Georgia lawmakers are expected to take up the state budget, an expanded Supreme Court, stun guns on college campuses and a flurry of other bills during a hectic few days before the legislative session ends later this week.
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The House’s proposal to lift restrictions on postsecondary bonding projects did not make the Senate’s budget, which includes a recommendation to issue 25 percent of higher education funding on a performance-based model for most universities in fiscal year 2018. Because the bill was not changed, it now heads to Republican Gov. Matt Bevin’s desk for his signature.
“This budget, in terms of its impact on higher education, will take us back to 1998 and will seriously impact the University of Kentucky and the City of Lexington in terms of its ability to provide quality education”, he said.
– Senate Bill 253 would create a pilot program to allow the Fayette and Jefferson county school districts to create charter schools committed to “at-risk” students and located in areas where those students reside.
With Bevin’s blessing, the House Judiciary Committee unanimously approved a bill Wednesday calling for a single marriage license, in contrast to a proposal approved by the Republican-led Senate that called for separate forms for gay and straight couples.
Holcomb, an Atlanta Democrat, is using a legislative maneuver that still allows the full Senate to send the bill to Gov. Nathan Deal.
Stumbo said lawmakers had discussed “taking a second look at the judicial budget”. The executive order was an attempt to protect the religious beliefs of Davis and other local elected officials.
It’s very likely that senate leadership and house leadership are headed toward a conference committee, where they’ll try and hash out the differences to come up with a budget for the next two years.
Republican Senate President Robert Stivers said the House bill goes too far. “I have enough to worry about as it is”, opponent Carol Allen said. Supporters say it could lower the number of abortions in Georgia because women could get free supplies and some medical care during their pregnancies. Deal can then accept, reject or revise it.
“On behalf of the John Mackey family … and Jessamine County, we thank everyone here in this body today”, said Meyer.
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Shortly before he left office this year, former Kentucky governor Steve Beshear restored voting rights for over 180,000 non-violent ex-felons by issuing a blanket pardon for former criminals who had completed their sentences.
