Sen. Chip Rogers: Don’t gloss over 2008 accomplishments
May 1, 2008    Sen. Chip Rogers   Opinion

April 30, 2008

For Information Contact: Jeremy Arieh, Deputy Director, 404.656.0028, jeremy.arieh@senate.ga.gov

Don’t gloss over 2008 accomplishments
By State Sen. Chip Rogers (R-Woodstock)

It has become increasingly apparent that for many, the criteria of a successful legislative session include lawmakers passing potentially massive tax increases while holding hands and singing Kumbaya.

Thankfully these eternal naysayers do not write history.

The 2008 Session of the Georgia General Assembly saw many successes, as well as legislation that must wait for another day, but to suggest it was a failure simply because some lawmakers don’t get along is to ignore reality. Political arguments may create interesting news stories, but it is public policy that impacts the lives of citizens.

The most critical pre-session issue facing lawmakers was water, or better stated, the lack of water. The General Assembly responded by passing the first-ever statewide water plan, along with a historic bill to create, expand and fund a state reservoir system to increase our water capacity.

Education reform again topped the legislative agenda as the General Assembly established the Georgia Charter Schools Commission to dramatically increase the number of public charter schools and, more importantly, public school choice. Additionally, the most sweeping “local control” bill in decades passed, allowing high-performing school systems the opportunity to escape mandates in exchange for performance guarantees.

Educational choice may also become a reality for many who cannot afford it today. A newly passed education tax credit allows taxpayers and companies to receive tax credits for investing in educational scholarship organizations. Georgians will long benefit from the educational reform of 2008.

Lawmakers attempted to reform the state property tax system, including capping assessments and eliminating certain taxes. This did not occur, but major tax relief did. Homeowners received a $428 million tax cut in this year’s budget and overall tax relief exceeded $600 Million.

It is important to note that Georgia is perhaps the most fiscally sound state in the nation. While 23 states currently operate a budget deficit and numerous states are passing major tax increases, Georgia has a budget surplus and passed more than half a billion dollars in tax relief. Governing magazine recently gave Georgia a B+ grade and the fourth highest score in the nation for the operation of state government. Low taxes, a balanced budget and tax relief are something to cheer, not jeer.

Georgia manufacturers are calling the 2008 session one of the best ever. Tax relief for energy and equipment used in manufacturing will mean fewer job losses, fewer plant closings and a long-term strengthening of this important segment of our economy.

The environment received a major boost as well. Lawmakers passed notable legislation to protect the forest industry, as well as a multitude of tax and job credits for the creation of renewable energy.

It is true that a new statewide trauma care network was not created, but a major first step was taken with the allocation of $60 million to trauma-specific care.

Finally, the General Assembly repealed a number of restrictions on an individual’s right to self-protection through the 2nd Amendment. House Bill 89 will allow those who receive a firearms license, following extensive background checks, self-protection rights guaranteed in most other states.

Criticism of elected officials is easy and at times justified; however, an honest review of the 2008 session reveals success on water, education reform, tax relief, job creation, protecting the environment and promoting basic Constitutional rights.

Where we have succeeded, we should recognize it and build on our success. Where we failed, we should try again. Most importantly, every Georgian should be proud of our state and demand their elected officials keep working to make it better.

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Sen. Chip Rogers serves as chairman of the Senate Finance Committee. He represents the 21st Senate District, which includes portions of Cherokee and Cobb counties. He can be reached in his office at 404.463.1378 or by email at chip.rogers@senate.ga.gov.

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