Matt Ramsey's blog

State budget troubles increase

Tue, 10 Nov 2009 15:22:33 -0500

By REP. MATT RAMSEY and SEN. RONNIE CHANCE

It is hard to believe that it has been more than seven months since the Georgia General Assembly wrapped up the 2009 session. With the 2010 session right around the corner, we thought it would be a good time to provide an update on our state’s budget and economic picture.

General Assembly accomplishments: Teachers, tax relief, trauma care

Tue, 28 Apr 2009 16:11:09 -0400

The General Assembly adjourned for the year on April 3. I have previously written an update on several initiatives that were passed during the last week of the session. However, I wanted to follow up with information on some additional measures that were passed by the General Assembly and are on the Governor’s desk awaiting signature.

Reflections on local TEA parties

Tue, 21 Apr 2009 15:52:16 -0400

By Rep. MATT RAMSEY
and Sen. RONNIE CHANCE

Last week, in Fayette County, we had the privilege of addressing one of the 2,000 tea parties held nationwide to mark “tax day” in America. Every year at this time, Americans are reminded of the outrageous absurdity of a tax code so complex that one must pay an accountant or some other service simply to comply with the law. Yet something is different this year, as Americans from sea to shining sea felt compelled to come together to publicly express their displeasure.

As legislature adjourns, cell phone ban is on ‘5-yard line’

Tue, 07 Apr 2009 16:38:32 -0400

The Georgia General Assembly adjourned the final day of the session on Friday night at 11:59 p.m. It was a hectic final week with several important pieces of legislation getting enacted, while several others were held over to next year. I wanted to give a brief overview about the final week of the session and follow up with a more comprehensive wrap-up in the weeks to come.

Legislative Week 10: Democrats sink taxpayer relief bill

Tue, 31 Mar 2009 16:35:40 -0400

This past week proved to be another busy one for the House of Representatives. We are set to start our last week and the pace of bills and resolutions being considered is brisk. Last week we considered several important bills.

Legislative Week 9: It’s all about the budget

Tue, 24 Mar 2009 16:51:21 -0400

With Crossover Day behind us, the end of a challenging 2009 regular session draws near. The House and Senate have six legislative days remaining before we adjourn on Friday, April 3.

Legislative Week 8: Crossover Day arrives for legislation

Tue, 17 Mar 2009 16:44:53 -0400

One of the busiest days of every legislative session is “Crossover Day.” Crossover Day, the 30th legislative day, is the last day legislation may pass out of its originating chamber to be considered by the other chamber.

Legislative Week 7: Bills target voting, teacher shortages

Tue, 10 Mar 2009 16:35:06 -0400

Last week, the General Assembly convened for days 25, 26 and 27 of the legislative session. We are rapidly approaching Day 30, known as “Cross-Over Day” which is the last day that bills originating from the House and Senate can pass out of their respective bodies and be heard by the other body this session. Last week we considered some important measures on the floor and in committee.

Legislative Week 6: Teen driver cell phone bill progresses

Tue, 03 Mar 2009 16:03:14 -0500

Last week, the legislature convened for legislative days 22, 23 and 24. With the session now well past the halfway point, the legislature is moving at a rapid pace. The House passed several important bills this week, including the mid-year budget adjustment for 2009 and an important education related measure.

Legislative Week 5: Big changes in Ga. transportation laws

Tue, 24 Feb 2009 15:28:57 -0500

This past week, the Georgia General Assembly convened its fifth week of session. Last year, I wrote a great deal about my concern over the way the Georgia Department of Transportation conducts its business. I strongly believe that the DOT, as much as any agency of state government, needs to be reformed in a way that ensures Georgia’s taxpayer dollars are being spent efficiently.

Legislative Week 4: Internet predator legislation advances

Tue, 17 Feb 2009 16:54:02 -0500

Week 4 report: The General Assembly gaveled in last week on Feb. 10 for the 16th legislative day of the 2009 session. The legislature was in session Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday; however, numerous committee hearings were held Monday and Friday.

Legislative Week 3: State revenue collections keep declining

Tue, 10 Feb 2009 16:15:58 -0500

This past week was the third full week the General Assembly was in session, and Friday marked the 15th legislative day out of a Constitutional maximum of 40.

Rep. Ramsey reports on Week 2 of legislature

Tue, 03 Feb 2009 16:03:15 -0500

On Monday, Jan. 26, the Georgia House of Representatives convened for the sixth legislative day after adjourning for the previous week.

Rep. Ramsey: Week 1 of General Assembly

Tue, 27 Jan 2009 16:56:54 -0500

[Two weeks ago] the 2009 Georgia General Assembly was gaveled into session. The first day the entire body was sworn in by the chief justice of the Georgia Supreme Court.

State budget cuts likely to top legislative agenda in January

Tue, 09 Dec 2008 16:35:32 -0500

After a year dominated by difficult and hard-fought elections, January will see a new President, Congress and Georgia General Assembly sworn into office.