The 2010 Georgia Legislative Session ended Thursday, April 29 and was among the longest of all time.  While Governor Perdue has forty days to either sign or veto legislation passed this year, it is clear the legislators focused on issues most important to business. The Legislative Affairs Committee is proud to announce that nearly every item on our legislative agenda was addressed this year. The chamber extends heartfelt thanks and congratulations to the members of our local delegation for these successes and all efforts on behalf of our community: Rep. Winfred Dukes, Rep. Ed Rynders, Rep. Carol Fullerton and Sen. Freddie Sims.

Economic Development

The 2011 Budget includes funding for both Albany State University and Darton College projects. Albany State will receive $1.8 million for the Ray Charles Fine Arts Building. Darton College will receive $1.6 million for renovation of the student center.

With the Jobs, Opportunity and Business Success Act of 2010 (JOBS Act), businesses throughout the state could benefit from tax credits for hiring the unemployed, a reduction in the capital gains tax and elimination of the corporate net worth tax.  The bill also includes similar tax incentives for 'angel investors'.

The passage of HB1195 provides for the Governor’s Office of Workforce Development to implement Georgia Work Ready, the state’s branded workforce development enterprise.

Trauma Network

On November 2, Georgians will have the opportunity to save hundreds of lives each year by voting "yes" on a $10 vehicle tag fee that will provide funding for critically needed trauma care throughout the state.  Today, our state has only 15 designated trauma centers, and many Georgians are at risk of being too far away from much-needed care in case of an accident at work, at home or on the highway.

Tax

A Special Council on Tax Fairness for Georgians was created this year for a comprehensive review of the state's tax code, much of which is still rooted in Georgia's agrarian beginnings.  The council will meet through the remainder of 2010 and present recommendations to the new Governor and General Assembly in January 2011.

Transportation

The transportation legislation calls for a referendum in 2012 though which 12 designated regions will be asked to support a one-cent T-SPLOST for transportation projects.  Regional leaders will be involved in the project selection process and will have the ability to "opt out" of the tax should they so choose.

Water

The Water Stewardship Act of 2010 is based on the recommendations of the Water Contingency Task Force and institutes measures to conserve, capture and control this precious resource.  This legislation enhances the work of the Regional Water Councils and will help to ensure the state's water needs are met long into the future.

Telecommunications

The Telecom Jobs and Investment Act, HB168 was passed to modernize telecommunications competition by eliminating artificial and outdated subsidy mechanisms.