Category Archives: Newsletters

June 2011 Newsletter

Written on June 24, 2011 by admin in Newsletters

Smart Meters: No Clear Authority for Installation in Georgia

Health hazards to consumers far outweigh conveniences to power companies.
In January, the day after I gave legislators copies of the Federal Energy Act of 2005 and documentation of the dangers posed by smart meters, the director of the smart meter program in Georgia called me at home and insinuated that the PSC authorized smart meter installation. When I asked for a copy of the authorization and minutes of that PSC meeting, he quietly admitted, “Well, technically, we don’t need their permission.”

When I first reported the installation of smart meters in Georgia in the February 4, 2011 issue of Georgia Insight, the project had been under way since 2008, under the radar. In places smart meters were installed, most occupants had no idea their meter had been replaced or that the new one is a two-way radio frequency communication device. They didn’t/don’t know it emits radiation 24 hours a day around the clock, deposits electrical “noise” and high-frequency spikes throughout the wiring and is remotely read every 15 minutes (96 times each 24 hours).

Although the 2005 Federal Energy Act requires utilities to “offer” smart meters to consumers “requesting time-based billing,” we have yet to find a consumer who requested time-based billing or was offered a smart meter or was informed of its hazardous radio frequency radiation.

After running errands April 20, 2010, we accidentally learned that our analog meter was gone. The clue: our digital clocks were blinking. Georgia Power had shut off the electricity to install a smart meter on the outside wall, 14 feet from the location of our bed on the same wall inside.

In September 2010, my husband Robert was diagnosed with skin cancer for the first time in his life. He had surgery. At his first three-months’ check-up, the plastic surgeon found two more spots of skin cancer, which were, subsequently removed, as well. His six-months’ check-up will be in September. Also, both of us experience continual ringing in our ears.

Robert’s monitoring Public Service Commission meetings has been very revealing. Providers of electricity in Georgia had/have no legislative or PSC authority to install smart meters. They had/have no authority to require consumers to have/accept/tolerate smart meters. Georgia Power and EMC could’ve/should’ve upgraded with meters that do not emit radio frequency radiation. The smart meter is still on our home, although we repeatedly ask for its removal.

I know of no location where Georgia Power has complied with requests to remove smart meters. They finished their installations in North Georgia and, with in-your-face determination, are proceeding with the second phase – installing smart meters from Macon to the Florida line.

Three Cheers for Sawnee EMC!

  • Sawnee EMC customers have had good response about the smart meter situation.
  • Sawnee honored a consumer request to remove the smart meter and reinstall the analog.
  • Sawnee honored a request NOT to install a smart meter and left the analog meter in place.

ACTION – (a) Explain to your utility (Georgia Power or an EMC) that the smart meter on your property is a serious health hazard that becomes more hazardous with each one installed in the “mesh Network.” (b) If a smart meter is on your property, ask for its removal. (c) If your meter is an analog, attach a sign, “Do NOT remove my meter.”

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May 2011 Newsletter

Written on June 3, 2011 by admin in Newsletters

Looming: Civil Rights Status
for Sexual Orientation & Gender Identity

H.B. 630 gives civil rights protection to pedophiles, peeping toms, cross-dressers, flashers and those practicing bestiality or necrophilia (sex with corpse). The American Psychiatric Association (APA) lists these and other acts as deviant and abnormal sexual behaviors. They are chargeable offenses under Georgia law, as well.

H.B. 630 Requires Workforce “Balance”
Based on Sexual Orientation & Gender ID

The American Psychiatric Association Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders categorizes many sexual orientations and variant gender identities as deviant and abnormal behaviors. Although homosexuality was dropped from the list in 1974, after activists stormed an APA conference, it will be among almost two dozen sexual orientations and other gender identities that would be elevated to civil rights status in Georgia, if H.B. 630 passes.

Since H.B. 630 proposes a drastic shift in public policy, results of its passage must be carefully examined. Discussions of H.B. 630 must include the following highly relevant facts: (a) Sex and gender are not synonymous terms. (b) Sexual orientation and gender identity fail the three-pronged test used to determine civil rights status. (c) Sexual identity is a biological fact evidenced by the perineum. (d) Gender identity is self-determined and self-assumed.

Representative Karla Drenner introduced H.B. 630 with only three days left in the session, so it would be carried into the 2012 session. Her strategy was to recruit as many co-sponsors as she could before introducing it March 31st with 70 co-sponsors – 58 Democrats and 12 Republicans, who must be unaware of the transformation such a law would enforce on society.

H.B. 630 would classify “sexual orientation” and “gender identity” as civil rights, without defining the terms. So, two broad undefined behavioral groups would get civil rights status and special protection. Affirmative action would give them preference in public employment and offenders could not be charged for actions they could blame on sexual orientation or gender ID.

H.B. 630 would require the state, its counties and municipalities to give employees claiming variant sexual orientations and/or gender identities, all the benefits and special provisions of federal laws concerning civil rights, equal employment, age discrimination, and rehabilitation

Ultimately or immediately, the state, municipalities and counties would be required to hire, fire, train, compensate and promote using affirmative action to achieve workforce “balance” based on variant sexual behaviors and gender identities. Staff in public daycare and public schools – teachers, counselors, substitutes, aides, principals, superintendents, custodians, security guards, cafeteria work – would be “balanced,” according to sexual orientation and gender identity.

ACTION – Ask the following 12 Republican to remove their names as co-sponsors of H.B. 630. Below are their names, towns, capitol phones, local phones and fax numbers if available. 58 Democrats may be contacted later.

Ellis Black, Valdosta, 404 656-0287, 229 251-0303; Sharon Cooper, Marietta, 404 656-5069, 770 951-2841, fax 770 956-9693; Harry Geisinger, Roswell, 404 656-0254, 678 777-6010, fax 770 594-1510; Gerald Greene, Cuthbert, 404 656-0202, 229 732-2750; Ben Harbin, Evans, 404 656-3949, 706 869-1953, fax 706 863-8959; Mike Jacobs, Atlanta, 404 656-0152, 404 441-0583; Alan Powell, Hartwell, 404 656-0202, 706 376-4422; Kip Smith, Columbus, 404 656-0213, 706 315-8532; Richard Smith, Columbus, 404 656-6831, 706 442-3480; Ron Stephens, Savannah, 404 656-5099, 912 966-5665, fax 912 964-9699; Wendell Willard, Sandy Springs, 404 656-5125, 770 481-7100, fax 770 481-7111;
Roger Williams, Dalton, 404 656-3904; 706 278-0390

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April 2011 Newsletter

Written on April 29, 2011 by admin in Newsletters

To be Handled in 2012:
H.B. 630 Civil Rights Status for Sexual Orientation

If homosexual, bisexual and transgender behavior is elevated to a protected class, proponents of bigamy, pedophilia and other sexual practices will clamor for protected status, as well.

H.B. 630, introduced March 31st by Representative Karla Drenner who obtained 70 co-signers before releasing it, was sent to the House Judiciary Committee, to be held for action in 2012.

H.B. 630 would prohibit the consideration of sexual orientation and gender identity in hiring Georgia public employees. Since “public employees” include public education and public day care, affirmative action quotas based on sexual behavior could be required for hiring and firing workers in tax-supported schools and daycare. Georgia laws would be changed as follows:

Code Section 45-19-21 would promote the hiring of public employees in all positions, wherever or however sensitive, regardless of sexual orientation and gender identity.
Code Section 45-19-27 would require the Commission on Equal Opportunity to handle complaints about sexual orientation and gender identity.
Code Section 45-19-29 would render it illegal to consider sexual orientation or gender identity when hiring or firing or determining compensation, terms, conditions, or privileges.
Code Section 45-19-30 would prohibit using sexual orientation or gender identity for hiring apprentices and training or re-training employees.
Code Section 45-19-31 would prohibit printed or published preferences or specifications or limits for employment, if such were based on sexual orientation or gender identity.
Code Section 45-19-33 would prohibit different standards of compensation, terms or conditions of employment based on sexual orientation and gender identity.
Code Section 45-19-35 allows the use of affirmative action to eliminate or reduce imbalance of employees based on sexual orientation and gender identity. “Imbalance” is not defined.
Code Section 45-20-1 assures fair treatment of applicants and employees based on sexual orientation and gender identity. “Fair treatment” is not defined.
Code Section 45-20-4 would prohibit the commissioner of personnel from discriminating on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity.

The practical application of such a law has been demonstrated in Colorado since June 2008, when a bill passed to open “public facilities of any kind whether indoor or outdoor” to anyone, regardless of gender identity or “perception.” To that, Colorado Representative Amy Stephens said, “Lest we think that this is just the ‘bathroom bill,’ I’d like us also to realize that this really is about Christian businesspeople being able to practice their faith through their profession.”

Note: Federal and state constitutions equally protect everyone by “race,” “color,” and “sex.” H.B. 630 would provide special protection for sexual behaviors, although behavior does not meet the protected class criteria – (1) history of longstanding, widespread discrimination, (2) economic disadvantage, and (3) immutable characteristics of race, color, sex and national origin. Those four groups and the fifth – religion – are, specifically, constitutionally protected. Adding “sexual orientation” and “gender identity” would include homosexual males and females, bisexuals and transgenders, whether “trans” is done surgically or by cross-dressing.

ACTION – Oppose. Contact House Judiciary Committee Representatives Willard, Ch., 404 656-5125; Jacobs, V-Ch., 404 656-0152; Allison, Sec., 404 656-0188; Golick, Ex-Officio, 404 656-5943; Bruce, 404 656-0314; Crawford, 404 656-0565; Dobbs, 404 656-7859; Evans, 404 656-6372; Hatfield, 404 656-0109; Lane, 404 656-5087; Lindsey, 404 656-5024; Maddox, 404 656-0152; McKillip, 404 656-0177; Nix, 404 656-0177; Oliver, 404 656-0265; O’Neal, 404 656-5052; Powell, 404 656-7856; Stephenson, 404 656-0126; Welch, 404 656-0109; and Weldon, 404 656-0152.

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April 1st Newsletter

Written on April 18, 2011 by admin in Newsletters

April 11, 12 & 14: Last Three Days of 2011 Session
Georgia Legislators Seek to Protect State’s Constitutional Rights

“The General Assembly considers it a duty of the sovereign State of Georgia to protect for the state and its people the powers reserved to them under the Tenth Amendment. If the federal government should take or threaten any action to penalize or otherwise act against the interests of the state and its people because of any delay authorized under subsection (b) of this Code section, it shall be the duty of the Attorney General to promptly and vigorously litigate in opposition to such federal action on the basis of any applicable Tenth Amendment grounds and on any other relevant and applicable legal grounds.” – S.B. 9

On the morning of March 7, 2011 a release by the Senate Press Office quoted Senate Majority Leader Chip Rogers as follows: “The federal government has repeatedly overstepped its bounds and took powers not provided to it by the Constitution. Today, we’re sending a message to Washington by designating 10th Amendment Day in the Georgia State Senate.” That release listed the following three constitutional rights bills the Senate would consider that day.

S.B. 9 introduced by Senator Mitch Seabaugh January 25th passed the Senate on March 7th, “10th Amendment Day.” If it passes the House, the governor could delay implementation of federal “cap and trade” energy plans until he has proof the plans are in the best interest of Georgians.

Also quoted was Seabaugh’s explanation of S.B. 9: “We cannot allow the federal government to force a one-size fits all system when it comes to mandating programs that will significantly and negatively affect the citizens of Georgia … [S]pecial interests groups stand to make a lot of money from a cap and trade system. We must remain focused on what is best for Georgians through sound science, responsible and open government that is cultivated at the state level.”

ACTION – Support. Contact House Natural Resources & Environment Representatives Lynn Smith, Ch., 404 656-7149; Nix, V-Ch., 404 656-0177; Hanner, Sec., 404 656-7859; Anderson, 404 656-0298; Buckner, 404 656-0116; Coleman, 404 656-9210; Drenner, 404 656-0202; Dutton, 404 656-0188; England, 404 463-2245; Fullerton,404 656-0126; Gardner, 404 656-0265; Geisinger, 404 656-0254; Harden, 404 656-0188; Holmes, 404 656-0177; Lane, 404 656-5087; Long, 404 656-0325; Manning, 404 656-7857; McCall, 404 656-5115; McKillip, 404 656-0177; Meadows, 404 656-5141; Morris, 404 656-5099; Riley, 404 656-0188; Kip Smith, 404 656-0213; Richard Smith, 404 656-6831; Stuckey Benfield, 404 656-7859; Tankersley, 404 656-0287; Thomas, 404 656-0220; and Wilkinson, 404 463-8143.

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Note from the Admin: Due to extenuating circumstances in the last week, I was not able to post the newsletter on time. My apologies for any inconvenience.

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March 25th Newsletter

Written on March 26, 2011 by admin in Newsletters

H.B. 200 – Battleground for Morality

No Penalty for Prostitutes Under Age 18; They Get “Victim” Status Instead
Courtesy of “Sex Worker” Programs
“U.S. Government Funds Youth ‘Sex Work’ Programs,” article by Tyler Ament, February 10, 2011 reports that the U.S. Agency for International Development provides money for the development of “interventions to reduce health risks” of youth in “commercial sex work.” Their goal: change societal norms and public policy, rather than behavior of “sex workers.’”

With seven days left this session, Georgia senators must make a serious decision – whether to preserve U.S.-style morality or conform to global morality. The Senate decision on H.B. 200 will either retain Georgia’s legal standards of moral conduct for teenagers or remove all legal barriers to and penalties for illicit sexual conduct for individuals under age 18.

On March 2nd, representatives in the House voted to pass H.B. 200 with a vote of 168-1, five not voting and six excused. H.B. 200 is a more cleverly written version of last year’s decriminalization of prostitution bill that did not pass. With the March 2nd vote, representatives abdicated their role as protectors of youth. The fact is, powerful politicians persuaded them that all underage persons that make money for illicit sex acts are victims of “sexual servitude” and not accountable for their actions. While some youths are trafficked and forced into various sexually explicit acts, others are not trafficked or forced, but choose that lifestyle. Obviously, Georgia legislators are yielding to the international agenda to redefine prostitution as respectable “sex work” – the current politically correct global label for prostitution.

If H.B. 200 passes without lowering the age of 18 to 13 on page 2, line 62, teens that choose to make money in prostitution, sodomy, solicitation of sodomy, masturbation for hire and/or pornography would, automatically, qualify as “victims.” As victims, they would be eligible for victim compensation funds, in addition to money earned in prostitution or porn. As declared “victims,” they would not be charged with crimes, but would be provided federal and state benefits and services. H.B. 200 is a giant leap toward normalizing illicit sexual activities as normal modes of employment, i.e., respected commercial businesses that should be protected.

If H.B. 200 passes without lowering the age of 18 to 13 on page 2, line 62, teens could perform in strip clubs and pornography – videos, movies and photographs. They could provide masturbation for hire and sodomy/solicitation of sodomy without customary restraint from law enforcement … until age 18. Then, after innocence is lost, lives ruined and bodies riddled with disease, they could be charged and penalized for sexually explicit conduct … much too late!

If H.B. 200 passes without lowering the age of 18 to 13 on page 2, line 62, Georgia will be closer to defining prostitution as “sex work.” Male and female prostitutes would be “sex workers,” who simply choose sexually explicit conduct as an income-generating activity that would soon become an accepted form of employment, as the U.S. conforms to global morality.

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March 11th Newsletter

Written on March 14, 2011 by admin in Health Care, Newsletters

Illegal Students & Patients to be Counted

H.B. 296 introduced by Representative Josh Clark on February 22nd requires the following:

Education. The State Board of Education would collect and maintain citizenship data on K – 12 students and publish it on the state board’s web site no later than January 1st each year. The report would include for each school district (a) the number illegal alien students in elementary and secondary education, (b) the number of illegal alien students who are unable to show proof of citizenship and (c) each school district’s total expenditures for illegal aliens.

By October 1st each year, local school boards would report the number of illegal alien students enrolled in the district, as well as the number who do not provide proof of citizenship.

Health. The Department of Community Health (DOCH) would gather and maintain data on the number of illegal aliens receiving medical treatment, as well as those unable to show proof of citizenship. By October 1st each year, DOCH would collect from any hospital, health care facility, medical or skilled nursing home or other organization providing patient care the types and dates of treatment received by each patient, plus the cost and method of payment.

The DOCH would compile the data, calculate total expenditures, payments and non-payments by hospital and publish it on the department’s web site no later than January 1st of each year.

ACTION – Support. Since this bill has not been assigned to a subcommittee, please contact the House Non Civil Judiciary Committee chairman, as well as the Non Civil Judiciary subcommittee chairmen. They are as follows: Representatives Golick, Ch., 404 656-5943; Sub-Com. Ch. Setzler, 404 656-0177; Sub-Com. Ch. Ramsey 404 656-7146

H.B. 476: Puts Georgia in the Insurance Business, Obama Style

State government would be expanded swiftly, stunningly and perpetually.

Installing a state insurance plan is premature, but, evidently, high level officials have their plan ready in H.B. 476. Meaning, Georgia is “prepared.” So, why act prematurely with a bill that sets the plan in motion July 1st? Why not set aside H.B. 476 and wait to act until the national issue is settled? Then comply with the results. Even if the court decides Obamacare must be implemented, the federal law allows one to two legislative sessions for states to comply.

H.B. 476 passed the House Insurance Committee March 9th and went to the Rules Committee and passed, positioning it for a vote on the House floor. On Friday, March 11th the author, Representative Richard Smith (R), informed this writer that the House floor vote would be on the 30th day of the session, Wednesday March 16th.

After saying he does not like Obamacare any more than I do, Mr. Smith admitted that H.B. 476 puts Georgia in the insurance business compliant with Obamacare. Then, he said we must “be prepared in case Obamacare is upheld in the courts.” I disagreed, explaining that I could not support his bill. He nodded, said he understands and agreed we could talk again.

The Georgia Health Exchange Authority would be established, effective July 1, 2011, and have “perpetual existence,” i.e. continuous uninterrupted succession. Nine appointees would govern it – the Commissioner of Community Health, the Authority Commissioner, plus seven members appointed by the Governor, whose designee would be executive director. Ex officio members – Office of Planning and Budget director, Governor’s executive counsel, Georgia Technology Authority executive director – will serve three years, with possible reappointment.

The Authority could elect/appoint/hire/define duties/fix compensation for employees and officers, experts and fiscal agents, and contract or lease as required or convenient. Funding may come from gifts, grants, loans/loan guarantees, property and financial or other aid from federal and state government agencies, regardless of accompanying terms and conditions. It would administer the Georgia Health Exchange Trust Fund, as a new item in the state treasury.

A Georgia Health Exchange would operate the state’s American Health Benefit Exchange, with power to sell health insurance compliant with Obamacare. Officially, it is the federal Health Care and Education Reconciliation Act of 2010 with its rules and regulations. So, by January 1, 2014, Georgia’s Obamacare could seek funding from federal grants or other sources.

The Small Business Health Options Program (SHOP) Exchange would be created to comply with Obamacare, increase small employer enrollment in group insurance, and coordinate with other state agencies, including administrators of Social Security Title XIX and Title XXI.

An appointed Exchange Advisory Committee would develop the design, implementation and operation of the Exchange and the SHOP. Appointees would report to the board and Governor by November 15, 2011 their recommendations for: (a) increasing the numbers of people insured in the state, (b) developing competition in insurance, (c) making Georgia small business friendly, (d) keeping family members on the same plan, (e) promoting customer service, and (f) finding sustainable solutions, whether or not they are specifically part of the federal act.

ACTION – Oppose. Contact Governor Deal 404 656-1776; Lt. Governor Cagle 404 656-5030; Speaker Ralston 404 656-5020; Speaker Pro Tem Jan Jones 404 656-5072; Majority Whip Lindsey 404 656-5024; Rules Chairman Meadows 404 656-5141; Rules V-Chairman Golick 404 656-5943; Rules Secretary Mills 657-8441; Bearden 404 656-5096; Ehrhart, 404 463-2247; Franklin 404 656-0152; Hembree 404 656-6801; Rice 404 656-5912; Martin Scott 404 656-0254; Setzler 404 656-0177; T. Smith 404 656-5105; Teasley 404 656-0177; Walker 404 656-5146; Willard 404 656-5125.

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February 25th Newsletter

Written on March 4, 2011 by admin in Newsletters, Under-age Prostitution

Comments from the H.B. 200 Hearing

“We don’t want to make criminals out of victims,” said a judge.
My response, “We don’t want to make victims out of criminals.”

A Cultural Shift: Providing “Victim” Status to Prostitutes Under 18

Sex trafficking is a heinous crime whose victims should be rescued, protected and rehabilitated. But, tragically, some individuals choose prostitution and other illicit sex as professions. To classify professionals as victims is a miscarriage of justice that could encourage other youth to join them in unhealthy dangerous lifestyles.

In 2009 H.B. 582 was introduced to decriminalize prostitution and give victim status to anyone under age 18. It died in committee. In 2010, for persons under age 16, S.B. 304 would have decriminalized participation in prostitution and other sexually explicit acts. A substitute version of S.B. 304 listed prostitution and other sex crimes as “unruly child” behaviors, classifying youthful sex acts as no more serious than skipping school. S.B. 304 died in committee, also.

Both bills redefined all underage prostitutes as victims, including those that choose to prostitute themselves. Reasons for that: (a) Victims receive compensation from Georgia’s Crime Victims Compensation Board and the federal Crime Victims’ Bill of Rights. (b) Victim status is a step toward establishing prostitution and other sexually explicit conduct as respected professions.

H.B. 200, this year’s bill by Representative Ed Lindsey, increases penalties for pimping and trafficking, but for sex providers under 18 no criminal charge would be made for prostitution or other illicit sex acts. They would be classified as victims, eligible for victim compensation.

H.B. 200 passed the Non Civil Judiciary Committee February 24th amid assurances that to qualify as victims, prostitutes of all ages must prove “coercion or deception.” However, the bill does not require that of underage prostitutes. If sexually explicit conduct is, simply, “obtained” (without coercion or deception) from persons under age 18, they would be included in the “sexual servitude” category, making them eligible for victim status and victim compensation.

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February 11th Newsletter

Written on February 16, 2011 by admin in Newsletters

Gun-Carry Protection

Background. On April 3, 2009, the last day of the legislative session, Senator David Shafer introduced S.B. 291, a gun-carry bill with several components. During the 2010 session, it passed the Senate March 24th, the House April 27th, and the governor vetoed it June 8, 2010.

Far-reaching components of that 2009/2010 bill, allowed anyone with a gun-carry permit to have that licensed firearm in the vehicle when dropping off or picking up passengers at airports or airport facilities. The GBI would have done a background check on U.S. citizens, charged a fee for the investigation and I.C.E. officials would have verified renewal eligibility of non-citizens. Licenses issued to former law enforcement officers would have had a distinctive style or color, making them readily identifiable. And there was more to that bill.

Most importantly, S.B. 291 repealed a Georgia law that violated the Second Amendment. It would have prohibited the seizure of firearms by state and local officials, including the National Guard or other personnel of a political subdivision receiving state funds. If S.B. 291 had not been vetoed, it would have authorized lawsuits against any person violating these provisions.

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February 4th Newsletter

Written on February 9, 2011 by admin in Newsletters

Smart Meters, Radiation and Sky-Rocketing Power Bills!

Dangerous Digital Meters Covertly Replacing Analog Meters

Who waived the Environmental Impact Study on Smart Meters in California, when the peak density of smart meters is 2,000 times higher than minimal federal health standards?
Editor’s Request: Bring back my “dumb” meter and do it NOW!

Smart meters have radio frequency (RF) features that remotely read and control power use, making “meter men” obsolete. Smart meters, also, have the capacity to monitor, regulate and ration when electricity is used, which household appliances do or do not receive power and the length of a shut-down, without consumer permission, knowledge or warning from the utility.

State of Georgia. While 21 states have authorized their state utility commission to install smart meters, the NCSL reports that Georgia, Alabama, Florida and Indiana have “no clear authority” to do so. However, each of them began transitioning from analog meters to smart meters in 2008 – the year Georgia Power began switching to smart meters for 400,000 utility customers and continuing such installations throughout Georgia over the next three years, ending in 2011.

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January 20th Newsletter

Written on January 21, 2011 by admin in Newsletters

Are You Ready to Pay Higher State Taxes?

On January 7, 2011, the Special Council on Tax Reform and Fairness
submitted to the Special Joint Committee on Revenue Structure recommendations that cannot be significantly changed by anyone. Meaning, legislators elected by the people to represent the people’s interests have less influence on changing Georgia’s tax structure than the eleven appointees designated by H.B. 1405.

H.B. 1405 passed the Georgia General Assembly in 2010 to create two new political bodies
(1) an eleven-member 2010 Special Council on Tax Reform and Fairness for Georgians and
(2) a twelve-member Special Joint Committee on Georgia Revenue Structure.

The Special Council on Tax Reform and Fairness. When members were appointed in 2010, the only elected official on the Council was Governor Sonny Perdue, who is no longer governor and no longer answers to voters. Therefore, no current Council member is obligated to voters.

Council appointees specified by name in the bill were Governor Sonny Perdue and four economists – Dr. David Sjoquist, Georgia State University; Dr. Jeffrey Humphreys, University of Georgia; Dr. Roger Tutterow, Mercer University; and Dr. Christine Ries, Georgia Tech. The six additional members required by the bill are the chairman of the 2010 Georgia Chamber of Commerce, the chairman of the 2010 Georgia National Federation of Independent Business, plus two citizens appointed by the Lieutenant Governor and two by the Speaker of the House.

The Council was created to examine Georgia’s tax code and by January 10, 2011 recommend a new structure to be “as growth-friendly and as job-friendly” as they could make it. After holding eleven fact-finding sessions around the state last summer, the Council decided to phase out two percent of the six-percent state income tax and install a consumption tax on sales and services, while eliminating or sun-setting practically all of the state’s 110 sales tax exemptions.

The Special Joint Committee on Georgia Revenue Structure is the only group authorized to handle the Council’s recommendations. The Joint Committee consists of the Senate President Pro Tem, House Speaker Pro Tem, majority leaders of the House and Senate, minority leaders of the House and Senate, chairman of the Senate Finance Committee and chairman of the House Ways and Means Committee, plus additional appointees – two representatives and two senators.

H.B. 1405 requires the Council recommendations to bypass the regular committee process and assigns this legislation directly and only to the Special Joint Committee. Other legislators cannot change or amend the Joint Committee’s proposal and no other committee is authorized to handle it. Legislation passed by the Special Joint Committee goes directly to the House floor for a vote and, if passed by the House, goes to the Senate for an up or down vote.

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