Bio Industry: Gov. Perdue's Our Guy

Just in from the Governor's Press Office: Gov. Sonny Perdue has been named Bio Governor of the year. That award come's from the Biotechnology Industry Organization, or, cleverly enough, BIO.

The group hailed Perdue's efforts to grow bio-sciences in Georgia. Perdue is probably best known for his push to limit liability lawsuits against Georgia-based bio companies. The group, however, also noted other efforts in a statement. Here's a sample:

“Governor Perdue’s support of biotechnology has been vital for our industry’s success in Georgia” said Jim Greenwood, President and CEO of BIO. “He has been a stalwart advocate of the biosciences in Georgia and truly understands the promise of our industry to provide revolutionary therapies and cures for patients, increase agricultural sustainability and develop alternative fuels. In addition, I would like to personally thank the Governor and his team at the Department of Economic Development for being such great partners in helping to plan and organize the upcoming 2009 BIO International Convention.”

You can find the entire announcement here.

Perdue Defends Accepting Stimulus Funds

Governor Perdue today defended his stance on accepting federal stimulus money. The governor has come under criticism for saying he may not accept all the unemployment insurance money because it would mean Georgia might have to expand benefits.

He spoke to reporters after briefing state department heads on the stimulus package:

“We’re gonna take every dollar we can. That means long term benefits... Georgians have paid their taxes in and when the Congress passes a law like this, I want Georgians to get everything to which they’re entitled.”

Governor Perdue says Georgia has already received $340 million in Medicaid funds. More stimulus money is expected in coming weeks.

As for when other state agencies might start to receive federal funds-Department of Transportation Chief Gena Evans says her agency is at the front of the line:

“We anticipate that we’ll probably be one of the first ones out of the gate. We think our money will be available sometime around March 10. And we have to have 50 percent of our funds obligated in 120 days so we’ve got a little bit different time frame than everybody else.”

Evans projects her department should get up to $900 million to help fund potentially thousands of projects.

Governor Perdue slashes budget

Governor Sonny Perdue is tightening the belt on State Government spending because of slowing growth in Georgia’s economy.

In February, state revenue grew only a half percentage point over last year’s figure. That’s not enough to meet the budget prediction for the rest of this and the next fiscal year.

In all, Perdue is estimating a shortfall of 310 million dollars through next summer.

"We see the economic clouds over the nation and I ‘m committed not to wait too long by tightening our belts."

Perdue’s bleak outlook comes in the midst of the legislative budget process. He wants to cut some new programs and is proposing that state employee and teachers raises be cut from 2 and half to 2 percent.

Perdue is ordering state agencies to cut out all non essential spending.

Georgia does have a record 1.5 billon dollar rainy day fund and Perdue says he’ll use it if necessary.

Go Fish Georgia Initiative

Tomorrow the City of Perry is likely to become the site of a multimillion dollar fishing facility as part of Governor Perdue's fishing initiative.

Governor Sonny Perdue is expected to make the announcement near his home in Bonaire. The 22-million dollar Go Fish Georgia Visitors Center and Hatchery would be located on the grounds of the Perry Agricultural Center and officials believe it could draw as many as 200-thousand visitors a year. The initiative also features a bass trail, a system of lakes stretching across the state.

State officials say the current economic impact of sport fishing in the state is 1.5- billion dollars a year and over 10-thousand Georgians are working in the sport fishing industry. The governor hopes to increase those numbers. A single large bass tournament can bring in over 20-million dollars.

Middle Georgia also hopes history will lure fishermen here. The area is home to the world record large mouth bass, caught in 1932 in Telfair County and weighing in at over 22 pounds.