Georgia

May 18, 2009 -- ATLANTA – Today Georgia Governor Sonny Perdue announced the launch of the first-of-its-kind research tool, iResearchGeorgia. The online, free database is the only one in the U.S. that combines the research capabilities of multiple public and private universities within a single state.

“We are proud to freely share Georgia’s intellectual capital with the world in this innovative way,” said Governor Perdue. “iResearchGeorgia will foster the kind of collaboration among research institutions and industry that generates jobs and investment in the biosciences, one of the state’s fastest-growing industries.”    » read more »

May 13, 2009 -- ATLANTA – Georgia Governor Sonny Perdue today announced that House Bill 119, the state’s FY 2010 budget, has been signed into law. The FY10 budget year begins July 1, 2009.

“Cutting the budget has forced a number of difficult decisions, but we have managed the state in a thoughtful, conservative way to ensure Georgians are receiving value for their tax dollars,” said Governor Perdue. “We have maintained triple-a bond ratings, saving the state tens of millions of dollars, and funded our top priorities to ensure the basic responsibilities of state government are being met.”    » read more »

Application for Part 1 of Georgia's State Stabilization Funds Approved Today

May 11, 2009 -- U. S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan today announced that more than $1 billion is now available for Georgia under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) of 2009. This funding will lay the foundation for a generation of education reform and help save hundreds of thousands of teaching jobs at risk of state and local budget cuts. Georgia will be eligible to apply for another $509 million this fall.

Today's funding is being made available per Georgia's successful completion of Part 1 of the State Stabilization Application, which was made available on April 1.    » read more »

May 11, 2009 -- ATLANTA – Georgia Governor Sonny Perdue today signed House Bill 261, which provides a $1,800 tax credit for home purchases. The credit, which would be taken over three years, takes effect immediately and is meant to spur activity in the housing market.

“The housing tax credit is a strategic investment that strikes at the root of this economic downturn. Much of the financial turmoil we have seen stems from a severe downturn in housing,” Governor Perdue said. “Families interested in buying a home will now have an additional incentive to act.”    » read more »

May 5, 2009 -- ATLANTA – Today Georgia Governor Sonny Perdue announced that he has submitted the required “1511 Certification” on 51 road projects around the state that will be funded through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA). These projects, together with the list certified in April, represent all of the projects that are eligible for certification at present.

“These projects touch nearly every corner of our state and include some needed bridge repairs, resurfacing projects and another critical piece of the Fall Line Freeway,” said Governor Perdue.    » read more »

April 28, 2009 -- ATLANTA – Georgia Governor Sonny Perdue today signed House Bill 217, the “Access to Flu Vaccines Act,” which permits pharmacists and nurses to order and dispense flu shots pursuant to a protocol agreement with a physician. The bill also grants the Governor broader emergency powers if a pandemic influenza is declared by the World Health Organization or the Centers for Disease Control.

“The flu affects thousands of people each year and our citizens should be able to access flu vaccines to protect themselves and their families,” said Governor Perdue. “This legislation makes it easier for Georgians to receive flu shots and allows the state to respond quickly and effectively to any flu outbreak.”    » read more »

April 24, 2009 -- ATLANTA – Georgia Governor Sonny Perdue announced today that President Barack Obama approved a Federal Disaster Declaration for 27 counties that the Governor requested aid for following a devastating period of severe weather beginning March 26 and continuing through April 10. Tornadoes, straight-line winds, hail, severe thunderstorms, flash flooding and flooding resulted in widespread residential, commercial and infrastructure damage across South Georgia.

"We have some hard work ahead of us and we appreciate the prompt response by President Obama and Acting FEMA Administrator Nancy Ward," said Governor Sonny Perdue. "It will greatly help the citizens whose lives have been disrupted."    » read more »

April 22, 2009 -- ATLANTA – Georgia Governor Sonny Perdue today signed House Bill 280, which will start new fully-certified math and science teachers at the same salary as a fifth year teacher.

“Just as Georgia businesses increase incentives to fill critical positions, we now have the same ability,” said Governor Perdue. “Last year, Georgia produced only one physics teacher. This legislation will help us address the shortage of math and science teachers in the state.”    » read more »

April 21, 2009 -- ATLANTA – Today Georgia Governor Sonny Perdue announced that House Bill 581 has been signed into law. The legislation will allow Georgia to draw down $226 million in federal funds to shore up the state’s unemployment trust fund.

“Signing HB 581 will help prevent tax increases on Georgia businesses so they can grow and create jobs,” said Governor Perdue. “The changes in our unemployment rules and regulations are relatively minor, and I appreciate the General Assembly’s willingness to approve additional benefits for unemployed Georgians.”    » read more »

April 9, 2009 -- ATLANTA – Georgia Governor Sonny Perdue announced that he has submitted the required “1511 Certification” on 67 road projects around the state that will be funded through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. These projects represent approximately one-fourth of the total funds that will be available to Georgia for transportation through the stimulus package.

“This first batch of projects includes some badly needed bridge repairs, resurfacing projects on highways with some of our lowest pavement ratings and two widening projects that will improve congestion and safety and spur economic activity,” said Governor Perdue.    » read more »

March 25, 2009 -- ATLANTA — Georgia Governor Sonny Perdue announced today that Georgia is one of three states selected by the Pew Center on the States to participate as a government “laboratory” for projects that will enable the state to use resources more efficiently. Georgia will receive $50,000 and intensive management support from Pew experts to assist it in delivering better value through its purchasing power.

“Working with the Pew Center on this project will be a major step forward in our state’s goal to provide better value for the taxpayer’s dollar,” said Governor Perdue. “This project will allow us to leverage our buying power and drive down the prices we pay for supplies, equipment and services that are essential to state operations.”    » read more »

March 25, 2009 -- ATLANTA – Georgia Governor Sonny Perdue today commended the final passage of “Super Speeder” legislation, HB 160, by the General Assembly. The legislation was introduced by Rep. Jim Cole and will help reduce traumatic automobile accidents and provide funds for trauma care in the state. The legislation passed the House 113-53 and passed the Senate 42-10.

“I commend the General Assembly for passing legislation to discourage reckless driving and increase funding for trauma care in Georgia,” said Governor Perdue. “The Super Speeder bill will make our roads safer and save lives.”    » read more »

State Sen. Rodney Ellis and Rep. Allen Vaught File Bill to Stop New Coal-Fired Power Plants

March 24, 2009 -- AUSTIN – State legislators, environmental activists and local community members who would be affected by proposed coal-fired power plants met at the capitol this morning to call for a temporary moratorium on proposed coal plants. Halting the construction of proposed coal plants would help curb climate change, protect local communities from dangerous health impacts, and improve local air quality.    » read more »

New Analysis Ranks "Filthy 15" States by Coal Ash Produced by Proposed Plants

Washington, D.C. (March 12, 2009) -- Proposed coal plants across the United States would produce nearly 18 million tons of dangerous waste, including toxic metals, each year. Nearly 130 million tons of coal waste from existing plants is being produced annually, most of which is disposed of in largely unregulated landfills, ponds and other locations, posing serious public health and environmental risks.

According to a new analysis by the Natural Resources Defense Council, the 15 states that would be the biggest polluters -- the “Filthy 15” -- have proposals for 54 coal plants and would create nearly 14 million tons of dangerous waste.    » read more »

March 11th, 2009 -- The news on the economic front is still grim, but already the recovery package is saving and creating those jobs in towns across the country, stemming losses and spurring growth in ways that affect real families and communities. Here are just a few stories plucked from the local news over the past few days.

California [U.S. News and World Report, 3/9/09]:    » read more »