Georgia General Assembly Week in Review: Jan. 20th – Jan. 24th

January 24, 2014

Pardon Our Dust

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-January 24th
 
 
This week marks the end of the second week of the 2014 Legislative session, and the session continues moving at a rapid pace.  The expedited process could actually benefit Georgians according to Senator Jesse Stone in his weekly newsletter.  He pointed out that “by finishing just 2 weeks earlier than normal would save taxpayers approximately $200,000.00 by sending part time staffers home”.
This week the House also passed the amended 2014 budget.  The budget included $315 million in new K-12 general education funding and$66 million in new water supply development funds.  State Representative Greg Morris also announced the introduction of House Bill 772, which would require applicants to pass a drug test before receiving assistance from the food stamps. 
 
The Juvenile Justice Reform Act of 2013 (HB 242) has also come into light this week since the act went into effect on January 1, 2014.  This act was intended to improve the lives of young offenders and save Georgia taxpayers money.  This act requires juveniles that commit misdemeanor and more minor crimes to partake in community-based programs.  The rationale is that getting young people volunteering in their community, rather than merely utilizing the current prison system, will improve their chances of turning their lives around.
 
The legislature will reconvene on Monday, January 27th for the 11th legislative day.
 
To read more about the Juvenile Justice Reform Act click here