WATER AND TAXES WILL DOMINATE THE '08 SESSION
Jon Burns

As the Georgia General Assembly moves quickly toward convening the 2008 legislative session, we are all focused on the important issues of water resources, tax reform, transportation, education, and healthcare. These are certainly some of the most crucial issues facing our state and we are all unified in our desire to address real, viable solutions that will move Georgia forward.

Parts of our state continue to face historic drought conditions, making it extremely crucial that we protect our water resources and plan for our future water needs. The Georgia Water Council has spent over two years drafting a statewide water management plan. The General Assembly is now charged with approving the plan, and I look forward to working with my colleagues in the House as we delve into the details of the Council's recommendations. In addition to the statewide plan, several other pieces of water-related legislation have been introduced. For example, one idea is to give Georgians incentives to conserve water. Speaker Richardson and Lieutenant Governor Cagle are working together on legislation to help local governments fund and build reservoirs so that we can better capture rainfall. We will consider all of these measures, and we will act to protect our water supply and ensure we are able to meet the future needs of our state.

Tax reform is another issue that has dominated newspaper headlines since the legislature adjourned last year. The bottom line is this: our tax system is broken and must be fixed if we are to continue to provide services to our citizens and an education to our children. There are several proposals currently being drafted for consideration during the 2008 legislative session. I am eager to begin working on this issue and I look forward to the opportunity to support true, meaningful tax reform in Georgia.

Transportation is a critical issue for all areas of Georgia. A clear plan that addresses congestion, economic development and safety must be adopted. Streamlining the entire process from project conception to construction will utilize our available funds efficiently. New funding sources, including public-private partnerships, must be considered.

Providing a quality education to every Georgia student is always a concern and a priority for the Georgia General Assembly. During the upcoming legislative session, we will continue to explore the best way to fund our educational system, improve the educational opportunities available to students, and to provide our teachers with the resources they need to excel in their classrooms.

The rising cost and accessibility of healthcare continues to dominate legislative discussions. Over the past few months, state leaders have continued to meet to discuss the future of Grady Hospital and the need across our state for trauma centers to treat the critically injured. Providing healthcare for Georgia's children also continues to be an important issue and I am sure there will be much debate on how best to address our healthcare needs.

The 2008 legislative session promises to be a busy time, and I am eager to continue to make Georgia a better place to live and work. As the session progresses, I will keep you updated on our work and our achievements.

Should you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact me at my Capitol office at (404) 656-0213.