There are two working days left in the 2010 session of the Georgia General Assembly - legislators will meet today and convene for the final day on Thursday.

State Budget

A legislative conference committee will finish its work this week on the FY2011 budget.  The nearly $2 billion budget gap will be closed through numerous cuts, a new hospital tax and $96 billion in fee and license increases.   It is predicted that next year's budget will be even more challenging due to the slow pace of economic recovery.

Transportation
After three years of collective hard work, the General Assembly passed a transportation funding plan last week that is expected to be signed by the Governor.  The bill calls for a statewide referendum to be held in 2012 through which twelve separate regions will chose whether or not to tax themselves one-cent for transportation projects.  Local leaders will have a role in project selection and there are financial incentives for those regions that choose to participate.

Health Care
SR 277, which would let Georgians vote in November on a $10 tag fee on personal and commercial vehicles that could raise necessary funds for trauma care throughout the state, is currently pending in the House.

Tax
HB 1405, creating the Special Council on Tax Reform and Fairness for Georgians, which will convene throughout the year and make recommendations in early 2011, was passed by the Senate last week and now goes to the Governor for signature.

Workforce Development HB 1195, which would secure the future of the Georgia Work Ready program by codifying its purpose and governance structure, awaits a vote by the full Senate this week.