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2023 Capitol Update – Week 3

2023 Capitol Update – Week 3

January 23, 2023

This past week at the Gold Dome was “budget week,” where the heads of state agencies presented the Governor’s recommendations from the $32.5 billion proposed spending plan for their respective departments.

Last week, we reported a few notable items from the Governor’s proposals, however, the Governor unveiled another exciting proposal during his address of the joint appropriations committees: a near $62 million increase in funding for HOPE so that HOPE scholarships and grants cover 100% of tuition at all Georgia public higher education institutions. Some may recall that over a decade ago, HOPE covered 100% of tuition, but that number has gone down to as low as ~79% in the recent past. This is a monumental step for higher education, should the General Assembly choose to preserve this proposal, and may help alleviate some of the challenges that higher education requirements impose on potential workforce (most legislators have commended the act and have publicly voiced their support. We see little risk in an erosion of this proposal). 
 
While funding for the newly independent Professional Engineers & Land Surveyors Board is in the budget, we do not have an update on that item today. However, this week we will be meeting with appropriators and key staff to discuss the PELS budget in depth and work to more closely align the state’s allocation with the PELS Board’s proposed budget.
 
Major announcements this past week include the Governor’s floor leaders and House committee chairmen and assignments.
 
The Governor’s Floor Leaders, who introduce legislation and advocate for the Governor’s agenda (since he cannot do it himself) in the General Assembly are:
  • Sen. Bo Hatchett (R-Cornelia)
  • Sen. Mike Hodges (R-Brunswick)
  • Rep. Lauren McDonald (R-Cumming)
  • Rep. Soo Hong (R- Lawrenceville)
  • Rep. Will Wade (R- Dawsonville)
  • Rep. Matthew Gambill (R- Cartersville)
 
Chairmen for committees ACEC Georgia follows most closely in the House are as follows:
  • Rep. Matt Hatchett (R-Dublin): Appropriations
  • Rep. John LaHood (R-Valdosta): Governmental Affairs – this committee oversees newly proposed cities
  • Rep. Chuck Martin (R-Alpharetta): Higher Education
  • Rep. Bill Werkheiser (R-Glennville): Industry & Labor
  • Rep. Stan Gunter (R-Blairsville): Judiciary
  • Rep. Tyler Paul Smith (R-Bremen): Judiciary (Non-Civil)
  • Rep. Alan Powell (R-Hartwell): Regulated Industries
  • Rep. Richard Smith (R-Columbus): Rules – this committee sets the debate calendar for bills that are voted on by the entirety of the House
  • Rep. Todd Jones (R-South Forsyth): Technology & Infrastructure Innovation – this is a new committee, and the vice chair will be Rep. Brad Thomas, PE (R-Woodstock)
  • Rep. Rick Jasperse (R-Jasper): Transportation
  • Rep. Shaw Blackmon (R-Bonaire): Ways & Means – deals with all proposals relating to taxes
 
Leadership of the subcommittees of House Appropriations is as follows:
  • Rep. Marcus Weidower (R-Watkinsville): General Government
  • Rep. Clay Pirkle (R-Ashburn): Transportation & Infrastructure

The week ahead:
The legislature will be meeting today, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday. A majority of committee meetings will be focused on administrative tasks and adopting rules (such as attendance requirements, etc.)

And finally, be sure to mark your calendars for Engineers at the Capitol Day on February 28th from 8:00-10:00am! Join us for a meet-and-greet breakfast with legislators. Following breakfast, there will be an optional tour of the Capitol. This is a great opportunity to meet your elected Representative and Senator, as well as other legislators from across the state! Please contact Christy or Chandler for more.

 
LEGISLATION ACEC GEORGIA IS FOLLOWING
 
Budget & Appropriations
HB 18-19 by Representative Jon Burns (R-Newington): these are the amended FY 2023 and full fiscal year 2024 budgets.
Status: Assigned to House Appropriations
ACEC Georgia is monitoring this legislation
 
Industry & Professions
SB 3 by Senator John Albers (R-Roswell): "Reducing Barriers to State Employment Act of 2023". This proposal would direct all state entities to regularly assess the relevant academic background and experience requirements for each position, reduce those requirements which are arduous and unnecessary, and reduce the number of positions for which four-year college degrees are required as a condition of employment.
Status: Assigned to the Senate Government and Oversight Committee.
ACEC Georgia is monitoring this legislation
 
Transportation
Nothing yet!
 
Water & Environmental
Nothing yet!
 
Local Government
Nothing yet!
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