Agricultural producers, farmers and ranchers are not eligible to apply to SBA.
Under this declaration, the SBA’s Economic Injury Disaster Loan program is available to eligible farm-related and nonfarm-related entities that suffered financial losses as a direct result of this disaster.
The SBA determines eligibility based on the size of the applicant, type of activity and its financial resources. Terms can be up to 30 years based on each applicant’s financial condition. These working capital loans may be used to pay fixed debts, payroll, accounts payable, and other expenses that could have been paid had the disaster not occurred. The loans are not intended to replace lost sales or profits.
These loans are available in the following counties: Appling, Atkinson, Bacon, Baker, Ben Hill, Berrien, Bibb, Bleckley, Brantley, Brooks, Bryan, Bulloch, Butts, Calhoun, Camden, Candler, Charlton, Chatham, Chattahoochee, Clay, Clinch, Coffee, Colquitt, Cook, Crawford, Crisp, Decatur, Dodge, Dooly, Dougherty, Early, Echols, Effingham, Emanuel, Evans, Glynn, Grady, Houston, Irwin, Jasper, Jeff Davis, Johnson, Jones, Lamar, Lanier, Laurens, Lee, Liberty, Long, Lowndes, Macon, Marion, McIntosh, Meriwether, Miller, Mitchell, Monroe, Montgomery, Peach, Pierce, Pike, Pulaski, Quitman, Randolph, Schley, Screven, Seminole, Spalding Stewart, Sumter, Talbot, Tattnall, Taylor, Telfair, Terrell, Thomas, Tift, Toombs, Treutlen, Turner, Twiggs, Upson, Ware, Wayne, Webster, Wheeler, Wilcox and Worth in Georgia.
Disaster loan information and application forms may be obtained by calling the SBA’s Customer Service Center 800-659-2955 (800-877-8339 for the hearing-impaired) Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. EST or by sending an e-mail to disastercustomerservice@sba.gov. Loan applications can be downloaded from the SBA’s Web site at www.sba.gov/services/disasterassistance. Completed applications should be mailed to: U.S. Small Business Administration, Processing and Disbursement Center, 14925 Kingsport Road, Fort Worth, TX 76155.
Those affected by the disaster may apply for disaster loans from SBA’s secure Web site at https://disasterloan.sba.gov/ela/.
Completed loan applications must be returned to SBA no later than March 22, 2010.
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Saturday, February 20, 2010
ATF National Response Team Activated to Investigate Montezuma, Ga. Warehouse Fire
/PRNewswire/ -- The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) National Response Team, along with ATF special agents from the Atlanta Field Division, have entered the investigation of a commercial warehouse fire that occurred on February 12, 2010, in Montezuma, Georgia. The NRT is deploying at the request of the Georgia State Fire Marshal's Office.
The facility, an approximately 120,000 square-foot building, located at 261 Hamilton Road in Montezuma, is the former site of Evergreen Composite Technologies a composite wood manufacturing plant. No deaths or injuries were reported, yet the building was completely destroyed.
ATF's NRT has brought definitive expertise and an array of state-of-the-art equipment to the investigation of major fire and explosives incidents since 1978. Four regional components, organized geographically to cover the United States, comprise the NRT. The team can respond within 24 hours to assist state and local law enforcement or fire service personnel in onsite investigations.
The responding NRT component normally has 18 members, including veteran special agents who have post-blast and fire origin-and-cause expertise; forensic chemists; explosives enforcement officers; fire protection engineers; accelerant detection canines; explosives detection canines; and intelligence, computer forensic and audit support. A fleet of fully equipped response vehicles strategically located throughout the United States provides logistical support. The responding NRT team supervisor is Supervisory Special Agent Chris Porreca stationed in Jacksonville, Fla. and the Team Special Agent in Charge is Dondi Albritton, stationed in Louisville, KY.
ATF's partnership with federal, state and local officers is vital to the most effective processing efforts at an explosives or fire scene. The NRT capitalizes on that by working alongside its partners in reconstructing the scene, identifying the seat of the blast or the origin of the fire, conducting interviews and sifting through debris to obtain evidence related to the explosion or fire.
In addition to investigating hundreds of large fire and explosives scenes, the NRT trucks were deployed for the 2001 terrorist attack on the Pentagon; the Olympics and other major sporting events in the United States; presidential inaugurations and the national political conventions; and major international conferences.
This is the 11th activation of the NRT in FY 2010 and the 693nd since its inception in 1978.
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Thursday, February 11, 2010
Georgia Dialysis Patients, Legislators Rally Around Bill to Improve Patient Access to Dialysis and Transplants; Lauded as “Good for Patients, Good for
(BUSINESS WIRE)--Dialysis Patient Citizens today praised the Senate Insurance and Labor Committee for unanimously passing legislation – S.B. 316 – which will increase patient access to life-saving dialysis care or transplant medications. Dialysis patients attending yesterday’s hearing encouraged lawmakers to support the bill which, if enacted, would greatly help approximately 2,000 Georgians suffering from kidney failure who are having difficulty accessing health insurance. Twenty-nine states across the country have enacted this popular legislation that is widely embraced by patients, family members and taxpayers.
“I would have better access to preventative care and it would increase my ability to seek treatment early.”
NBA All-Star Alonzo Mourning, a kidney transplant patient who returned to the NBA to win the national championship after his transplant, is planning to visit Georgia legislators in March on behalf of dialysis and transplant patients to advocate for this important legislation as he did in Florida in 2009. Similar bipartisan legislation passed in the Florida legislature last year and was signed into law by Governor Charlie Crist. Approximately 500 Florida patients can now purchase MediGap insurance, helping those who can’t afford co-pays and deductibles for medications and dialysis care avoid financial hardship.
Currently, Georgians under age 65 with end state renal disease (ESRD), better known as kidney failure, do not have access to secondary coverage – known as Medigap insurance – to help pay for medical expenses that Medicare does not cover, such as co-insurance, deductibles and co-pays. Under current federal law, only Medicare beneficiaries over the age of 65 are able to purchase this insurance as secondary coverage. This coverage helps patients with kidney failure and those deemed disabled access essential medical treatments, including kidney transplants, without cost being a barrier to care.
“If I had access to secondary coverage, it would alleviate the anxiety I feel when making decisions regarding my health” said Eric Edwards, an Atlanta-area ESRD patient and Dialysis Patient Citizens (DPC) patient ambassador who attended yesterday’s hearing. “I would have better access to preventative care and it would increase my ability to seek treatment early.”
Additionally, Medigap coverage protects patients from having to “spend down” their income to become eligible for state Medicaid assistance. If enacted, fewer people will be forced to enter the state Medicaid program, resulting in an estimated $20 million of Medicaid savings over the next five years for Georgia and protecting taxpayers from higher program costs.
“It is critical for legislators to understand the vital importance of Medigap access for all kidney failure patients because for thousands of patients throughout the state, life depends on quality kidney care,” added Chad Lennox, Executive Director of DPC. “The patient community is dedicated to working with lawmakers across the state to ensure that this smart, patient-centric legislation is enacted without delay.”
The bill will now advance to the Senate Rules Committee before going to the Senate floor. The full bill is available at http://www.legis.state.ga.us/legis/2009_10/sum/sb316.htm.
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Friday, February 5, 2010
Gov. Perdue Announces 2009 DNR Forestry for Wildlife Partners
Gov. Sonny Perdue recognized two corporate forest landowners in Georgia for their stewardship in land management and practices benefiting the state’s wildlife.
Plum Creek and Georgia Power were honored Wednesday, Feb. 3, for participating in the 2009 Forestry for Wildlife Partnership, a program administered by the Georgia Department of Natural Resources’ Wildlife Resources Division. The Forestry for Wildlife Partnership is a voluntary annual program that promotes blending wildlife conservation into corporate forestry practices and offers choices from which landowners can build a program compatible with their forest management objectives.
“Stewardship of Georgia's natural resources is vitally important to our state's future,” Perdue said. “Georgia Power and Plum Creek serve as model corporate citizens with their participation in the Forestry for Wildlife Partnership.”
The companies have helped improve a total of 937,700 acres for wildlife. The Wildlife Resources Division recognized the two as Forestry for Wildlife Partners for integrating wildlife conservation practices into their forest management programs. Some of the practices included:
Preparing wildlife conservation plans that detail natural resources inventories and outline management strategies that combine forest and wildlife aspects.
Providing internal training opportunities for employees on how to blend forestland management with wildlife-friendly practices for multiple natural resource benefits.
Incorporating wildlife management techniques into current land-use planning and timber management practices.
Providing valuable data for Wildlife Resources research projects.
Providing public recreational opportunities on corporate forestlands.
Participating in partnerships with conservation organizations through programs such as Partners in Flight, the Longleaf Alliance, the state Breeding Bird Atlas, and the Georgia Amphibians and Reptiles Atlas.
Managing riparian forests for wildlife use and water quality protection.
Habitat is the key to wildlife abundance. Georgia has more than 24 million acres of forestland. Of that land base, 93 percent is privately owned. Corporate forest landowners manage 18 percent.
Georgia Power helped develop the Forestry for Wildlife Partnership in the 1990s and Plum Creek joined in 2004. Wildlife Resources Division Director Dan Forster said the program has proved “a catalyst that served to engage the wildlife community with the forestry industry in Georgia,” registering positive impacts on varied initiatives such as Georgia’s Wildlife Action plan and the annual nongame fundraiser Weekend for Wildlife.
“It’s especially rewarding to see these two pioneering partners still engaged in this flagship partnership,” Forster said of Plum Creek and Georgia Power.
Conservation efforts benefit from Forestry for Wildlife through management of endangered red-cockaded woodpecker habitats, managing and monitoring bald eagle and swallow-tailed kite nesting, managing isolated wetlands critical to protected reptiles and amphibians like the gopher frog, managing rare remnant Coosa Valley Prairie and Black Belt Prairie habitats containing endangered plants, and providing numerous public hunting opportunities.
All of the conservation enhancement components and reporting procedures are compatible with the American Forest and Paper Association’s Sustainable Forestry Initiative, a voluntary approach within the forest industry to maintain high environmental standards on lands managed by corporate landowners.
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Automotive Expert Bobby Likis Demonstrates How to Safely Stop a Toyota
/PRNewswire/ -- Respected automotive industry expert & host of the nationally syndicated "Bobby Likis Car Clinic" broadcast, Bobby Likis performs a video demonstration of safely stopping an out-of-control, accelerating Toyota. The guest of the ABC TV Gulf Coast affiliate, Likis simulates the emergency using a "panic stick," then brings the recalled Toyota model to a full & safe stop.
"This easy-to-do technique should be shared not only with every recalled Toyota owner, but also with every 911 operator," said Likis. "And this simple procedure works with every car, not just Toyotas." Then Likis warns, "Many people think that pushing hard on the brakes is the answer to neutralize a stuck gas pedal or to re-gain control of renegade acceleration. This is not the case. While standing on the brakes at very low speeds may work without brake burnout...at road speeds (especially out-of-control acceleration), this would not only NOT stall or stop the racing engine, it would likely overheat brakes & render them totally useless."
Go to http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J9vntweEW8o to see the demonstration.
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Thursday, February 4, 2010
Georgia's Pre-K Program Serves One Million Children
/PRNewswire/ -- The location of the Millionth Child currently being served by Georgia's Pre-K Program has been revealed. The millionth child walked through the doors of Sumter County Primary School in Americus, Georgia! Governor Sonny and Mrs. Mary Perdue will kick off a special celebration at the school on Thursday, February 18. Georgia is the first state in the nation to serve more than one million Pre-K children in a voluntary, universal, lottery-funded program.
"We are thrilled with the outpouring of support that the Millionth Child Celebration has received," said Bright from the Start Commissioner Holly A. Robinson. "This exciting campaign could not have been successful without our generous partners, outstanding providers and teachers, and most importantly, the one million children who have benefited from Georgia's Pre-K Program."
Commemorative Millionth Child Celebration activities began last year and will continue through 2010. The celebration was launched in April 2009 by Georgia First Lady Mary Perdue who read How Much is a Million? to a group of Georgia's Pre-K children. She and Governor Perdue chose the book in honor of this milestone. Other activities include the Million Book Campaign challenging everyone in Georgia to read to children. So far, more than 622,000 books have been logged in!
"The millionth child campaign emphasizes the importance of a quality learning experience that includes a strong early literacy program for all of Georgia's children," said Mary Mazarky, Assistant Commissioner for Pre-K.
Bright from the Start: Georgia Department of Early Care and Learning administers the nationally recognized Georgia's Pre-K Program. High quality learning experiences are emphasized for every child participating in the program which has been in existence 16 years. During the 2009-2010 school year, 82,000 children in approximately 4,100 classrooms in every county in the state are being served.
Bright from the Start: Georgia Department of Early Care and Learning is responsible for meeting the child care and early education needs of Georgia's children and their families. It administers the nationally recognized Georgia's Pre-K Program, licenses child care centers and home-based child care, administers federal nutrition programs, and manages voluntary quality enhancement programs.
The department also houses the Head Start State Collaboration Office, distributes federal funding to enhance the quality and availability of child care, and works collaboratively with Georgia child care resource and referral agencies and organizations throughout the state to enhance early care and education. For more information, go to www.decal.ga.gov.
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Wednesday, February 3, 2010
Rockdale County Launches the Nation's First Neighborhood Stabilization (NSP) Model Block Project
Rockdale County is blazing trails with the launch of the nation's first stimulus funded model block approach. Underwritten by the US Department of Housing & Urban Development's (HUD) Neighborhood Stabilization Program (NSP), all of their acquired foreclosed properties are in one neighborhood; on the same street.
Rockdale County Government and APD Solutions (APDS), a national Neighborhood Revitalization Firm, are proving naysayers wrong in showing how strategic planning of the use of funds can have a positive effect on improving local communities. With the assistance of Federal Stimulus funds provided through the partnership with the Georgia Department of Community Affairs, they are rehabilitating empty foreclosed homes, employing dozens of people and providing thousands of dollars in down payment assistance to homebuyers. Their aggressive approach is catching the attention of local and state officials. Rockdale County is making much needed progress in providing the home buying public with a steady supply of quality, affordable and renovated homes.
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Tuesday, February 2, 2010
Consumer Reports Health: Central-Line Infection Rates in Atlanta Hospitals Vary; One Hospital Reports Rates Up to 6 Times National Average
Consumer Reports Health: Central-Line Infection Rates in Atlanta Hospitals Vary; One Hospital Reports Rates Up to 6 Times National Average; Some Hospitals Not Reporting
/PRNewswire/ -- Hospitals in the Atlanta area vary in terms of how well their intensive care units (ICUs) prevent central-line bloodstream infections, a cause of death, disability, and expense in our nations' hospitals that is largely preventable. On February 2, www.ConsumerReportsHealth.org will post hospital infection rates for 12 Atlanta area hospitals that voluntarily reported their infection rates. Bloodstream infections cause at least 30 percent of the estimated 99,000 annual hospital-infection-related deaths in the U.S. and add on average $42,000 to the hospital bills of each ICU patient who gets a central line-infection.
In the Atlanta area, only one of the 12 hospitals rated, Hamilton Medical Center, reported zero central line infections. Other hospitals with lower than average infection rates include: WellStar Kennestone Hospital reported a rate that is 61 percent better than the national average, meaning there were 61 percent fewer infections reported than the U.S. average for its mix of ICUs. Emory University Hospital reported 56 percent fewer infections than average; WellStar Cobb Hospital reported 54 percent fewer infections than average; and North Fulton Regional Hospital reported 51 percent fewer infections than average. Infection rates are for 2008.
On the other end of the spectrum, several Atlanta hospitals reported alarmingly high infection rates: Dekalb Medical Center at Hillendale reported an infection rate that is 858 percent worse than the national average, and Eastside Medical Center reported a rate that is 126 percent worse than average. Other hospitals that stand out for their poor performance include: Dekalb Medical Center (71 percent worse than average) Cartersville Medical Center (48 percent worse than average); South Fulton Medical Center (32 percent worse than average); and Emory Crawford Long Hospital (29 percent worse than average).
"Infection rates can vary widely from hospital to hospital and even within the same hospital chain or system," said John Santa, M.D., M.P.H., director of the Consumer Reports Health Ratings Center. "Providing patients with infection rate information enables them to identify which hospitals are making patient safety a priority and which ones are not." According to a related investigative report in the March issue of Consumer Reports, of the 926 U.S. hospitals whose infection rates were analyzed by Consumer Reports Health, 105 hospitals tallied zero central line infections (listed online at www.ConsumerReportsHealth.org).
"All hospitals should be aiming for zero infections," said Santa. "The procedures needed to eliminate ICU infections are simple, low-tech, and inexpensive, requiring a change of mindset and culture. All ICUs should be able to dramatically reduce if not eliminate these infections," continued Santa.
The Consumer Reports online ratings are based on hospitals that publicly report their infection rates as a result of state laws and hospitals that voluntarily report to the Leapfrog Group, a Washington D.C. based nonprofit, works with large employers and purchasers of health care to measure and publicly report on hospital safety and quality in 41 states in the U.S. (www.leapfroggroup.org). Citizen activists, including those working with Consumers Union, the nonprofit publisher of Consumer Reports, have helped enact laws in 27 states, forcing hospitals to publicly disclose their infection rates. To date, 17 of those states have made that information publicly available.
Georgia does not require hospitals to report data on these types of infections. "State lawmakers should mandate hospital infection reporting so all Georgians can find out whether their local hospital is doing a good job keeping patients safe from these sometimes deadly infections," said Lisa McGiffert, Director of Consumers Union's Safe Patient Project (www.SafePatientProject.org).
Consequently, the Consumer Reports ratings for Georgia hospitals are based on Leapfrog data. "It is important to recognize that many hospitals demonstrate commitment to their communities by willingly reporting safety data -- warts and all. Consumers should be most wary of hospitals that are asked to report by their patients, and refuse," said Leah Binder, CEO of the Leapfrog Group. Binder noted that several hospitals in Atlanta declined to provide their data to Leapfrog during the reporting period, including Grady Memorial Hospital and Piedmont Hospital. A complete list of non-reporting hospitals can be found at www.leapfroggroup.org/decline.
A Central Line Associated Bloodstream Infection (CLABSI) is a type of infection caused by the presence of a central line catheter. A "central line" or "central catheter" is a tube that is placed in a large vein in the neck, chest, or arm to enable the rapid administration of fluids, bloods, or medications. These long, flexible catheters empty out in or near the heart so that the circulatory system can deliver what's put in them within seconds. A bloodstream infection can occur when bacteria or other germs travel down the central line and enter the bloodstream, making the central line's biggest virtue as a quick pathway for delivering the essentials into its biggest vice.
Since the risk of infection varies substantially across different types of ICUs, the Consumer Reports ratings are using what is known as a "standardized infection ratio," taking into account the unique mix of ICU types in a given hospital by comparing the hospital infection data for each ICU to the national average for each such ICU type published by the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). For instance, the average infection rate for cardiac ICUs nationwide is 2 per 1000 central line days (that's the total number of days that patients are on central lines), while surgical ICUs average 2.3 infections per 1000 central line days. So an infection rate 100% above average would be 4 per 1000 days for a cardiac ICU, but 4.6 per 1000 days for a surgical ICU.
The Consumer Reports web site (www.ConsumerReportsHealth.org) currently rates more than 3,600 hospitals in the U. S. based on several criteria including patient satisfaction, intensity of care, and steps to prevent infection. This last measure, which is different from the CLABSI infection rates, assesses how well a hospital follows correct procedures to avoid surgical infections.
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Georgia Legislature Rushes to Regulate Reptiles; Hasty Move Could Cost Jobs
/PRNewswire/ -- Senate Bill 303, a bill that seeks to regulate the ownership and trade of certain reptiles is being rushed through committee. The bill introduced by Senator Douglas (District 17) would require a cost prohibitive permit system and micro chipping provision that could put reptile farmers out of business and take away the ability of people to own animals that are currently legal to own in Georgia. Penalties for violations of the statute could bring fines of up to $1000 and a year in jail.
Herpetoculture is a non traditional agricultural pursuit that represents a $3 Billion trade in the United States. Similar legislation at the federal level, although pushed aggressively by the Animal Rights Industry, has stalled do to severe impacts to small business and poor quality of underlying science being used as justification to shut down trade. The US Chamber of Commerce opposes the federal proposal citing, "this legislation would adversely impact tens of thousands of businesses". A group of top scientists from University of Florida, Georgia Southwestern State, The National Geographic Society commented in regards to "evidence" being used to condemn the industry, "It is a misrepresentation to call the document 'scientific,'" and further stated, "As written, this document is not suitable as the basis for legislative or regulatory policies."
The United States Association of Reptile Keepers, a reptile industry advocate, suggests a more balanced approach such as the law just recently passed in NC requiring caging standards and escape prevention protocols. Andrew Wyatt, President of USARK, insists that what is being proposed in GA will not add any level of secure containment. Wyatt says, "the bill we wrote and helped pass in NC addresses specific concerns with secure containment, safety and escape prevention that are not addressed in S303. Additionally it costs nothing and does not require state Dept of Natural Resources to administer. It is written into criminal statute." The USARK proposal actually provides a framework of best industry management standards that protects the public and the environment while allowing responsible ownership and trade to continue.
Georgia bill S303 will go to hearing for the second time before the Senate Natural Resources Committee on Wednesday, February 3rd at 2pm in the State Capitol.
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Monday, February 1, 2010
Toyota Announces Comprehensive Plan to Fix Accelerator Pedals on Recalled Vehicles and Ensure Customer Safety
/PRNewswire/ -- Toyota Motor Sales (TMS) U.S.A., Inc., today announced it will begin fixing accelerator pedals in recalled Toyota Division vehicles this week. Toyota's engineers have developed and rigorously tested a solution that involves reinforcing the pedal assembly in a manner that eliminates the excess friction that has caused the pedals to stick in rare instances. In addition, Toyota has developed an effective solution for vehicles in production.
Parts to reinforce the pedals are already being shipped for use by dealers, and dealer training is under way. Many Toyota dealers will work extended hours to complete the recall campaign as quickly and conveniently as possible, some even staying open 24 hours a day. The company has also taken the unprecedented action of stopping production of affected vehicles for the week of February 1.
"Nothing is more important to us than the safety and reliability of the vehicles our customers drive," said Jim Lentz, president and Chief Operating Officer, TMS. "We deeply regret the concern that our recalls have caused for our customers and we are doing everything we can - as fast as we can - to make things right. Stopping production is never an easy decision, but we are 100% confident it was the right decision. We know what's causing the sticking accelerator pedals, and we know what we have to do to fix it. We also know it is most important to fix this problem in the cars on the road."
Lentz added: "We are focused on making this recall as simple and trouble-free as possible, and will work day and night with our dealers to fix recalled vehicles quickly. We want to demonstrate that our commitment to safety is as high as ever and that our commitment to our customers is unwavering."
On January 21, Toyota announced its intention to recall approximately 2.3 million select Toyota Division vehicles equipped with a specific pedal assembly and suspended sales of the eight models involved in the recall on January 26.
Toyota vehicles affected by the recall include:
-- Certain 2009-2010 RAV4
-- Certain 2009-2010 Corolla
-- 2009-2010 Matrix
-- 2005-2010 Avalon
-- Certain 2007-2010 Camry
-- Certain 2010 Highlander
-- 2007-2010 Tundra
-- 2008-2010 Sequoia
No Lexus Division or Scion vehicles are affected by these actions. Also not affected are Toyota Prius, Tacoma, Sienna, Venza, Solara, Yaris, 4Runner, FJ Cruiser, Land Cruiser, Highlander hybrids and certain Camry models, including Camry hybrids, all of which remain for sale.
Further, Camry, RAV4, Corolla and Highlander vehicles with Vehicle Identification Numbers (VIN) that begin with "J" are not affected by the accelerator pedal recall.
In the event that a driver experiences an accelerator pedal that sticks in a partial open throttle position or returns slowly to idle position, the vehicle can be controlled with firm and steady application of the brakes. The brakes should not be pumped repeatedly because it could deplete vacuum assist, requiring stronger brake pedal pressure. The vehicle should be driven to the nearest safe location, the engine shut off and a Toyota dealer contacted for assistance.
Detailed information and answers to questions about issues related to this recall are available to customers at www.toyota.com/recall and at the Toyota Customer Experience Center at 1-800-331-4331.
How Toyota Will Fix Recalled Vehicles
Toyota has pinpointed the issue that could, on rare occasions, cause accelerator pedals in recalled vehicles to stick in a partially open position. The issue involves a friction device in the pedal designed to provide the proper "feel" by adding resistance and making the pedal steady and stable. The device includes a shoe that rubs against an adjoining surface during normal pedal operation. Due to the materials used, wear and environmental conditions, these surfaces may, over time, begin to stick and release instead of operating smoothly. In some cases, friction could increase to a point that the pedal is slow to return to the idle position or, in rare cases, the pedal sticks, leaving the throttle partially open.
Toyota's solution for current owners is both effective and simple. A precision-cut steel reinforcement bar will be installed into the assembly that will reduce the surface tension between the friction shoe and the adjoining surface. With this reinforcement in place, the excess friction that can cause the pedal to stick is eliminated. The company has confirmed the effectiveness of the newly reinforced pedals through rigorous testing on pedal assemblies that had previously shown a tendency to stick.
Separately from the recall for sticking accelerator pedals, Toyota is in the process of recalling vehicles to address rare instances in which floor mats have trapped the accelerator pedal in certain Toyota and Lexus models (announced November 25, 2009), and is already notifying customers about how it will fix this issue. In the case of vehicles covered by both recalls, it is Toyota's intention to remedy both at the same time.
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Wednesday, January 27, 2010
GSU speaker series to focus on Georgia’s water wars
Diverse voices will address the many issues surrounding Georgia’s disputes about water resources during an upcoming lecture series at Georgia State University.
The university’s Department of Geosciences will present speakers who have different perspectives on the legal, social and physical aspects of the ongoing water dispute between Georgia, Alabama and Florida over water resources in the Chattahoochee River basin, especially Lake Lanier. The series is free and open to the public.
The lectures, to be held at 4 p.m. on the following dates, include sessions with:
· James Bross, professor of law at Georgia State University, who is an expert on water law and the history of the dispute; Jan.28 in Room 718 of the General Classroom Building.
· Neill Herring, a lobbyist with the Georgia chapter of the Sierra Club, who will speak about water conservation in Atlanta; Feb. 11 in Room 316 of Kell Hall.
· Frank Stephens, program analyst for Gwinnett County’s Department of Water Resources, who represents the county’s interests in the ongoing dispute; March 18, Room 316 of Kell Hall.
· David Feldman, professor in the Department of Planning, Policy and Design at the University of California Irvine, who will address similarities between Georgia’s water war with its neighboring states and the famous Los Angeles water grabs of the early 20th century; April 29, Room 718 of the General Classroom Building.
In July 2009, a federal judge ruled that by 2012, Georgia would have to drastically reduce water withdrawals from Lake Lanier to support Atlanta’s water needs to 1970s levels. Georgia recently won the right to appeal the case — part of the decades-long battle between Georgia, Florida and Alabama to settle the dispute.
“The series is timely, particularly given the ruling last summer in the dispute over water resources,” said Jordan Clayton, assistant professor of geosciences, a co-organizer of the speaker series with Katherine Hankins, assistant professor of geosciences. “It’s important to understand what the judge’s ruling is, its impact for Georgia, and the roles of Alabama and Florida in the dispute.”
“We are intentionally presenting speakers with opposing points of view who will provoke discussion in the audience, and who have different perspectives on the way water is being managed,” he added.
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