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05-24-10 - Legislative Update |
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Financial Reform Bill Passed by U.S. Senate
The U.S. Senate passed financial reform legislation last Thursday. Georgia Senators Johnny Isakson and Saxby Chambliss both voted against the measure, which won 59-39. As a different version was passed by the House, the bill now goes to conference committee. Click here to view an article that outlines the main differences between the two bills. The Chamber continues to monitor this legislation as there are concerns regarding the potential impacts on our members.
Governor Signs Work Ready Bill
Governor Perdue signed HB 1195 on Thursday, ensuring that the Georgia Work Ready program will continue once he leaves office. The program, which was originally created by Executive Order and in partnership with the Georgia Chamber, provides job certification and training assistance in communities throughout the state. More than 136,000 Georgians have been certified to date. For more information, visit www.gaworkready.org.
Georgia Unemployment Rate Declines Slightly
For the third month in a row, Georgia's unemployment rate has improved. The April rate declined by one-tenth of a percent to 10.4%, and the number of jobs improved by 26,900, according to the Georgia Department of Labor. While the jobless rate is improving, the number of long-term unemployed in our state - 215,000 - is over 150% more than this time last year.
School Superintendant Resigns Post
Georgia State School Superintendent Kathy Cox announced last week that she will resign her post effective June 30 to run a Washington, D.C.-based nonprofit education organization. Governor Perdue is expected to appoint a replacement for Cox, who was up for re-election this year.
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Governmental Affairs 
