Tuesday, February 24, 2009 marks day twenty-two of the Georgia General Assembly’s 2009 legislative session. Here is a preview of some of the legislation coming up for debate in the state House and Senate this week.
- Under a proposal now being considered by the Senate Insurance and Labor Committee, the state would no longer enroll new members in Medicaid and PeachCare. Instead, Senate Bill 92 calls for the state to enroll low income residents in approved private health plans with the state picking up part of the premium costs. The proposal also includes an incentive plan where costs may be reduced for individuals who participate in certain health improvement initiatives.
- Also in the Senate this week … a proposed universal school voucher plan is being considered in the youth education committee. The measure would let parents enroll their children is any public or private school and expands the existing special needs voucher program to all public school students.
From the House side …
- H.B. 233 calls for a two year moratorium on increases in ad valorem taxes.
During the two year period ending in 2011, every parcel of real property in the state will be reassessed at least once. The measure is up for consideration in this Senate this week. - Finally, with projected 2009 revenue down more than 400 million dollars, the House is expected to approve a pair of budget bills this week. First is Governor Sonny Perdue’s midyear adjustment to the 2009 budget. House Bill 118 goes before the full House later this week and includes more than 400 million dollars to fund the Homeowners Tax Relief Grant to local governments. The second budget bill … HB 119 … for fiscal year 2010 currently still includes the Governor’s recommendations for a one point six percent tax on hospitals.
