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by PipelineFebruary 7, 2018 Uncategorized0 comments

2018 Legislative Session Week Four

During our fourth week of the 2018 legislative session, we persisted in our discussion of bill proposals and subsequent passing of meaningful legislation. The following bills were passed this session:

Adoption

House Bill 159 – One of our most substantial accomplishments this week was the unanimous passage of House Bill 159, the piece of legislation on current Georgian adoption laws that I described previously as it was being reviewed by the Senate. After thorough examination by my House colleagues, the Senate, and the governor’s office, HB 159’s amendments were approved and reviewed with additional changes, which means this bill will be sent to Gov. Deal’s desk for final approval after being passed by the Senate. These changes include:

An update on the revocation period for Georgia birth mothers from 10 days to 4 days
Access to reasonable living expenses for all birth mothers, refining the current law that only birth mothers in agency adoptions are allowed reasonable living expenses
Safeguards on temporary powers of attorney

Tax Laws

House Bill 661 – HB 661 also passed unanimously, and it seeks to update the process for filing and removing tax liens against real estate. This update keeps the efficiencies of the original legislation, removes the current provision on statewide liens, and reverts back to county specific liens.
House Bill 694 – Also passed unanimously, House Bill 694 would provide an updated method of submitting monthly motor fuel tax reports for motor fuel distributors and wholesalers. Distributors are currently required to only submit reports electronically if the submission is $500 or more, and this bill would require monthly reports to be submitted electronically regardless of the amount.

Law Enforcement

House Bill 135 – Also this week, the House passed a measure to provide more law enforcement officers with important state retirement benefits. House Bill 135 seeks to provide state retirement benefits to an expanded group of law enforcement officers by including the Department of Driver Services (DDS) investigators. An additional five years of creditable service would become available to them in the state’s Employees’ Retirement System (ERS) for prior law enforcement services.

The Official State Insect

House Bill 671 – Our official state insect, the honey bee, is an essential factor in our state’s ecosystem and economy. As the third largest producer of bees and the tenth largest producer of honey in the nation, Georgia remains a leader in the beekeeping industry. This bill will promote the conservation and protection of the honey bee by creating a specialty license plate with the phrase “Save the Honey Bee” and making this plate available for purchase.

My colleagues and I remain engrossed in our legislative duties as prepare ourselves for the following weeks of session, including legislative Day 28, “Crossover Day.” I encourage you to visit me at my Capitol office, and please do not hesitate to call or email me if you have any questions or concerns regarding any current or upcoming legislation. My Capitol office is located at 220 State Capitol Atlanta, GA 30334, my office phone number is 404-656-5912, and I can be reached via email at awelch@smithwelchlaw.com. Thank you for allowing me to serve as your representative.

by PipelineJanuary 31, 2018 Uncategorized0 comments

2018 Legislative Session Week Three

By the end of our third week in session, we reached Legislative Day 10, a marker of our one-fourth completion of the overall 40-day session. We remained busy this week with introductions recommended by our interim House councils and commissions, and we also finalized our adjournment resolution.

Economy

Georgia’s economic prosperity, although widespread, has not reached all parts of our state, and some areas need improvement. In our previous session, the House Rural Development Council (RDC) was established through House Resolution 389, followed by extensive, rural community research and an eventual presentation of two reports that outline how to improve these community’s economy.

House Bill 735 – This bill is the first rural development-related bill that the House has ever considered, and it would encourage investment in rail infrastructure in rural Georgia by creating a tax credit for short line railroad track maintenance expenditures.
House Resolution 848 – This resolution was adopted in the 2017 session, and it established the House Commission on Transit Governance and Funding, which examines Georgia transportation issues and discovers ways to improve them. We are expecting to discuss legislation on this topic this session, as the transit commission has been researching over the 2017 summer and fall seasons.

Adjournment Resolution

We also determined our calendar for the remainder of the 2018 legislative session this week as we worked with our Senate counterparts. Legislative Day 40, the final day of our session and otherwise referred to as “Sine Die,” will take place on Thursday, March 29.

The House Rules Committee

The House Rules Committee held its first official meeting on Thursday, January 25. This committee is vital to our session, as they determine which bills are worthy of debate and eventual vote on our House floor once they have been passed out of their respective subcommittees. Once these bills are passed by the Rules Committee, they are heard on the House floor the following legislative day, which means voting for our first pieces of legislation will likely begin next week.

Review of Gov. Deal’s Budget Proposals

This week, we took the next step in developing a balanced state budget based off of Gov. Deal’s recommendations by holding hearings with the House Appropriations subcommittees. Once Gov. Deal’s proposals are reviewed in our Appropriations subcommittees, the House floor will draft a bill for the Amended Fiscal Year 2018 (AFY 2018) budget and another bill for the Fiscal Year 2019 (FY 2019) budget.

The AFY 2018 Budget – This budget, which covers our current fiscal year until June 30, is nicknamed the “small budget.” It uses a more precise estimate of state revenue to account for any differences between anticipated and actual state revenue.
The FY 2019 Budget – Nicknamed the “big budget,” this budget covers our entire state budget for the fiscal year of 2019 starting July 1. It is based on projected state revenue for the upcoming fiscal year, and each portion will be passed by its respective Appropriations subcommittees, and reviewed and passed by the full House Appropriations Committee.
Rules Committee – Once the complete budgets are passed by the House Appropriations Committees, they will then be passed on to the Rules Committee that places them on the House calendar. From here, they will be discussed on the House floor before being voted upon.
Senate – After being passed by the House, these budgets will be passed along to the Senate and undergo the same process. Because of their likely differences from their original editions, the Speaker of the House and the Lieutenant Governor will appoint a conference committee to resolve these differences.
Final Vote – Final voting takes place after the conference committee comes to an agreement, and both chambers must agree on the contents of the bill before approval. After being approved, these budgets finally reach Gov. Deal’s desk, where he has the choice to sign or veto the legislation. If signed, these budgets become state law.

Congressman Doug Collins

On Thursday, January 25, my colleagues and I enjoyed a visit from distinguished Georgian and former state representative Congressman Doug Collins. Along with his praise of our dedicated work and legislative example, he also brought updates from our state’s congressional delegation in Washington D.C. We were honored by his presence and we admire his commitment to improving our state.

National Guard Day

Thursday was also National Guard Day at the Capitol, and we took some time to honor the men and women of the Georgia National Guard by presenting them with House Resolution 902. The Georgia Department of Defense employs over 10,891 Army National Guard Soldiers, 2,746 Air National Guard Airmen, 583 State Defense Force members and over 600 state employees. Since 9/11, over 18,000 Georgia National Guard members have been deployed overseas, and more than 200 are currently being deployed. These selfless men and women provide military-ready forces to the president and disaster response forces to the governor, and we are thankful for their contribution to the state of Georgia.

As we continue with the 2018 legislative session, I encourage you to visit me at my Capitol office, and please do not hesitate to call or email me if you have any questions or concerns regarding any current or upcoming legislation. I serve as a member of the Code Revision, Judiciary, Juvenile Justice, and Regulated Industries committees, and I encourage you to contact me to discuss any measures that will be discussed by these committees or any other legislation that may interest you. My Capitol office is located at 220 State Capitol Atlanta, GA 30334, my office phone number is 404-656-5912, and I can be reached via email at awelch@smithwelchlaw.com. Thank you for allowing me to serve as your representative.

by PipelineJanuary 23, 2018 Uncategorized0 comments

2018 Legislative Session Week Two

During the second week of the 2018 legislative session on Tuesday, January 16, my House colleagues and I convened for legislative Day Five and legislative Day Six of the session, and also began one of our most significant annual undertakings, the state budget process. The process begins with the joint House and Senate Appropriations committees’ review of Governor Nathan Deal’s budget recommendations.

Gov. Deal’s Fiscal Year 2019 Budget

Because of our state’s exceptional recent economic development, Gov. Deal’s Fiscal Year 2019 budget is the largest budget our General Assembly has ever been presented with. Georgia has become an economic national leader, and Gov. Deal’s proposal hopes to contribute even further to our state’s financial success. The General Assembly also heard testimonies from various state agency heads as they expressed their fiscal needs, which our final budget will supply with state funding.

Once these proposals are reviewed by the House Appropriations subcommittees, each respective subcommittee will pass portions of the state budget to the full House Appropriations Committee, which will then examine and pass balanced budgets for AFY 2018 and FY 2019.

Transportation – Georgia’s transportation network is a significant factor in the future and continued success of our state’s economy. Gov. Deal’s FY 2019 budget recommends more than $1.9 billion in annual, transportation infrastructure funding, as well as an additional $100 million for bridge repair and replacement. In the governor’s Amended Fiscal Year 2018 (AFY 2018) budget proposal, he also allocates more than $25 million to runway expansion in both urban and rural areas of our state.
Education – Both Governor Deal and his wife, First Lady Sandra Deal, have a passion for education and our state’s school system. Gov. Deal’s AFY 2018 budget includes $102.1 million for a midterm adjustment for K-12 enrollment growth and $10.7 million for growth in the Dual Enrollment program. For the governor’s FY 2019 budget proposal, he allocates $30 million to assist low‐wealth school districts and adds $127.6 million to fund K-12 enrollment growth and training and experience for Georgia teachers. An allocated $1.8 million would go towards the the REACH Georgia Scholarship program, which would allow the program to disburse an additional 226 statewide scholarships and expand into 44 new school districts. An additional $361.7 million was also proposed for our state’s Teachers Retirement System, which would fully fund Georgia’s employer contribution.
Healthcare – Since our state’s $240 million investment in behavioral health, Georgia has seen a significant decline in individuals civilly committed to behavioral health hospitals. The governor seeks to improve this number even further with his proposal of $15 million to funding Georgia’s intellectual and developmental disabilities waiver services and to the construction of supportive housing. Gov. Deal’s also recommends to contribute to the Children’s Autism Initiative with $3.5 million in the AFY 2018 budget and almost $7 million in FY 2019 budget. Per recommendation of the Commission on Children’s Mental Health, other recommendations to the FY 2019 budget include: $22.9 million to fund crisis services, therapeutic foster care, Apex grants, telehealth services, suicide prevention, wraparound services, supported employment and education, and opioid prevention and treatment.
Criminal Justice – Gov. Deal has worked diligently to make his criminal justice reform initiatives successful, and they received additional funding in his budget proposal. Georgia’s accountability court system is one of these initiatives, and it gives low-level, non-violent offenders sentencing alternatives; for example, rehabilitative services are offered as a substitute. A total of $113.9 million has been allotted to these statewide courts since 2012, and the FY 2019 budget includes an additional $5 million.
Other Highlights – Additional proposals include: funding for Georgia’s child welfare services, including $15.1 million for growth in out‐of‐home care utilization; $10.1 million to continue to increase Georgia’s foster parent per diem rates; $3.6 million to increase out‐of‐home care provider rates; $256 million for Medicaid expense growth to offset federal revenue and settlement loss.

The Senate

Our colleagues in the Senate also passed House Bill 159 and added House Bill 359 during this week’s session.

HB 159 – This bill will update Georgia’s adoption laws. No modernizations have made in nearly 30 years on this subject, so this bill was passed unanimously and successfully.
HB 359 – This bill was vetoed by Gov. Deal last year, and it concerns temporary powers of attorney.

Gov. Deal’s Major Announcements

State of Emergency Issue – Gov. Deal issued a state of emergency for 83 of Georgia’s central and northern counties impacted by winter weather on Wednesday, January 17. Because of this winter storm, our budget hearings were rescheduled and the House and Senate meetings were postponed to Thursday afternoon; however, the storm could not hinder our legislative duty, and we remained dedicated to finishing our work.
Amazon’s Short List – Our assembly has long anticipated the release of Amazon’s short list of Top 20 finalists for the company’s second headquarters, and Gov. Deal announced Atlanta’s placement on that list on Thursday morning. As one of the top states in which to do business, Georgia has a strong advantage over other states in this site selection process, and I look forward to seeing the final outcome.

Our legislative session will reconvene on Monday, January 22. I hope that my session updates will continue to help you stay informed on legislative matters that impact our community and state as a whole. The House website has several tools that might be useful to you throughout the legislative session: a live stream of House proceedings, live and archived committee meeting videos and detailed information on all legislation we are considering in the General Assembly.

Atlanta, GA 30334, my office phone number is 404-656-5912, and I can be reached via email at awelch@smithwelchlaw.com. Thank you for allowing me to serve as your representative.

by PipelineJanuary 22, 2018 Uncategorized0 comments

2018 Legislative Session Week One

The 2018 Legislative Session and 154th Georgia General Assembly officially began on Monday, January 8, 2018, and my colleagues and I are prepared to work diligently in the following weeks to discuss and pass important legislation. Day One is always an exciting and significant part of our session, and this week we channeled that energy into our work as we discussed legislative business, met with committees to review and discuss proposed legislation, and Governor Nathan Deal delivered his annual State of the State address.

State of the State Address

Governor Deal’s State of the State address touched on many important topics, including Georgia’s exceptional economic growth, funding for the educational system, and most importantly the figurative significance of planting “orchards of opportunity” for our future generations. Next year we will celebrate his retirement of serving as Georgia’s governor for seven years and serving our state for four decades.
Governor Deal’s touching address began with a rumination of Georgia’s growth since he became our state’s 82nd governor in 2011. He has achieved the following accomplishments: an exceptional drop in Georgia’s unemployment rate from 10.4 percent to 4.3 percent, which is the lowest it has been in over 10 years; the creation of more than 675,000 private sector jobs; the maintenance of our state’s AAA bond rating and addition to our Rainy Day Fund; Georgia’s recognition as the No. 1 state in which to do business for five consecutive years; the booming film and television industry; and investments in education and criminal justice reform.

Georgia’s Film Industry – Georgia’s film industry growth in the past decade includes a $9.5 billion economic impact, the movement of over 200 new companies to Georgia to support film and television production, the accountability of 92,000 jobs across our state, and an increase in student interest of the courses at the Georgia Film Academy. The film industry will only continue to flourish with programs such as these, and I look forward to seeing the benefits of its growth!
Education – The following advances in education have been made since Governor Deal has been in office: state spending on education has increased by $3.6 billion for a total of $14 billion in state education expenditures, the HOPE Career Grant program was created, a marketing campaign to highlight Georgia’s technical colleges for post-secondary education growth was developed, and funds were created to establish the Sandra Dunagan Deal Center for Early Language and Literacy at Georgia College and State University in Milledgeville, which is named after his wife, former teacher, and supporter of young learners First Lady Sandra Deal.
Criminal Justice – Governor Deal has focused heavily on criminal justice reform efforts since taking office, and he has had immense success in his endeavors. There are currently 149 state-funded accountability court programs that sentence alternatives to nonviolent offenders, and each of Georgia’s 49 judicial circuits operates at least one sort of accountability court.
Amended Fiscal Year 2018 and 2019 State Budget – The following proposals were made by Gov. Deal for the 2018 state budget: an allocation of $102 million for K-12 enrollment growth, $10.7 million for growth in Georgia’s Dual Enrollment program, $43.6 million for the Indigent Care Trust Fund and Medicaid, $15.1 million for child welfare services to care for children in state custody, $2.4 million for autism services for children under the age of 21, $17.6 million for Forestland Protection Act grants and $10 million for beach nourishment projects and $25.2 million for airport runway extension projects. Gov. Deal’s 2019 state budget proposals include: $361.7 million for the Teachers Retirement System, $127 million for K-12 education, $30 million to assist low-wealth school systems, $28.8 million for child welfare services to fund out-of-home care growth and foster care per diem increases, $22.9 million to implement recommendations from the Commission on Children’s Mental Health, $5 million for accountability courts to implement new courts and expand existing courts, and $31 million for transportation and $100 million to repair roads and bridges in Georgia. These proposals will continue to be reviewed and revised as we proceed with our legislative session.

Legislative Business

An adjournment resolution, our legislative calendar, was also covered during this session. We create this schedule in order to make the most of our together, as my colleagues and I are not full-time lawmakers and face other obligations outside of the General Assembly. Our time together is critical, and it is important that we adjust our adjournment resolution to the benefit of our Georgia Assembly.

College Football Playoff National Championship Day

Our state was honored to host the College Football Playoff National Championship at the new Mercedes-Benz Stadium last Monday, and we took some time to celebrate this event during our first week of session by adopting House Resolution 867, which recognizes Dan Corso and commends the Atlanta Football Host Committee for organizing this great event for our state. Despite the final outcome of the game, we were proud of our state for hosting this game for the first time in Georgia’s history.

Now that the legislative session has officially begun, my House colleagues and I will be working diligently to pass meaningful legislation on behalf of all Georgians. I hope that my session updates will help you to stay informed on legislative matters that impact our community and state as a whole. The House website has several tools that might be useful to you throughout the legislative session: a live stream of House proceedings, live and archived committee meeting videos and detailed information on all legislation we are considering in the General Assembly.

If you ever find yourself in Atlanta during session, I encourage you to visit me at my Capitol office, and please do not hesitate to call or email me if you have any questions or concerns regarding any current or upcoming legislation. My Capitol office is located at 220 State Capitol
Atlanta, GA 30334, my office phone number is 404-656-5912, and I can be reached via email at awelch@smithwelchlaw.com. Thank you for allowing me to serve as your representative.

by PipelineDecember 13, 2017 Uncategorized0 comments

Henry County Legislative Luncheon

With a new year almost upon us, our community and delegation has begun looking ahead to the 2018 legislative session. On December 5, I attended a luncheon at the Henry County Administration Building with other Henry County delegates to discuss the county’s objectives and concerns for the next year. I want to take a moment to thank Henry County officials for having me and for hosting this luncheon and discussion. Here are some informational highlights from our meeting:

Henry County Public Safety Training Academy

Among the topics discussed, Henry County staff emphasized the community’s need for a public safety training academy. The Henry County Police Department would strongly benefit from training their officers locally, rather than sending them to other academies in the state to do so. If the department could train in its own district, they would eliminate the cost of training elsewhere, therefore saving money.

House Bill 204

House Bill 204 was also examined during our luncheon. This bill would remove non-tax related fees from property tax bills, thereby obstructing the county’s revenue sources. BOC Chairperson June Wood strongly encouraged delegates to not support this bill in the upcoming 2018 legislative session.

Henry County Coroner

Lastly, the Henry County staff addressed their desire to pay their coroner by salary, rather than the current state of paid by call. This resolution was approved by the Henry County Board of Commissioners and requested for legislation.

I always enjoy discussing the needs, endeavors, and goals of my districts. Our community is continually striving for growth and improvement, and I am proud to represent it.

by PipelineNovember 15, 2017 Uncategorized0 comments

Christmas In Henry County

The holiday season, though one of the busiest times of the year, is a favorite for me and my family, as well as the Henry County community. Christmas is a time of celebration, gift-giving, and reuniting with loved ones, and there will be many local opportunities to do so this year in our community. Tree lighting celebrations, visits from Santa, Christmas tree sales, and Christmas caroling are just a few!

The much-loved Southern Belle Farm will be having a three week long holiday event, where you and your families can enjoy homemade cookies, fresh apple cider, friendly farm animals, and visits from Santa on the weekends. This “Farmstead Christmas” will take place from November 24 – December 17, so mark your calendars!

Yule Forest in Stockbridge, Georgia will help you find the perfect Christmas tree for your family this year. This local farm does offer pre-cut trees, but they also offer the experience to choose and cut your own tree from their field, as well as Christmas tree delivery. Their Christmas tree farm opens on Thanksgiving Day, and includes Leyland Cypress, Virginia Pines and Blue Ice Christmas Trees.

Enjoy the crisp fresh air at the Panola Mountain State Park Holiday Elf Hike on December 23. If your family follows the Elf On The Shelf tradition, this event is perfect for you. Panola invites your children to bring their elf, doll, or other stuffed animal along for their hike and following hot cocoa. To register for this event, please call 770-389-7801.

As you enjoy these holiday festivities, try to reflect on the meaning of Christmas and the joy it brings to our community, friends, and families. I wish you and your loved ones a very merry Christmas this year!

by PipelineOctober 19, 2017 Uncategorized0 comments

East-West One-Way Pairs Under Construction In McDonough

Georgia Department Of Transportation contractors have begun clearing vegetation along Jonesboro Road and State Route 81, and construction of the East-West One-Way Pairs in downtown McDonough is now well underway! In an effort to lessen traffic entering and exiting McDonough Square, Jonesboro Road to Doris Street is to be converted to a one-way route heading west, and the Georgia Highway 20 (Hampton Street) heading into the square will be turned into a one-way, as well. A roundabout will also be built at the intersection of Doris Street and Jonesboro Road that will lead drivers to another eastbound one-way. Roundabouts help ease the flow of traffic because cars are only required to yield, not stop. This reduces traffic delay and improves traffic flow. Construction is estimated to last about thirty months.

This project will undoubtedly be beneficial to local businesses, surrounding areas, and McDonough citizens as it will ease traffic congestion near McDonough Square. According to the Georgia Department of Transportation Project Manager Cherral Dempsey, the East-West One-Way Pairs construction will involve at least three temporary road closures. The Georgia Department of Transportation will keep McDonough citizens updated with lane closures and detour information on their website, Twitter, and Facebook. Be on the lookout for signs and message boards around the area for redirection, as well. Although the construction process takes time, the benefits of the results will be well worth the wait!

by info@webmobilefusion.comSeptember 6, 2017 Campaign, Events, Latest, Uncategorized0 comments

Bridge In Stockbridge Named In Honor Of M.L. King, Sr.

Despite the divisive rhetoric regarding the history of our country, it was a privilege to present a replica of the Martin Luther King, Sr. memorial bridge sign to Bernice King and the King Family on August 28th at the M.L. King, Jr. statute unveiling. With the assistance of the Stockbridge City Council, I introduced and passed legislation to dedicate in memory of M.L. King Sr. the bridge in front of City Hall along State Route 138 and crossing over the Martin Luther King, Sr. Heritage Trail. M.L. King, Sr. used this trail to travel to work and school, as he was raised in Stockbridge and preached his first sermon there at the age of 15. This was a way of recognizing some of the history that exists in Stockbridge that many people may not be aware of. With all that’s going on in the country, I think it’s appropriate to discuss some of the people who shaped the civil rights movement. It is a small but very public recognition of an important person who helped shape the history of our county for the better. The city of Stockbridge will be hosting a bridge dedication ceremony in the next few weeks, and I hope to see you there!

by info@webmobilefusion.comAugust 23, 2017 Archive, General, Uncategorized0 comments

Vicki Temple Receives Pioneer Award at the GA GOP Convention

Vicki Temple, the Henry County GOP Chair, was recently honored with the Pioneer Award at the GA GOP Convention. The Pioneer Award is given to someone who is the original or amongst the first person to develop or assist in the progress of a business in the field of inquiry, enterprise, or progress. The Award highlights individuals with dedication, enthusiasm, and dedication to their endeavors, but also praises individuals who have had an impact on the Georgia Republican Party and are a strong example of that Party.

Vicki Temple embraces all of these characteristics and more. A few of her many admirable positions include the Former President of the Republican Women of Henry County, the 2nd Vice Chair of the Henry County GOP, a member of the Finance team during the Friends of Herman Cain Campaign, GA State Grassroots Co-Chair for Marco Rubio, and her current position as the Director of Safety/Education/Workforce Development at Georgia Utility Contractors Association, Inc. The Georgia Utility Contractors Association, Inc. acts as the voice for the underground utility construction industry and has been in business for over forty years. They provide education, training, and networking. They also consistently work with their community through service projects.

Vicki studied Business Administration and Management at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte and has dedicated her life to her family and the Republican Party. She is well-deserving of the Pioneer Award and I congratulate her on this recognition and also thank her for her diligence and hard work!

by info@webmobilefusion.comFebruary 19, 2017 Uncategorized0 comments

A LETTER FROM THE PRESIDENT OF CLAYTON STATE UNIVERSITY

I received the following letter from Dr. Thomas Hynes, President of Clayton State University!

“Dear Representative Andy Welch:

Thank you for your efforts in support of a budget that will advance education in our area and for Georgians everywhere. Your support of much needed pay raises, a fully funded formula, and funding of needed maintenance, repair, and renovation projects will assist Georgians as they compete for positions and rewarding careers.

Your efforts on behalf of Clayton State were essential to the inclusion of $1.35 million in capital funds to repair the roofs of several buildings that constitute the academic core of our teaching mission. Repair of the roofs represents Phase I of the project. The two remaining phases will require an additional investment of almost $12 million to cover renovation of classroom space and the construction of a new chiller plant. I look forward to working with you to include funds in FY 18 to fund both phases.

Again, thank you for your service to the citizens of this state. The time you spent away from your family and your job represents a significant investment on your part, and we thank you for your willingness to serve.

Please let us know whenever we may be of service to you.

Best,

Dr. Thomas Hynes
President