The 2008 session of the General Assembly begins today where lawmakers will wrangle for 40 days over the state budget and tackle various issues.
Polls show that water and drought planning is on the top of the agenda for Georgians. Lawmakers will be able to respond as they get a chance to vote on the first-ever statewide water plan. It will cost over 30-million dollars and take three years to implement.
Governor Sonny Perdue is expected to push some of the same proposals he did not accomplish last year, including a tax break for retirees. And his idea to boost fines for speeders could become part of financing for a statewide trauma care network.
Education and transportation funding will be hot topics during the Session. Side items on the legislative menu include revision of Georgia's sex offender law struck down by the courts this year, tougher anti-dogfighting measures, and lifting restrictions on where guns can be carried.
Last night in the shadow of the State Capitol, an annual tradition continued for lawmakers, lobbyists and state officials. The Wild Hog Supper has been held every year since 1960 on the eve of the Session.
Be sure to tune into GPB Radio for daily reports on the General Assembly, during newscasts within Morning Edition and All Things Considered. You can get updates from the Capitol anytime by logging onto gpb.org.
Polls show that water and drought planning is on the top of the agenda for Georgians. Lawmakers will be able to respond as they get a chance to vote on the first-ever statewide water plan. It will cost over 30-million dollars and take three years to implement.
Governor Sonny Perdue is expected to push some of the same proposals he did not accomplish last year, including a tax break for retirees. And his idea to boost fines for speeders could become part of financing for a statewide trauma care network.
Education and transportation funding will be hot topics during the Session. Side items on the legislative menu include revision of Georgia's sex offender law struck down by the courts this year, tougher anti-dogfighting measures, and lifting restrictions on where guns can be carried.
Last night in the shadow of the State Capitol, an annual tradition continued for lawmakers, lobbyists and state officials. The Wild Hog Supper has been held every year since 1960 on the eve of the Session.
Be sure to tune into GPB Radio for daily reports on the General Assembly, during newscasts within Morning Edition and All Things Considered. You can get updates from the Capitol anytime by logging onto gpb.org.
