State of the State
While AFP- Georgia has applauded the Governor’s actions to rein in spending throughout state agencies, we aren’t at all thrilled with the potential tax increases outlined in “The State of the State” speech this week.

What is it about people paying for their own health insurance the Governor wants to discourage? But one proposal is to tax those people and the hospitals to help fund Medicaid and trauma care. The hospitals are already forced to subsidize the payments received from Medicare, and the cost is ultimately absorbed by the privately insured and self-pay patients. Sounds like people who are struggling to provide health insurance for themselves get a double whammy.

Shafer champions Zero-Based Budgeting again
State Senator David Shafer once again is co-sponsoring the Zero Based Budgeting bill, SB 1. This is one of AFP Georgia's top priorities-- to help streamline government agencies on a consistent and regular schedule, not wait until we’re in crisis mode. Other Senators sponsoring the bill are Jack Hill, John Douglas, Judson Hill, Dan Moody, and Ronnie Chance. Don’t see your Senator listed? Call and find out why.

Anti – Card Check Resolution
Kudos to State Representative Larry O’Neal, who introduced HR 71, a resolution against the card check legislation at the federal level. The Employee Free Choice Act would circumvent a worker’s right to a secret ballot vote. For further worker intimidation, why don’t they give the union organizer thugs some brass knuckles while they’re at it? An identical State Senate resolution is being sponsored by Senator Preston Smith.

Turn Those Lights Off, Please!
AFP Georgia State Director Jared Thomas was featured in a WSB special report on government entities that waste electricity, and leave their lights on 24/7.

Watch the video clip here.