Press Release: Governor Perdue to Introduce Legislation to Improve Access to Home-based Care

STATE OF GEORGIA
OFFICE OF THE GOVERNOR

Sonny Perdue, GOVERNOR

For Immediate Release
Wednesday, January 20, 2010

ATLANTA – Governor Sonny Perdue announced today that State Representative Jimmy Pruett, one of the Governor’s House floor leaders, will introduce legislation to improve access to home-based care. Amending the Nurse Practice Act will allow an unlicensed person who is trained by a Registered Nurse (RN) to provide a defined set of skilled services to a specific person, as long as those services are ordered by a physician, dentist or podiatrist for a person who is disabled.

“Right now there are thousands of people in Georgia who could be cared for at home, but under current law their care must be provided by a licensed nurse,” said Governor Perdue. “This amendment to the Nurse Practice Act would open the door to allow people to remain at home and in their community. This will make healthcare more convenient, more affordable and more accessible to Georgians with disabilities.”

Under current law, no skilled service can receive reimbursement unless the caregiver is a licensed health care provider. Expanding the pool of caregivers will make community care more affordable for both Medicaid and private payers. The training must be for a specific individual and does not allow the unlicensed person to serve others without separate, specific training. The changes to the Nurse Practice Act have also been approved by the Georgia Board of Nursing.

“This bill will increase choice for Georgia’s elderly and disabled,” said Rep. Pruett. “It will help many people stay in their community, rather than go to an institutional setting.”

“This legislation will give families more options to potentially expand services they receive based on their own choices,” said Frank Shelp, M.D., Commissioner of the Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities.

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Perdue Makes Announcement of a Nominating Committee for Child Advocate

STATE OF GEORGIA
OFFICE OF THE GOVERNOR

Sonny Perdue, GOVERNOR

For Immediate Release
Tuesday, January 5, 2010

Contact: Office of Communications

(404) 651-7774

Governor Perdue Announces Nominating Committee for Child Advocate

ATLANTA -- Governor Sonny Perdue announced today the formation of the Nominating Committee for Georgia’s Child Advocate. Georgia code requires the appointment of a nominating committee to recommend at least three candidates to serve as advocate. The position is open due to the resignation of current advocate Tom Rawlings, who will serve as the director of the International Justice Mission in Guatemala.

State law requires the nominating committee to review applicants for the position and recommend at least three candidates to the Governor for consideration.

The committee will consist of Tommy Hills, Mary Eleanor Wickersham and Josh Belinfante.

A copy of the Executive Order follows, as well as short biographies of each committee member.

Whereas: O.C.G.A. § 15-11-172(b) provides that the Child Advocate shall serve terms of three years; and

Whereas: The Office of Child Advocate has become vacant; and

Whereas: O.C.G.A. § 15-11-172(a) requires the appointment of a nominating committee to consider nominees for the position of the advocate and that such nominating committee recommend at least three candidates to serve as advocate.

Now, Therefore, By Virtue of the Authority Vested In Me As Governor of the State of Georgia, It Is Hereby

Ordered: That a nominating committee of Tommy Hills, Mary Eleanor Wickersham, and Josh Belinfante be formed to consider nominees for the position of advocate as required by O.C.G.A. § 15-11-172. The nominating committee shall recommend for consideration at least three persons with knowledge of the child welfare system, the juvenile justice system, and the legal system that are qualified by training and experience to perform the duties of advocate as provided for in O.C.G.A. § 15-11-173.

This 5th day of January, 2010.

Biographies

Tommy Hills – Hills serves as the Chief Financial Officer for the State of Georgia. From 1965-2001, Hills had a long and distinguished career at Wachovia Bank, N.A. In his final position at Wachovia, Hills served as the bank’s Executive Vice President and Atlanta City President. From 2002 to present, Hills served as Vice President, Chief Administrative Officer and Campaign Director for Coxe, Curry & Associates. His extensive civic and community involvement has included the Atlanta Historical Society, Georgia Council on Economic Education, YWCA of Greater Atlanta, Atlanta Business Community Development Corporation, Leadership Atlanta, Metro Atlanta Chamber of Commerce and Atlanta Convention & Visitors Bureau. His professional memberships include the State Bar of Georgia, American Bankers Association Alumni Council and the Rotary Club of Atlanta. He is a graduate of Emory University’s undergraduate and law schools.

Mary Eleanor Wickersham – Mary Eleanor Wickersham serves as Health and Human Services Policy Advisor to Governor Perdue. She has 25 years of experience in health care, including working in the private sector in home and community services, acute care, and long-term care, as well as health care consulting. She holds a B.A. from Emory University, a Master’s in Public Affairs from Georgia College and State University, and a certificate in Clinical Health Care Ethics from St. Louis University, and will complete her Doctorate in Public Administration with an emphasis in public policy at Valdosta State University in May 2010. A native of Sandersville, she and her husband, David, have two adult children and two grandchildren.

Josh Belinfante – Belinfante joined RobbinsLaw LLC in 2009. Previously, he served as the Executive Counsel to Governor Perdue, the chief legal advisor to the Governor. Belinfante earlier served as the Legal Counsel to the Georgia House of Representatives Committee on the Judiciary, where he participated in, among other legislative matters, the revamping of Georgia’s eminent domain laws. He received a law degree from the University of Georgia Law School. Belinfante serves on the board of MCG Health, Inc., is President-Elect of the Pace Academy Alumni Association; and serves on the boards of the Atlanta Chapter of the Federalist Society, the Jewish National Fund, and Republican Leadership of Georgia.

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Governor Appoints Brian Kemp Secretary of State

STATE OF GEORGIA
OFFICE OF THE GOVERNOR

Sonny Perdue
GOVERNOR

Contact: Office of Communications
(404) 651-7774

For Immediate Release
Monday, January 4, 2010

ATLANTA – Governor Sonny Perdue today announced that he is appointing former State Senator Brian Kemp as Secretary of State. Kemp, who served in the state senate from 2002 to 2006, is a current candidate for Secretary of State. He will serve out the remainder of the current term through the end of 2010. He will also continue his campaign this year and run for the full four-year term which begins in 2011.

“I have known Brian for several years, and he has shown a strong dedication and commitment to public service,” said Governor Perdue. “His leadership abilities and integrity will be a great asset to Georgia and the Secretary of State’s office.”

“I greatly appreciate the Governor’s confidence and am honored to serve the people of Georgia in this vital office,” Kemp said. “I will continue the honorable tradition of leadership demonstrated by Karen Handel, Cathy Cox, Lewis Massey, and others before them. I am eager to get started and deliver for the people of Georgia.”

Former Secretary of State Karen Handel stepped down last week to focus full time on her gubernatorial bid.

Kemp is a small business owner, specializing in real estate investments and property management, and serves on the board of St. Mary’s Hospital in Athens. In the state senate, Kemp served as Chair of the Public Safety and Homeland Security Committee, Vice-chair of the Higher Education Committee, Secretary of the Agriculture and Consumer Affairs Committee, and on the Appropriations Committee.

Kemp is married to the former Marty Argo. They have three daughters and live in Athens where they are active members of the Emmanuel Episcopal Church. He is a graduate of the University of Georgia.

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Statement of Governor Sonny Perdue Regarding the Senate Health Care Bill

STATE OF GEORGIA
OFFICE OF THE GOVERNOR

Sonny Perdue

GOVERNOR

For Immediate Release Contacts: Office of Communications
Monday, December 21, 2009 (404) 651-7774

Statement of Governor Sonny Perdue Regarding the Senate
Health Care Bill

ATLANTA – Governor Sonny Perdue issued the following statement today regarding the latest version of the U.S. Senate’s health care reform legislation.

“I am utterly dismayed and disappointed by the vote buying that has occurred in the United States Senate in order to pass a measure that most citizens are against. If this reform was truly the right policy for our country, we wouldn’t see waffling Senators lining up like game show contestants hoping to win today’s jackpot of a special deal from Harry Reid. This bill places an unsustainable burden on the backs of Georgia’s taxpayers, and will lead to either higher state taxes or massive cuts to basic state services in years to come. I join Governors from around the country of both parties in asking our Representatives and Senators to listen to the public outrage against this bill and stop this mistake before it occurs.”

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Georgia Has New Olmstead Coordinator

Perdue names Janes as Olmstead coordinator-Submitted by the governor's office

News Release
Governor's Office
December 4, 2009

ATLANTA – Governor Sonny Perdue announced today that he has appointed William Janes to be the state’s Olmstead Coordinator, who will develop and implement the state’s Olmstead Plan to improve services to those with mental and developmental disabilities.“Bill will be a key asset as we continue to transform our mental health and developmental disabilities system,” said Governor Sonny Perdue. “He understands the importance of serving this community and how to do it best.”Under the Olmstead Strategic Plan, Georgia has worked for years to make quality community services more available to those with mental and developmental disabilities. The Olmstead Plan was created after a 1999 U.S. Supreme Court ruling that interpreted the Americans with Disabilities Act to mean that states must provide appropriate services for the disabled in the most integrated setting possible.Most recently, Janes served as the Director of Florida’s Office of Drug Control and as Assistant Secretary of Substance Abuse and Mental Health in Florida’s Department of Children and Families making him responsible for a $1 billion budget. Other experience includes work as the Executive Director of the Drug Abuse Comprehensive Coordinating Office. Prior to his work as a civilian, Janes served as a Colonel in the United States Army and directed the Army’s School of Advanced Military Studies.Janes graduated with a B.A. from Ohio State University. He has Master’s Degrees from Ohio State, McNeese State and the U.S. Command and General Staff College. He has been married to his wife, Debbie, for 41 years. They have two children and three grandchildren. The Janes currently reside in Columbus, Georgia.

http://www.northwestgeorgia.com/statenews/local_story_338145542.html

Associated Press content © 2009. All rights reserved.

Georgia Gov. Perdue Makes Executive Appointments to the Board of Behavioral Health and Develomental Disabilities

Submitted by the Governor's Office
Published: July 31, 2009 05:34 pm

ATLANTA – Gov. Sonny Perdue announces the following executive appointments to the Board of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities:

• Mary Burns, M.D., 46, Atlanta – Burns is engaged in private practice and serves as a clinical assistant professor of psychiatry at Emory University. She is a member of the American Psychiatric Association, Georgia Psychiatric Physicians Association and Atlanta Women’s Medical Alliance. She served as chairman of the Board of Human Resources and as a member of the Mental Health Ombudsman Nominating Committee. Burns earned a bachelor’s degree from the University of the South and a medical degree from the Mercer University School of Medicine. She completed her residency in psychiatry at Duke University and a fellowship in child psychiatry at Harvard University School of Medicine. She and her husband, Eric, have two children.
• Don Cole, 55, Cordele- Cole is president and chief executive officer of RTT Associates, Inc., a management and information technology consulting firm. He has also served as pastor of Southern Baptist Churches in Georgia and in the former Panama Canal Zone. Cole serves on the Board of Directors of the Cordele/Crisp Chamber of Commerce and served on the Georgia Board of Human Resources from 2003 to 2008 as secretary and chairman of the Division of Family and Children Services Committee. Cole received the Annette Bowling Advocacy Award from the South Georgia Easter Seals in 2004 and the National Easter Seals Outstanding Advocate of the Year Award in 2006 for his work to add 3,000 waiver slots to provide critical services for Georgians with developmental disabilities. Cole earned a bachelor’s degree and a master’s degree from Georgia and a Master of Divinity Degree from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. He and his wife Leslie, have one son.
• Justin D. Neal, 29, Roswell – Justin is a financial advisor at Northwestern Mutual Financial Network. He serves as a board member for TeenPact Leadership School and as a college unit director for Northwestern Mutual’s internship program in Atlanta. He also volunteers as a speech and debate coach for high school students and previously served on the Board of Human Resources. Justin graduated summa cum laude from Berry College with a bachelor’s degree in Economics. He is married to Lindsey Neal.
• Deirdre K. O’Brien, 48, Waycross – O’Brien is executive director of The Arc of Georgia and is also a licensed nurse practitioner. She is a member of the American Association on Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities and the Olmstead Planning Committee and volunteers with Habitat for Humanity and Kiwanis. O’Brien earned a bachelor’s degree from Dalhousie University and a master’s degree from the University of Alabama at Birmingham. She and her husband, Randall, have two children.
• Susan K. Radovich, 66, Statesboro – Radovich is a retired guidance counselor. She is a member of the Friends of Statesboro, Bulloch County Library Board, and the “Sprig-n-Dig” garden club. She has served as a member of the Pineland Community Service Board for ten years and most recently served as chairman. Radovich earned a bachelor’s degree and a master’s degree from Indiana University, and Master Level School Counseling Certificate from Georgia Southern University. She and her husband, Frank, have two children.

Published by The Daily Citizen, 308 South Thornton Avenue, Dalton, GA 30720

Publisher: William H. Bronson III

Email: williambronson@daltoncitizen.com

The Governor's Budget Address

Governor Perdue delivered his State of the State Address yesterday. Included in this address was his budget proposals for amended budget for Fiscal Year 2009 and his full budget for Fiscal Year 2010.

His speech can be found at on his website. Some highlights include:

The Governor thanked the legislature for working with his administration to help replenish the Rainy Day Fund, which now stands at $1.2 billion. In these budgets, Governor Perdue recommended using the maximum amount available for appropriation from the reserves, appropriating $187 million for the education midyear adjustment, $50 million in 2009 and $408 million in 2010. In 2009, a number of one-time strategies unavailable in 2010 will be implemented to balance the budget. Therefore, Governor Perdue recommended the largest portion of available reserve funds be committed to the 2010 budget.

Governor Perdue also outlined a proposal to restructure the Department of Human Resources. Currently, $3.8 billion is spent within DHR every year. The plan calls for the creation of a new Department of Behavioral Health which will include all mental health and addictive disease programs. The bill also establishes a Department of Health, a combination of the public health and oversight programs in DHR and the current functions of DHR. Remaining social services, such as Developmental Disabilities, Aging, DFCS and Child Support, will come together under a reconstituted Department of Human Services.

Governor Perdue will also introduce legislation to ask those who receive Medicaid payments to help fund the system. This proposal takes advantage of the fact that every dollar used toward Medicaid purposes draws down almost two additional dollars from the federal government. The budget will reflect, and an accompanying bill will propose, a 1.6 percent fee on hospitals and health insurance plans to, not only fill the hole in Medicaid, but also to do what the healthcare community has asked of Governor Perdue’s administration. This proposal will significantly raise Medicaid rates, particularly for hospitals; and in conjunction with the SuperSpeeder legislation, provide $60 million for trauma to sustain and expand the state’s trauma hospitals, EMS and trauma physician infrastructure.

Video of the Governor's Speech can be found here.

To see an update on the budget, go to http://www.unlockthewaitinglists.com/

Governor Perdue Cuts Revenue Estimates

Governor Sonny Perdue announced today that net revenue collections for the month of February 2008 (FY08) totaled $965,846,000 compared to $961,225,000 for February 2007 (FY07), an increase of only 0.5 percent. The percentage increase year-to-date for FY08 compared to FY07 is 1.9 percent.

Governor Perdue met with the leadership of both the House and Senate to discuss the revenue figures and his revised budget recommendations this morning.

For FY08, Governor Perdue is reducing the revenue estimate by $65 million from his original proposal. The original AFY08 recommendation was $332.6 million. In order to achieve a balanced budget, Governor Perdue identified an equivalent amount of spending to eliminate from his AFY08 recommendation. The reductions recommended include $40 million originally allocated for one-time equipment and technology infrastructure upgrades and $25 million in funding for school buses.

“All of these programs are worthy of funding and provide good value to the citizens, but we have to make difficult decisions on how to spend our limited resources,” said Governor Sonny Perdue. “I have proposed reducing funding across state agencies, even reducing programs that I have championed, because everyone and every program must share our collective burden.”

The Governor has made recomendations to cut the proposed 150 ICWP slots and the MRWP services in the FY09 budget.

The impact of the Governor's cut in revenue projections is yet to be fully understood. It will depend even more so on your advocacy for Unlocking Georgia's waiting lists for supports for people with disabilities is as important as ever.

For FY09, Governor Perdue reduced the revenue estimate by $245 million. The original FY09 recommendation was $21.425 billion. The equivalent reduction in spending recommended by Governor Perdue would be derived from programs across state agencies.

Other spending reductions Governor Perdue recommended are:

• Eliminating $16.9 million for funding the Governor’s Health Insurance Partnership.


• Reducing $47.2 million in Major Repairs and Renovations (MRR) for the University System of Georgia and the Department of Technical and Adult Education. These projects would instead be funded through a bond package.


• Reducing the proposed raise for state employees, teachers and faculty at the Board of Regents and the Department of Technical and Adult Education from 2.5 percent to 2 percent. This would save $46.1 million.


• Reducing $44.1 million in additional funds into the Other Post Employee Benefits (OPEB) fund.


• Reducing $5.5 million in the Governor’s Very Important Parent (VIP) Recruiter Program from the original $14 million proposal.

In addition to the recommended reductions, Governor Perdue has asked agency heads to maximize savings by avoiding unnecessary travel, restricting hiring for non-critical positions and any other reductions identified by agencies. The Governor is also encouraging each agency head to enact strict approval processes for new expenditures, and has asked the Office of Planning & Budget to closely monitor budgets. These limitations on discretionary spending are intended to mitigate the potential impact of reductions in revenue collections for Fiscal Year 2008.

Governor Perdue Creates Commission on Restructuring the Department of Human Resources

Monday, February 4, 2008
Contact: Office of Communications 404-651-7774
Committee to make recommendations to the Governor and General Assembly by July 2008

Governor Sonny Perdue signed an executive order today creating a commission that will make recommendations on restructuring the Georgia Department of Human Resources (DHR). The commission will make its recommendations in a report to the Governor and the General Assembly by July 2, 2008.

“We must ensure that we are not just getting the best possible value for our investment in DHR – but that we are also providing the best possible service for the people of Georgia,” said Governor Sonny Perdue. “That’s why today I have signed an executive order creating a commission to make recommendations on restructuring DHR, to make sure Georgians receive the most efficient service at the least cost to taxpayers.”

The commission will recommend a plan to restructure DHR. Such a recommendation may include combining, consolidating or separating divisions within DHR as well as the Department of Community Health (DCH) and the State Personnel Administration (SPA).

For the complete Press Release, please click here

Governor Perdue Announces Passing of Former House Speaker Tom Murphy

STATE OF GEORGIA
OFFICE OF THE GOVERNOR
December 17, 2007

ATLANTA – Today Governor Sonny Perdue confirmed the passing of former Speaker of the Georgia House of Representatives Tom Murphy. Speaker Murphy passed away at approximately 10 p.m. on Monday, December 17, 2007. Governor Perdue issued the following statement:

"For more than a quarter-century, Speaker Murphy was a dominant figure in Georgia politics. As a public servant, he always fought for the children of Georgia, our veterans and the disabled. When he rose to speak, people listened, even if they disagreed with his politics. And when he said he was going to act, he kept his word. Speaker Murphy’s spirit will forever be part of the General Assembly and his love for our state should serve as an example to us all. Mary and I are deeply saddened by the loss of Speaker Murphy. His family and friends will remain in our thoughts and prayers."

Further details on official state ceremonies will be forthcoming. Governor Perdue has ordered flags on state buildings and grounds lowered to half-staff until sunset on the day of Speaker Murphy’s funeral.

Thomas B. Murphy of Bremen was the 69th Speaker of the Georgia House of Representatives. In January 2003, he ended his twenty-ninth year as presiding officer of the House. Born March 10, 1924, in Haralson County, Murphy graduated from Bremen High School. He received his undergraduate degree from North Georgia College (1943) and his law degree from the University of Georgia (1949).

A Navy veteran, Murphy saw combat in action in the Pacific theater during World War II. He was first elected to the House in 1961, serving as Speaker Pro Tempore from 1971-1973. Murphy was elected Speaker for the first time January 14, 1974, and was reelected Speaker on the first day of each two-year session until 2003. Murphy served as Speaker longer than anyone else in Georgia history, and at the end of his tenure, he was the longest tenured Speaker in the United States.

Governor Perdue Announces November Revenue Figures

Sonny Perdue
GOVERNOR
For Immediate Release
Friday, December 7, 2007
DOR, (404) 417-2106

Contact:
Charles Willey,
Office of Communications,
(404) 651-7774

Governor Perdue Announces November Revenue Figures

ATLANTA – Governor Sonny Perdue announced today that net revenue collections for the month of November 2007 (FY08) totaled $ 1,409,595,000 compared to $1,278,362,000 for November 2006 (FY07), an increase of $ 131,233,000 or 10.3 percent.

The percentage increase year-to-date for FY08 compared to FY07 is 5.4 percent.

Click for the Associated Documents:
Press release in MS Word format
Revenue collections in PDF format

Press Release: Governor Perdue Announces June Revenue Figures

Governor Sonny Perdue announced today that net revenue collections for the month of June 2007 (FY07) totaled $1,681,040,000 compared to $ 1,570,584,000 for June 2006 (FY06), an increase of $ 110,456,000 or 7.0 percent.

The percentage increase for FY07 compared to FY06 is 7.5 percent.

Click to see the details:

GEORGIA DEPARTMENT OF REVENUE
Comparative Net Revenue Collections

Governor Perdue Announces May Revenue Figures

Governor Sonny Perdue announced today that net revenue collections for the month of May 2007 (FY07) totaled $2,140,232,000 compared to $ 1,673,929,000 for May 2006 (FY06), an increase of $ 466,303,000 or 27.9 percent.

The percentage increase year-to-date for FY07 compared to FY06 is 7.6 percent.

Click to see the details:

GEORGIA DEPARTMENT OF REVENUE
Comparative Net Revenue Collections

Governor Perdue disregards FY08 budget language and vetoes SR 363 and HB 549

Yesterday, Governor Perdue signed the FY08 budget that included funding to unlock the waiting lists for supports for 1,546 unduplicated persons with disabilities. However, he took exception to the language introduced by the Senate to ensure that at least 1,546 people are served with this money. We had questions about the average costs the Senate used to develop this language and after voicing this concern to the Senate and House leadership, decided to leave it to their judgment. In conference committee, they decided to include the Senate language without additional dollars. The Governor's reaction is below...

Non-Binding Purpose Language to Disregard
Section 27, pertaining to the Department of Human Resources, page 128 and 134, items 180.7, 180.8, and 187.6:
The General Assembly seeks to instruct the Department as to the net increase in the unduplicated count of recipients in the Mental Retardation Waiver Program in the Adult Development Disabilities Service program and the Child and Adolescent Development Disabilities program. Although this language is for information purposes only, it gives the appearance of meeting additional needs without the necessary funds being appropriated. Therefore, this language is stricken due to lack of adequate funding and the attempt to dictate a matter within the general law powers of the Department.

The Governor also vetoed two bills that are relevant to disability issues. The first, SR363, would create a commission to study Mental Health and Disability issues in a commission. He vetoed this bill so that he could create a commission with a broader scope under a executive order. The second is a bill that would have tried to reduce the paperwork related to requirements for basic therapy services for children with disabilities. We felt that this was a good bill and are disappointed to see it vetoed.

SR 363 establishes a commission to study and offer recommendations on the delivery of mental health services. The Commission includes members from the legislative and judicial branches and citizen members. Because any changes would be implemented by the executive branch, appropriate representation from the executive branch should be included for an effective study. For this reason, I will sign an executive order calling for a commission, including those persons described in SR 363 and representatives of the executive branch, to review the matters addressed in SR 363. Because my executive order will provide a more inclusive process, I VETO SR 363.

HB 549 seeks to amend prior authorization requirements for recipients of Medicaid funded services. The proposed changes inadvertently conflict with federal mandates on Medicaid services. Specifically, HB 549 would restrict the State’s ability to conduct appropriate prior authorization review as required by federal regulations (CFR 433.15(b)(7)). Federal regulators have also indicated an objection to the establishment of different standards for recipients based on a general categorization of their condition rather than based on an individual’s specific medical needs and likely rehabilitation and recovery (CFR 440.240). For these reasons, federal approval of the changes mandated by HB 549 is not expected. The timeliness of these services, particularly to this constituency is important. I am, therefore, directing the Department of Community Health to continue its efforts to provide for a more streamlined preauthorization process so as not to unduly burden the practitioners and patients this bill seeks to assist. I therefore VETO HB 549.

Governor Perdue Announces March Revenue Figures

Revenues look good for this year, but we are still waiting to see how they resolve the supplemental budget. There is some concern that the FY08 budget will not be completed by end of session. They may try to come back in May or June to finish the "Big Budget".

ATLANTA – Governor Sonny Perdue announced today that net revenue collections for the month of March 2007 (FY07) totaled $1,174,222,000 compared to $1,200,704,000 for March 2006 (FY06), a decrease of $26,482,000 or 2.2 percent. The percentage increase year-to-date for FY07 compared to FY06 is 5.8 percent.

Governor Perdue Announces February Revenue Figures

ATLANTA – Governor Sonny Perdue announced today that net revenue collections for the month of February 2007 (FY07) totaled $961,225,000 compared to $886,113,000 for February 2006 (FY06), an increase of $75,112,000 or 8.5 percent.

The percentage increase year-to-date for FY07 compared to FY06 is 6.7 percent.

PeachCare Roundup

Governor Perdue, 12 Fellow Governors Send Letters to Congressional ...
Duluth Weekly - Duluth,GA,USA"PeachCare is a successful program that ensures Georgia's children have health care coverage," Governor Perdue said. "In March, we will be forced to suspend ...

Advocates: Don't cut off PeachCare enrollment
Savannah Morning News - Savannah,GA,USA... be confronted with some very hard choices," said Sen. Greg Goggans, the Douglas Republican who chaired the panel, in a statement released by Cagle's office.

Governors Worry Over Money for Child Health Program
New York Times - New York,NY,USABut the budget office said 40 percent of the new spending would be offset by savings elsewhere — specifically, in Medicaid. ...

The following is from a press release sent out by the Governor's office yesterday...

WASHINGTON, DC – In Washington D.C. for the National Governors Association Winter Meeting, Governor Sonny Perdue urged Congress to act quickly in funding the State Children’s Health Insurance Program (S-CHIP) at a press conference today. Governor Perdue was joined at the press conference by seven of his fellow governors.

"PeachCare is a successful program that ensures Georgia's children have health care coverage,” Governor Perdue said. “In March, we will be forced to suspend all new enrollment, which is not an action we want to take. We want every child eligible for PeachCare to have it available to them, but for this to happen we need immediate Congressional action.”
Today’s press conference follows a letter that Governor Perdue and 12 other governors sent to Congressional leaders on Friday. In addition to Governor Perdue, the letter was signed by the governors of Alaska, Illinois, Iowa, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Mississippi, Nebraska, Rhode Island, South Dakota, and Wisconsin. The letter was addressed to Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi, Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, House Minority Leader John Boehner, Senate Finance Chairman Max Baucus, Senate Finance Ranking Member Charles Grassley, House Committee on Energy and Commerce Chairman John Dingell, and House Committee on Energy and Commerce Ranking Member Joe Barton.

“We request that you consider covering current year shortfalls at the earliest possible opportunity, whether as stand alone legislation or in the emergency supplemental appropriations bill,” the letter states. “Our states stand ready to be partners in this program and meet the state portions of the funding, but the clock is ticking. We need Congressional assistance quickly to strengthen and preserve this successful program.”
In the letter, the 13 governors requested that Congress address the looming Fiscal Year 2007 federal funding shortfall for the State Children’s Health Insurance Program (S-CHIP). The governors noted that S-CHIP’s bipartisan approach to children’s health insurance is a national success, but the program’s formula has resulted in funding shortfalls for the states putting children’s insurance at stake. Noting this, they urged Congress to cover current year shortfalls as quickly as possible either in stand alone legislation or in the emergency supplemental appropriations bill.

The text of the letter follows:

February 23, 2007

We are writing today to request your assistance in addressing the looming Fiscal Year 2007 federal funding shortfall for State Children’s Health Insurance Program (S-CHIP). Unless Congress acts expeditiously, health insurance for some of our states’ most vulnerable citizens is in jeopardy.

As you know, Congress created S-CHIP in 1997 as a bipartisan approach to address the growing number of children without health insurance in America. The stated goal of the program was to provide insurance to five million low-income children within ten years. With more than 6.1 million children receiving benefits, S-CHIP has met that goal and is widely considered a national success.

Despite this success, S-CHIP is governed by a flawed and counterproductive distribution formula that penalizes the states successfully implementing the mission of the program. According to the Congressional Research Service, forty states now have expenditures greater than their federal S-CHIP allotment per year and at least fourteen states are facing federal matching shortfalls for FY 2007. Without quick Congressional action, our states, all facing federal shortfalls, will be forced to make harsh decisions affecting the lives of thousands of families.

With states facing federal matching shortfalls as early as March, S-CHIP funding has reached critical status in many of our states. We request that you consider covering current year shortfalls at the earliest possible opportunity, whether as stand alone legislation or in the emergency supplemental appropriations bill. Our states stand ready to be partners in this program and meet the state portions of the funding, but the clock is ticking. We need Congressional assistance quickly to strengthen and preserve this successful program.

Thank you for your time and assistance in this important matter.

Georgia Revenue collection 6.5% increase for the year

The Unlock the Waiting List Campaign is focused on the lack of supports families and individuals with disabilities have to live in the community. As you know, there are thousands of individuals waiting for this help, and while we are advocating for the system that supports these individuals to be as efficient as possible, this new help will need new money. Georgia recieves this money from you - they come from taxes that you an others pay, as well as corporation and businesses. For these reasons, we watch Georgia's revenue figure, hoping to see good economic news. Friday's press release from the Governor's office:

ATLANTA – Governor Sonny Perdue announced today that net revenue collections for the month of January 2007 (FY07) totaled $1,978,077,000 compared to $1,795,724,000 for January 2006 (FY06), an increase of $182,353,000 or 10.2 percent. The percentage increase year-to-date for FY07 compared to FY06 is 6.5 percent.

Good news...

New DHR Board member from Wrightsville

Governor Sonny Perdue announced today the following executive appointments for the Board of Human Resources.

Jean R. Sumner, M.D., 54, Wrightsville, 12th Congressional District – Sumner is a physician in private practice at Washington County Internal Medicine where she has an emphasis on geriatrics and long term care. She is a member of the Composite State Board of Medical Examiners, the State Medical Education Board, the American College of Physicians, the Georgia Geriatrics Society, and is chairman of the Johnson County Board of Health. She served as president of the East Georgia Medical Society and the Georgia Medical Directors Association. Sumner earned a bachelor’s degree and a master’s degree in nursing from the Medical College of Georgia and earned a medical degree from the Mercer University School of Medicine. She and her husband, Joe, have two grown children.

Governor Perdue Reaffirms Call for Tax Cut on Retirement Income

ATLANTA – Governor Sonny Perdue announced today that his 2007 legislative package will include eliminating state income tax on retirement income, a promise he made to Georgians while on the campaign trail this fall.

“I’m proud of the fact that we ran on a platform limited to promises that we could keep and that would have a positive impact on our economy for the future,” Governor Perdue said to attendees at today’s annual state Economic Outlook Luncheon. “We will keep our promise to eliminate taxes on senior citizens. This will prove to be a positive factor in Georgia’s long-term vitality.”

The tax cut will completely eliminate state income tax on retirement income, such as pensions or certain interest income, for Georgians 65 and older. This $142 million a year in tax relief will add to the more than $2 billion in tax relief that Governor Perdue has delivered since taking office in 2003.

Because of Governor Perdue’s tax relief, Georgia taxpayers currently have one of the lowest state tax burdens in the nation. Based on 2005 data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau, Georgia has the 9th lowest per capita tax burden of any state in the nation – an improvement from 13th when Governor Perdue took office. This positive business environment has resulted in Georgia having one of the best economic outlooks in the nation.

For Immediate Release Contact: Office of Communications
Wednesday, December 13, 2006
Sonny Perdue
GOVERNOR