Gun Control, Budget Among Issues State Lawmakers Face in 2013 Session

Editor's note: Georgia State Representative Tom Rice (R-Dist. 95) will provide periodic reports during the 40-day legislative session. Here is his first report.

On Monday, Jan. 14, 2013, the members and members elect of the Georgia House and Senate will be sworn in at 10 a.m. and thus will begin the 40-day session of the Georgia General Assembly.

I am greatly indebted to the voters of House District 95 to allow me to serve again.  It is my desire to hear from the voters on any issue and they can do that simply by going to my web site at www.tomrice.org and keying the contact tab. You can also call my office at 404-656-5912 to voice your opinion or to set up a meeting.

The 2013 Session undoubtedly will focus on many issues of concern to the citizens. Not in any order of priority the following issues will most probably get attention.

1. The 2013 Amended Budget and the fiscal year 2014 Budget.  Georgia is constitutionally required to have a balanced budget where revenue equals expenditure.  Our state budget has been reduced to a point that we spend 10% less per capita than we did 10 years ago.  This is a result of good fiscal management and the revenue lost to recession.  Governor Deal has requested all departments (managing 350 programs) to offer a budget that is reduced by 3% for 2014 (fiscal year 2014 starts July 1, 2013).  We are committed to work diligently to prioritize our spending in order to preserve our excellent bond rating (results in lower interest costs for bonds) and to meet the needs in education, health care, public safety which make up over 75% of the budget.
2. Second Amendment Rights.  I foresee a rash of bills protecting the right to keep and bear arms. These bills will be offered to ensure our rights to protect our families against what ever may be implemented in terms of gun control at the federal level. Unfortunately crime goes up when the people cannot adequately defend themselves. It is truly a disaster in life for those subject to the mayhem of a Sandy Hook gunman.  We will work to achieve a balance approach to firearms that provides maximum protection for our rights as well as out families.
3. Ethics Reform.  I expect the committee the Speaker has convened on this issue to propose legislation that increases the amount of transparency and accountability in all gifts that members receive. The public needs to have confidence in their government that there is no opportunity to "sell a vote" based upon self aggrandizement. To that end I would support a zero gift policy change.
4. Juvenile Justice Reform.  Based upon the work of the Criminal Justice Commission, I believe we will see a bill that will attempt to better the results of correcting unlawful behavior by focusing more on options for judges that will have lasting affects on the child. We want the first offender to only be a first time offender, not a second. I have confidence in the folks working on this issue to come up with the right mix of penalties and restoration.
5. The Falcon's Stadium.  I think the Georgia Dome is a great place to see a game. However, I will listen to the Georgia World Congress folks as they potentially seek to raise their debt limit to provide for bonding capability in support of a new facility. That said, I will do nothing that will raise your taxes to pay for a new facility.
6. Teenage Driving and Traffic Offenses.  Over the last six months I have chaired a study committee comprehensively reviewing all of Title 40 of the Georgia Code which has to do with motor vehicles and licensing as well as traffic offenses. We are preparing a report on our findings and recommendations that will lead to some legislative changes. For instance, one finding is that the opportunity to drive with three other teenagers in the car definitely increases the accident rate. These and many other issues will hopefully lead to a safer Georgia as we consider the alternatives.

In a two-year session there are close to 2,000 bills and resolutions offered by members. Approximately 300 to 400 pass into law with many being administrative in nature.  I remain committed to only voting for measures that clearing improve the opportunity for Georgia citizens to live a better life.

Please use the comment box below, or contact Mr. Rice through his website or by phone, 404-656-5912.