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January 14, 2002 For more information contact: 404-817-6133 404-817-6247 404-817-6257 404-817-6170 |
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Greetings from under the Gold Dome! They’re off…Day 1
began this morning when the gavels came down in each chamber. After an evening
of "pulling pig" at the Wild Hog Supper, Legislators seemed to be
ready to tackle the year’s work. However, many expressed reluctance at being
back in Atlanta after having endured two "special" Sessions in 2001.
Nonetheless, a number of meetings have already been scheduled for the next few
days in order to get the work done.
As one would guess, based on reports provided by both the Governor’s Office and the media, the Budget will require a great deal of the Legislature’s time during this Session. This is due in part to the economic downturn and the revenue shortfalls. Rep. Mickey Channell, the Chair of the House Appropriations’ Subcommittee on the Department of Community Health, will host two hearings on Tuesday and Thursday of this week in an effort to get started on his portion of the Budget. Additionally, due to fears of healthcare cuts, it is rumored that Sen. Connie Stokes’ Health and Human Services Committee will hold a hearing on Wednesday in an effort to hear from the Department of Human Resources and Department of Community Health with respect to the budget cuts that each department received and what impact on the services to the persons that these departments serve will be. Next week, the Governor will provide the State-of-the-State address. |
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