Three state senators have introduced legislation to prevent the state’s Environmental Protection Division from closing swimming pools, should drought conditions persist beyond the spring. Senate Bill 368, authored by Sen. Chip Rogers (R-Woodstock), Sen. Judson Hill (R-Marietta) and Sen. John Wiles (R-Kennesaw), will remove the power from the EPD director to make such a decision.
There is fear that water could become so scarce that public and private pools may be shut down in the coming months. Lawmakers say it would not only inconvenience families with children, but could send the state’s swimming pool industry and related businesses into possible bankruptcy.
“I know of no other state where non-elected officials have taken such a drastic measure,” Sen. Rogers said today. “There is absolutely no evidence that closing swimming pools will noticeably impact our drought situation."
Officials estimate the pool industry at 150 million dollars in Georgia.
Senate Bill 368 has been assigned to the Senate Natural Resources and Environment Committee.
Showing posts with label John Wiles. Show all posts
Showing posts with label John Wiles. Show all posts
Tuesday, January 29, 2008
Lawmakers vow to keep swimming pools open during drought
Thursday, May 31, 2007
Perdue vetoes tougher penalties for unlicensed drivers
Gov. Sonny Perdue vetoed 41 bills Wednesday. One of them would have increased penalties for driving without a valid state license.
Under the bill, motorists caught without valid Georgia driver's licenses would spend at least two days in prison, and pay at least $500 in fines, unless a judge waived the penalties.
"I fear an unintended consequence of this legislation, as drafted, would subject persons with valid out-of-state driver's licenses to stout criminal penalties even absent the commission of a willful act," Perdue said in a release explaining his vetoes.
The bill's sponsor, Sen. John Wiles (R-Marietta), says he's "extremely disappointed."
"It's an important bill that addresses a real problem throughout the state," Wiles said. "People who have never had a driver's license are driving in Georgia and, in fact, killing Georgia citizens."
Immigrants' rights groups, however, are applauding the governor's veto.
"We agree with the Governor that SB 15 would have had many unintended consequences, similar to the arrest and detention of the Canadian tourist recently in Brunswick, Georgia," said Jerry Gonzalez, director of the Georgia Association of Latino Elected Officials, in a written statement. "Comprehensive immigration reform is moving in our U.S. Congress and will solve the issue of unlicensed drivers among the undocumented immigrant population."
Wiles says his bill does not target any group in particular. He’s vowing to revive his legislation next year.
Under the bill, motorists caught without valid Georgia driver's licenses would spend at least two days in prison, and pay at least $500 in fines, unless a judge waived the penalties.
"I fear an unintended consequence of this legislation, as drafted, would subject persons with valid out-of-state driver's licenses to stout criminal penalties even absent the commission of a willful act," Perdue said in a release explaining his vetoes.
The bill's sponsor, Sen. John Wiles (R-Marietta), says he's "extremely disappointed."
"It's an important bill that addresses a real problem throughout the state," Wiles said. "People who have never had a driver's license are driving in Georgia and, in fact, killing Georgia citizens."
Immigrants' rights groups, however, are applauding the governor's veto.
"We agree with the Governor that SB 15 would have had many unintended consequences, similar to the arrest and detention of the Canadian tourist recently in Brunswick, Georgia," said Jerry Gonzalez, director of the Georgia Association of Latino Elected Officials, in a written statement. "Comprehensive immigration reform is moving in our U.S. Congress and will solve the issue of unlicensed drivers among the undocumented immigrant population."
Wiles says his bill does not target any group in particular. He’s vowing to revive his legislation next year.
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