![]() What are the Governor's plans for using the $3 billion currently in the Georgia state reserves? What has happened to the $800 million in Rescue Act money in the Governor's hands that has yet to be designated? What are the hold ups to distributing this money? As we begin the budget appropriations process for 2023, I'm looking at these issues: If you have been my constituent for a while, you know I am a nerd about the numbers. Please note that beginning this week I will be posting regularly on the Session activities, and invite your questions and comments. I issued a press release today summarizing my bills. From last year, I will again pursue passage of HB 66, and my new proposals will expand transparency and accountability for Development Authorities and participation by local governments impacted by tax incentives and tax abatements. I support the committee findings and recommendations, and I will file additional separate legislation to address my ongoing concerns relating to Development Authorities not covered in the report. ) Committee members will file legislation to implement its recommendations. (You will find videos of all the committee meetings and the report HERE. Development Authority LegislationĪs I reported in my last newsletter, the Study Committee on Annexation and Cityhood completed its work and filed an extensive report. I look forward to doing all I can to help pass this bipartisan and comprehensive bill. There also will be provisions to enhance crisis treatment for individuals coming out of jails or emergency evaluation facilities and additional mandatory data collection tasks. My subcommittee addresses workforce issues, and we plan for education debt reduction for providers going to underserved areas of Georgia. ![]() ![]() I am especially involved in sections of the bill addressing parity for mental health, requiring private insurers operating in Georgia to provide mental health coverage in accordance with the federal Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act. Under Speaker Ralston's leadership, a major comprehensive bill will be filed next week and legislators from both parties will have press conferences in the Capitol to announce details and budget support. Throughout 2021 and continuing this week, I have worked in a bipartisan way with legislative colleagues and advocates to prepare legislation based on the recommendations of the Behavioral Health Commission. The money spent on 2022 campaigns will be unlimited given Georgia's national prominence-very unpredictable environment and results, but undoubtedly will be harsh and partisan.ĭespite many challenges, I choose to be optimistic, and below I preview bipartisan legislation that I hope will make an actual difference to you and other Georgians. What can we accomplish in this historic and unprecedented political year? The incumbent Governor will be fully involved in fighting for his political life from a credible challenger, and many House and Senate incumbents are running for statewide new offices. January infection rates will be high again without question. We again will be taking COVID tests twice weekly, wearing masks, sitting at distance on the floor and in the gallery and in a hearing room, and operating without pages, interns, and personal aides. COVID protocols will be strict for the House and will impact your visits to the Capitol. ![]() We have many challenges and opportunities as we enter Year 3 of COVID. This picture of Governor Kemp and former Senator Perdue encapsulates the predictable political distractions that will dominate the upcoming 2022 Session. Photo credit: Scott Bryant, Statesboro Herald
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