Dahlonega-Lumpkin County Chamber of Commerce

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE -- March 6, 2009

Transportation, education & immigration biggest state issues

Most Georgians list transportation, education, and immigration as some of the biggest issues facing our great state.  Last week the House passed legislation addressing each of these important issues.

House Bill 277 - The Georgia 20/20 Statewide Transportation Act - passed from the House to the Senate.  It offers a clear vision for the state’s transportation needs.  This legislation allows Georgians to vote in November 2010 to approve a ten-year, one-percent statewide transportation sales tax that expires at the end of the year 2020.

The 20/20 Act puts accountability and transparency measures in place to ensure the money is used only on approved statewide transportation projects.  This sales tax is forecasted to generate sufficient funds to improve Georgia’s road, rail, bridge, and general aviation infrastructures.  If approved by voters, these changes will reduce traffic congestion and increase economic development throughout the entire state.

On Thursday the Science and Technology Committee, which I chair, heard testimony on the need for science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) students and teachers.  Defense and Homeland Security industries face challenges in filling critical technical jobs. This country is not producing enough graduates trained in STEM fields, which presents a serious risk for national security over the next decade as Baby Boomers retire.

Georgia lacks science and math teachers at all grade levels.  Last year all of our state colleges and universities combined produced only one (1) physics teacher. This demonstrates the significant problem our state faces when trying to attract teachers in high-need areas, and why Georgia has been forced to “import” teachers from other states. The problem must be addressed on the local level, providing educators, administrators, state policy makers, and business and community leaders with the tools they need to motivate students into STEM careers.

We also passed on to the Senate House Bill 280, which seeks to fix this problem by increasing the salaries of math and science teachers in Georgia.  It is my hope that this incentive will encourage more teachers in these critical areas.

For the last several years, Georgia has passed some of the strictest immigration laws in the country.  Despite this, a loophole in our elections laws allowed thousands of illegal immigrants to register to vote.  As a result of this problem, we passed House Bill 45, which requires all people registering to vote to prove their citizenship.  Birth certificates, driver’s licenses, passports, and U.S. naturalization documents are among the numerous types of proof that will be accepted.  This small step is crucial to preventing voter fraud and preserving confidence in the electoral system.

With February data showing a drop of almost $340 million in revenues from last year, Governor Sonny Perdue reduced the revenue estimate for the 2010 fiscal year by $1.6 billion.  This will mean additional cuts in state programs.  I continue to believe that Georgia’s future remains bright, and I will continue to support legislation that reduces taxes and encourages small businesses.  These steps will create an environment for growth that can help those struggling with the economy.

As expected, the Senate made changes to the House passed FY 2009 Amended Budget, so a conference committee is hard at work ironing out the differences.

With respect to the FY 2010 Budget and the Governor's revised revenue estimate, we still hope to have a budget with both school nurses and Nationally Board Certified Teachers in it.

On the local front, I introduced HB 626 which will allow Dawson County Commissioners to raise their hotel/motel tax.  Congratulations to Commission Chairman Mike Berg on being appointed to the Coosa-North Georgia Regional Water Planning Council.

Congratulations also to former Lumpkin County Commission Chairman Steve Gooch on his appointment to the State Board of Technical and Adult Education.  We have the best technical colleges in the southeast, and I look forward to working with Steve to make them even better.

I need to keep hearing from you on issues of concern.  You can meet with me during one of my Saturday morning breakfasts with constituents.  My March 14 breakfast will be at 8 a.m. at the Wagon Wheel Restaurant in Dahlonega.  My March 21 breakfast will be at 8:30 a.m. at Ryan’s Steakhouse at SR 53 and 400 in Dawson County.

During the Session I can be reached at 401 Capitol, Atlanta, Georgia 30334; 404/657-8534; fax 404/463-2044; e-mail This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .  Or you can contact Gerald Lewy, my Communications Director, at 706/344-7788.  He’ll know how to get your message to me.  You can also go to my website www.amosamerson.com to get further information and my committee schedule.  Remember, the secret of good government is a well-informed electorate.

for more information contact:                    
Gerald Lewy                                 
Communications Director
House District 9 – Amerson
471 Cloudland Road
Dahlonega. Georgia 30533
phone/fax: 706/864-4613
e-mail: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it