2015 Fall Legislative Preview

The 2015 Session of the Georgia General Assembly begins Monday, January 12. Several have asked what I am working on for next session; so, here is a preview of several items:

There are a number of important issues facing our state including jobs, education, transportation, and budgetary concerns. Though I actively participate in advocating for our community's best interest in each of these areas and others, I am working on re-authoring several pieces of legislation for next year (some of which I have been working for several years).

HB 159 taxes and only taxes on our property tax bills

Government unnecessarily encumbers your home by using your property tax bill as a collection mechanism for tack-on fees. It is wrong. It should stop. Details here.

HB 412 electronic property tax billing

This is a "permissive" bill allowing taxpayers a choice to receive their property tax bill electronically if a local government offers that service. In larger jurisdictions such as Gwinnett, the savings could easily exceed $100,000 per year.

HB 595 prohibits filing a lien against private property for failure to pay a sanitation tax, fee, or assessment

Let us say you own a few acres of raw land on a rural country road. Someone trespasses on your property and illegally dumps garbage. You are a victim of a crime; however, the local government may insist you incur the cost of cleanup. Failing to do so, the local government may file a lien against your property and in the extreme, sell your property on the courthouse steps and because Georgia is a non-judicial foreclosure state, you have no right to stand before a judge and plead your case.

HB 595 would simply require the local government to file a suit against you, the property owner, prior to filing any lien - just as most other debts are collected. In the example above, you would have the opportunity to inform the judge that, in the case, you are the victim, not the perpetrator. I have no idea what the outcome may be, however, at least you would have an opportunity to speak.

HB 648 fourth cent for transportation

Currently the 4^th cent of the 4% sales tax on gasoline does NOT fund transportation. This bill upon becoming law would move that 4^th cent, over a four year phase-in, to its' intended use - transportation. The phase-in amounts to approximately $45 million per year and by eliminating the tax credit on the Nissan Leaf automobile, we secure nearly $30 million of that first year phase-in without need of any general fund adjustment.

Not contained within HB 648, however, another prudent public policy proposal is to remove the current debt service paid by the Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) from their budget and return it to the general debt repayment budget where the state funds virtually all other state debts. GDOT debt accounts for 24% of total GDOT state appropriations exceeding $239 million a year.

The combination of these two proposals, $180 million from recovering the 4^th cent and $239 million from divesting debt service from within GDOT generates over $400 million annually for transportation improvements - without need for any new revenue sources. 

If the state allocated a quarter of those funds, $100 million, toward CID matching projects, the impact could exceed $700 million a year.

HB 762 slow down to go around - sanitation vehicles

This proposal passed the House overwhelmingly last year and did not get out of Senate Rules for a vote. The bill simply adds sanitation vehicles to current law covering emergency vehicles, police, and firefighters requiring drivers approaching "active" vehicles to "move over" and reduce their speed when passing. You may not be aware; however, sanitation worker is the 4^th most dangerous job, as measured by deaths annually.

HB 1125 requires special elections for SPLOST and/or bond indebtedness held on general election date in November.

Local governments often schedule referendum to incur debt and/or raise taxes on dates where fewer voters turnout. On issues of such importance, I believe holding the referendum on the date most likely to have the highest participation is the best policy. I hope you agree.

In addition to these potential bills, I am participating in a number of working groups on such issues as critical transportation infrastructure funding, income tax reform, and technical revisions to the state's alcohol code.

Additionally, I'm often asked about ongoing Gwinnett and Snellville governance. 

Do You Care?

A year ago, I published the blog below warning of the loss of freedom, systematically, via government overreach into our lives.

http://brettharrell.blogspot.com/2013/08/it-is-legal-just-un-american.html  

Recently, former Congressman Bob Barr opined on an Acworth ordinance to purchase tag readers for police vehicles: http://www.mdjonline.com/view/full_story/25778065/article-Bad-guys--beware--Austell-mayor-touts-tag-readers-as--big-plus--former-rep--claims-invasion-of-privacy?instance=special%20_coverage_right_column

I am not an alarmist, however, I have opined over many years regarding government over creep into your lives as private citizens, owning private property, conducting private business. Those that rail against my suggestions do so absent any basis in fact, Constitutional government, or conservative logic. They are devoid of any form of conservative representational government and should be removed from office at the next available opportunity. I stand willing to justify my positions against anyone that argues differently in any public forum. Call me; my cell is 404-966-5804.

TUESDAY, AUGUST 6, 2013

It is legal - just un-American

I had another enjoyable opportunity to hear U.S. Congressman Rob Woodall speak recently at the Snellville Commerce Club lunch (a group of local business owners - most small businesses). The Congressman suggested our ire ought not be focused on the National Security Administration (NSA) for "spying" on Americans, rather, the U.S. Congress and President that enacted the law making their activities legal. He said the agency reports each year to Congress their activities and findings so our elected representatives knew or ought to have known of their actions. Therefore, the activities are legal, but legality does not necessarily mean wise or prudent. The same is true regarding the Patient Protection and Affordable Care (PPAC) Act or "Obama Care". It is the law of the land upheld by our highest court. It is legal; however, many would agree that a government take-over of nearly one sixth of our economy is anathema to our nation's free enterprise system.

For the past several years, I have been advancing an argument at the Georgia General Assembly that would prohibit local governments from billing non-tax fees on your personal ad valorem tax returns. Never have I suggested the practice was illegal - the Georgia Supreme Court has now confirmed it is legal; however, I do believe such an assault on one's private property in the name of efficient government is unjust.

Recent local news reports several school systems, including Gwinnett County Public Schools, are installing cameras on school buses to aid in enforcing traffic laws. In as much as the school systems do not have traffic enforcement jurisdiction, local governments are necessary partners. Again, the legality is not in question; however, this is yet another encroachment by government into our lives at the same time creating a time and money distraction from the core business of school systems to educate our children. Yes, it is legal, but should governmental agencies continue the installation of cameras monitoring our every move?

Perhaps the most egregious to me, local news reports that Gwinnett County Police have unwillingly strapped one hundred citizens to a gurney, placed them in a headlock, and forcefully withdrawn their blood based on a Magistrate's warrant to aid in securing what is most often a misdemeanor driving under the influence conviction. Yes, it is legal - just un-American.

Most would agree we must have a safe and secure national defense and providing a healthcare safety net for our poor and disabled is without question. Efficient government operations and citizens that pay their bills is required of all in a civil society. We all desire a safe environment to, from and during school for our children, and DUI's are a serious offense. That said, our nation has grown and prospered in large degree because government has remained relatively limited in our lives. In my view, each of these seemingly well-intentioned government intrusions are rapidly moving our nation over the tipping point where government will dominate our lives and that most certainly is un-American.

Fundraising

Like all candidates and elected representatives, I too require funds to actively communicate with my constituents and mount a campaign for re-election to enable me to continue advocating for our shared values at the state Capitol. Please take a moment to click this link and make an online contribution today - $10 goes further than you may believe and $50 buys 50 campaign signs. I need your support today. 

Legislation Authored or Co-Sponsored

Should you be interested in the legislation that I have authored or co-sponsored and the current status, you may review those bills here.

Please contact me with issues of importance to you, your family, or business. It is my pleasure to serve as your state Representative. I have enjoyed assisting constituents with issues ranging from licensing, drivers services, insurance claims, social services, economic development and job training, and many more. If you have need of assistance from your state government, please call on me. Now that we are out of session, you can reach me on my cell at 404-966-5804 or via email at [email protected] 

Wishing you an enjoyable fall (Go Dawgs!),

Brett Harrell