Lawyers for Georgia death-row inmate Troy Davis will file a final appeal today to the US Supreme Court. Attorneys will ask the nation’s high court to send the Davis case back to a federal judge for an evidentiary hearing. The 40-year-old Davis was convicted of the killing of a Savannah police officer 20 years ago. But since the trial in 1991, seven of nine state witnesses have recanted testimony, or now implicated another man for the murder. Tonight, a rally in support of Davis will be held on the steps of the State Capitol.
Showing posts with label State Capitol. Show all posts
Showing posts with label State Capitol. Show all posts
Tuesday, May 19, 2009
Friday, April 3, 2009
State Capitol UPDATE (1:40pm)
**The General Assembly's final day continues at the state Capitol in Atlanta. You can follow the action moment-by-moment from our reporters via Twitter (GPB News)**
Here's a recap of some of what's transpired from the Capitol as of early afternoon:
- Transportation--a committee meeting is set to begin this hour over the issue of transportaion funding.
- Public defender system--A proposal to give lawmakers more control over the public defender system was suddenly withdrawn from the House. The Senate already has voted to strip the public defender council of its authority, which would give politicians more control of the cash-strapped system. But state Rep. Rich Golick, the proposal's sponsor, pulled it today just as it was set to be considered. It could still return later today. The measure is partly a response to the spiraling costs of the trial of Atlanta courthouse gunman Brian Nichols, whose state-funded defense topped $2 million and spared him from the death penalty. But it's also a backlash against the council's threats to sue the state for more funds.
- Lawmakers' fail to pay taxes measure--State lawmakers who fail to pay taxes could soon face sanctions from a legislative committee. The House and Senate both passed measures today that would allow the House or Senate Ethics committees to investigate and sanction legislators who fail to pay their taxes. The House passed its version 164-1 today, and it could be sent to Governor Sonny Perdue after the Senate agrees to minor changes. The vote comes after the state Department of Revenue revealed 22 state lawmakers--about 10 percent of the General Assembly--are delinquent on their taxes. Only three of those lawmakers'names have been made public.
- Sales tax holiday bills--State lawmakers have approved two state sales tax holidays for school supplies and energy efficient products. The Senate gave final approval to a bill to set the school supplies and clothing holiday for July 30-Aug. 2. The holiday for energy efficient products which cost $1,500 or less would be Oct. 1-4. If Gov. Sonny Perdue signs off on the bill, consumers won't pay state sales taxes on the items on those dates.
- Provision to preside over weddings stripped--The Georgia Legislature today stripped a provision that would give the governor, lieutenant governor, speaker of the House
and constitutional officers the power to preside at weddings. House Speaker Glenn Richardson had advocated for the measure. But when it passed the House by a 164-1 vote, it only included a separate proposal designed to urge couples to get tested for sickle cell disease before marrying.
Associated Press contributed to the stories
Here's a recap of some of what's transpired from the Capitol as of early afternoon:
- Transportation--a committee meeting is set to begin this hour over the issue of transportaion funding.
- Public defender system--A proposal to give lawmakers more control over the public defender system was suddenly withdrawn from the House. The Senate already has voted to strip the public defender council of its authority, which would give politicians more control of the cash-strapped system. But state Rep. Rich Golick, the proposal's sponsor, pulled it today just as it was set to be considered. It could still return later today. The measure is partly a response to the spiraling costs of the trial of Atlanta courthouse gunman Brian Nichols, whose state-funded defense topped $2 million and spared him from the death penalty. But it's also a backlash against the council's threats to sue the state for more funds.
- Lawmakers' fail to pay taxes measure--State lawmakers who fail to pay taxes could soon face sanctions from a legislative committee. The House and Senate both passed measures today that would allow the House or Senate Ethics committees to investigate and sanction legislators who fail to pay their taxes. The House passed its version 164-1 today, and it could be sent to Governor Sonny Perdue after the Senate agrees to minor changes. The vote comes after the state Department of Revenue revealed 22 state lawmakers--about 10 percent of the General Assembly--are delinquent on their taxes. Only three of those lawmakers'names have been made public.
- Sales tax holiday bills--State lawmakers have approved two state sales tax holidays for school supplies and energy efficient products. The Senate gave final approval to a bill to set the school supplies and clothing holiday for July 30-Aug. 2. The holiday for energy efficient products which cost $1,500 or less would be Oct. 1-4. If Gov. Sonny Perdue signs off on the bill, consumers won't pay state sales taxes on the items on those dates.
- Provision to preside over weddings stripped--The Georgia Legislature today stripped a provision that would give the governor, lieutenant governor, speaker of the House
and constitutional officers the power to preside at weddings. House Speaker Glenn Richardson had advocated for the measure. But when it passed the House by a 164-1 vote, it only included a separate proposal designed to urge couples to get tested for sickle cell disease before marrying.
Associated Press contributed to the stories
State Capitol UPDATE--Transportation Legislation
-Senator Jeff Mullis (state Transportation Committee Chair)comments from the well: says House not working with Senate on coming to a transportation agreement...says the House's plan will fail - nowhere in America have they voted for a statewide TSPLOST...Muliis: "I'm frustrated...we offered middle ground, them, none. The Senate is ready to act now." Mullis says substitute to HB56 includes a TSPLOST, and the transportation funding referendum question would be on 2010 ballot.
-Senator Doug Stoner now in the well: the House has offered up something that has not been proven - says it's not worth the gamble...MARTA is critical to this region - added in language in sub. to help MARTA.
**Follow the final day of the General Assembly session moment-by-moment on Twitter (GPB News)**
-Senator Doug Stoner now in the well: the House has offered up something that has not been proven - says it's not worth the gamble...MARTA is critical to this region - added in language in sub. to help MARTA.
**Follow the final day of the General Assembly session moment-by-moment on Twitter (GPB News)**
State Capitol UPDATE
**Follow the final day of the General Assembly session moment-by-moment on Twitter (GPB News)**
Of the action from the Capitol this hour:
-House is now talking up Senate Bill 56. It deals with electronic records for over-the-counter drugs used to make methamphetamine.
-Senate PASSES House Bill 608--A Bill relating to general provisions relative to time-share projects and programs, so as to provide for definitions; to provide that a time-share estate shall include certain interests; to provide for certain actions when such interests are held in trust; to provide for certain fiduciary requirements to an owners' association; to provide for related matters; to repeal conflicting laws; and for other purposes.
-House PASSES SB 198--A Bill relating to the power of the Board of Natural Resources to regulate air quality in nonattainment areas in this state, so as to provide the costs to be covered by the fee charged by emission inspection stations shall include the activities of the director of the Environmental Protection Division necessary to achieve compliance with state and federal clean air laws; to provide for related matters; to provide for an effective date; to repeal conflicting laws; and for other purposes.
-Seatbelt amendment coming up on License Plate bill-HB639
-Word on the street - Senate might take up MARTA bill shortly.
- HB 639 is no longer a dolphin license plate... now for aquarium and Atlanta Falcons.
-Senate has taken-up SB 56--A Bill relating to the joint county and municipal sales and use tax, so as to revise and change procedures and requirements regarding the renegotiation of distribution certificates; to change certain provisions regarding failure to file a new certificate; to change certain provisions regarding discontinuation of the tax; to provide an effective date; to repeal conflicting laws; and for other purposes.
Of the action from the Capitol this hour:
-House is now talking up Senate Bill 56. It deals with electronic records for over-the-counter drugs used to make methamphetamine.
-Senate PASSES House Bill 608--A Bill relating to general provisions relative to time-share projects and programs, so as to provide for definitions; to provide that a time-share estate shall include certain interests; to provide for certain actions when such interests are held in trust; to provide for certain fiduciary requirements to an owners' association; to provide for related matters; to repeal conflicting laws; and for other purposes.
-House PASSES SB 198--A Bill relating to the power of the Board of Natural Resources to regulate air quality in nonattainment areas in this state, so as to provide the costs to be covered by the fee charged by emission inspection stations shall include the activities of the director of the Environmental Protection Division necessary to achieve compliance with state and federal clean air laws; to provide for related matters; to provide for an effective date; to repeal conflicting laws; and for other purposes.
-Seatbelt amendment coming up on License Plate bill-HB639
-Word on the street - Senate might take up MARTA bill shortly.
- HB 639 is no longer a dolphin license plate... now for aquarium and Atlanta Falcons.
-Senate has taken-up SB 56--A Bill relating to the joint county and municipal sales and use tax, so as to revise and change procedures and requirements regarding the renegotiation of distribution certificates; to change certain provisions regarding failure to file a new certificate; to change certain provisions regarding discontinuation of the tax; to provide an effective date; to repeal conflicting laws; and for other purposes.
Lawmakers Ready for Long Final Day of Session
The state Capitol will be open for extended hours today, as it is Day-40, the final scheduled day of the 2009 General Assembly session. Required to get done is a stamp of approval for the state budget. The $18.6 billion spending plan was in front of committee Thursday, with an ultimate compromise still being worked-out.
Other pieces of legislation at the Capitol may, or may not make it out of this Day-40: Transportation has been hotly-debated, including the issue of governance over transportation, and how to fund future projects in Georgia--a statewide or regional approach to financing. Of other issues to watch today--will a proposed change to the homestead exemption make it through? ; what will happen by day’s end concerning the proposed replacement of the annual "birthday tax" on vehicles with a one-time title fee?
Stay with GPB for all the latest throughout the day on action from the Capitol, as our reporters will be at the Gold Dome until midnight. You can follow details with our Georgia News blog by logging on to gpb.org. Also follow us on Twitter where we are GPB news. Of course, a roundup of the latest on the GPB Radio network this afternoon during news in All Things Considered, and Georgia Gazette at 6pm, 7pm in Athens.
Other pieces of legislation at the Capitol may, or may not make it out of this Day-40: Transportation has been hotly-debated, including the issue of governance over transportation, and how to fund future projects in Georgia--a statewide or regional approach to financing. Of other issues to watch today--will a proposed change to the homestead exemption make it through? ; what will happen by day’s end concerning the proposed replacement of the annual "birthday tax" on vehicles with a one-time title fee?
Stay with GPB for all the latest throughout the day on action from the Capitol, as our reporters will be at the Gold Dome until midnight. You can follow details with our Georgia News blog by logging on to gpb.org. Also follow us on Twitter where we are GPB news. Of course, a roundup of the latest on the GPB Radio network this afternoon during news in All Things Considered, and Georgia Gazette at 6pm, 7pm in Athens.
Thursday, March 26, 2009
Transportation, 'Super Speeders' Top Capitol Day-36
From the Gold Dome and Day-36 of the Georgia General Assembly-
There is a compromise transportation proposal being offered at the Capitol. The House Wednesday OK'd legislation to let Georgians decide at the polls how to fund transportation projects. Under the revised plan, voters next year would be asked if they would approve a one-percent statewide tax. If rejected, counties could then propose a local sales tax for their areas--this all essentially a merging of the competing chamber plans. Republican House Majority Leader Jerry Keen says this compromise strikes the best balance. However, this merging of two plans now appears headed for conference committee today.
Super-speeder legislation is on the way to Governor Sonny Perdue’s desk for his expected signature. Drivers busted for barreling down four-lane roads and interstates traveling 85 miles-per-hour or more would be hit with an additional $200 fine on top of regular fines by that locality. The same $200 levy would be in-place for speeders caught going 75 mph on two-lane roads. There’s also a new fee of $400 for some drivers to get licenses back. Supporters say nearly $23-million could be raised to help fund Georgia’s trauma-care network of hospitals.
Other Capitol notes from Wednesday--House lawmakers defeated a plan to double a tax break for homeowners. Meanwhile, Georgia-based businesses are big winners courtesy the Senate, which voted to gradually wipe-out corporate income tax for companies with its headquarters in Georgia.
There is a compromise transportation proposal being offered at the Capitol. The House Wednesday OK'd legislation to let Georgians decide at the polls how to fund transportation projects. Under the revised plan, voters next year would be asked if they would approve a one-percent statewide tax. If rejected, counties could then propose a local sales tax for their areas--this all essentially a merging of the competing chamber plans. Republican House Majority Leader Jerry Keen says this compromise strikes the best balance. However, this merging of two plans now appears headed for conference committee today.
Super-speeder legislation is on the way to Governor Sonny Perdue’s desk for his expected signature. Drivers busted for barreling down four-lane roads and interstates traveling 85 miles-per-hour or more would be hit with an additional $200 fine on top of regular fines by that locality. The same $200 levy would be in-place for speeders caught going 75 mph on two-lane roads. There’s also a new fee of $400 for some drivers to get licenses back. Supporters say nearly $23-million could be raised to help fund Georgia’s trauma-care network of hospitals.
Other Capitol notes from Wednesday--House lawmakers defeated a plan to double a tax break for homeowners. Meanwhile, Georgia-based businesses are big winners courtesy the Senate, which voted to gradually wipe-out corporate income tax for companies with its headquarters in Georgia.
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
General Assembly--Will Transportation Funding Plan Pass?
The fork in the road is fast approaching for state lawmakers in this General Assembly session--whether to adopt a transportation funding plan, or delay such a measure until next year’s Capitol session. The Senate Monday passed its version of a sales tax plan for a second time—the regional one-penny tax approach. In the process, it OK’d a gutted version of the House transportation measure, where the bulk of the language was replaced with the Senate’s original plan. The two chambers now have only five days left in the session to strike a compromise on a transportation funding model.
Wednesday, March 11, 2009
Grocery Tax Likely Dead For '09
The proposal to tack a four-percent sales tax on groceries in Georgia appears dead for this General Assembly session. House leaders polled many in their chamber and determined late Tuesday that lawmakers would not feel good to back a return to taxes on food--in particular during tough economic times. This reverses the earlier plan for the measure to get debate today in House rules committee and possibly move for a vote Thursday. Under the plan, Georgians who file state income tax returns would have received a credit to make up for paying the grocery tax. Visitors to Georgia and illegal immigrants and others who don’t file state income tax returns would have paid the tax and not received that credit.
Monday, February 16, 2009
The Capitol Week Ahead
There will be a handful of committee meetings for House members today at the State Capitol. Tuesday, the full General Assembly reconvenes for another week of work.
Some of what’s ahead for the week--there will be committee meetings in the House and Senate on transportation funding. Subcommittees in the House will tackle Senate Bill 31. This legislation would allow Georgia Power to charge customers early for construction of a pair of new nuclear reactors for Plant Vogtle. Tomorrow, Georgia U.S. Senator Johnny Isakson will speak to the state Senate and launch his re-election campaign.
Some of what’s ahead for the week--there will be committee meetings in the House and Senate on transportation funding. Subcommittees in the House will tackle Senate Bill 31. This legislation would allow Georgia Power to charge customers early for construction of a pair of new nuclear reactors for Plant Vogtle. Tomorrow, Georgia U.S. Senator Johnny Isakson will speak to the state Senate and launch his re-election campaign.
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
State House Dems Unveil $1B Revenue Plan
Georgia House Democrats say they have a plan to generate $1 billion or more for the state-without raising taxes.
The measure targets the collection of sales taxes in Georgia. It calls for a transfer of control from the state Department of Revenue-to local governments. Local governments could then contract private firms for collection.
House Democrats say currently, hundreds of millions of dollars in uncollected tax revenue slips between the cracks in Georgia’s collection system.
House Democratic Caucus Chair Calvin Smyre of Columbus says local government control would eliminate excess costs in the revenue collection process:
"This is an efficiency in government...streamlining government...providing additional revenues for our budgetary woes that are facing the state of Georgia. We think this is a very-very first step toward reforming our tax codes."
House Democrats say a similar plan in Alabama has already netted that state a spike of more than $1 billion.
House Bill 356 made its debut at the State Capitol today-its sponsor is Democrat Virgil Fludd of Tyrone.
The measure targets the collection of sales taxes in Georgia. It calls for a transfer of control from the state Department of Revenue-to local governments. Local governments could then contract private firms for collection.
House Democrats say currently, hundreds of millions of dollars in uncollected tax revenue slips between the cracks in Georgia’s collection system.
House Democratic Caucus Chair Calvin Smyre of Columbus says local government control would eliminate excess costs in the revenue collection process:
"This is an efficiency in government...streamlining government...providing additional revenues for our budgetary woes that are facing the state of Georgia. We think this is a very-very first step toward reforming our tax codes."
House Democrats say a similar plan in Alabama has already netted that state a spike of more than $1 billion.
House Bill 356 made its debut at the State Capitol today-its sponsor is Democrat Virgil Fludd of Tyrone.
Monday, February 9, 2009
State Lawmakers Start Altered Schedule
Lawmakers in the Georgia House and Senate reconvene Tuesday to continue the General Assembly session. According to a House resolution approved by the Senate Friday, lawmakers will be meeting on a Tuesday through Thursday schedule until March 25th. The remaining days of the 40-day session would be filled in late June.
The hope for lawmakers is to buy time to see how Georgia's revenue holds-up in the coming months before a new budget needs to be finished by July 1st. Lawmakers also want to see what Georgia's share of federal stimulus money might be in the near future.
The hope for lawmakers is to buy time to see how Georgia's revenue holds-up in the coming months before a new budget needs to be finished by July 1st. Lawmakers also want to see what Georgia's share of federal stimulus money might be in the near future.
Friday, April 4, 2008
Lawmakers expect long final day of General Assembly
It is expected to be a long and busy day on this 40th and final day of the Georgia General Assembly session. Under the Gold Dome, lawmakers will try to push through as many of the 300-or-so bills as they can to Governor Sonny Perdue’s desk. The 21.2 billion dollar state budget for fiscal 2009 must get hammered-out. Perdue has already requested lawmakers cut out 245-million dollars in spending. A new challenge for the budget was the news from Thursday that state tax collections were down 1.6 percent, or 19-million dollars in March--from the same time last year.
Stay with GPB for all the latest from the Capitol on this final day. GPB Radio will have news updates this afternoon during All Things Considered at 4pm, and again at 6pm during Georgia Gazette. You can get Capitol updates anytime by clicking our website gpb.org, and going to the Georgia News page.
Stay with GPB for all the latest from the Capitol on this final day. GPB Radio will have news updates this afternoon during All Things Considered at 4pm, and again at 6pm during Georgia Gazette. You can get Capitol updates anytime by clicking our website gpb.org, and going to the Georgia News page.
Tuesday, April 1, 2008
Lesiglative Session.... Day 38
The state House passed a measure that would support the Senate's idea to cut state income taxes by ten percent. But, there is a catch; it would go into effect in three years, and only if Georgians pass a constitutional amendment to cut car tag taxes - a measure preferred by the house.
House speaker Glen Richardson said, at this point, its time for the Senate to make a decision.
"Its fairly clear that the Lieutenant Governor and the Senate does not want to give Georgians tax relief because the have played every game they can," said Richardson.
Senate leaders said they think they can come up with a compromise in these last few days of the session to deliver some sort of tax relief to Georgians.
But, for Georgians living in areas with little or no trauma care, the demands placed on the Senate by the house could prevent them from getting relief any time soon. With only two days left in the session, if the Senate votes "NO" to the car tag tax cut, it could get bogged down in committee leaving Georgians in the south and west portion of the state with below average trauma care.
Friday, March 28, 2008
Transportation measure takes another step
A proposal to allow for a penny sales tax to support regional transportation projects passed another hurdle Thursday. It now gets the look by a House-Senate conference committee.
The State House overwhelmingly approved a constitutional amendment that would ask voters whether they want to implement a penny tax for regional road projects. All the money raised would be spent only in that region. Some rural Republicans opposed the measures, saying it is a tax increase and therefore against Republican principles. But urban lawmakers argued that something had to be done about the bad traffic, and this was the best way to get something done.
Republican Donna Sheldon represents Gwinnett County.
"In my citizens who I'm hearing from that want this bill, are the moms and dads who don't work inside Gwinnett County and have to commute. They can't get home to see their kids play ball, because they're stuck in traffic. They can't get home to go to their PTA meetings".
The Senate disagreed to some changes made by the House--the two chambers will now get together to iron out differences.
The State House overwhelmingly approved a constitutional amendment that would ask voters whether they want to implement a penny tax for regional road projects. All the money raised would be spent only in that region. Some rural Republicans opposed the measures, saying it is a tax increase and therefore against Republican principles. But urban lawmakers argued that something had to be done about the bad traffic, and this was the best way to get something done.
Republican Donna Sheldon represents Gwinnett County.
"In my citizens who I'm hearing from that want this bill, are the moms and dads who don't work inside Gwinnett County and have to commute. They can't get home to see their kids play ball, because they're stuck in traffic. They can't get home to go to their PTA meetings".
The Senate disagreed to some changes made by the House--the two chambers will now get together to iron out differences.
Tuesday, March 11, 2008
Crossover Day for state lawmakers
Today promises to be a long one for lawmakers at the State Capitol. This 30th day of the legislative session is known as Crossover Day, where bills must pass at least the one chamber to have a chance at becoming law. Not yet agreed upon between House and Senate members are mid-year revisions to the budget for the fiscal year. Bills to be debated include those for billboard regulations and extending foreclosure notices for homeowners in trouble. Among legislation that's been passed in the Session? The two chambers passed a statewide water plan and bills for charter schools.
Monday, January 14, 2008
2008 General Assembly opens today
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.
Tuesday, December 18, 2007
Murphy memorial at capitol
Deceased Georgia House Speaker Tom Murphy will lie in honor at the state Capitol on Friday. Governor Sonny Perdue announced the public memorial after the family changed its mind on strictly private services. Murphy died Monday following complications from a stroke three years earlier. He was 83.
Tuesday, November 13, 2007
Perdue leads prayer for rain at Capitol
Governor Sonny Perdue called upon a higher power to help drought-ravaged Georgia.
On the steps of the state Capitol in Atlanta today, Perdue led a prayer service asking for rain. Religious leaders and politicians were among the 300 or so spectators on hand for the event.
Perdue called for the service last week, and opened it today.
"We’ve come together very simply for one reason, and one reason only. To very reverently, and respectively...pray up a storm".
Perdue invited three local pastors to speak, including Dr. Gil Watson.
"Have mercy on us and grant us rain Lord, because we need rain all the way from the Blue Ridge mountains to the Okefenokee".
Perdue then closed the service.
"Father forgive us, and lead us to honor you, as you honor us with the showers of your blessings. Thank you Lord, for the rain to come".
The service was not hailed by everyone. A local secular group had about a dozen members protesting a block away. They said the rally violated the principle of separation of church and state.
On the steps of the state Capitol in Atlanta today, Perdue led a prayer service asking for rain. Religious leaders and politicians were among the 300 or so spectators on hand for the event.
Perdue called for the service last week, and opened it today.
"We’ve come together very simply for one reason, and one reason only. To very reverently, and respectively...pray up a storm".
Perdue invited three local pastors to speak, including Dr. Gil Watson.
"Have mercy on us and grant us rain Lord, because we need rain all the way from the Blue Ridge mountains to the Okefenokee".
Perdue then closed the service.
"Father forgive us, and lead us to honor you, as you honor us with the showers of your blessings. Thank you Lord, for the rain to come".
The service was not hailed by everyone. A local secular group had about a dozen members protesting a block away. They said the rally violated the principle of separation of church and state.
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