Senator Ronnie Chance

July 1 Brings New Laws

2009-07-02T11:42:00.001-04:00

A number of new laws go into effect July 1 and here is a brief review.

SB 14 - Prohibits Superintendent or School Board Members from serving with an immediate family member as principal, assistant principal or central staff.

HB 149 - Allows high school juniors and seniors to attend college and receive high school credit. ("Move on When Ready")

HB 243 - Sunsets National Board Certification program, grandfathers in those already awarded or in pipeline

HB 193 - Allows local school boards to use total hours instead of total days in meeting the 180 day mandatory attendance.

HB 280 - Increases step pay for beginning and existing science and math teachers.

HB 86 - Requires proof of citizenship in registering to vote

HB 228 - Creates new department of Behavioral Health and moves Public Health to Dept. of Community Health

SB 196 - Creates a misdemeanor when a driver has a collision caused by a right of way violation involving bicycles, motorcyclists

HB 160 - Increased driver's license reinstatement fees, but "Super Speeder" provisions begin Jan. 1, 2010.

EDUCATION FUNDING HURTS SOME MORE THAN OTHERS - FORMULA DRIVEN K-12 EDUCATION AND HIGHER EDUCATION GROW DESPITE BUDGET CUTS--GAINS FOR GROWING SYSTEMS

Although education makes up a large part of the state budget, the cuts to K-12 education have been significantly less than cuts to other agencies. Fast growing systems have been the main recipient of the new funds.

Enrollment in K-12 education has continued to increase as Georgia's population has grown. Since 2001, Georgia's K-12 student population has grown by 14%, or 200,000 students, while K-12 funding has grown by 38%. In FY10, K-12 education overall makes up about 40% of the state funds in the budget. The FY10 budget appropriates $7.39 billion in state funds to the Department of Education, in addition to $413.1 million in federal stimulus budget stabilization funds. State funds appropriated to the Department of Education over the past five years are as follows:

FY06, $6.61 billion
FY07, $7.39 billion
FY08, $7.97 billion
FY09, $7.99 billion
FY10, $7.97 billion (including federal budget stabilization funds.)

So, in the last five years, funds going to K-12 have increased by $1.3 billion. In total, in FY10, the Department of Education and its component programs only received a 3% or $211 million cut from the original FY09 budget which would have funded Education at $8.2 billion and presumed that revenues would grow rather than shrink. By way of comparison, cuts to other agencies in the state averaged 11% below the original FY09 budget, not including statewide cuts such as withholding staff pay raises.

K-12 programs have also seen a substantial increase in funding from the federal government through the stimulus bill funding for Title I programs for disadvantaged students and funding for students with special needs. An additional $650 million will go directly to school systems for these programs in FY10.

Thank you for your interest. Please contact me if I may be of assistance at (404) 463-1366 or at ronnie.chance@senate.ga.gov.
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Senate Update: I Haven't Recieved My Refund

2009-06-16T08:14:00.001-04:00

Some have noted that they are experiencing delays this year in the receipt of refunds or even in the state cashing their payments. Georgians have the option to file their state tax returns either electronically (over the internet) or using traditional paper forms. When returns are filed electronically, they do not need to be physically opened, nor do they require data entry. For this reason, the time required to process and to issue refunds for returns filed electronically has stayed consistent - and quick - at 6 to 10 days. While the processing of electronic claims has stayed the same, working through this year's paper claims is taking longer.

In prior years, the Department of Revenue would process a paper return in 4 to 10 weeks. However, recent budget cuts have increased the time taken to process paper returns. In the amended FY09 budget, the state had to find around $2 billion in cuts because of the economic downturn and agencies were asked to submit proposals to reduce spending. The Department of Revenue proposed to reduce its budget by $2.4 million by eliminating two shifts of temporary workers that were used to process paper claims.

At the same time that capacity dropped, the number of claims filed has stayed roughly consistent. So, with an equal workload and less capacity, a backlog has developed. The date that a return was filed has a direct effect on when citizens can expect to receive their return. It is a given that everyone is more anxious to receive their refund this year because of the economy.

According to the Revenue Department, here are the turnaround times for paper returns based on the date the Department received them:

Prior to April 1st - 10 to 12 weeks
April 1st to 10th - 12 to 14 weeks
After April 10th - 14 to 20 weeks

MORE INSIGHT ON GEORGIA'S STATE REVENUE

INDIVIDUAL INCOME TAXES - "Incoming is down, Outgoing is Up"

Individual Income Taxes - In the 2009 Fiscal Year, only two months, September and November exceeded the previous years same month, and only by about $30 million each.

The other eight months total a decline of some $884 million in FY09 under FY08.

Individual Income Taxes are 50% of state revenues. Some categories making huge decreases were Estimated Payments - $353 million or 28.6% and individual returns down $177 million or 25.6%.

Conversely, refunds to individuals are up $71 million but only 3.8%. Individual income tax payments to the state are down by $145 million and refunds are up on over 200,000 returns totaling $70 million.

SALES TAXES

Sales tax revenues have declined 8.31% YTD. This is a shade better than the 9.83% that Individual Income Taxes have declined YTD.

The distribution to local governments has declined about the same amount as the overall decline, -7.8% which is somewhat of a surprise, because it shows that local sales tax revenues are declining at approximately the same rate as state sales taxes.

Within categories, home furnishings were up in May by about 9% and manufacturing sales tax collections were up about 10% for May. Automotive sales taxes were down 44% over May of 2008.

Motor Fuel continues to lag, down by 13.7% combined, with the drop in fuel prices decreasing the sales taxes by 19%. Additionally, usage by the gallon continues to decrease excise tax collections some 7.4% YTD.

Corporate Income Taxes are off 26.7%. Refunds are up 54.5%, estimated payments down 20%, S Corp income taxes down 36% but assessments were up 289% or $47 million.

Whether there are green shoots of recovery sprouting or just more weeds due to the rain is debatable.

Thank you for your interest. Please contact me if I may be of assistance at (404) 463-1366 or at ronnie.chance@senate.ga.gov.
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June 8th Notes from the Senate

2009-06-08T20:10:00.003-04:00

By Senator Ronnie Chance,
16th District

MAY REVENUES OFFER NO RELIEF

Maybe it was a little anticlimactic since the Governor lowered the Revenue Estimate at the end of May and assessed agencies 25% of the June allotments, but the May revenues are in and while certainly not positive, are actually about 6% under the worse case scenario envisioned a week ago.

Revenues for the month of May were down 14.4% overall or some $211.7 million down from May of 2008. Individual income tax collections were down 21.2% continuing a consistent negative trend. May Sales taxes were down overall $181 million or 20.2%. Of that, local sales tax collections were down $173 million, so most of the loss occurred in local collections. Motor fuel taxes were down an additional $23 million for both excise and sales taxes. Corporate income taxes were down about $10 million.

So, Year-To-Date figures continue to disappoint and cause that sinking feeling. Overall, revenues are down over 10% or $1.5 billion dollars for the first 11 months. Individual income taxes are down 11.0% or $884 million. Sales taxes are down overall $780 million or 8.0% of which the state portion is -$404 million or -7.6%. Motor fuel taxes are down collectively $126.8 million or -13.7%. Corporate income taxes are down $211 million or -26.7%.

The state has now used up about $300 million of the $562 million in the Shortfall Reserve Fund with a month to go.

Thank you for your interest. Please contact me if I may be of assistance at (404) 463-1366 or at ronnie.chance@senate.ga.gov.

Sen. Ronnie Chance, Feb. 24th Update

2009-02-24T11:15:00.000-05:00

This week, the Georgia General Assembly reached the 20th Legislative Day, which marks the halfway point of the 2009 Legislative Session. The Legislature has been working hard to ease the problems caused by the global economic crisis, and thus far the Senate, House, and Governor are all working together. A good example of this is the Homeowner Tax Relief Grants (HTRG).

Early this session, the Governor proposed the elimination of funding for the HTRG because of budget concerns. The money for these grants was approved last year, and local governments had already factored them into their bills. Had the legislature not acted, many citizens across Georgia would have received an additional property tax bill for several hundred dollars.

However, I am pleased to report that we have successfully saved the grants. The House and Senate, acting quickly, passed legislation that the Governor has already signed to ensure funding for these grants will occur. It was very important to secure these grants in these difficult economic times.

Below are a few updates on bills moving through the legislature:

An Effort to Create Jobs for Georgians

This week, Republican Leadership in the Georgia General Assembly continued work on a package to stimulate the economy through the private sector. The "Jobs, Opportunity, and Business Success Act of 2009" will provide tax incentives to create real, long-term jobs in Georgia.

The bill includes the following:

$500 credit towards the unemployment insurance tax for each eligible employee hired.
$2,400 Income tax credit for each eligible employee hired. This credit will be available to those who hire an employee that has been unemployed for at least 60 days and remains employed for at least 24 months at a rate above the average weekly rate of unemployment benefits as determined by the DOL.

Start a "new business" holiday. This component would create a one year "holiday" on new filings for LLC's, Limited Partnerships and For Profit Companies.

Elimination of the State Inventory Tax on all Georgia businesses.

Elimination of the Sales Tax Deposit.

Gradual elimination of the Corporate Income Tax. This is a gradual elimination of the Corporate Income tax beginning in 2012 and phased over 12 years. Beginning in 2012, the tax rate will be reduced by .5% each year over 12 years. We are avoiding short-term revenue loss to the state while signaling a pro-business, pro-jobs plan for the future.

Senate Votes to Strength Food Safety in Georgia

The Senate passed Senate Bill 80, which imposes stricter guidelines on food testing for processing plants in response to the nationwide salmonella outbreak that was linked to a South Georgia peanut butter plant.

The legislation requires that food processing facilities report suspicions of contaminated food, food testing and retention of testing results to the Department of Agriculture. This bill provides the Department access to any food processor's testing records for the presence of contaminants.

The Commissioner of Agriculture is also directed to establish requirements for regular food testing. Processors are to report positive finds of contaminates within one business day of the discovery directly to the state. The bill also gives the Commissioner the right to test any food if there are reasonable grounds to suspect contamination.

SR 1: The "Taxpayer Protection Amendment"

This measure passed by the Senate would require any additional state revenue collected in future years to be appropriated in the Amended Budget in the following priority: 1. Satisfying the state's student enrollment increases; 2. Funding of the Revenue Shortfall Reserve until the fund reaches 10 percent of the previous year's budget.; 3. Any remaining surplus would be put towards outstanding debt and/or providing taxpayer relief. If passed and signed by the Governor, the resolution would go before voters as a proposed constitutional amendment on the November 2010 ballot before becoming law.

Illegal Aliens in Georgia Prisons

The Senate Veterans, Military and Homeland Security Committee passed SB 136 which decreases the costs and expenses of operating state prisons by deporting many of the illegal aliens in our prison system. SB 136 requires the Department of Corrections and the State Board of Pardons and Paroles to participate in the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Rapid Removal of Eligible Parolees Accepted for Transfer (REPAT) Program. In an effort to crack down on the increasing population of illegal immigrants living in Georgia, the bill expedites the deportation process of aliens incarcerated or eligible for parole. Aliens who participate in this program would waive any right to appeal their conviction and would be required to serve the remainder of their prison term without parole if they are caught in Georgia illegally again.

Thank you for your interest. Please contact me if I may be of assistance at (404) 463-1366 or at ronnie.chance@senate.ga.gov.
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The Georgia Hunting and Fishing Federation LAC Applauds Senator Ronnie Chance for His A+ Rating and Continued Support of Georgia’s Hunting and Fishing

2008-12-01T10:24:00.000-05:00

The Georgia Hunting and Fishing Federation LAC is proud to give our highest grade of A+ to Senator Ronnie Chance of Tyrone, Georgia. Senator Chance’s leadership and support of Georgia’s hunting and fishing traditions as well as his continued support of the Second Amendment is greatly appreciated.

The GHFF ratings were based on votes taken and candidate’s stance on issues important to Georgia’s Sportsmen. “Senator Chance stands with Georgia’s outdoorsmen,” stated Reggie Dickey, Executive Director of GHFF. “He worked hard to make sure sportsmen’s issues were listened to and protected.”

“The GHFF and its members are a valued asset to the members of the General Assembly,” said Senator Chance. “I am honored to have their support.” Senator Chance represents the 16th Senate District that includes all or part of Fayette County, Lamar County, Pike County, and Spalding County. Having spent his entire life in Fayette County, Senator Chance understands the traditions that are so important to many outdoorsmen and sportsmen in the 16th District.

The Georgia Hunting and Fishing Federation have over 15,000 active members throughout Georgia. Our mission statement is to preserve the heritage and tradition of all hunting and fishing in Georgia through community involvement and public awareness. To hold elected officials accountable to the public they are sworn to serve and to hold all sportsmen to the highest moral and ethical standards possible.

Thank you Senator Chance for standing with Georgia’s Sportsmen!

Georgia Right to Life Endorses Senator Ronnie Chance

2008-10-12T12:50:00.000-04:00

The Georgia Right to Life Political Action Committee announced its endorsement of Senator Ronnie Chance in his reelection effort.

Georgia Right to Life thanked Senator Chance for his commitment to the protection of the human life.

Georgia Right to Life endorsements are based on responses to candidate surveys, voting history and evaluation of candidates’ and their commitment to the cause of Life. Georgia Right to Life stated to Senator Chance “As a candidate who has demonstrated a willingness to stand for the sanctity of life, we are especially pleased to commend you and look forward to working with you during the next Georgia General Assembly.”

“I am honored to have the support of Georgia Right to Life and its members,” said Senator Chance.

Senator Chance represents the 16th Senate District that includes all or part of Fayette County, Lamar County, Pike County, and Spalding County. Having spent his entire life in Fayette County, Senator Chance understands the traditions and values of the families in the 16th District.
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Senator Chance Honored with Pathfinder Award

2008-10-12T10:35:00.002-04:00

The Brain and Spinal Injury Trust Fund Commission presented its annual Pathfinder Award to Senator Ronnie Chance of Tyrone, GA. Senator Chance is being honored by the Brain and Spinal Injury Trust Fund Commission for his commitment to Georgians with traumatic brain and spinal cord injuries.

The Commission’s executive director Craig Young and Commission Chairman Rusty Kidd presented the award to Senator Chance in Senate chambers on Wednesday.

Rusty Kidd said, “The Commission is proud to present Senator Chance with our Pathfinder Award. Senator Chance has been an outstanding proponent and friend to persons with traumatic brain and spinal cord injuries. His support of the Commission and Georgians with disabilities is to be highly commended.”

The Pathfinder Award was painted by Allen London, an Atlanta artist who suffered a traumatic brain injury in a motor vehicle crash in 1994.

Senator Chance represents the 16th District, which includes all of Pike and Lamar Counties and parts of Fayette, Monroe and Spalding Counties.
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Fall Football and Family Fun Day

2008-09-06T14:55:00.001-04:00

You and your family are invited to join us in supporting
State Senator Ronnie Chance
(Republican, Tyrone)
at his Fall Football and Family Fun Day!

Saturday, September 13, 2008
12:30 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.
500 Aviation Way
Hanger B4
Peachtree City Airport
Peachtree City, GA 30269

Featuring Special Invited Guests
Governor Sonny Perdue
and
U.S. Representative Lynn Westmoreland

Food and Drinks Provided
Special Football Viewing Area Included
All Members of the Family are Invited!

R.S.V.P. to Billy Kirkland at rsvp@five-points.net or 678.458.7355
by September 8th

There is no cost to attend
If you would like to make a contribution to Senator Chance's re-election campaign, please bring a check to the event or mail to:
Chance for Senate
P.O. Box 267
Tyrone, GA 30290

State law requires us to make our best effort to collect and report the name, mailing address, occupation, and name of the employer for individuals contributing in excess of $100 per election cycle. Personal and corporate contributions up to $2300 per election cycle are allowed. Contributions are not deductible for tax purposes.

http://www.chanceforsenate.com/
Paid for by Chance for Senate

Senator Ronnie Chance Holds 4th Annual Golf Tournament

2008-09-06T14:31:00.000-04:00

PLEASE JOIN GOVERNOR PERDUE'S FLOOR LEADER
STATE SENATOR RONNIE CHANCE
AT HIS 4th ANNUAL GOLF TOURNAMENT!
Monday, September 15, 2008
Whitewater Creek Golf Course
175 Birkdale Drive, Fayetteville, GA 30215
8:30 a.m. - Registration, Meet & Greet
10:oo a.m. - Shotgun Start
TOURNAMENT LEVELS:
Tournament Sponsor: $1500 (includes sponsor recognition, hole sponsorship, team of four players)
Team of Four: $1000
Hole Sponsor: $500
Individual Player: $300
Individual Constituent Player: $200
Other Donation: _________

Lunch is included and prizes will be awarded post-tournament!
For more information, Please call:(770) 969-9155
Or email:
rsvp@five-points.net
Registrations may be faxed to: (770) 969-9755
To make a contribution online, please visit:
www.chanceforsenate.com
Donations and registrations may be mailed to:
Chance for Senate
P.O. Box 267
Tyrone, GA 30290
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Sen. Chance’s Identity Theft Bill signed into law

2008-06-04T20:34:00.001-04:00

Governor Sonny Perdue has recently signed two measures that will further protect the identity of Georgia’s consumers. In order to curb the rise of identity theft, Gov. Perdue introduced legislation during the 2008 session to establish an identity theft task force within the Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI). Sponsored by Sen. Ronnie Chance (R-Tyrone), Senate Bill 388 creates a new GBI task force that will investigate alleged identity theft, educate the public on how to protect themselves, support victims and train local law enforcement to combat identity theft.

“The state is taking an active role in preventing identity theft through this legislation, which I am confident will be an important step in curbing such illegal activity,” said Sen. Chance. “With $1 million in new funding in the state budget, SB 388 will enable the GBI to add eight investigative positions to the ID Theft Task Force to combat identity theft statewide.”

The Governor also signed House Bill 130 to allow consumers to place or remove an immediate security freeze on their credit report for a $3 fee. Under this legislation, each major consumer credit reporting agency, Experian, Equifax and TransUnion, must offer this service to allow consumers to prohibit the release of their credit report or credit score to third parties.

As of August 1, consumers will be able to request a freeze electronically through Internet systems that each credit reporting agency is required to develop. Once submitted electronically, requests will be fulfilled within 15 minutes. A toll-free telephone number will also be provided, so that requests may be made over the phone. In order to make this service easily accessible to everyone, consumers who are 65 years of age or older, and those who are documented victims of identity fraud, will not be charged the $3 fee for placing or removing a freeze.

“Identity theft is a rampant problem across the country, and I am pleased that we can offer our citizens added protection to keep them and their family safe,” added Sen. Chance. “These new laws give consumers the tools they need to protect their hard-earned savings, and give those who have fallen victim to this crime the immediate help they need to minimize the damage.”

For more information on the Georgia State Senate, please visit www.senate.ga.gov.

Pictured above (L-R): Rep. Tommy Benton (R-Jefferson), Sen. Ronnie Chance (R-Tyrone), Sen. Renee Unterman (R-Buford) and Sen. Cecil Staton (R-Macon) flank Governor Sonny Perdue at a recent press conference, announcing the signing of two important consumer protection laws, SB 388 and HB 130.

GA Sen Ronnie Chance, Legislative Wrap Up, SB 458,

2008-04-09T23:25:00.001-04:00

Senator Ronnie Chance dropped by the Fayette County Republican Party's First Saturday Breakfast the morning after the Legislative session ended (at midnight). He talks about the controversial Senate bill that stirred Fayette County to make record numbers of calls to the Governor. He also discusses some of the dollars that will be coming to Fayette, procudures, the budget and other topics of interest to Georgians. Video: 3/5/08

Open Letter from State Senator Ronnie Chance April 5, 2008

2008-04-05T23:12:00.001-04:00

Dear fellow Fayette County citizen:

I want to thank you for the many phone calls and emails I have received from you expressing your concerns about maintaining our exemplary school system here in Fayette. The very fact that you are so involved is a large reason that our schools enjoy such great success.

Several days ago the State Senate passed SB 458 relating to vouchers for students in failing schools and systems. I feel it is important to clarify the vote and explain the often complex legislative process to dispel the confusion surrounding this issue.

The original bill, sponsored by Eric Johnson (R- Savannah), was designed to allow students from failing schools to enroll in a voucher program to attend private schools, other schools within the same system or systems outside of the current system at the discretion of the receiving system. The language originally read, “systems may accept students from non-accredited systems based on availability. The bill was amended in the Senate to read, “systems shall accept students based upon availability. The amendment passed by unanimous consent, meaning no vote or debate occurred prior to final passage by the Senate.

The state’s legislative counsel determined that the phrase ‘based upon availability’ still gave systems the ability to choose to accept or deny students, as is the case under current law which allows any system to choose to accept students from other systems. However, due to the ambiguity of the amendment language, the following week we amended the bill in the House back to the original version which included the ‘may accept’ phrase. We then stripped all references to public schools from the bill in the House Rules committee. Last night, the last day of the 2008 legislative session we were successful in killing the bill completely by preventing the House from calling it up for a vote prior to adjournment.

As you know, our legislative process is very deliberate to ensure that each chamber of the legislature and governor has adequate time for debate and review to hopefully pass quality legislation for Georgians. During every step of this process, I, along with State Representative Matt Ramsey, have been in daily contact with our county school superintendent and members of the local board of education to ensure the interests of Fayette students are being protected by everyone.

As a graduate of Fayette County High School and the father of two daughters who will be attending our public schools, I am undeniably committed to ensuring Fayette schools maintain the high level of standard we have all worked so hard to achieve.

Thank you for allowing me to represent you in your State Senate. It is a responsibility I do not take lightly. I welcome your comments and suggestions and hope you please feel free to contact me on my cell phone (678) 794 -0678.

I also want to thank all of you who were able to attend our town hall meeting on Saturday, March 29, and I encourage you to remain vigilant in following the legislative process and holding our elected officials at every level accountable. Thank you again.

Sincerely,
Ronnie Chance

Sen. Chance secures needed public safety funding for Fayette County

2008-04-04T21:08:00.001-04:00

State Sen. Ronnie Chance (R-Tyrone) has secured much-needed funding for Fayette County public safety services in the Fiscal Year 2009 state budget. This new funding, totaling $200,000, will be appropriated to Fayette County for the planning, design and construction of a new emergency operations center and public safety facility. In addition, $9000 in new funding will be used to purchase thermal imaging devices for the Fayette County Fire Department.

“I am pleased to have been a part of this process, which will provide improved emergency response and public safety services in Fayette County,” said Sen. Chance. “I’d also like to acknowledge the efforts of the Fayette County public safety and EMS personnel. Their commitment to public safety and the well-being of Fayette citizens is to be commended.”

Sen. Chance requested this important local assistance funding for Fayette County in the FY 09 budget, which was approved recently in the General Assembly. The state will begin the process of appropriating all local assistance funding on July 1, 2008.

“This funding will go toward the emergency operations center that is the heart of these activities,” said Chairman Jack Smith of the Fayette County Board of Commissioners. “We are pleased that Senator Chance has secured this funding for the emergency operations center and public safety facility. This is another example of county and state officials working collaboratively to fund critical infrastructure in Fayette County.”

3/24/08 - FY ‘08 budget receives final passage

2008-04-02T18:43:00.000-04:00

As the Senate moves closer to the final gavel of the 2008 session, the news at the Capitol this week was the final passage of the Fiscal Year ‘08 amended budget. This year’s FY 08 amended budget places an emphasis on natural resources, trauma care funding and education. We’ve added over $300 million to the existing $20.2 billion budgeted for fiscal year 2008. The final version of the FY 08 budget that was agreed upon contains:

• $40 million dollars in new funding for the construction of reservoirs and $500,000 for the maintenance and improvement of existing reservoirs
• New funding for state mental hospitals, child welfare services and the PeachCare program
• $6.3 million dollars added to the hazardous waste trust fund
• $53 million in new funding for trauma care, some of which goes to Grady Hospital
• $20 million in equalization funding for education to compensate for new student enrollment

Given the recent prediction of slowing state revenues, I feel we have a fiscally responsible budget for the remainder of FY 08, which strikes a good balance between the critical needs of the state and the desire to keep state spending under control.

Some other bills passing the Senate this week include:

HB 1019 creates the Georgia Transportation Infrastructure Bank within the State Road and Tollway Authority. The measure will assist in funding new transportation and road projects in the state.

HB 921 allows the Georgia Department of Banking and Finance to participate in a nationwide licensing system for mortgage brokers and lenders.

HB 945 authorizes certain persons to access vehicle tag and title information in order to provide notice to the owners of towed or impounded vehicles.

HB 1014 expands the Georgia Higher Education Savings Plan to include qualified tuition programs.

HB 1026 exempts utilities from notice and hearing requirements when the Department of Transportation removes facilities that are obstructing road projects.

HB 983 authorizes law enforcement agencies from neighboring states that are in fresh pursuit of a suspect who crosses into Georgia to arrest and hold such person in custody.

HB 1245 reforms and streamlines the current indigent defense system in Georgia with the goal of maintaining solvency.

As always, please contact me in my office and let me know your opinions, your thoughts and your concerns.

Senator Ronnie Chance on Senate Bill 458, Education

2008-03-31T07:45:00.000-04:00

Crossover Day is just around the corner now

2008-03-11T22:15:00.000-04:00

The Senate was preparing for Crossover Day this week, which is the last day we can pass a Senate Bill over to the House. Last year, there were more than 60 bills on the Senate calendar for Day 30, which makes for quite a long day in the Chamber. We have completed 29 days of the 2008 session, and this week we’ve seen several good bills pass. These bills range from a measure creating an online marketplace for health insurance products to a bill allowing sugar gliders to become affordable pets for Georgia citizens. In addition, Senate and House leaders have approved our schedule through the March calendar up to Sine Die, which tentatively will fall on April 2 or 3. This week, I’d like to discuss a couple of the important bills approved by the Senate.

Lieutenant Governor Cagle’s Georgia Health Marketplace Act passed the Senate on Thursday. Some of you may remember the Lt. Governor announcing these bills last fall in an effort to reduce the number of citizens in our state with no medical insurance. Senate Bill 404 will provide cost-effective options for Georgia citizens seeking more choices for their health insurance. The bill makes it easier for individuals and businesses to purchase health insurance policies by creating an Internet portal, known as the Georgia Health Marketplace (GHM), which will provide consumers with access to healthcare products and programs. These include the PeachCare for Kids program, health insurance for employees of small businesses, health savings accounts (HSAs) and prepaid healthcare services provided directly by a physician. Georgia consumers need increased access to healthcare products, and this online marketplace will provide more options. SB 404 passed by a vote of 42 to 12, and now moves on to the House.

Also this week, I’d like to discuss a bill I am sponsoring on behalf of Governor Perdue. Senate Bill 535 sets forth a new requirement for local school systems to maintain accreditation. The bill is the result of an ongoing situation in the Clayton County School System. As you may have heard, this school system is currently in crisis and facing the loss of its accreditation. SB 535 simply says that if a school system loses its accreditation, the State Board of Education ask for a referendum vote to remove the local school board and replace it with new members. A student’s potential shouldn’t be harmed by the inaction of a school board, and that is why I have authored this legislation.

Some of the other key bills that passed recently in the Senate include:

- SB 438 increases penalties for those who cause serious injury due to a right of way violation resulting in a collision with a motorcycle, pedestrian, bicyclist or farmer hauling products. Passed by a vote of 51 to 1.
- SB 512 authorizes the distribution of a $1,500 grant per academic semester to each eligible North Georgia College student who plans to enter the Army. Passed by a vote of 51 to 0.
SB 485 creates a licensing program for home inspectors. Passed by a vote of 45 to 0.
- SB 472 is known as the Anti-cigarette Smuggling Act. This bill directs the Department of Revenue to adopt digital based cigarette stamp processes in order to further guard against tax evasion. Passed by a vote of 50 to 0.
- SR 996 is a Constitutional Amendment that allows school boards to pledge tax funds received from redevelopment programs. Adopted by a vote of 46 to 3.
- SB 458 allows students of schools that lose or fail to attain accreditation to receive a scholarship to attend a private school or permission to attend another public school. Passed by a vote of 32 to 21.

As always, please contact me in my office and let me know your opinions, your thoughts and your concerns.
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As Crossover Day looms, much is left to accomplish

2008-03-01T23:17:00.001-05:00

We have completed 26 days of the 2008 session and Senate committees have been working late into the evening, as we try to pass as many Senate bills as possible by the 30th legislative day, which is otherwise known as “Crossover Day.” Crossover Day is the final day a piece of legislation can move from one Chamber to the next. If a Senate Bill does not pass the Senate at the end of the 30th day, it will be sidetracked and most likely dead for the session. This is the time in the session when the big issues start to move onto the floor for debate in both chambers, and the pace is fast and hectic.

As the joint Conference Committee on House Bill 989 (the amended FY 08 budget), continued to negotiate a final agreement, Senators worked to push forth their bills to meet the “crossover” deadline.

Here is an update on some of the major legislation we’ve seen pass this week.
SB 366 prohibits a prison inmate from possessing a cell phone or any telecommunications device.
SB 383 requires the Commissioner of Insurance to develop flexible guidelines for coverage and approval of Health Savings Accounts. These are high-deductible plans that are designed to qualify under federal and state requirements.
SB 433 establishes “Destination Cancer Hospitals” under Certificate of Need that will provide diagnostic, therapeutic, treatment and rehabilitative care services to cancer patients.
SB 437 allows titling of “kit” automobiles and motorcycles.
SB 440 provides that certain veterans’ organizations may sell pull tab games. Winnings are limited to $500 per person per 24-hour period.
· SB 474 requires registered sex offenders to provide their e-mail addresses and user names to the state and their Internet connections may be monitored or limited.
· HB 967 exempts Department of Corrections’ hospitals from the state’s Certificate of Need program.

As always, please contact me in my office and let me know your opinions, your thoughts and your concerns.

Senator Chance Speaks at Fayette County Republican Mass Meeting Feb. 2008

2008-03-01T22:59:00.000-05:00

Debate on tax reform moves to the forefront

2008-02-16T14:15:00.000-05:00

It was back to business this week in the General Assembly, as Senators and Representatives returned to the Gold Dome for another week of the 2008 session. We are rapidly approaching the halfway point of the session, and many new bills have been introduced in both chambers. This week, the debate on statewide tax reform took center stage, as the Senate passed three important pieces of legislation that could end up as referendum votes on the ballot in November. I’d like to update you on these measure this week, because they affect every citizen of this state.

On Tuesday, Senate took the first steps in the tax reform debate by passing two Constitutional Amendments that will freeze property taxes at the 2008 rates until the property is sold. With broad bipartisan support, the Senate voted to send both Constitutional Amendments to the House for consideration. Essentially, these two pieces of legislation propose an amendment to the Constitution to require the freezing of existing real property values at the time the owner acquires the property. Any valuation increases thereafter would be subject to limitations. Once a property is transferred or sold to another person, that property will be appraised at its fair market value on the date of the new owner’s acquisition. Any increase in the assessment could not exceed an inflation percentage set by the Department of Revenue for the current tax year. Only significant improvements to a property would warrant further increases in the property’s value.

Another resolution that I have sponsored on Governor Perdue’s behalf, SR 859, would create a Constitutional Amendment to repeal the state portion of the ad valorem tax on homes and cars. This tax reform measure was also overwhelmingly approved in the Senate on Thursday. Overall, these amendments will give Georgia citizens the opportunity to voice their opinion on the amount of tax they pay on their homes and vehicles. We may not approve all of these amendments, but I think it’s safe to say we will leave here in the spring with some significant tax relief measure on the ballot for approval by the voters.

In other news, I was extremely pleased to see the Senate unanimously approve a bill I introduced, SB 388. This legislation will establish an identity theft task force within the Georgia Bureau of Investigation. Earlier this year, Gov. Perdue included $1 million in his budget proposal to fund the task force, which will combat identity theft on several fronts, including investigating alleged identity theft, educating the public, supporting victims and training local law enforcement in combating identity theft. Identity theft cost Georgia citizens more than $25 million in 2006. More than 34,000 reports of identity theft in Georgia were filed with the Federal Trade Commission from 2002 to 2006 – and Georgia is ranked 7th in the nation when it comes to identity theft per capita. The GBI has a proven track record of combating crimes that plague Georgia’s citizens, and I believe their work in this area will make a significant difference in combating identity theft in our state. SB 388 now moves over to the House for consideration, and I look forward to seeing this become law in 2008.

As always, please contact me in my office and let me know your opinions, your ideas and your concerns.
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Chance introduces legislation to create the Korean War Veterans Memorial Highway

2008-02-16T14:13:00.000-05:00

State Sen. Ronnie Chance (R-Tyrone) has introduced a Senate resolution that would forever honor and remember the commitment and sacrifice of veterans of the Korean War. SR 720 dedicates a portion of US 80 located within the state as the Korean War Veterans Memorial Highway.

“It’s fitting that we pay tribute to those who served our country faithfully and honorably,” said Sen. Chance. “Several other states, such as Alabama, Mississippi and Nevada have already dedicated portions of US 80 to honor Korean War vets, and I’d like to see this tradition continue in Georgia.”

Under SR 720, US 80, running across the state from Columbus to Savannah, will be forever known as the Korean War Veterans Memorial Highway. The legislation also authorizes the Georgia Department of Transportation (DOT) to place and maintain appropriate markers in Columbus, Macon and Tybee Island, dedicating the Memorial Highway.

“Many young Georgia soldiers fought bravely in Korea, proudly serving their country as members of the armed forces, and many suffered injury and loss of life as a result,” added Sen. Chance. “I think the Memorial Highway is a perfect way to honor their service to our nation.”
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