Lawmakers OK Budget, Restore Medicaid Cuts

Budget writers in the Georgia House have restored deep cuts to Medicaid funding that officials warned could have forced some hospitals to shut their doors.

In the spending plan adopted by the House Appropriations Committee on Wednesday, legislators funneled about $200 million in federal stimulus dollars to hospitals and doctors to help offset Medicaid costs. Gov. Sonny Perdue had recommended a 10 percent cut.

Healthcare groups had complained in recent days that while the state was receiving hundreds of millions of dollars in Medicaid money from the federal stimulus package, Georgia was diverting much of that money to other items in the budget that were unrelated to healthcare.

(AP)

Rep. Ben Harbin speaks on arrest for DUI

For nearly a year, Rep. Ben Harbin (R-Evans) didn't speak about an arrest for allegedly driving under the influence in Atlanta.

But in a letter to constituents this past weekend, he says he's sorry for the silence.

"As I'm sure you're aware, last year I was involved in an automobile accident, and was subsequently charged with DUI," he said in the letter. "In the days following this event, I had two ways to deal with the situation. The first, which was suggested to me by many close friends and supporters, was to aggressively engage the media by going on radio and television programs to 'make my case' in order to prevent political fallout from the incident."

"The second was to simply allow the legal process to run its course, and to avoid any effort to try and manipulate my case through the media," the letter continued. Harbin also said he considered his family's privacy.

"Well, they say hindsight is 20/20, and unfortunately I made the wrong choice," he says.

There's apparently been little political fallout following Harbin's arrest, but there's still no resolution of the case either, due to several continuances.

Harbin has denied using his position as chairman of the house appropriations committee to postpone his court dates.

His defense attorney, however, says he sought some of those continuances citing a state law exempting legislators from attending court while they tend to state business.

"I deeply regret the events of last May and the embarrassment that this incident has created -- not only for me and my family, but for you, the people of my district," his letter continued. "You are entitled to straight answers from those who represent you, and I apologize if the legal process in this case has created the appearance that I have not been completely forthcoming."

Harbin, however, did not discuss details of the incident, nor did he admit guilt or maintain innocence. His letter also did not discuss any plans for a future court date.

Rep. Harbin's DUI arraignment delayed

The arraignment of a powerful state legislator on a DUI charge from last year has been delayed again, and the fact that he's a lawmaker is the reason.

Representative Ben Harbin (R-Evans) was scheduled for an arraignment in Atlanta Municipal Court this week.

But Robert Highsmith, Jr., Harbin's attorney, says a statute requires courts to continue cases involving legislators -- whether they be defendants or witnesses --if they're needed for legislative business.

The continuance happens as the legislature prepares to go into session next week.

His attorney says it's the fourth or fifth delay since May, when Harbin was arrested on the charge in Atlanta.

Harbin is chair of the House appropriations committee.

For more information about the statute, go to www.lexis-nexis.com/hottopics/gacode/default.asp. The statute number is 17-8-26.

House approves $1.2 million for Ft. Benning

Congress has approved a bill giving Ft. Benning $1.2 million dollars to upgrade facilities.

The earmarked funds are part of nearly one hundred and sixteen million dollars approved by the House Appropriations Committee on Wednesday. Those funds are slated for improving military housing, and bettering family and community services at the sprawling post.

The funds are part of the over one-billion-dollar 2008 Defense Appropriations bill. The money will go towards re-stationing military forces now deployed in Germany and other countries, back in the US.

The bill is in addition to the ongoing BRAC -- Base Realignment and Closure -- program.

The nearby National Infantry Museum, now under construction will also receive over seven million dollars in aid, as part of the overall package.

The entire House and Senate must still pass the bill.