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By Jeff, on March 11th, 2010%
This one just won’t die!
Last year, one of the first bills I took on head on here on this site was HB 614, the Prescription Drug Monitoring Program. I teamed up with Jason and others across the State – including Neal Boortz at one point! – to get this bill killed once it was brought to our attention, and it died in the Senate only to have a resuscitation attempt made in the House in the form of an amendment to another bill.
Now, it has been re-introduced in a new bill, SB 418, minus the “Prescription Drug Monitoring Program” title. 418 is largely the exact same thing as 614. Clearly, there are elements within the General Assembly that desperately want this measure to pass.
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By Jeff, on March 11th, 2010%
A few minutes ago, Jim Galloway reported on some numbers that sound scary. Someone sent out a memo today (I’ll get to who in a moment) that said that given the current budget crisis, either 14,000 teachers across the State would have to be fired or every single teacher in the State would have to take a 15% decrease in pay.
Fortunately, as he typically does when he can, Mr. Galloway also linked to the full memo so we could all read the entire thing.
After making such dire predictions, what does the author of the memo suggest the General Assembly do instead?
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By Jeff, on March 11th, 2010%
I’ve been talking to several State lawmakers over the last few days trying to get a handle on the State budget – THE single issue that has come to dominate the 2010 Session.
Through these discussions, some hypothetical numbers have been thrown out there, and I think they merit a discussion here.
Let’s take the target as $1 Billion. This is the number everyone was working off of last week, and most still are.
Most special interest tax breaks expire after some number of years and have to be renewed to continue. It is thought that we can save $100 million in non-renewal of certain special interest tax breaks this year.
We could then try to convince people near retirement age to take an early retirement, and save another $100 million. ($200 million so far, $800 million to go)
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By Publius, on March 11th, 2010%
Launches Internet Radio Monday, March 15
Radio talk show host Jeff Scott will be returning to radio via the Internet starting on Monday, March 15, using YouTube and BlogTalkRadio to continue to reach the people of Middle Georgia and the world.
“Even though I believe the Internet will never fully replace terrestrial radio, it is still a budding market for radio and a wonderful way to reach listeners” said Scott, who plans to post a video to YouTube every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday to go with a one-hour live radio show every Tuesday and Thursday evening beginning at 7:00 PM. “I am excited about getting back on the air to speak with the people of Middle Georgia.”
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By Publius, on March 11th, 2010%
Will Instruct Agencies to Implement Zero Based Budgeting and Focus on Basic Government Services if Elected
Wednesday, March 10, 2010
For Immediate Release
Macon, GA—Former Senator Eric Johnson, Republican candidate for Governor, today announced his plans to reform the state budget process. As Governor, Johnson will instruct agency heads to implement zero based budgeting and partner with the private sector to ensure that state government focuses on the most essential core functions.
“As Governor, I will direct all state agency heads to implement zero based budgeting so that I, the legislature, and Georgia taxpayers will know exactly what services government is providing and what it costs to provide these services,” said Johnson. “Like the private sector, government should be in a position to make informed decisions based on the total actual costs of different programs, not just changes in expenditures.”
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