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Transportation Funding Dominates This Week’s Legislative Discussions; Adjournment Resolution Set
The House Transportation Subcommittee met on Monday, February 9, to discuss changes to HB 170- the critical transportation infrastructure funding bill. The subcommittee approved changes that included many of ACCG’s recommendations allowing the bill to move to the full committee. Later that evening, the ACCG policy council was briefed on the legislation and voted to support the changes in the current version of HB 170. The bill is still in the early stages of the legislative process, so please keep in mind that it is susceptible to many alterations as it moves through the General Assembly.
As many of ACCG’s members expressed concerns with the changes to HB 170, the association hosted a webinar on Wednesday afternoon to review the changes to the bill with county officials and address their concerns. County officials can review the webinar and access a copy of the PowerPoint presentation used during the webinar here. Please be sure to monitor ACCG’s HB 170 webpage for all resources and updates regarding this significant legislation. There continues to be a good bit of misinformation on HB 170. ACCG has developed a "Top 10 Facts for Counties on HB 170," to explain some of the key points in the current language in HB 170 and to clarify some of the benefits in the bill for counties. The economic development community is also speaking out in favor of HB 170. On Thursday, February 12, Tim Lowe, chairman of the Council for Quality Growth, provided testimony to the House Transportation Committee in favor of HB 170. Further details on the Council's position and testimony can be found here.
In addition to HB 170 moving through the legislative process, HB 202 passed the Ways and Means Committee on Thursday. This is one of ACCG’s priorities for the legislative session. Please review the summary and make sure your tax assessors, superior court clerk and tax commissioner are aware of this legislation.
ACCG members can stay abreast of the critical transportation infrastructure funding legislation by attending the District Days at the Capitol where they have the opportunity to meet with their respective legislative delegations to discuss pertinent issues and receive updates from state leadership such as representatives from the Georgia Department of Transportation. The next District Day will take place on Tuesday, February 25, for districts 4, 6, 7, and 8. Though specific districts are targeted for each day, commissioners are welcome to attend a day that meets the constraints of their schedules. ACCG has provided a list of hotels near the Georgia State Capitol for county officials attending the District Days. Register today as the next District Day is approaching very soon!
According to the adjournment resolution released this week, the 2015 legislative session is expected to end early this spring with legislative day 40 scheduled for April 2. The adjournment resolution detailing the full legislative calendar can be viewed here.
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