Stephen Allison State Representative

Just finished an Appropriations committee meeting where we voted the 2010 Amended Budget out of the full committee…..it will be on the floor of the House tomorrow.

The committee has had to cut a  little more than one billion dollars out of HB 119, which was approved last April.

The economy does not seem to be improving as fast as Washington may be telling us.

Today there are four (4) bills for consideration.

HB 896 – Continuances for witnesses on Active Duty

HB 898 – DUI Notice of conviction publication ( this bill would take an offender address out of the publiching requirement)

HB 963 – Ad Valorem returns opf taxable real property

HB 908 – QBE expenditures and flexibility (gives flexibility to school superintendents and school boards to adjust budgets temporarily for the next three years)

Another quiet day on the floor of the house as only one retirement bill was voted upon by the Georgia House of Representatives.

Yet, the committee process is buzzing and I have been pulled in all directions to cover my 5 committees.  Things will begin being hectic on the floor in the next 5 or so days.

Five bills on the floor today including 4 education bills and the Antifreeze bill.

HB219 the Antifreeze bill – should we require that anti-freeze be unpalatable to humans and animals?  The question is should we legislate taste?

This should be an interesting day 10

Today, the first two bills of 2010 were voted on by the House of Representatives.

HB 651 was unanimously approved by the house .  This bill allows the State to make a digital copy of the registered sexual offenders list and provide it to school systems on line and avoiding the costs of mailing these documents to school systems.  This bill will save the taxpayers around $7500.00 per year

HB 926 is a banking bill which helps state Charter banks and individuals streamline the renewal process.  This bill passed with only one nay vote.

Today we will be voting on the proposed changes to the House of Representatives.

Hawks will be gone and the structured rule will be used very infrequently and therefore will allow for the free exchange of ideas and free amendments

Great link to the story here

http://www.peachpundit.com/2010/01/18/return-of-the-watchdog

For those of you who don’t know about the 216 Group it was a group of the Conservative members of the Georgia General Assembly who would meet to discuss legislation and form positions based on strong conservative principles.

Sounded by my friend Rep. Tom Graves (R-Ranger) it was disbanded after the 2008 session after not fitting in with then Speaker Glenn Richardson.  I am glad to see it resurrected under our new Speaker David Ralston (R-Blue Ridge)

Regina, the Kids and I went to the Union County GOP meeting this morning in Blairsville. It was a good time seeing my friend and candidate for Labor Commissioner Melvin Everson. As usual, Melvin was right on point and on message and was well received.

Well today the new committee assignments were handed down by Speaker Ralston and I was named Secretary of the Judiciary committee.  I am honored that the Speaker has entrusted me with this position and I will do my best to repay that trust.

I am also remaining on the Higher Education committee, Banks and Banking Committee and the Children and Youth Committee.

The following is a press release that was released this morning.

=========================================================

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

January 14, 2010

For more information, contact:

Rep. Stephen Allison

Stephen.Allison@house.ga.gov

Allison appointed Deputy Whip

On Tuesday, January 12, 2010, Rep. Stephen Allison (R-Blairsville) was named a Deputy Whip by House Majority Whip Ed Lindsey (R-Atlanta).  The announcement is significant as freshmen representatives are rarely placed in positions of leadership.  Rep. Allison will have an active role within the House Majority Caucus and will be responsible for keeping members fully apprised of all pending legislation and future votes.

Rep. Allison was elected in 2008 and has loyally served his district for over a year.  His district includes Rabun, Towns, Union and part of White Counties.  Currently, Rep. Allison is sits on the following committees: Banks and Banking, Children & Youth, Higher Education and Judiciary–Civil

Well not much to say this week as we finished up day four of the 2010 Legislative Session.

The week has been spent mainly in reorganizing the House since the departure of Speaker Glenn Richardson.  Many are still anxious awaiting the decisions that Speaker Ralston will make with committee assignments and leadership positions.

I will post all the changes once they come in.  The full house will resume our business on Janaury 25th when it will be time to get down to business.

This is to let everyone know that our Legislative session will kick off net week.

There will be several issues that we will address with the number one issue the continuing budget crisis.

I will continue to keep you updated as things progress.

Regina and I are wishing all of you a Happy and Prosperous 2010…..

Well as many of you know the Speaker of the Georgia House has officially resigned effective January 1, 2010, the Republicans in the House have been given the task of finding new leadership as the  impending session looms.

I will try and keep this blog updated as we begin the process of finding new leadership.

Well tonight is the annual Georgia v.  Georgia Tech game.  My family was blessed in being able to attend games in both Athens and Atlanta and we enjoyed both.

This is where going to college outside of Georgia is good as we wont make any enemies.

Regina and I are wishing all of our friends and constituents a Happy Thanksgiving and safe traveling graces this holiday weekend.

A press release from Speaker Richardson that was sent out today.  Regina and I will continue to keep him in our prayers and we ask that all Georgians do the same.

PRESS RELEASE

Statement from Speaker of the

House Glenn Richardson

ATLANTA – Today Speaker of the House Glenn Richardson released the following statement:

“As you know, in an effort to protect my family, I have and will continue to have a practice that I do not discuss my personal and private life. However, in this situation, I feel compelled to speak out in order to possibly help others.  For the past two and a half years, ever since my separation and divorce, I have struggled with the disease of depression.  Depression is a disease which affects millions of people everyday in this country.  Like most people who suffer from depression, I regularly see a physician and take prescription medications.

“While depression often seems to be resolved on occasion, when personal trials or tribulations arise, it flares back up.  That is what occurred with me.  My depression became so severe that I took substantial steps to do harm to myself and to take my own life.  I am thankful that because of medical intervention I have instead been able to now receive help and support.

“Just as the estimated 17 million other Americans who share the challenge of depression, I am ashamed and embarrassed. I realize now the high level of love and encouragement that surrounds me, and that is why I am sharing this with you.  It is my hope that by coming forward and admitting my depression and attempt to take my own life that others may have the strength to seek treatment, too.

“The effects of depression peak during the holiday season we are now approaching. If you know someone who is struggling, reach out to them. Listen to them.  Take their fears and concerns seriously.

“I ask that the media use discernment if they report this and remember my friends and family who are also hurting. I fully believe this has and will continue to push me to find my best self and use my position of leadership to raise awareness and let others know they are not alone.  Thank you for your thoughts and your prayers.”

November 11, a chilly night in 1839, the first cadet marched a post at the newly converted Virginia arsenal in Lexington, Virginia.

170 years later that arsenal, known from that day as the Virginia Military Institute has been training “citizen soldiers” to serve and protect the Commonwealth of Virginia and the United States of America.

Alumni include, Gen. George Marshall, Lt. Gen. Lewis Chesty Puller, Gen. Leonard Gerow, Maj. Gen Robert Rhodes (CSA), Gen. William Mahone (CSA), Sen. Harry F. Byrd and Col. George S. Patton (CSA).

Being a graduate of the Virginia Military Institute, I want to say a heartfelt “Thank You” to all my Brother Rats who have served or are still serving our country.  You guys are the best.

Also giving thanks to all veterans everywhere who have served this great country for so many years to protect all of our freedoms.