Tuesday, August 31, 2010

YOUR INVITATION: A FORUM ON DISABILITY ISSUES

Your invitation to: A Celebration of Community

A Discussion Around Disability Issues In DeKalb

· You are invited to join your fellow Georgia voters for a non-partisan forum.

· Participate in a discussion to help foster collaboration between legislators, self advocates, family members, and professionals on issues that are important in the disability community.

· All DeKalb County candidates running for election are invited to attend!


Tuesday, September 28, 2010
6:30 pm–8:30 pm
Reception begins at 6:30 pm
Program begins at 7:00 pm

The Solarium
Oakhurst Community
321 West Hill Street
Decatur, GA 30030


Food will be provided!

Kindly RSVP by sending an email to emily@aadd.org or RSVP via Facebook by clicking here.

Organizing Sponsor: All About Developmental Disabilities, Inc. (AADD)

Supporting Sponsors: (to date)
DeKalb Developmental Disabilities Council
Georgia Advocacy Office
Georgia Council on Developmental Disabilities

Notes: For information about the benefits to becoming a sponsor or to volunteer for the event,please contact Emily Severtson at emily@aadd.org or 404-881-9777 ext. 205.

A sign-language interpreter will be provided. If other accommodations are required, please contact Linda Anderson at linda@aadd.org or 404-881-9777 ext. 217.

Click here for a map.

U.S. Rep. Broun to Host Town Hall Meeting Sept. 9

Anderson Independent Mail
Anderson, SC
August 30, 2010

GA. — U.S. Rep. Paul Broun will host a town hall meeting on Sept. 9.

Broun, the 10th District representative for Georgia, will meet citizens at 6 p.m. at the Elberton Civic Center. The town hall meeting is part of a national strategy called America Speaking Out, according to a statement. The strategy is “designed to gather ideas from the American people to craft a new agenda for America,” according to the statement.

“America Speaking Out is revolutionizing the way the American people are able to communicate with Washington,” Broun said. “For too long, Washington has crafted public policy behind closed doors. Now, through public meetings and cutting edge technology, average Americans have a larger platform to make their voices heard.”

For more information, contact Broun’s Athens, Ga., office at (706) 549-9588. During the 111th Congress, Broun has hosted more than 15 town halls in communities across the 10th Congressional District.

http://www.independentmail.com/news/2010/aug/30/us-rep-broun-host-town-hall-meeting-sept-9/

© 2010 Anderson Independent Mail. All rights reserved.

Workshop on Rural and Human Services Transportation Coordination Held Last Week

By John Keys
Workshop Consultant
JKeys Solutions, LLC

http://www.gahighwaysafety.org/2010ruralhumanworkshop/

The Macon Workshop hosted by the Governor’s Office of Highway Safety’s Older Driver Task Force, in cooperation with the Georgia Council on Aging, saw about 140 participants gathered last week in Macon.

See the above web link which will take you to the details on the Workshop dealing with “Rural and Human Services Transportation Coordination,” now a part of Georgia law, under Section 4, HB 277.

All the handouts and presentation materials are there for you to look over and use if they are helpful to you!

Thank you for your interest in this subject and in your help to make the new law become law!

To contact John Keys: johnkeys12@bellsouth.net or 404-486-3686.

Monday, August 30, 2010

'Phantom of Fox' Fights to Stay Put

By Chris Seigart
WXIA-TV
Atlanta Alive-Channel 11
August 30, 2010

ATLANTA -- Joe Patten, known as the "Phantom of the Fox," will fight to keep his free lease for life during a special board meeting Monday night.

Patten may be in his eighties, but he has one of the coolest bachelor pads in Atlanta. Just around the corner from the Fox Theatre's Peachtree Street entrance, you'll find Joe's front door on Ponce. His 3,600 square foot, two-bedroom apartment is upstairs at the Fox Theatre. It comes with passageway that connects him to the theater's balcony, where he can eavesdrop on any performance.

As if the location weren't sweet enough, he's blessed to have a lifetime lease, rent free.

To read full article please tap on link: http://www.11alive.com/news/local/story.aspx?storyid=151530

Copyright ©2010 WXIA-TV Atlanta, Pacific and Southern Company, Inc. All rights reserved.

Candidates For Governor Talk Health Care At Debate

By Aaron Gould Sheinin
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Georgia Politics
August 28, 2010

The men who want to be Georgia's next governor clashed Saturday over tort reform, embryonic stem cell research and Medicaid funding in their first formal debate since the November ballot was set earlier this month.

Democrat Roy Barnes, Republican Nathan Deal and Libertarian John Monds appeared together for the first time in a debate sponsored by the Medical Association of Georgia at the Cobb Energy Center.

Given the sponsor's focus, the questions were dominated by health care matters. Barnes and Deal agreed on much, including the need to create incentives to attract primary care physicians to rural parts of the state. But they differed on many other topics.

To read further please tap on link: http://www.ajc.com/news/georgia-politics-elections/candidates-for-governor-talk-601632.html

© 2010 The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

Feds' Approval Of Voter Verification Program Could Impact Future Elections

By Bob Keefe
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Georgia Politics
August 29, 2010

WASHINGTON -- With the U.S. Department of Justice's approval, Georgia now has one of the toughest voter verification and ID systems in the country.

Last week, the Justice Department abruptly ended years of legal fights with the state and gave its approval to Georgia's policy of checking the citizenship of people who register to vote for the first time against driver's license and Social Security records. Georgia is one of only two states -- the other being Arizona -- that has such as policy.

State officials and other proponents of the voter registration verification program say it's needed to keep illegal immigrants from breaking the law and casting votes. Voting rights and minority group advocates say Georgia's system could discourage minorities who are legal citizens from voting.

To read further on this topic please tap on link: http://www.ajc.com/news/georgia-politics-elections/feds-approval-of-voter-602064.html

© 2010 The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

Friday, August 27, 2010

Chinese Man With No Arms Plays Piano With Toes

By Elaine Kurtenbach
Associated Press Writer
The Athens Banner-Herald
August 27, 2010

SHANGHAI — Pianist Liu Wei sits quietly to compose himself before plunging into the music. Then he takes off a sock.

The 23-year-old, whose arms were amputated after a childhood accident, plays the piano with his toes.

Liu was thrust into the limelight earlier this month when he performed on "China's Got Talent," the Chinese version of the TV show that helped make Britain's Susan Boyle a singing star.

"Whatever other people do with their hands, I do with my feet. It's just that," says Liu, a tall, slender man who peers shyly from behind dark-rimmed glasses.

"China's Got Talent," which has also featured disabled modern dancers and break-dancing migrant workers, has been a hit since its launch in July, despite skepticism among some viewers about whether all the participants' stories are genuine. The Dragon TV program is drawing attention to the hopes and challenges of the disabled and otherwise disadvantaged in China.

To read more please tap on link: http://ap.onlineathens.com/pstories/entertainment/20100827/701007344.shtml

© 2008 OnlineAthens • Athens Banner-Herald

19th Amendment Shapes Elections 90 Years Later

By Lee Shearer
Athens Banner-Herald
August 27, 2010

Ninety years after the 19th amendment guaranteed women the right to vote, their impact at the ballot box not only influences who wins elections, it shapes the debate along the way, experts say.

Not only do women outnumber men overall in the U.S. population, but they also are more likely to register to vote and to take the trouble to cast a ballot.

And, as more than 50 years of exit polls showed, women don't vote the same as men.

"Because of personal experience, they are more likely to get items on the agenda beneficial to women," said UGA political science professor Charles Bullock, pointing out that women are more likely to be single parents, for example.

The difference was obvious by the 1950s, when proportionally more women than men supported Dwight Eisenhower for president.

But beginning with the 1980 election, pollsters have seen women's vote shift more Democratic.

To view this article please tap on link: http://www.onlineathens.com/stories/082710/new_700913832.shtml

© 2010 OnlineAthens • Athens Banner-Herald

Special Group Seeks Georgia Tax Facts

Public hearings will be held all over state

By Ashley Fielding
Gainesville Times
August 26, 2010

A special group formed by the state legislature to analyze Georgia’s tax code began a fact-finding mission Thursday that will help shape any changes lawmakers make to the way Georgians pay taxes next year.

Some 100 people showed up at the first public hearing of the Special Council on Tax Reform and Fairness for Georgians in Atlanta Thursday afternoon. They listened and provided input about how the current tax code affects residents and businesses and how it can be made more fair, said council chairman A.D. Frazier.

Of that 100, about 15 made comments to the chairman, Frazier said.

Similar fact-finding sessions will take place throughout the state over the next two weeks, including a Sept. 9 session at Gainesville State College, as the council begins to form opinions on the future of Georgia’s tax code.

To read whole article please tap on link: http://www.gainesvilletimes.com/section/6/article/37060/

Contents of this site are © Copyright 2010 The Times, Gainesville, GA. All rights reserved.

Thursday, August 26, 2010

Surveys From The National Council On Independent Living and Easter Seals

The National Council on Independent Living, in partnership with Easter Seals, has retained/hired national polling firm Harris Interactive to conduct a survey about how family members are affected by disability. Millions of American families today have someone in their family with a disability; by taking part in this research you are helping raise awareness of the types of issues you and your family encounter.


What's this survey about? In this survey, we would like to hear your thoughts on how disabilities affect you and your family.What will the survey be used for? The National Council on Independent Living and Easter Seals will jointly use these findings to educate policymakers and service providers on the needs of families living with disability today.


How long will it take? 15 minutes

Will my answers be secure? Your answers will be secure, anonymous, and will not be used for marketing or solicitation of any kind.


If you are ready to take the survey and make your thoughts heard just click on this link!

https://surveys.pollg.com/wix/p20719236.aspx

CDC's SECOND ANNUAL PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES CAREER FAIR AND EMPLOYMENT WORKSHOP

EMPLOYMENT WORKSHOP - Friday, October 1, 2010

Learn About Resumes and KSA Writing, Applying for Federal Jobs, Interview Tips, and Reasonable Accomodations.

CAREER FAIR - Monday, October 4, 2010

10:00 AM - 2:00 PM


****In Observance of National Disability Awareness Month****


Register to attend at this link: http://www.cdc.gov/employment


For more information or to participate, please e-mail Ruth Harris at reharris@cdc.gov or call 404.498.6373 or 678.463.6493 or Vickie Hunter at vhunter@cdc.gov or call 404.498.6528 or 404.808.8321

CDC, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Governor Candidates Praise 'Race To Top' Grant, Take Jabs At Each Other

By Larry Peterson
Savannah Morning News
Home/News
August 25, 2010

Georgia's major candidates for governor Tuesday welcomed the state's inclusion in federal "Race to the Top" grants.

Democrat Roy Barnes and Republican Nathan Deal hailed the Peach State's designation to receive about $400 million dollars.

But they also used the occasion for political potshots.

"Today's award is a victory for Georgia," Deal said, promising to "convene teachers, parents, elected officials and education leaders" to make sure the money is spent effectively.

To view article please tap on link: http://savannahnow.com/news/2010-08-25/governor-candidates-praise-race-top-grant-take-jabs-each-other

Savannahnow.com, Savannah Morning News ©2010. All Rights Reserved.

Leaders Aim For 'One Georgia' At State Improvement Forum

By Phillip Ramati
The Macon Telegraph
News-Local & State
August 26, 2010

About 250 stakeholders from across Georgia brainstormed in Macon on Wednesday to find ways to improve the state’s prospects in the next few decades.

The first GeorgiaForward Forum at Macon State College united statewide leaders in fields such as economics, politics, education, water management and other areas of concern for Georgia. A.J. Robinson, president of Central Atlanta Progress, the organization that developed the GeorgiaForward Forum concept, said he hopes the forum will become an annual event.

“We felt like there was a need to have this conversation,” he said. “In business, education, politics, you never have that unified vision. There’s a lot in the state that divides us. We feel like we’ve fallen behind (other states in the Southeast). We need to catch up. The conference is about what it means to be a Georgian in the 21st century.”

To read more please tap on link: http://www.macon.com/2010/08/26/1241147/leaders-work-toward-one-georgia.html

Macon.com copyright notice
Material published on Macon.com, including articles, photos, graphics, videos, bulletin board postings and other content, is copyrighted by The Telegraph or by other information providers who have licensed their content for use on Macon.com. The entire contents of Macon.com are also copyrighted as a collective work under the United States copyright laws.

Monday, August 23, 2010

Feds Allow Georgia Law Requiring ID From Voters

WSB-TV
News
August 23,1010

ATLANTA -- The Justice Department has cleared Georgia's system of verifying voters by requiring identification to prove residency and citizenship.

Secretary of State Brian Kemp said Monday that the state would drop the lawsuit it has pending against the Obama administration to implement the voter checks.

“After nearly two years, we can now verify that voter registration applicants are who they say they are and that they are U.S. citizens,” said Kemp.

To read full article please tap on link: http://www.wsbtv.com/news/24728418/detail.html

© 2010, WSBTV.

Numbers Tell What Lawmakers Do, Don’t

By Bob Keefe
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Georgia Politics
August 22, 2010

Georgia’s congressmen are back in the state until early September, soliciting votes and campaign contributions and explaining to taxpayers how they earned their pay in Washington.

But did they?

It all depends on what you think is important — ideologically and fiscally — and how you measure accomplishments.

To try to provide some answers, The Atlanta Journal-Constitution analyzed a wide range of data on all of Georgia’s members of Congress, including voting and legislative records, pork-barrel state projects they got funded, office and staff expenses, and ratings by outside organizations. You’ll see the results in today’s paper and online at ajc.com (a more detailed database searchable by congressional member), where you can determine the effectiveness of Georgia’s congressional delegation based on what you think is important.

To read full article please tap on link: http://www.ajc.com/news/georgia-politics-elections/what-lawmakers-do-dont-597016.html

© 2010 The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

Georgia's Tax Scheme No Longer Generates Enough For All The State Services

State is suffering from "structural deficit" and no longer generates enough for all services

By Walter C. Jones
Savannah Morning News
Home/News
August 23, 2010

ATLANTA - Georgians angered by teacher layoffs, state offices on furlough and jolting tuition increases should prepare for more than five years of the same, warns budget experts, because the state is in the clutches of a structural deficit.

Months after the economy entered recovery mode, state tax collections continued to fall. Only in the last two months have collections bottomed out and begun to rise.

A July report by Georgia State University put the term "structural deficit" on the tongues of legislators and state candidates. Slowly, voters across the state are hearing it, too.

To read further please tap on link: http://savannahnow.com/news/2010-08-23/georgias-tax-scheme-no-longer-generates-enough-all-state-services

Savannahnow.com, Savannah Morning News ©2010. All Rights Reserved.

Friday, August 20, 2010

Chatham County Leaders Speak Out Against Sales-Tax Provision

By Eric Curl
Savannah Morning News
Home/News
August 20, 2010

Chatham County Commissioner Pete Liakakis recently walked around asking residents whether they would approve a 1 percent regional transportation sales tax. Only one out of 47 said yes.

That served to multiply Liakakis' concerns about a provision in a state House bill authorizing a transportation sales-tax referendum in 2012. The provision could increase the local-match requirements for transportation grants from the Georgia Department of Transportation.

To read full article please tap on link: http://savannahnow.com/news/2010-08-20/chatham-county-leaders-speak-out-against-sales-tax-provision

Savannahnow.com, Savannah Morning News ©2010. All Rights Reserved.

Federal Money To Atlanta-Area Transit Projects

By Ariel Hart
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Georgia Politics
August 19, 2010 5:50 pm

Proposed transportation projects along the Atlanta Beltline, Jimmy Carter Blvd. and eastern I-20 are receiving more than $2 million in federal funding, according to a statement Thursday from the office of U.S. Rep. Hank Johnson. The money isn’t enough to build the projects, but will help get early stages started. It was already approved by Congress in the last two fiscal years, the statement said.

In Gwinnett County and the Jimmy Carter Blvd. bridge over I-85 is receiving $500,000 for preliminary engineering work toward a future bridge replacement project that may eventually cost $50 million to $60 million, said Gwinnett Department of Transportation director Brian Allen.

The money was already voted on by Congress, but now it’s on the way, Allen said.

The proposed Atlanta Beltline is also receiving $475,000 toward preliminary work on transit and trails, and $1.2 million is going to early work on a transit project along eastern I-20.

AJC link: http://www.ajc.com/news/georgia-politics-elections/federal-money-to-atlanta-595674.html

© 2010 The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

Deal Leads Barnes In InsiderAdvantage Poll

GOP candidate ahead by 4 points

By Ashley Fielding
The Gainesville Times
August 19, 2010 10:24 p.m.

A poll released Thursday puts Nathan Deal slightly ahead of his Democratic counterpart in the race to be Georgia’s next governor.

The poll, conducted by InsiderAdvantage for WSB TV, shows Deal with the support of 45 percent of voters likely to cast a ballot in November’s election.

Roy Barnes, the poll shows, has the support of 41 percent of voters surveyed, while Libertarian John Monds has the support of 5 percent.

To continue the article please tap on link: http://www.gainesvilletimes.com/section/154/article/36792/

© Copyright 2010 The Times, Gainesville, GA. All rights reserve

Thursday, August 19, 2010

GDOT Holding Public Meetings On Transportation Plan

The Newnan Times-Herald
Local News
August 19, 2010

The Georgia Department of Transportation is presenting the Draft FY 2011-2014 Statewide Transportation Improvement Program (STIP) for public review and comment with several public meetings around the state.

The STIP is a four-year program that specifies federally funded transportation projects for non-urban communities in rural Georgia for fiscal years 2011, 2012, 2013 and 2014. These projects include, but are not limited to, new construction, improvements, and maintenance for interstates and state routes and bridges. Additional projects include bicycle and pedestrian projects, transportation enhancement projects and public transit projects.

The Thomaston District Office, which covers the Coweta area, will sponsor four Open House meetings where the public can view the Draft FY 11-14 STIP, view maps of projects in the local area, discuss projects with GDOT staff, and formally offer comments.

To read full account please tap on link: http://www.times-herald.com/Local/GDOT-holding-public-meetings-on-transportation-plan--1258449

© 2010 The Newnan Times-Herald Inc., Newnan, Georgia.

Gingrey Talks Website, Health Care, Immigration At Town Hall

By Lowell Vickers
Rome News-Tribune
August 19, 2010


U.S. Rep. Phil Gingrey, R-Marietta, hosted a town hall meeting Wednesday in Cedartown, promoting a new political website and taking questions from the audience.

Gingrey invited attendees to go online and participate in the America Speaking Out project, which he said is seeking to collect questions and suggestions. The website, at www.americaspeakingout.com, is a House Republican initiative.

“We are trying to get as many ideas as we can, not just from within my party, but from Democrats and independents too,” Gingrey said. He said members of Congress should turn their attention to the issues that matter most to constituents, “so we can get this country back on the right track.”

To read full story please tap on link: http://www.rn-t.com/view/full_story/9198453/article-Gingrey-talks-website--health-care--immigration-at-town-hall?instance=secondary_stories_left_column

content copyright © 2009 RN-T.com

U.S. Sen. Saxby Chambliss Addresses Local Leaders

By Keven Gilbert
The Americus Times-Recorder
Local News
August 19, 2010

AMERICUS — U.S. Sen. Saxby Chambliss, R-Ga., told local leaders Wednesday that he expects mid-term elections in November to bring more changes due to unrest and reaction to the current administration.

Chambliss gave a Washington update at the Americus-Sumter County Chamber of Commerce at the Rees Park Economic Development Center. “It has been an interesting session and year and a half with the new administration,” Chambliss said. “Some people are unhappy and some are happy. Elections have consequences,” he said.

In his introduction, Chambliss covered a lot of territory, including an extension of the Bush tax cuts, which he contends should be maintained.

To read whole article please tap on link: http://americustimesrecorder.com/local/x1776905809/U-S-Sen-Saxby-Chambliss-addresses-local-leaders

© 2010 Community Newspaper Holdings, Inc. ·

Tuesday, August 17, 2010

Private Monitors Find Their Place

By Louie Brogdon
The Brunswick News
August 17, 2010

Law enforcement is typically handled by government agencies, but when it comes to monitoring individuals on probation for misdemeanor convictions, private enterprise has found a niche.

Glynn County has a long-standing contract with Sentinel Offender Services for the national company to monitor misdemeanor probationers for State Court in Glynn County.

The Georgia Legislature decided some 10 years ago to limit the state to handling only felony probation cases, leaving lesser probation monitoring up to counties or private companies under contracts with them.

To read more please tap on link: http://www.thebrunswicknews.com/open_access/local_news/-PROBATION-081110-HR-KK

©2010 The Brunswick News. All rights reserved.

Congressmen Tour Metro Atlanta Transportation Projects

By Ariel Hart
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Georgia Politics
August 16, 2010

U.S. Rep. Jim Oberstar (D-Minn.), chairman of the committee that doles out federal transportation dollars, on Monday toured the Beltline, northeastern I-85, bike paths and other metro Atlanta transportation sites, as local leaders made the pitch for their projects. Rep. Hank Johnson (D-Ga.), who hosted the tour, said his “dream” was for mass transit on eastern I-20. Johnson recently won a place on Oberstar’s committee. MARTA CEO Beverly Scott and officials from the Beltline and DeKalb County also took part in the tour.

Oberstar has proposed a $500 billion renewal of the national six-year transportation funding law, but it's been on hold in Washington for more than a year. It would likely require raising the gas tax, an unpopular idea, at least before the November elections. In the mean time the nation is funding transportation with a series of extensions of the last funding law, which is now expired. That has made it difficult to plan and spend for large projects, local transportation officials said.

Two other Georgians serve on the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee: Tom Graves and Lynn Westmoreland.

http://www.ajc.com/news/georgia-politics-elections/congressmen-tour-metro-atlanta-593318.html

© 2010 The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

Towery: America Is In An Economic Free-Fall

By Matt Towery
Athens Banner-Herald
August 17, 2010

To conjure a feeling of happier times, I recently went to a concert given by rock legend Tom Petty. It was hard not to notice that his band is called the "Heartbreakers." Read on, and I'll detail the point in a way many of you will identify with.

It's been months since I wrote that our economic woes were not going to end anytime soon. That generally was a different prognosis than many, more upbeat economists and analysts were providing.

Now, months after the $862 billion stimulus bill and the promise that it would tamp down unemployment to less than 8 percent, that rate is closer to 10 percent. The new government spending was supposed to spur the economy. All it has spurred is the federal debt, which now is a record $13.2 trillion after a 23 percent jump. The latest spending splurge was a cool $24 billion for "state bailouts" (read: jobs for teachers, a key Democratic Party constituency). And who will bail out Washington when the printing presses run out of green ink?

To see full article please tap on link: http://onlineathens.com/stories/081710/opi_696019343.shtml

© 2010 OnlineAthens • Athens Banner-Herald

Monday, August 16, 2010

MTA Recovery Plan Includes More Buses, Service to Robins

By MIKE STUCKA
The Macon Telegraph
News - Local & State
August 16, 2010

The Macon Transit Authority is in the middle of a year full of unusually broad and deep changes, but it’s still too early to tell if the agency can win back riders.

Some new buses, as well as new uniforms and paint schemes, have been on the streets for a few months. The authority fixed looming financial problems. And later this month, a new air-conditioned terminal will open. After that may come nearly two replacement fleets of buses, service to Robins Air Force Base and satellite tracking of the transit buses.

General Manager Rick Jones said the agency is still working to stabilize service, though ridership has at least remained flat. For the first six months of 2010, the authority said 360,922 riders used the city bus service.

To read more tap on link: http://www.macon.com/2010/08/16/1230419/mta-recovery-plan-includes-more.html

Macon.com copyright notice
Material published on Macon.com, including articles, photos, graphics, videos, bulletin board postings and other content, is copyrighted by The Telegraph or by other information providers who have licensed their content for use on Macon.com. The entire contents of Macon.com are also copyrighted as a collective work under the United States copyright laws.Read more: http://www.macon.com/copyright/#ixzz0wmiZDlAa

Fight Brewing Over Transportation Sales Tax

By Patrick Fox and April Hunt
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
North Fulton County News
August 15, 2010


Fulton County mayors have united to fight a new penny sales tax for regional transportation plans, unless neighboring counties kick in extra money for a regional transit system.

A similar battle is brewing in DeKalb County, which along with Fulton has imposed a 1-cent sales tax for two decades to build and maintain MARTA. The trains and buses of the Metropolitan Atlanta Regional Transit Authority have benefited the entire region, Fulton and DeKalb mayors argue, even though no other counties have chipped in.

"This is the only place we have leverage to get the other counties on board," Sandy Springs Mayor Eva Galambos said. "We are for the one cent, provided the other counties come into an arrangement on a metropolitan transit plan."

That won't mean counties such as Cobb and Gwinnett will have to pay for MARTA. The north Fulton mayors envision a new transit agency and expect there will have to be a legislative requirement to make it happen, Galambos said

To read whole story please tap on link: http://www.ajc.com/news/north-fulton/fight-brewing-over-transportation-592507.html

© 2010 The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

Business Groups Spend Thousands Bringing Legislators To Resorts

House Speaker Ralston says it's work, not vacation

By James Salzer and Cameron McWhirter
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Georgia Politics
August 16, 2010

Don’t blame Georgia’s statehouse lobbyists if House Speaker David Ralston failed to get a tan or gain a few pounds this summer.

Special-interest business associations had Ralston shuttling to posh resorts up and down the Georgia and Florida coast. The speaker, who made ethics one of his highest priorities when he took office earlier this year, gave speeches to associations, schmoozed with business leaders, attended pricey dinners and even got in a few rounds of golf.

Despite the ritzy accommodations at the many conferences and annual meetings, Ralston said he was working, not vacationing.

To read whole article please tap on following link: http://www.ajc.com/news/georgia-politics-elections/business-groups-spend-thousands-592641.html

© 2010 The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

Friday, August 13, 2010

Deal: White House Comments 'Unusual'

WSB-TV.com Channel 2
Associated Press
August 13, 2010

ATLANTA -- Georgia's newly minted Republican gubernatorial nominee Nathan Deal called White House comments on ethics allegations against him "unusual."

But Deal said Thursday the Obama administration doesn't "get to vote on our elections here in Georgia."

On Wednesday, White House spokesman Robert Gibbs suggested Deal was going to have to explain ethics investigations surrounding him during the campaign.

Deal said the White House just doesn't want him to be the next governor of Georgia.


For full article please tap on link: http://www.wsbtv.com/news/24619487/detail.html

Copyright 2010 by The Associated Press. All rights reserved.
© 2010, WSBTV.

Focus Shifts To State Superintendent's Race

By Maureen Downey
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Georgia Politics
August 11, 2010

While overshadowed by the drama of the governor’s race, the contest for state school superintendent is gaining more attention, including a candidates’ panel Wednesday that drew nearly 200 education leaders from around the state.

Libertarian candidate Kira Willis, a last-minute addition to the agenda, joined Republican John Barge and Democrat Joe Martin at the Georgia Tech Research Institute Conference Center for the panel.

The session allowed the candidates to better define themselves, on issues from Race to the Top to the new math curriculum to charter schools, before an audience that included Superintendents Ramona Tyson of DeKalb County, Emily Lembeck of Marietta, Susan Andrews of Muscogee County and Jimmy Willis of Putnam County.

To read further please tap on link: http://www.ajc.com/news/georgia-politics-elections/focus-shifts-to-state-590030.html

© 2010 The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

Xpress Commuter Buses Going Broke Earlier Than Expected

By Ariel Hart
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Georgia Politics
August 12, 2010

Without new funding, the Xpress commuter bus program will go broke and shut down in the next fiscal year, said Georgia Regional Transportation Authority Executive Director Jannine Miller, the latest metro transit agency facing significant cutbacks or total collapse.

In the meantime, the regional commuter bus service is cutting its budget, raising all pass prices and hiking the fare for the longest routes.

GRTA Xpress's current budget crisis was built into its DNA, since it was established with short-term funds that were bound to run out. State officials hoped that the Legislature might eventually fill the shortfall. But the poor economy has produced an unexpected gap of two to four years until a 1 percent sales tax for transportation goes before the region's voters in 2012 and, they hope, starts delivering money. Even then, Miller said, there is no guarantee the region will include Xpress operations in the projects to be funded by the tax.

To view full article please tap on link: http://www.ajc.com/news/georgia-politics-elections/xpress-commuter-buses-going-591051.html

© 2010 The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

Thursday, August 12, 2010

Housing Crisis Reaches Full Boil In East Point; 62 Injured

By Craig Schneider and Tammy Joyner
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Atlanta News
August 12, 2010

Thirty thousand people turned out in East Point on Wednesday seeking applications for government-subsidized housing, and their confusion and frustration, combined with the summer heat, led to a chaotic mob scene that left 62 people injured.

At the Tri-Cities Plaza Shopping Center, emergency vehicles passed each other, transporting 20 people to hospitals. Medical and police command posts were set up on scene. East Point police wore riot gear. Officers from four other agencies supported them. Yet no arrests were made.

To view photos and story please tap on link: http://www.ajc.com/news/atlanta/housing-crisis-reaches-full-589653.html

© 2010 The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

East Point Begins Taking Housing Applications Early

By Craig Schneider and Mike Morris
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Atlanta News
August 12, 2010

East Point housing officials began accepting Section 8 applications 90 minutes early Thursday morning after crowds of people showed up to turn in the forms.

A day after a crowd of 30,000 mobbed the housing authority offices to pick up the forms, a small crowd of less than a dozen people began lining up around 5 a.m. The group was dispersed by East Point police about an hour later. But shortly after 7 a.m., officials allowed people to line up on the sidewalk adjacent to the building. There were about 50 people in line at 7:30, when officials brought out boxes and began to accept the applications. That process had been scheduled to begin at 9 a.m. Applications will be accepted until 5:30 p.m.

To read full article please tap on link: http://www.ajc.com/news/atlanta/east-point-begins-taking-589653.html

© 2010 The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

ONLINE REGISTRATION FOR THE RURAL AND HUMAN SERVICES COORDINATED TRANSPORTATION WORKSHOP ON AUGUST 23, 2010

There is still room available! We encourage everyone to attend this highly important workshop which addresses the issue of transportation - specifically if you, a family member or a friend have or know someone with a disability.

REGISTER TODAY!

IN MACON NOW AVAILABLE

"Rural and Human Services Transportation Coordination" legislation in Georgia passed at the 2010 session of the General Assembly. As in a number of states, it is now required that agencies work together to deliver transportation in a coordinated, efficient manner to all Georgians. As a positive first step towards coordination, The Governor's Office of Highway Safety (through the Strategic Highway Safety Plan and the Older Driver Task Force), the Department of Community Health (through the Georgia Council of Aging), and the Department of Human Services (through the Division of Aging Services) are sponsoring a one-day Rural and Human Services Coordinated

Transportation Workshop on Monday, August 23, 2010 at The Methodist Home for Children and Youth in Macon, Georgia. Details and registration can be found here or in the links below.
Below is the Governor's Office of Highway Safety (GOHS) weblink for you to register for the upcoming Workshop on the above subject.

Please post this to your organization's website or use other means to get the word out to your membership to register and to review the Agenda for the August 23 Workshop on Rural and Human Services Coordinated Transportation in Georgia!

Click on the Workshop image on this link, then open the registration document. http://www.gahighwaysafety.org/

Tuesday, August 10, 2010

137 Jobs Available In DeKalb

By Megan Matteucci
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Dekalb County News
August 9, 2010

The majority of the vacancies were created at the end of May when more than 800 county workers took early retirement, said Burke Brennan, spokesman for the county CEO.

A job fair is scheduled for Thursday from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. at the Maloof Auditorium, 1300 Commerce Street in Decatur.

In addition to police positions, the available jobs include building inspectors, fleet service technicians, environmentalists, court clerks, property appraisers, fire medics, probation officers and sanitation truck drivers.

To view full article please tap on link: http://www.ajc.com/news/dekalb/137-jobs-available-in-588098.html

© 2010 The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

Runoff Election Today

Polls open 7 a.m.-7 p.m.

By Eric Curl
Savannah Morning News
August 10, 2010

It's round two today for the top primary candidates who failed to take more than 50 percent of the vote on July 20.

Those candidates include Republicans seeking their party's nomination for governor, attorney general, commissioner of insurance, the District 12 congressional seat and the Public Service Commission's District 2 seat.

On the Democratic side, the Georgia Secretary of State nomination is in contention.

To read article please tap on link: http://savannahnow.com/news/2010-08-10/runoff-election-today

Savannahnow.com, Savannah Morning News ©2010. All Rights Reserved.

Marshall Reiterates Stance Against Health Reform

By Thomas L. Day
The Macon Telegraph
News-Politics
August 10, 2010

Rep. Jim Marshall, D-Ga., spent Thursday talking to doctors in Middle Georgia at Coliseum Medical Centers in Macon and at the Houston Medical Center in Warner Robins.

It was the second time in five days that Marshall held events to discuss the health care reform package, suggesting that not only is the four-term incumbent ready to break with his party on its signature 2010 legislative achievement, but actively campaign against it.

Marshall voted against the package and is now pledging to go one step further.

When asked if he would vote to eliminate “every last word” of the health care reform bill, Marshall responded, “I would vote to repeal.”

To read article please tap on link: http://www.macon.com/2010/08/10/1223828/marshall-reiterates-stance-against.html#ixzz0wEGZXrrP

To contact author: tday@macon.com

Macon.com copyright notice
Material published on Macon.com, including articles, photos, graphics, videos, bulletin board postings and other content, is copyrighted by The Telegraph or by other information providers who have licensed their content for use on Macon.com. The entire contents of Macon.com are also copyrighted as a collective work under the United States copyright laws.

Monday, August 09, 2010

Several Statewide Races Set For Tuesday's Runoff

By Savannah Morning News
Home/News
August 8, 2010

The Republican race for governor isn't the only race voters throughout the state will decide in Tuesday's runoff.

The race for secretary of state still requires a Democratic candidate, and Republicans are needed for the attorney general, insurance commissioner and Public Service Commission battles.

Here's a refresher on who these candidates are and what they stand for, to help you make a pick before you cast a ballot.

Go to savannahnow.com/elections to get voter tools, candidate profiles and the latest news.


To read the whole article please tap on link: http://savannahnow.com/news/2010-08-08/several-statewide-races-set-tuesdays-runoff

Savannahnow.com, Savannah Morning News ©2010. All Rights Reserved.

Democrats To Open New Headquarters

Athens Banner-Herald
August 09, 2010

The Clarke County Democratic Committee will hold a reception from 5-7 p.m. Thursday to celebrate the grand opening of its new headquarters at 1063 Baxter St., Suite B.

Democratic candidates have been invited to attend, refreshments will be provided and information about the Democratic Party of Georgia convention will be available.

The Democratic Party of Georgia will host its convention from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday at the Classic Center.

To read whole article please tap on link: http://www.onlineathens.com/stories/080910/new_692593064.shtml

© 2010 OnlineAthens • Athens Banner-Herald

Candidates Spar In Final Debate

By Walter C. Jones
Morris News Service
The Augusta Chronicle
August 8, 2010

ATLANTA --- Karen Handel and Nathan Deal kept trading barbs in their final debate Sunday night as they have throughout the three-week runoff period.

The two have their final match Tuesday as Republicans vote to select one of them as the gubernatorial nominee to stand up to Democrat Roy Barnes and Libertarian John Monds.
Handel and Deal started sparring on the first question.

Asked if they could back each other to present a unified party, Handel promised her support.

For further reader please tap on link: http://chronicle.augusta.com/news/government/elections/georgia-elections/2010-08-08/candidates-spar-final-debate?v=1281312110

The Augusta Chronicle ©2010. All Rights Reserved.

Friday, August 06, 2010

Saturday Morning (August 7th) Debate on 750 WSB-AM and Channel 2 at 10 AM

Listen to and watch the Republican Gubernatorial Primary Runoff Debate!

WSB-TV.com
August 6, 2010

Channel 2 Action News, The Atlanta Journal-Constitution and NewsTalk 750 WSB-AM invite you to join us for the Republican gubernatorial primary runoff debate.

The debate will air on Channel 2 beginning at 10 a.m. on Saturday August 7. You can submit your questions for all candidates until Saturday at 9 a.m.

Please tap on link for submitting questions for candidates: http://www.wsbtv.com/news/24246417/detail.html

© 2010, WSBTV

Former GOP White House Hopeful Mike Huckabee Backing Nathan Deal For Governor

Deal also launches counter-attack on runoff foe Handel

By Larry Peterson
Savannah Morning News
August 6, 2010

Former Arkansas governor and presidential candidate Mike Huckabee on Thursday endorsed Nathan Deal for governor.

Deal, a former congressman, and Karen Handel, the former secretary of state, are battling as Tuesday's GOP nomination runoff approaches.

Handel ran first in the July 20 primary, but lacked a majority, setting up the runoff against Deal, who finished second.

Huckabee carried Georgia in the 2008 Republican presidential primary, but was second in the delegate count to U.S. Sen. John McCain of Arizona.

To view full article please tap on link: http://savannahnow.com/news/2010-08-06/former-gop-white-house-hopeful-mike-huckabee-backing-nathan-deal-governor

Savannahnow.com, Savannah Morning News ©2010. All Rights Reserved.

Rep. Price Wants To Cancel ‘Lame-Duck' Sessions Of Congress

By Bob Keefe
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Georgia Politics
August 5, 2010

U.S. Rep. Tom Price wants to cancel Congress for the months of November and December.

It's not because the Roswell Republican has big holiday plans or doesn't want to face another tough Washington winter.

It's because, he says, he fears Democrats will use a so-called "lame-duck" congressional session between the Nov. 2 election and the time Congress reconvenes in January to try to pass partisan legislation while Democrats are certain to maintain control of both houses of Congress.


For full article please tap on link: http://www.ajc.com/news/georgia-politics-elections/rep-price-wants-to-585987.html


© 2010 The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

Thursday, August 05, 2010

Georgia Stimulus Projects Make List Of 100 That "Give Taxpayers The Blues"

Tech projects make list of 100 that 'give taxpayers the blues'

By Jeremy Redmon
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Metro Atlanta/State News
August 4, 2010

Several projects in Georgia funded with federal stimulus dollars made a nationwide list of 100 endeavors that U.S. Sens. John McCain and Tom Coburn are questioning in a report released this month.

McCain and Coburn, both Republicans who voted against the $787 billion American Recovery and Reinvestment Act last year, named their report “Summertime Blues: 100 stimulus projects that give taxpayers the blues.”

To view whole article please tap on link: http://www.ajc.com/news/georgia-stimulus-projects-make-584982.html

© 2010 The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

Jones: State Races Display Shifts In Power Grid

By Walter Jones
Morris News Service
Athens Banner-Herald
Thursday, August 05, 2010

The makeup of the ballot shows how unusual this election cycle is, and provides evidence of how much Georgia is changing.

For one thing, it's already clear that South Georgia has lost much of its influence. The remaining candidates for U.S. Senate and governor are all from above the Gnat Line.

Veteran politicians from below the line saw their careers and hopes sputter as the primary returns were counted July 20, including Democratic gubernatorial candidates DuBose Porter and David Poythress from Middle Georgia and Republican gubernatorial candidates Eric Johnson and Jeff Chapman from the coast.

To view whole article please tap on link: http://onlineathens.com/stories/080510/opi_690866004.shtml

© 2010 OnlineAthens • Athens Banner-Herald

Georgia Cuts Could Be Averted As Bill Advances In Congress

By Bob Keefe
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Georgia Politics
August 4, 2010

Two weeks after Gov. Sonny Perdue announced a 4 percent state budget cut to make up for an expected shortfall in federal stimulus funding, Congress on Wednesday moved one step closer to passing $26 billion in emergency aid to states that could offset Georgia's budget blow.

If the U.S. House passes the legislation extending parts of last year's economic stimulus program as expected, an estimated $234 million in federal money could start flowing to Georgia within weeks.

To view article please tap on link: http://www.ajc.com/news/georgia-politics-elections/georgia-cuts-could-be-585194.html

© 2010 The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

Wednesday, August 04, 2010

States Slash Pre-K Programs As Budgets Bleed

By Dorie Turner
The Associated Press
The Valdosta Dailey Times
August 3, 2010

ATLANTA — States are cutting hundreds of millions from their pre-kinder-garten budgets, undermining years of working to help young children — particularly poor kids — get ready for school.

States are slashing nearly $350 million from their pre-K programs by next year and more cuts are likely on the horizon once federal stimulus money dries up, according to the National Institute for Early Education Research at Rutgers University. The reductions mean fewer slots for children, teacher layoffs and even fewer services for needy families who can’t afford high-quality private preschool programs.

To view whole article please tap on link: http://valdostadailytimes.com/statenews/x1243785053/States-slash-pre-K-programs-as-budgets-bleed

© 2010 Community Newspaper Holdings, Inc.

Associated Press content © 2010. All rights reserved

Deal Switches Position, Favors Taking Race To The Top Money

By Aaron Gould Sheinin
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Georgia Politics
August 3, 2010

Republican gubernatorial candidate Nathan Deal backtracked Tuesday afternoon and said he, too, would accept millions of federal dollars for education if the state wins the Race to the Top program.

That's different from what Deal, a former congressman, told the Metro Atlanta Chamber forum Tuesday morning, when he said the potential $400 million federal windfall would come with too many strings.

But, Deal said in an interview Tuesday afternoon, that he realized his original fears are — mostly — unfounded after he discussed the program with some educators from his home county.

"That relieves my concerns," Deal said.

To see whole article please tap on link: http://www.ajc.com/news/georgia-politics-elections/deal-switches-position-favors-584077.html

© 2010 The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

Fulton School Board Votes to Raise Tax Rate

By Gracie Bonds Staples
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Atlanta News
August 3, 2010

In a time of program cuts and bigger class sizes, the Fulton County school board approved its first tax rate increase in more than five years.

The board voted 6-1 to increase the millage rate 1 mill from 17.502 to 18.502. The 2.35 percent
increase, needed to balance the Fulton County school district’s 2010-2011 budget, could mean an additional $58 for the owner of a $150,000 home.

"It depends on the valuation set by the county tax assessor," said Robert Morales, the district's chief financial officer.

Because property values have gone down about 4 percent, Morales said some homeowners may not see an increase in their actual tax bill.

To read whole article please tap on link: http://www.ajc.com/news/atlanta/fulton-school-board-votes-584392.html

© 2010 The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

Tuesday, August 03, 2010

Early Voting Starts In Most Counties

By James Salzer
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Georgia Politics
August 2, 2010

Early voting for the Aug. 10 runoffs has started in most Georgia counties.

Counties couldn't begin creating their runoff ballots until Secretary of State Brian Kemp certified the results of the July 20 primary, which he did last Thursday.

Georgians can vote early through Friday. To find your early voting locale, visit the secretary of state’s MVP website at www.sos.ga.gov. The website will allow you to view a sample ballot and it gives times and locations for early voting once you log in.

Voters also can request an absentee ballot from their county registrar’s office through Friday. All absentee ballots must be received by the registrar's office by the close of business hours on the runoff day, Aug. 10.

To view whole article please tap on link: http://www.ajc.com/news/georgia-politics-elections/early-voting-starts-in-583486.html

© 2010 The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

President Wins Praise Of Veterans

By Walter C. Jones
Morris News Service
Augusta Chronicle
August 3, 2010

ATLANTA --- The big news from President Obama's speech to disabled veterans Monday was that the Iraq pullout is on schedule.

But the commander in chief's words about the veterans themselves were what stuck with Augustan Willie Davis Jr.

"He really surprised me," the Vietnam veteran said. "We had everybody from World War II to current war veterans here, and everybody said the same thing. They were surprised that the president was so knowledgeable and cared so much for the veterans."

They responded with a standing ovation as the president finished, said Davis, who is the chief of staff in the Georgia Disabled American Veterans.

To read whole story please tap on link: http://chronicle.augusta.com/news/government/2010-08-03/president-wins-praise-veterans?v=1280797115

The Augusta Chronicle ©2010. All Rights Reserved.

Monday, August 02, 2010

Payment Delay For Special Needs Vouchers Could Limit Choice And Cost Parents Money

By D. Aileen Dodd
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Metro Atlanta/State News
August 1, 2010

A notice to private schools delaying payment of state special needs scholarships was met with criticism recently from lawmakers who said the move was a bureaucratic attempt to "kill" the voucher program.

The Georgia Department of Education's new payment structure could mean that children with Down syndrome, autism, dyslexia and attention deficit disorder will be shut of the schools of their choice. The state DOE has asked that campuses accepting Georgia Special Needs Scholarships now wait until Nov. 29 for their first tuition installment after services are rendered, as the statute requires. Some parents who have to pay up front for their tuition will be asked to foot a larger chunk of the bill and get reimbursed even later. If they can afford it.

"My daughter already needs additional assistance in the classroom," said Clayton County mom Michelle Outlaw, whose child has both dyslexia and ADD. "I can't afford any additional fees. This is going to hurt the schools providing services for our kids."

The last scholarship payment will be sent to private schools on June 27, when most campuses are on summer break and parents aren't around to endorse checks. Public schools, however, receive state allocations monthly.

To see whole article please tap on link: http://www.ajc.com/news/payment-delay-for-special-579501.html

© 2010 The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

State Deficit Challenges Candidates' Schools Plans

Study: Permanent cuts or revenue increases are vital to balanced budget.

By James Salzer
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Georgia Politics
August 1, 2010

Gubernatorial candidates vowing to plow big bucks into schools and slash taxes face a sobering reality if they win election: It may be at least four years before the state can afford to do what they promise.

If then.

A new Georgia State University study obtained by The Atlanta Journal-Constitution suggests that without major, permanent spending cuts or revenue increases, the state faces massive budget shortfalls through at least the four-year term of the next governor. Budget shortfalls may be the new normal for state government.

“The gap is not going to close itself,” said Carolyn Bourdeaux, one of the authors of the study and, until recently, the state Senate’s budget director. “The state is going to have to change the structure of its expenditures, how it does business, which means getting rid of programs and getting rid of big programs if they want to do this through expenditure cuts.”

To read further please tap on link: http://www.ajc.com/news/georgia-politics-elections/state-deficit-challenges-candidates-582864.html

© 2010 The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

In Atlanta Visit, Obama To Address Vets, Democrats, But Won't Escape Economy Questions

By Bob Keefe
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Georgia Politics
August 2, 2010


Ronnie Rogers served only about a year in the Army, but the effects have lasted a lifetime.

He was diagnosed with cancer tied to his exposure to the Agent Orange herbicide in Vietnam. Spinal cord injuries at least partly connected to his wartime experience left him in a wheelchair.

One of the things the Marietta man worries about the most now, though, is losing his veteran's benefits.

To read whole article please tap on link: http://www.ajc.com/news/georgia-politics-elections/in-atlanta-visit-obama-583137.html

© 2010 The Atlanta Journal-Constitution