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May 15, 2008 – Urban Agriculture Council NEW
Urban Agriculture Council Thankful For HB 1281 as Governor Signs Legislation Into Law
The Georgia Urban Agriculture Council today praised the Georgia Legislature for passing HB 1281 and Governor Perdue for signing the legislation into law. The legislation provides homeowners and businesses with a standard set of rules for being responsible water users during droughts. Before the passage of HB 1281, water consumers were forced to sometimes wade through complicated watering rules enacted by multiple water providers, which created confusion for consumers and businesses. With this new law, State rules will be the standard for best watering practices for most water consumers.
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May 15, 2008 – Strategic Vision Poll NEW
Chambliss Leads All Democrats; Jones Leads Democrats In Senate Race; McCain Leads Obama 54% To 40% in GA
Strategic Vision, LLC, a public relations and public affairs agency, announced the results of a three-day poll of 800 likely Georgia voters. In the Democratic race for the United States Senate, DeKalb County CEO Vernon Jones lead the pack with 28% followed by Dale Cardwell at 20%; Jim Martin at 15%; Rand Knight with 11%; and Josh Lanier with 5%. Undecided are at 21%. In a potential Senate match-up between Republican Senator Saxby Chambliss and Democrat DeKalb County CEO Vernon Jones, Chambliss led 58% to 29%; with 13% undecided. In a general election match-up for President, Republican Senator John McCain led Democrat Senator Barack Obama 54% to 40% with 6% undecided.
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May 15, 2008 – Georgia Public Broadcasting NEW
This Week on Georgia Weekly
This Week on Georgia Weekly with Susan Hoffman: Depression is one of the most treatable illnesses, with 80-90% of people who seek treatment finding relief. Unfortunately most people experiencing the disorder never seek help. Approximately 80% of people with depressive disorders go untreated. This special episode will provide information about the disease, treatment and resources with an emphasis on Georgia. Joining Susan to lend their insight and expertise are: Dr. Donald Manning, Medical Director for the Georgia Division of Mental Health, Developmental Disabilities and Addictive Diseases; Dr. William McDonald, Professor, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Emory University, Chief, Division of Geriatric Psychiatry and Director, Fuqua Center; Audrey Sumner, Director for the Office of Mental Health, Georgia Division of Mental Health, Developmental Disabilities and Addictive Diseases; and Eric Spencer, Executive Director, NAMI Georgia [National Alliance on Mental Illness]. The program airs at 1 p.m. Sunday, May 18, at 7 p.m. Tuesday, May 20, and at 11 p.m. Wednesday, May 21, on your GPB station.
Please note: The Wednesday broadcast is part of a GPB outreach initiative on depression. Special programming will air 9 – 11:30 p.m. with a live phone bank of experts standing by to help callers.
Next week on Georgia Weekly: Terry Kay: A Conversation - His childhood on a farm with no electricity would inspire his career and creativity. Today, Terry Kay is ranked as one of Georgia’s most important authors for his compelling stories set in his home state. He sat down with Susan for a lively, humorous discussion of his life, influences and career.
May 15, 2008 – Georgia Political Digest.com BREAKING NEWS
For the latest political news, click here or visit our Political News page.
May 14, 2008 – Georgia Budget & Policy Institute NEW
GBPI Analysis of TANF Program Budget: $32.7 Million Deficit Projected in FY 2010
The Georgia Budget and Policy Institute (GBPI) has released a new policy brief, “Tightening the Belt on Georgia’s TANF Program: Doing More with Less in FY 2008 and Beyond,” that tracks TANF appropriations across the Department of Human Resources. A key finding of the report is that the TANF budget will be facing a $32.7 million shortfall in FY 2010. The Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program is the federally funded welfare to work program. “Policymakers and DHR officials should have a thoughtful, data-driven discussion about which TANF budget priorities actually lead more Georgians to self-sufficiency,” said Robert Welsh, Policy Analyst of the GBPI. “There is simply not enough TANF dollars to maintain current funding levels, let alone any growth, in both work assistance and child welfare programs..."
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May 14, 2008 – Senator Judson Hill (R-Marietta) NEW
Governor Perdue signs key healthcare reform initiatives
Governor Sonny Perdue has signed two key pieces of legislation to address the needs of Georgia’s uninsured patients. Authored by Sen. Judson Hill (R-Marietta), Senate Bill 383 and House Bill 977 will insure more Georgia citizens by expanding the availability and affordability of healthcare insurance. “Georgians are suffering from sky-rocketing healthcare and insurance costs,” said Sen. Hill. “Governor Perdue’s signature makes Georgia the first state to deliver a patient-centered, prevention-focused free market solution that will provide greater financial security to thousands of working families through more affordable health insurance.”
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May 8, 2008 – Georgia State University
Georgia State's College of Education launches infant through 5-year-old teacher education program
Researchers suggest children who spend time in high-quality early education programs have better test scores, improved language development, fewer behavior problems and other academic advantages. For these reasons, educators, legislators and parents in Georgia and across the nation are placing a greater significance on learning and development during children’s early years. To ensure enough educators are prepared to effectively teach children ages infant through 5, Georgia State will offer a new bachelor’s degree program this fall that provides students with academic preparation and field experience.
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May 7, 2008 – State Representative Tom Graves
Former Majority Leader Honors Rep. Graves
State Rep. Tom Graves (R-Ranger) will be honored for his tireless efforts to stem the tide of expansive government and to reduce the tax burden on Georgians. Graves will receive an award presented by FreedomWorks, a nationwide grassroots organization, led by former Congressional Majority Leader Dick Armey. Graves, who founded a conservative policy caucus in the Georgia House, will be given FreedomWorks first Legislative Entrepreneur award at a ceremony in Washington, D.C. tonight. The Republican from Ranger, Georgia, will join four members of Congress and the Florida Speaker of the House who will also be honored by FreedomWorks.
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May 7, 2008 – Georgia Senate
Governor signs tough new dog fighting law
Governor Sonny Perdue has signed an important piece of legislation setting tough new penalties for those who sell, train or transport dogs for the purpose of dog fighting in Georgia. Sponsored by Rep. Bobby Reese (R-Sugar Hill) and Sen. Chip Rogers (R-Woodstock), House Bill 301 expands current Georgia law on dog fighting to prohibit activities such as training dogs for fighting, organizing bets and advertising exhibitions. These new standards include penalties for those who actively participate in dog fighting.more >
May 6, 2008 – Rep. Earl L. "Buddy" Carter, HD 159
HB 89: The "Biggest Gun Reform in Georgia's History"
Rep. Buddy Carter (R-Pooler) writes, In the next few days, Governor Sonny Perdue will make a decision on whether or not to veto HB 89. As expected, the proposed law has generated more debate than any other legislation that passed this year. Last week, on the steps of City Hall, Atlanta Mayor Shirley Franklin and Police Chief Richard Pennington, along with other community leaders in the Atlanta area, called on Gov. Perdue to veto the bill. Chief among their concerns was the impact on public transportation including MARTA trains and buses as well as the impact on tourism and restaurants.
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May 6, 2008 – Georgia Chamber of Commerce
Auto Insurance: Price Control versus Free Market Competition
Joseph T. Fleming, Senior Vice President of the Georgia Chamber of Commerce writes, Lower prices, more competition among auto insurers, and more product choices in the marketplace - these will be the benefits consumers will see if Gov. Perdue signs SB 276 into law. The bill, the culmination of 10 years of debate and discussion, was overwhelmingly passed this year by a bi-partisan, mega-majority of the Georgia General Assembly. No wonder. The simple notion found in SB 276 is hardly revolutionary: shoppers of car insurance benefit by stimulating more competition among insurers and cutting red tape to speed innovation to market.
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May 5, 2008 – Morehouse School of Medicine
Morehouse School of Medicine Initiates Master’s Programs in Biomedical Sciences
Morehouse School of Medicine (MSM) is accepting applications for two programs in the medical school’s new Master’s Program in Biomedical Sciences. The MSM board of trustees, during its Spring 2008 meeting, approved the development of the programs — the M.S. in Biomedical Research and M.S. in Biomedical Technology. MSM already has an active and successful Ph.D. in Biomedical Sciences program focused on training leaders in scientific research and education.
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May 1, 2008 – Sen. Chip Rogers Opinion
Sen. Chip Rogers: Don’t gloss over 2008 accomplishments
Sen. Chip Rogers (R- Woodstock), chairman of the Senate Finance Committee, writes, 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.
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May 1, 2008 – AARP Georgia/Divided We Fail
Diverse panel addresses "ensuring health security for all Americans"
Due to skyrocketing health costs, many Americans are one major illness away from financial ruin, while many businesses are struggling to stay competitive under rising benefit costs. On Wednesday, May 7, AARP Georgia will convene an opinion leader forum and panel discussion in Atlanta -- "Ensuring Health Security for All Americans: Can We Identify Reasonable Solutions to These American Challenges." Panelists from GSU's Center for Health Services Research, the Georgia Public Policy Foundation, the Georgia Hospital Association and Morehouse School of Medicine will consider the benefits and drawbacks of three approaches presented for discussion. The forum begins at 9 a.m. at the Marriott Century Center.
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Apr 30, 2008 – University of West Georgia
West Georgia Exhibit: "Speaker Tom Murphy: Steady Leadership in Changing Times"
The Irvine Sullivan Ingram Library at the University of West Georgia and the Georgia Humanities Council will host an opening reception for a new exhibit "Speaker Tom Murphy: Steady Leadership in Changing Times" with guest speaker former Georgia Representative Tracy Stallings on Sunday, May 4, at 2:30 p.m. at the Neva Lomason Library. The event is free and the community is invited to attend. The project is supported by the Georgia Humanities Council, the National Endowment for the Humanities and through appropriations from the Georgia General Assembly.more >
Apr 28, 2008 – Georgia State University
April 28 homelessness symposium at Georgia State to address growth in “new homeless”
As city officials seek to respond to a recent Convention and Visitors Bureau report that panhandling in Atlanta has increased significantly in the past year, Georgia State University will host a symposium Monday, April 28, on the problem of homelessness and the increase in “new homeless.” The Assessing Homelessness in Atlanta Symposium will be held from 8:30 a.m. to noon Monday at the Georgia State Student Center, Speaker’s Auditorium, 44 Courtland Street SE. In attendance will be homeless experts from nonprofit organizations, academia and faith-based groups, as well as officials from the City of Atlanta and Fulton and DeKalb counties.
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Apr 24, 2008 – Emory University
U.S. Constitution based on ancient writings, says Emory's Bederman
Aristotle and other ancient texts may seem irrelevant to modern-day issues such as gun control, but as Emory Law professor David Bederman argues in his new book, "The Classical Foundations of the American Constitution," classical Greek and Roman thinkers had a profound effect on the framers of the document -- and on our courts' interpretation of it today. "The intent of the framers weighs heavily on current interpretations of Constitutional law and modern cases being heard," said Bederman, an associated faculty member of the Center for the Study of Law and Religion (CSLR) at Emory. So it helps to know how the framers of the Constitution were thinking.
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Apr 22, 2008 – Georgia Legal Services Program
GA Legal Aid shares nomination for Best Law Web Site, "Webby Awards"
The Webby Awards, hailed as the “Oscars of the Internet” by the New York Times, nominated LawHelp.org for Best Law Website of 2008. LegalAid-GA.org is among the site’s affiliates, which serves as a clearinghouse for state legal information. The 12th Annual Webby Awards received nearly 10,000 entries from more than 60 countries and all 50 states. LegalAid-GA.org, a project of the Georgia Legal Services Program (GLSP) and the Atlanta Legal Aid Society, was created to provide Georgia residents with easy Internet access to basic legal information and resources. Information on the site is available in more than a dozen languages.
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Apr 22, 2008 – Georgia State University
Georgia State study finds troubling staff turnover rate in assisted living facilities
A worrisome paradox exists among employees of assisted living facilities in Georgia. While the vast majority of those staff members enjoy their work, nearly two out of three will leave their job in a given year, according to a new study from researchers with Georgia State University’s Gerontology Institute. “Turnover is a problem throughout long-term care,” said Mary Ball, an associate professor of gerontology who led the study. As baby boomers age, “you’re going to have more and more old people, so it will become a bigger problem.”
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Apr 17, 2008 – University of Georgia
Study finds increased fragmentation of TV news audiences along party lines
Television news audiences are divided along party lines like never before, according to a new University of Georgia study that warns the trend may have damaging consequences for political discourse and democracy in America. “Ideology and partisanship used to be completely unrelated to the television news people consumed,” said study author Barry Hollander, associate professor of journalism in the UGA Grady College of Journalism and Mass Communication. “But they’ve become significant factors in the last five years.”
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