– Valdosta, Ga. — February 9, 2012 –

By: Eames Yates

Statewide budget cuts could terminate 20 teacher and educational staff positions within the Department of Juvenile Justice’s educational program. Of those 20 jobs, 8 are currently vacant. 4 of these jobs are for actual teachers.

There is no word yet as to where the cuts will occur. Juvenile Court Judge Wayne Ellerbee says the Juvenile Justice Department “has not been the favorite of the legislator. They don’t like to spend money on juveniles or on children for things perhaps parents should be doing.”

He elaborated on the impact of the budget cuts emphasizing the importance of rehabilitation. He said “education for a lot of these children is the last asylum or the only asylum they have for structure. The only asylum they have for at least two meals a day. The only place they have where perhaps they feel like somebody cares for them.”

Last year in Georgia there were over 1,100 juveniles sentenced as adults. The state pays over $1.1 billion for prisons annually.

To read the original story, click here.

To see the full fact sheet affiliated with this story, Choice 2, click here.

ATLANTA — Having an impact in the General Assembly isn’t easy when the force of your argument is all you have going for you, as minority parties have always known.

The civics-class explanation of how a bill becomes a law suggests that reasoned debate wins the day. On the other hand, skeptics charge that moneyed lobbyists pull all the strings.

In most instances, though, the fate of most bills rests in the hands of the majority party. Since they constitute a majority, they win every vote as long as their members stick together.

That leaves the minority party casting about, with neither the resource of votes or money. So, they put their faith in the civics-class model and hope they can marshal enough facts and logic to be convincing enough to overcome partisan ties. Usually, they can’t, having no more success than Republicans did when the tables were turned.

That leaves only the long-term goal of convincing the public in hopes of a different outcome on Election Day.

To do that, Democrats are now holding a series of what they bill as hearings.

The point is to show there are other possible solutions besides those offered by the majority Republicans.

Some hearings have drawn more attention than others. Recent hearings on capping income qualifications on the HOPE Scholarship drew statewide press coverage. There was less so at the next one on relaxing the grade-point-average for the HOPE Grant in technical colleges.

A hearing on Thursday about economic proposals drew just three journalists, two from Georgia Public Broadcasting.

“We’re discussing issues we think are important to Georgia families,” said Rep. Winfred Dukes, D-Albany. “Creating good jobs is a primary obligation of our state.”

On display then were bills said to be helpful to economic development. One would require state agencies to give preference to American-made products when taking bids and another a similar preference toward companies that hire Georgians when shopping for services.

“By starting with the basics of determining how government must help where it can and get out of the way when it should, I have introduced this bill to provide better economic security for Georgia employees,” said Rep. Quincy Murphy, D-Augusta, sponsor of the services bill. “This legislation will not cost the state a single dollar, but it will be transparent to citizens who want to see their tax funds spent well and spent on improving our employment rates.”

Georgia already applies a preference on the purchase of compost and mulch — evidence of someone’s focused influence. When it comes to other products and services, Georgia gives in-state vendors the same preferences that the home states of other vendors give their local businesses. That means a Georgia company bidding against an Alabama company would get the same preferences as the Alabama company would enjoy when it submits proposals at home.

Some of the Democrats’ proposals are relatively modest, such as the Rural Tourism Protection Act. It requires the Department of Natural Resources to ask local governments if they’d like to take over operation of a state park or historic site slated for closure due to budget pressure. The department already does this and has turned over Tanner State Park to Carroll County and several golf courses to local governments.

Still, the hearing was a chance to make a public stand, as Rep. Bob Bryant, D-Garden City, did before the three-dozen attending Thursday’s hearing.

“For the past eight years, I’ve worked in this state for economic development,” he said. “As a representative from Savannah, I understand the importance of tourism. Without the Rural Tourism Act, we have the potential to lose millions of dollars in tourism.”

For good measure, the Democrats included Rep. Pat Gardner’s bill to create an online clearinghouse for information about health insurance plans available to small businesses. Such sites, known as health exchanges, are a requirement of federal health reform, and she argues they’ll still be beneficial even if the U.S. Supreme Court eventually strikes down the federal reform act.

What makes the health insurance site an economic-development issue, she said, is the cost to employers.

“Small businesses across Georgia are facing skyrocketing health care costs,” said Gardner, D-Atlanta. “Georgia needs and deserves a bill that will provide both relief and options for employers to choose manageable contributions levels for employee coverage.”

Democrats aren’t alone in staging hearings to demonstrate concern for small businesses. House Republicans held their own Red Tape Watch the same afternoon. The House Small Business & Job Creation Committee invited small-business owners to testify about the government regulations they don’t like.

Hearings also become a forum for special-interest groups to publicize their own agendas. For instance, at the Democrats’ gathering, the first public speaker was Terry Taylor, co-chairman of the 2020 Georgia coalition that advocates higher taxes to provide more funds for social services. Some observers might argue his stance directly conflicts with the view that small businesses would hire more people if they paid less to the government.

But the hearings are not designed for debating but rather for show. Generally, everyone speaking in each is already in agreement anyway.
Read the original story: RN-T.com – Analysis Democrats try to make a mark as a minority

Cecilia Sáenz                                         Kimberly Krautter

2020 Georgia                                         13^th Generation Strategies

info@2020georgia.com                           kimberly.krautter@13thgen.com

404-514-8445                                         404-229-1073

OFFICIAL STATEMENT:

Reaction to Report by the Georgia Competitiveness Initiative

ATLANTA, GA (Friday, January 27, 2012) – 2020 Georgia is encouraged by several elements of the Georgia Competitiveness Initiative’s report, including recommendations that would encourage business growth, support infrastructure investment, promote global commerce and underscore the importance of education as solutions to Georgia’s long-term competitiveness.

Unfortunately, the team that framed the report failed to identify new revenue sources that would pay for their recommendations. In fact, the only actions mentioned would reduce revenues through various business tax breaks which would undermine the same vital services and resources that they purport to promote.

We understand the important role business plays as an engine of a strong state economy, but business tax incentives alone will not make. Businesses will not invest in Georgia if we do not make sustained infrastructure investments in comprehensive transportation and clean water or provide a quality education for our state’s people.

If the end-goal of the Competitiveness Initiative is to bring much needed new jobs to Georgia, this group has failed to articulate a funding plan to ensure the development of a qualified workforce. Yes, we must develop skilled workers; we agree with the Competitiveness Initiative on that. But the statement alone means little until we develop a balanced approach to our state’s economic plan, one that includes revenues that bring in enough money to pay the bills, invest in our future and make the choices that work for Georgia’s families.

# # #

Click here to download a PDF version of the press statement.

The House and Senate Appropriations Committees will be holding joint hearings next week as they go over Gov. Nathan Deal’s proposed $18.5 billion amended state budget for the current fiscal year as well as his $19.2 billion spending plan for fiscal year 2013.

Deal’s budget proposals, as would be expected, were generally well-received by Republican legislators while Democratic lawmakers found several areas of disagreement.

Here are some reactions from various quarters to the budget proposals that Deal released earlier this week.

Alan Essig, director of the Georgia Budget and Policy Institute:

Governor Deal’s proposed business tax cuts appear more responsible than many of the tax proposals floated earlier by various members of the General Assembly; however, we don’t know how they will be paid for and their value for future economic growth is questionable.

For the first time in many years the proposal fully funds the growth in the K-12 funding formula without any additional cuts in state funding. The proposal does not include funds to replace more than $1 billion in funding cuts over the past several years. In addition, it does not account for $321 million in one-time grant funding provided in 2010 to local school systems in Georgia from the federal Education Jobs Act. Local school systems used these funds to reduce cuts to educational and related services during the FY 2011 and FY 2012 school years. With this grant funding no longer available and no state funds to replace it, a significant gap in K-12 education funding occurs if local schools systems cannot replace these lost funds . . .

The governor’s tax proposals are narrowly focused on businesses. Although the proposal to exempt sales tax on energy for manufacturers has a strong policy argument, it is estimated to cost approximately $140 million. The governor has not laid out a plan as to how that tax break will be paid for. The governor proposed revising the various jobs tax credit programs without having any idea if the current program is effective or not. If we are going to continue the questionable strategy of jobs tax credits as incentives we should at least require annual studies to verify the effectiveness of those incentives.

2020 Georgia advocacy group:

We are encouraged by several elements of Governor Deal’s agenda, specifically his pledge to invest in 10 more days of school per year for children in Pre-K, school nurses, new medical residencies, a cancer center, and new parole officers and accountability courts to help turn around Georgia’s over-reliance on costly prisons.

We are also encouraged that Gov. Deal’s proposals include strategic borrowing and funding for infrastructure such as water, transportation and the Savannah port. Borrowing responsibly for infrastructure investment, especially on the good terms Georgia’s AAA bond rating allows in today’s financial markets, makes sense for our long-term economic health. It helps lay the foundation for economic growth and job creation once the national recovery finally comes.

Mike Berlon, chairman of the Democratic Party of Georgia:

Despite the fact that other states are adding jobs and growing their economy, business is not coming here . . . It’s more than tax cuts or savings to the bottom line, Governor, it’s also about the quality of education and quality of life . . . employers don’t come here because we are perceived to have poor education.

(The Governor’s plan) is not realistic . . . it’s like throwing a deck chair off of a Carnival Cruise ship in order to lighten the load.

© 2012 by The Georgia Report

Read the original article here.

Media Contact: Cecilia Sáenz,

2020 Georgia

404-514-8445, info@2020georgia.org

Media Contact: Kimberly Krautter,

13th Generation Strategies, LLC

404-229-1073, Kimberly.Krautter@13thGen.com

Governor’s Plan Lacks Details to Pay For New Tax Breaks

ATLANTA, GA (Wednesday, January 11, 2012) – 2020 Georgia, a broad alliance of community leaders and organizations promoting a balanced approach to budget and revenue solutions that ensure Georgia’s growth and economic prosperity, has released the following statement in reaction to Governor Nathan Deal’s agenda:

We are encouraged by several elements of Governor Deal’s agenda, specifically his pledge to invest in 10 more days of school per year for children in Pre-K, school nurses, new medical residencies, a cancer center, and new parole officers and accountability courts to help turn around Georgia’s over-reliance on costly prisons.

We are also encouraged that Gov. Deal’s proposals include strategic borrowing and funding for infrastructure such as water, transportation and the Savannah port.  Borrowing responsibly for infrastructure investment, especially on the good terms Georgia’s AAA bond rating allows in today’s financial markets, makes sense for our long-term economic health.  It helps lay the foundation for economic growth and job creation once the national recovery finally comes.

What Gov. Deal failed to address is how we will pay for these new initiatives– or new business tax breaks.  Instead of offering a plan to modernize the tax structure, eliminate ineffective tax breaks and produce sufficient revenue to address the state’s critical priorities, he continues with the piecemeal approach of the past.

The Special Tax Council’s report from 2011 offered a comprehensive solution to improve the tax structure. Our elected officials should not let it sit on the shelf.  Effective governance requires a cost-benefit analysis on each existing and proposed tax break so that we know whether it is creating jobs and worth the taxpayers investment.

While portions of the governor’s proposal go in the right direction, Georgians deserve a “big picture” plan that has a balanced approach– including revenues– which creates the environment for jobs, growth and prosperity the people of Georgia want and need.  We can do much more to ensure a better future for ourselves and the next generation.  We ask Gov. Deal and members of the General Assembly to start now.

To schedule a media interview, contact Cecilia Sáenz at 404-514-8445 or via email at info@2020georgia.org.

# # #

2020 Georgia is a broad alliance of community leaders and organizations. Our common goal is to promote a balanced approach and revenue solutions that meet the short and long term needs of our state and its people. For more information, visit our website at www.2020georgia.org.

Click here to download press release.

Georgia must invest in the building blocks of a strong economy, including education, transportation, public safety, healthy families, a trained workforce, a clean environment, and our state’s natural and cultural resources. This will strengthen our foundation for future job creation and growth.

2020 Georgia supports broader tax reform that includes the following actions:

• Require, where feasible, a cost-benefit analysis of each tax break that Georgia gives out. This could be accomplished by amending code 45-12-75 in the legislature. Such analysis would help identify narrow and ineffective tax breaks for elimination, while keeping broad based exemptions such as the grocery exemption.
• Modernize the sales tax to reflect today’s purchasing patterns by covering more services.
• Increase the tobacco tax by at least one dollar per pack. This would generate $350 million in revenue to invest in Georgia’s future and reduce smoking among kids.
• Maintain diversified revenue sources for stability and to reflect today’s economy.
• Enact a state earned income tax credit to improve the fairness of the overall tax system and offset the burden of regressive sales taxes paid by working families.

These steps will provide the resources needed to strengthen our foundation for economic growth and keep Georgia a great place to live, work and do business.

Download a PDF version of our Economic Growth Policy Proposal for 2012 here.

  ]]> http://2020georgia.org/news-and-events/coalition-of-local-groups-discuss-solutions-to-economic-challenges-facing-georgia/feed/ 0 http://2020georgia.org/news-and-events/savannah-forum-discusses-health-care-budget-shortfalls/ http://2020georgia.org/news-and-events/savannah-forum-discusses-health-care-budget-shortfalls/#comments Wed, 05 Oct 2011 18:22:40 +0000 cecilia http://2020georgia.org/?p=662 October 4, 2011

By Lynda Figueredo

SAVANNAH, GA (WTOC) -Georgia health care leaders are in Savannah on Tuesday for a forum looking at how to balance the rising needs of the state’s health care issue with the rising costs.

Coastal health care leaders are working together at the 2020 Georgia Initiative to find solutions that will help generate revenue from the state budget for the short and long needs of all Georgians.

They gathered in the Hoskins Center at Memorial University Medical Center. The workshop was sponsored by 2020 Georgia, which is a coalition of more than 90 organizations all concerned about public health and other government issues.

The group got in-depth look at Georgia’s health care budget shortfalls and learned about the linkages of public health in a community and it’s economic vitality.

As Georgia’s population grows many health leaders are concerned by not having the resources they need funded, Georgia’s health care future is in jeopardy.

“We got serious problems up and down the coast. one of the things pointed out is we are losing about 1.5 million dollars from our public health infrastructure and that pays for public health nurses and environmentalists. I said it clearly here, without those people i can’t respond properly if a hurricane hits the coast or some other emergency that causes a multi county response,” said Dr. Douglas Skelton, district health director.

Other concerns include Georgia’s underfunded Medicaid program, loss of health care system jobs, service cuts and lack of investment into community based programs, to name a few.

The group is urging citizens to tell their lawmakers to fund these programs that are important to the future of the state. They want Georgians to show support for investment in keeping people healthy and preventing disease.

Copyright 2011 WTOC. All rights reserved.

Read the original story here.

October 05, 2011

2020 Georgia

Cecilia Saenz

404-514-8445

info@2020georgia.org

The Coastal Health District

Sally Silbermann

912-644-5217

smsilbermann@dhr.state.ga.us

MEDIA RELEASE

Coalition of Local Groups Discuss Solutions to Economic Challenges Facing Georgia

Savannah, Ga. – On October 4, members of 2020 Georgia hosted a forum for local leaders to explore ways to protect Georgia’s investment in the economy of coastal communities. The group, a statewide coalition of more than 80 organizations and community leaders, supports a balanced approach to the state budget that includes new revenues.

Georgia’s cuts-only approach to state finances is hurting families on the coast of Georgia prompting local organizations to take action. As part of its statewide effort to reach out to communities threatened by a cuts-only approach, 2020 Georgia co-hosted the forum with Step Up Savannah, The Coastal Health District, and Chatham County Safety Net Planning Council, Inc.

The health of our state and its people is directly connected to our investment in it,” said W. Douglas Skelton, M.D., District Health Director, District 9-1, with The Coastal Health District and partner with 2020 Georgia. “We need to protect all of the public health programs which serve and protect coastal Georgians.”

More than 50 individuals were in attendance, including Georgia Legal Services, Armstrong Atlantic State University, Chatham County Health Department and Hospice Savannah. Attendees were provided an overview of the FY2012 budget, including revenue and budget changes over the past four years, and a more in-depth analysis of health care and its impact on local economies.

“Cuts will only get us so far, we need to look at revenue sources as well if we want to remain competitive,” said Daniel Dodd, Executive Director with Step Up Savannah and partner with 2020 Georgia.

Presenters included Tim Sweeney, director of health policy at the Georgia Budget & Policy Institute; Charles Hayslett, founder and CEO of Hayslett Group and campaign manager for Partner Up! for Public Health; and, Suzanne Donovan, communications director at Step Up Savannah.

###

About 2020 Georgia

2020 Georgia is a broad alliance of 80 organizations and community leaders seeking a balanced approach to the budget that includes revenues that meet the short and long-term needs of all Georgians. Visit www.2020georgia.org for more information.