Voting machine bill passes Georgia Senate
News March 14, 2019
ATLANTA — State Rep. Kevin Tanner (R-Dawsonville) must have been pleased when he heard the Georgia Senate passed a bill Wednesday to purchase new voting machines that will print paper ballots, something he has worked hard for.
The bill passed 35-21, along party lines and now goes back to the House, which passed a previous version of the bill. It is expected to pass there then move to Gov. Brian Kemp’s office for his signature.
The new machines, which will print paper ballots for the voter to review for accuracy before being inserted into a scanner for final tabulation, will cost taxpayers $150 million.
Tanner, who worked hard to get the bill passed in the House, said recently the voting machines were, “the most controversial issue from a partisan view that we have taken up this session. There has been a lot of talk by everyone on changing how our voting machines work.”
Tanner said the House Governmental Affairs Committee held a number of “very contentious, very, very long and well-attended meetings. “I can tell you that everyone in elected office in Atlanta has felt a whole lot of pressure from their constituents to make a change in the voting process – Democrats and Republicans.”
Debate in the Senate Wednesday was no less combative as lawmakers held an intense three-hour debate before voting.
Tanner has said the new voting machines could be in place for Georgia’s 7 million registered voters in time for next year’s presidential primary election.
Fetch Your News is a hyper local news outlet that covers Dawson, Lumpkin, White, Fannin, Gilmer, Pickens, Union, Towns and Murray counties as well as Cherokee County in N.C. FYN attracts 300,000+ page views per month, 3.5 million impressions per month and approximately 15,000 viewers per week on FYNTV.com and up to 60,000 Facebook page reach. If you would like to follow up-to-date local events in any of those counties, please visit us at FetchYourNews.com
Sen. Steve Gooch Press Release
News May 13, 2019
By: Sen. Steve Gooch (R – Dahlonega)
ATLANTA — On April 26, 2019, Governor Brian P. Kemp held a bill signing ceremony for several bills in Senate District 51. I was proud to join him and several members of our community as he signed bills that I sponsored or carried during the 2019 session into law – Senate Bills 2, 17, 66 and House Bill 454. Since I have been elected into office, one of my main priorities has been expanding broadband access to all Georgians, particularly parts of the state like our own district where citizens have limited or no access to reliable internet.
With Senate Bills 2, 17 and 66 becoming law, we are one step closer to bringing reliable broadband access to all parts of our state. Senate Bill 2 allows electric membership corporations (EMCs) to provide broadband services to their customers. The EMCs are permitted to use existing easements to provide or expand broadband access. Senate Bill 17, also known as the “Rural Telephone Cooperative Act,” allows telephone cooperatives in Metter, Newington, Rentz and Statesboro to provide internet services and broadband to their customers. These four co-ops provide either direct or indirect service to more than eight counties and 10 cities. Senate Bill 66, or the “Streamlining Wireless Facilities and Antennas Act,” allows 5G companies to collocate small wireless facilities (antennas) on existing or new poles through a standardized application process. Under SB 66, the use of public rights of way by wireless providers to deploy broadband is also addressed and clarified.
These three bills are all part of the broadband package I am proud to see become law and look forward to the positive impact it will have on all Georgians within workforce development, education and telemedicine. In addition to this legislation, I want to commend our Governor and colleagues in the Georgia General Assembly for appropriating $2 million to the Department of Community Affairs for the Georgia Broadband Deployment Initiative. While we made positive strides during this session with this legislation and funding, there is more work to be done not only on the state level, but also with our partners in Washington.
I want to commend the Federal Communications Commission on their announcement that $20.4 billion will be allocated through the rural broadband fund – “Rural Digital Opportunity Fund”– to ensure that four million homes and small businesses have connection to “up to gigabit-speed.” According to the FCC, “more than 24 million people lacked broadband access to their homes” in 2018. This is unacceptable and I will work with my friends on every level of government to ensure that we continue the fight to expand broadband access to all Georgians. In a day and age when we depend on access to the internet not only for entertainment but more importantly for education, economic development, working remotely and many other critical things, it is imperative more than ever that all our citizens have not only access but a reliable way to communicate and engage with their fellow citizens, employers and family around the world.
Lastly, House Bill 454, which I carried in the Senate, was signed on April 26, 2019, and will establish use and safety rules for three different classes of electric assisted bicycles. The classes are determined by the equipment used to provide assistance to the bike rider and the max speed the devices reach.
This issue is very important with the increase of our citizens utilizing new mobility equipment such as e-scooters to get around. While it is important to have options, we must ensure that everyone knows how to properly utilize these technologies while also being safe. Along with HB 454 becoming law, we will further study the issue of e-scooters and innovative mobility during the interim. I sponsored Senate Resolution 479 – Senate Study Committee on Evaluating E-scooters and Other Innovative Mobility Options for Georgians – so that we can thoroughly review and study what is needed to determine how local governments, state agencies and universities can work with companies providing innovative mobility technologies.
If you have any questions about anything related to broadband access or the other two bills signed on April 26th, please do not hesitate to reach out. I will continue to update you over the course of the next few weeks on the status of bills on the Governor’s desk. The deadline for signing, vetoing or laws becoming effective without a signature is this week on May 12, 2019. While session is over, please remember that I am always here to be of assistance and our office door is always open.
Sen. Steve Gooch serves as the Senate Majority Whip. He represents the 51st Senate District which includes Dawson, Fannin, Gilmer, Lumpkin, Union and White counties and portions of Forsyth and Pickens counties. He may be reached at 404.656.9221 or via email at [email protected].
Collins, Perdue, Kemp join vice president in ICE briefing
News March 22, 2019
ATLANTA — U.S. Representative Doug Collins (R-Ga.),U.S. Senator David Perdue (R-Ga.), and Governor Brian Kemp (R-Ga.) joined Vice President Mike Pence at Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) Atlanta Field Office Thursday to receive a briefing about the work of local ICE agents and the broader mission of border security.
“President Trump and Vice President Pence’s commitment to securing our border and protecting our citizens remains unwavering, and I want to thank the vice president for traveling to Georgia to hear from the hardworking men and women serving in federal law enforcement. I look forward to continue working alongside this administration to strengthen our national security at home and abroad,” said Collins.
“I’m here on behalf of the President of the United States to say to the men and women of Immigration and Customs Enforcement here in Atlanta, Georgia: We are grateful for you, we are standing with you, and we will keep standing with you as you enforce our laws and keep our communities safe,” said Vice President Mike Pence.
“It was an honor to have Vice President Pence in Georgia today to hear directly from the brave men and women who wear the ICE uniform,” said Senator Perdue. “ICE is a critical component of our country’s national security strategy. Our ICE law enforcement officers dedicate their lives to combating human trafficking, protecting communities, and keeping drugs off the street. President Trump and Vice President Pence have taken action to make sure ICE officers have the resources they need to keep Georgians and Americans safe. To all of our law enforcement officers we’ve got your backs.”
“It was an honor to welcome Vice President Pence to Georgia with Senator Perdue and Congressman Collins to talk about how we keep Georgia families and all Americans safe,” said Governor Brian Kemp.
Fetch Your News is a hyper local news outlet that covers Dawson, Lumpkin, White, Fannin, Gilmer, Pickens, Union, Towns and Murray counties as well as Cherokee County in N.C. FYN attracts 300,000+ page views per month, 3.5 million impressions per month and approximately 15,000 viewers per week on FYNTV.com and up to 60,000 Facebook page reach. If you would like to follow up-to-date local events in any of those counties, please visit us at FetchYourNews.com
Update from the State Capital: Week 2
News January 26, 2019
By: Sen. Steve Gooch (R – Dahlonega)
ATLANTA — This week began with a day off to reflect upon one of Georgia’s greatest, Martin Luther King Jr., whose ideals of peace and justice are woven into everything we do here at the Capitol. After our day of remembrance, we returned to the Gold Dome and hit the ground running with budget hearings.
Budget week started with Joint Senate and House Appropriations hearings, which included presentations from several state agencies as well as Governor Brian P. Kemp, on the Amended Fiscal Year 2019 and General Fiscal Year 2020 budgets. As Secretary of the Appropriations Committee, I am happy to say that the state’s budget continues to be in good shape, with the FY20 budget topping $27 billion for the first time. Below are some highlights for the two budgets.
Proposed Amended FY19 budget which totals around $26.9 billion:
- $68.8 million for school security grants. This total amount will be appropriated at $30,000 per school statewide.
- $491,300 in initial funding to support the Atlanta-region Transit Link Authority.
- $69.3 million for transportation as a result of HB 170.
- $35.7 million additional funding to the Forestland Protection Act grant for repayment to counties and local systems.
Proposed General FY20 budget which totals around $27.5 billion:
- $34.8 million in total funds to the Department of Economic Development to increase economic development throughout the state and to bring additional businesses and jobs.
- $33 million in additional lottery funds to provide a three percent increase in the award amount for HOPE scholarships.
- $32.6 million appropriated to the Department of Transportation for additional resurfacing projects and capital projects.
- $100 million in bond funds for the repair, replacement and renovation of bridges throughout the state.
The General FY20 budget addresses our state’s continuing commitment to economic growth. Governor Kemp has proposed $34.8 million in total funds to the Department of Economic Development to continue the economic expansion that Governor Deal so successfully cultivated.
The state’s growing need to address transportation infrastructure is accounted for in the Amended FY19 budget. An additional $69.3 million in projected revenues resulting from House Bill 170 – passed during the 2015 Legislation Session – will be added to the Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) budget.
I am very happy to see that a piece of legislation we passed a couple of years ago is still making positive impacts for GDOT. The General FY20 budget includes $100 million for roadway improvements, as well. I will utilize my role as Vice Chairman of the Transportation Committee to ensure that this investment in Georgia’s infrastructure does not go to waste.
Next week, standing committees will begin to hold meetings and legislation will continue to be introduced in the Senate. I will continue to work on legislation that addresses broadband expansion and will keep you updated as the pace picks up and this session gets busier. As we move forward over the next 36 legislative days, please do not hesitate to reach out with questions, concerns and feedback. It is always great to hear from my constituents, and our door is always open.
For a full breakdown of the Amended Fiscal Year 2019 budget – House Bill 30 – please follow this link: http://www.house.ga.gov/budget/Documents/2019_FiscalYear/AFY_2019_Govs_Rec_Bill.pdf
For a full breakdown of the General Fiscal Year 2020 budget – House Bill 31 – please follow this link: http://www.house.ga.gov/budget/Documents/2020_FiscalYear/FY_2020_Govs_Rec_Bill.pdf
Sen. Steve Gooch serves as Majority Whip of the Senate Majority Caucus. He represents the 51st Senate District which includes Dawson, Fannin, Gilmer, Lumpkin, Union and White counties and portions of Forsyth and Pickens counties. He may be reached at 404.656.9221 or via email at [email protected]
Rep. Tanner appointed chair of behavioral health commission
News September 27, 2019
PRESS RELEASE
ATLANTA – State Rep. Kevin Tanner (R-Dawsonville) was recently named chairman of the Georgia Behavioral Health Reform & Innovation Commission by Governor Brian Kemp. The purpose of this commission is to conduct a comprehensive review of the behavioral health system in Georgia.
“I am honored that Governor Kemp appointed me to chair this vitally important commission,” said Rep. Tanner. “Through the extensive work of this commission, we will take a deep dive into Georgia’s mental health system to explore how our system currently supports adults and children in our state and the ways that we can enhance behavioral health services for our citizens.”
The Georgia Behavioral Health Reform & Innovation Commission was created by House Bill 514 during the 2019 legislative session and authored by Rep. Tanner. The commission will review the behavioral health services and facilities available in Georgia, the identification of behavioral health issues in children, adolescents and adults, as well as the role the education system has in the identification and treatment of behavioral health issues. Additionally, the commission will review the impact behavioral health issues have on the criminal justice system, the state’s homeless population, delivery of care, access to care, the role of payers in such access and the impact untreated behavioral illness has on children transitioning into adulthood. The commission will conclude on June 30, 2023.
“Mental health is a critical quality of life issue to the citizens of our state,” said Speaker David Ralston (R-Blue Ridge). “Led by Chairman Kevin Tanner, I know that this distinguished group of legislators and citizens will work together to improve service delivery throughout our behavioral health system. I thank Governor Kemp, Lt. Governor Duncan and my colleagues in both the House and Senate for adopting this collaborative approach to achieve better outcomes.”
For more information about House Bill 514, please click here.
Representative Kevin Tanner represents the citizens of District 9, which includes Lumpkin County and portions of Dawson and Forsyth counties. He was elected to the House of Representatives in 2012 and currently serves as Chairman of the Transportation Committee. He also serves on the Appropriations Subcommittee on Education and the Education, Intragovernmental Coordination, Rules, Natural Resources & Environment and Special Rules committees.
Fetch Your News is a hyper local news outlet that covers Dawson, Lumpkin, White, Fannin, Gilmer, Pickens, Union, Towns and Murray counties as well as Cherokee County in N.C. FYN attracts 300,000+ page views per month, 3.5 million impressions per month and approximately 15,000 viewers per week on FYNTV.com and up to 60,000 Facebook page reach. If you would like to follow up-to-date local events in any of those counties, please visit us at FetchYourNews.com
Gov. Kemp visits UNG Friday for signing ceremony
News April 26, 2019
DAHLONEGA, Ga. — Gov. Brian Kemp received a warm welcome in Lumpkin County Friday when he arrived for a bill signing ceremony in the Library Technology Center on the campus of the University of North Georgia.
State Sen. Steve Gooch (R-Dahlonega), who sponsored four of the five bills the governor signed, welcomed the governor to his hometown and introduced him to those in attendance.
“Today is a big day for us,” he said. “We’ve been working a lot on some issues dealing with broadband and internet services.”
With a large number of state legislators who helped usher the bills through to passage on hand, along with many county and municipal elected officials, Kemp signed Senate Bills 2, 17, 66, 79 and 454.
Senate Bills 2,17,66 and 79 deal with the expansion of access to broadband internet service and were sponsored by Gooch. SB 454 was carried to the senate by Gooch and deals with electronic assisted bicycles.
Senate Bill 2 allows Georgia’s 41 EMCs which represent about 4.5 million rural customers to get into the broadband business and sell internet services.
An important question that has yet to be answered is how many EMCs will participate.
“I’ll stand here today and be the first one to confess, I don’t know that all 41 will ever get into internet services,” Gooch said, “But I believe this will allow them the opportunity to do so.”
Wednesday, April 24 marked the governor’s 100th day in office and he reflected of some of his administration’s early accomplishments.
“Over and over again, I promised to keep families safe, to put hard working Georgians first and I think that is exactly what we have done with these pieces of legislation today and with these great legislators’ help who are here today.”
Kemp said the 2019 and 2020 budgets are “reflection of the values of our state and our priorities for the future. We have fully funded public 0education for the second year in a row. We have given teachers, counselors and others a historic pay raise this year. We’ve invested $70 million in school security grants, $30,000 for every public school in the K through 12 system. We also doubled funding for mental health services in our high schools.”
The governor also pointed to state investments in public safety. “We created a task force within the GBI to undermine drug cartels, gangs and human and sex trafficking.”
Kemp thanked legislators for “stepping up to the plate” and adding $20 million to the budget for hurricane relief for farmers in south and southwest Georgia “while we wait on those in Washington D.C. to do their part to put people ahead of politics and pass the daggum disaster relief bill.”
Fetch Your News is a hyper local news outlet that covers Dawson, Lumpkin, White, Fannin, Gilmer, Pickens, Union, Towns and Murray counties as well as Cherokee County in N.C. FYN attracts 300,000+ page views per month, 3.5 million impressions per month and approximately 15,000 viewers per week on FYNTV.com and up to 60,000 Facebook page reach. If you would like to follow up-to-date local events in any of those counties, please visit us at FetchYourNews.com
Rep. Kevin Tanner talks issues at Saturday breakfast meeting
News February 3, 2019DAWSONVILLE, Ga. – Rep. Kevin Tanner (R-Dawsonville) returned to Dawson County Saturday morning to treat constituents to breakfast at the Georgia Racing Hall of Fame and to share news from the General Assembly.
Key topics included the current fiscal year amended budget, the proposed new budget, education, health care and transportation.
Tanner’s subcommittee is working on the amended budget that will “true up” revenue and expenses for the current fiscal year.
“One of the things we look at is what did we estimate revenue to be last year and what it is actually coming in at,” Tanner said. Until the two can balance, the proposed budget for the next fiscal year is set aside.
Legislators are trying to deal with Gov. Brian Kemp’s campaign promise to give Georgia’s teachers a $3,000 annual pay raise. “We’re working through that now,” Tanner said. “That is an impact on the local budget also. Locally in Dawson County, that will be somewhere over $300,000 local officials will have to pay.”
During his state of the state address two weeks ago, Kemp discussed how rural hospitals are hurting and the need for an effective healthcare plan.
“I would anticipate seeing the details of Gov. Kemp’s healthcare plan early next week,” Tanner said.
He also touched on the importance of mental healthcare.
“There is a need for us to address mental healthcare issues, not just in Georgia, but all across the country,” he said.
“We closed all the mental health hospitals when there were a lot of lawsuits around mental health facilities due to inhumane treatment of people. There were legitimate cases of abuse. But instead of fixing the problem, we closed all the hospitals down. What happened was that population ended up on the streets where they didn’t necessarily need to be.”
Tanner has drafted legislation, along with the governor and House Speaker David Ralston to create a 17-member mental health commission which would include four legislators while the balance would include mainly mental health care professionals.
“It’s very much a bi-partisan effort,” Tanner said. “No matter what part of the state you live in, no matter who you are… rich, poor, most all of us know somebody or some family who is affected by mental illness.”
Tanner talked about the creation of a Department of Mobility and Innovation.
“When you get outside the metro area, (transit) is very disjointed and dysfunctional,” he said. “If Dawson County wants to provide service, they have to deal with three state agencies and three separate boards.”
By placing transit under the Department of Mobility and Innovation, Tanner says citizens can expect better service.
Tanner holds weekly breakfast sessions every Saturday to update constituents on what is happening at the state capitol. Next week he will host the meeting at Wagon Wheel in Dahlonega.
Fetch Your News is a hyper local news outlet that covers Dawson, Lumpkin, White, Fannin, Gilmer, Pickens, Union, Towns and Murray counties as well as Cherokee County in N.C. FYN attracts 300,000+ page views per month, 3.5 million impressions per month and approximately 15,000 viewers per week on FYNTV.com and up to 60,000 Facebook page reach. If you would like to follow up-to-date local events in any of those counties, please visit us at FetchYourNews.com