Transportation
This year we have an excellent opportunity to finally develop a comprehensive statewide transportation plan. With the governor, GRTA, the legislature, local governments, and the private sector all collectively agreeing that traffic and congestion on our highways is bad for our economy and environment, there is a real chance for change. Any transportation plan should be multifaceted and comprising of different modes of travel. Transportation can be the conduit to economic development, improved environmental standards, and increased tourism. It is an investment worth making.
Water Crisis
Water has become a hot button legislative issue in Georgia. The importance of this natural resource became even more evident over the summer, which was the driest ever. Now is the time for federal, state, and local governments to collaborate on resolving this crisis. I am confident this can happen. We just need leadership, vision, and full cooperation from the private sector, government, and residents.
We must establish a sustainable water conservation policy and other viable solutions that are practical, fair, and effective.
Tax Reform
Speaker Glenn Richardson has trimmed his plan to eliminate all property taxes in Georgia - and instead will push for the removal of school taxes paid by homeowners, and taxes on personally owned cars and trucks.
With regard to HR 900, it is a question of whether local governments will have the flexibility to improve their local economies and adequately fund their government operations; whether small businesses will suffer from having to pay a tax for services they rely on; and whether it will prevent poor Georgians from receiving medical care, legal assistance, purchase groceries, or fix their homes.
The governor and the lt. governor have publicly questioned the proposed tax policy citing concerns of limiting local control over fiscal matters. There needs to be more research on the impact of changing our tax structure. Many of us are property owners and would love to do away with property taxes, but not at the expense of small businesses, local authority, and our most vulnerable citizens.
We must ensure, as representatives of all Georgians, that tax reform should be incremental and with the intention of making taxation progressive in Georgia and not a burden upon hardworking Georgians trying to make a decent living.
Mortgage Crisis
In Georgia, the high foreclosure rates produced by failing subprime loans are costing communities millions of dollars in hidden losses. When foreclosures are clustered in concentrated areas, cities generally incur costs for combating crime fostered by vacant structures, dropping property values on surrounding homes and loss of tax revenue.
As well, according to a report released by the U.S. Conference of Mayors, home foreclosures in metro Atlanta will reduce the area's economic growth by $954 million in 2008. The time for action is now.
Besides the mortgage crisis, there is another mortgage issue we must address. According to their research of federal mortgage data, nearly half of blacks who bought a house in 2005 or 2006 ended up with a high-interest mortgage, compared with 13 percent of white home buyers.
The Georgia General Assembly must attend to these matters for the sake of our communities, especially if race is playing a role in determining eligibility for prime mortgage loans which mitigates the possibility of foreclosure.
Healthcare
If a compromise cannot be brokered between the U.S. congress and the president, then the 270,000 children currently enrolled in PeachCare will join the 300,000 other children in Georgia who are uninsured. How is it sound public policy to say no to our children?
SCHIP, and state programs like PeachCare, have enjoyed bipartisan support both on the federal and state level. The people of Georgia and throughout this country want a viable and affordable option for healthcare. Elected officials throughout this nation, and especially in Georgia, must respond to the needs of their constituents. If not, then they must be held accountable. We cannot let PeachCare die.
We must continue to advocate for a state healthcare program capable of serving all children whose family cannot afford private coverage. Healthcare should not be seen as a luxury enjoyed only by the few. It is as vital to preserving our society as protecting the environment, educating our children, and strengthening our economy.
