Following the observance of the Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday, the General Assembly was in official recess this week while members of the House and Senate Appropriations Committee held joint budget hearings. The full legislature will return to session Monday, Jan. 23.
If you have not done so already, please take a few moments to complete a short survey on the issues that are being addressed.
As always, please contact me with your views on the issues or whenever I can be of service.
Rep. Marin serves as Grand Marshal for MLK Parade sponsored by United Ebony Society of Gwinnett
Remarks of Rep. Pedro Marin, Jan. 16, 2012:
I am truly honored to have the opportunity to be a part of this celebration today in remembering Dr. Martin Luther King Jr; I want to articulate how important this day is to Latinos, especially those of us who reside in the South. The struggle for freedom, justice and equality should never be forgotten. More so, as Latinos aspire for greater inclusion and opportunity in Georgia and throughout the United States, we must study history and build upon the successes of our African American brothers and sisters.
I want to thank the United Ebony Society of Gwinnett for allowing me the opportunity to share some remarks with regard to the celebration of Dr. King. For many African Americans and Latinos this is a time to celebrate a man that marked history and whose contribution to our great American story can never be truly measured or fully appreciated. As a Georgian, American and a Latino Brother, I say thank you. If not for your struggle, my voice for freedom and justice might have never emerged.
I hope Latinos will take the time to appreciate how dangerous and daunting the long road towards equality was for many who called Georgia their home. The reality we enjoy today was but a dream for thousands of hardworking people who suffered under the indignity of slavery and segregation. Yet, through faith and unwavering hope, those who once entered through the back of the house now reside in the White House.
Unfortunately, challenges still abound for both African Americans and Latinos. Our communities have similar concerns about healthcare, education, employment, access to capital, gang violence and the criminal justice system. As an example, I have introduced for several years legislation in the House of Representatives to prohibit racial profiling in Georgia. Regardless of what progress we have made as a society, there are those who see a black and brown face and assume the worst. As an elected official I have the moral and political responsibility to confront these challenges with compassion, courage and clarity. Now is the time to build bridges that lead to a more perfect union.
So, in the spirit of Dr. Martin Luther King, I ask every member, and that means you, that during these times of economic uncertainty and social distress; let us seek opportunities to build coalitions and work together for a better and more prosperous Georgia. For my Latinos in particular, take the time to listen, learn and become a force for good working alongside our African American brothers and sisters to ensure this state and nation never forgets that we too are America.
Thank you very much.
Rep. Marin serve as panelist for 'Moving to Opportunity' Gwinnett Community Forum
Around 100 participants showed up Thursday evening in Norcross for the Just Transportation Forum to discuss what Gwinnett County and the larger region needs to do to improve the way locals get around town. Among the panelists were (L-R) Herman Pennamon of the Gwinnett Unity Group, the Rev. Harriet Bradley, Davida Baker of the Gwinnett Village Community Alliance and Rep. Pedro Marin. (Photo courtesy of Sarah Bakhtiari/Norcross Patch)
Particularly, the topics discussed included how the region needs a better mass transit system with more buses and an extended transit line; sidewalks; how the Transportation Investment Act could help the region; and how transportation directly affects job growth and economic development.
"Transportation can either become a barrier or a gateway to opportunity, point blank," said Nathaniel Smith, founder of Partnership for Southern Equity. "Public transportation creates 31 percent more jobs per dollar than new roads and bike path projects create 46 percent more jobs than road-only projects."
The PSE, a regional network of organizations committed to promoting balanced growth and shared prosperity throughout the metro Atlanta region, hosted the Gwinnett forum. Taking place in the Global Mall in Norcross, it's the fourth PSE conversation in a series of five, already covering Cobb, DeKalb and Fulton counties.
Mayor Bucky Johnson, state Rep. Pedro Marin (D-Duluth), former Director of the Gwinnett County Department of Transportation Brian Allen and other community members were in attendance as panelists, sharing their bit on the issues and answerings participants' questions.
Chancellor tells lawmakers that tuition and fee increases are resulting in more college dropouts
University System of Georgia Chancellor Hank Huckaby, speaking before a joint budget hearing to members of the House and Senate Appropriations Committees, said Tuesday that continuing increases in tuition and fees have caused as many as 700 students to drop out of classes at some of the state's larger campuses.
The chancellor told lawmakers the University System would begin to slow down the pace of these increases. In his budget presentation, he noted the Board of Regents has approved several tuition increases in recent years to compensate in part for major reductions in the funding budgeted by the legislature for higher education. He said the University System has seen its budget reduced by about $1 billion over the past four years.
To save money, the Regents recently approved a recommendation to consolidate eight of the state's public colleges into four institutions.
Meanwhile, Technical College System of Georgia Commissioner Ron Jackson told legislative budget writers that a number of under-utilized technical college campuses will likely be closed in order to achieve a 2 percent budget cut ordered of all agencies by Gov. Nathan Deal.
The budget meetings concluded Thursday, with committee members having heard presentations from the heads of more than 20 state agencies and departments, along with Supreme Court Chief Justice Carol Hunstein, speaking on behalf of the judicial branch of government, Secretary of State Brian Kemp and Agriculture Commissioner Gary Black.
The hearings got under way amid news that Georgia's revenue collections in December 2011 totaled $1.54 billion, a decline of 1.2 percent from the same month a year ago. It was the first month for reduced revenues recorded in a year and a half. Much of the decline came in the categories of corporate income taxes, which were down by $26 million or 17.3 percent. For the first six months of fiscal year 2012, state revenues are up by 5.2 percent over the same period last year.
Gov. Deal has presented an amended budget proposal for the remainder of fiscal year 2012 totaling $18.5 billion, and an annual budget for fiscal year 2013 totaling $19.2 billion. You may here to review the governor's proposals.
Statistics show most crime on the decrease in Gwinnett
Gwinnett's crime rate in nine major categories dropped in 2011 compared to the previous year, according to figures released Thursday by the Gwinnett County Police Department. The average response time to emergencies in the first six months of 2011 also dropped from almost seven minutes to less than five and a half.
Highlights include 4 percent fewer arson incidents, 20 percent fewer vehicle thefts, 17 percent fewer rapes and 20 percent fewer cases of theft from a motor vehicle. There were also decreases in robberies, residential burglaries and aggravated battery. Aggravated assaults fell almost 9 percent while business burglaries were down about 4 percent. The total number of gang-related incidents fell almost 5 percent.
There were a total of 24 homicides last year, up from 20 in 2010. Of the homicides, 10 were domestic-related, five were drug-related, five involved robbery, three were police-involved shootings and one was an unknown situation. Almost 88 percent of these homicides have been cleared, and investigators have strong leads in several of the still unsolved cases.
Gwinnett Police Chief Charles Walters said, "Of course I'm pleased to report these results, which are in line with trends we've seen since 2009. We were fortunate to be able to hire and graduate 54 new officers nearly two years ago that brought our staff to the full authorized level about this time last year." The department recently hired 28 new police recruits to fill vacant positions, and the new Police Academy class started on Nov. 30.
He pointed out that violent crimes in Gwinnett are down 21 percent in the past two years, compared with a 5 percent drop statewide. Property crime was down 6 percent compared to a statewide drop of just two-tenths of 1 percent.
Walters said he will not fill a total of 25 police positions that are currently vacant in order to cut $1.4 million out of the 2012 budget. He requested no new personnel, no new vehicles and will defer replacing 37 percent of the vehicles that would normally be replaced next year. The department cut another $12,000 in maintenance costs at its headquarters and precinct buildings.
Gwinnett Transit fares increase
Effective Jan. 30, Gwinnett County Transit will implement a new transit fare increase since August 2008. The cost to operate, maintain and fuel buses has risen over the years, according to Gwinnett Transit Director Phil Boyd, and some of that expense must be passed along to transit customers.
The fare increase accomplishes Gwinnett's goal that riders pay about a third of the entire cost to provide bus service with federal and state subsidies funding the remainder. By increasing fares, Gwinnett County Transit can avoid making cuts to transit service that would burden customers. Gwinnett County Transit will continue to monitor ridership and make minor service adjustments as necessary to maintain cost-effective operations.
The Gwinnett Transit Advisory Board (GTAB) held a public hearing to discuss the new fare and offered a three-week open comment period in September 2011. After reviewing costs, revenue projections and considering public comments, GTAB recommended the new fare policy to the Gwinnett County Board of Commissioners, which was approved on Nov. 15, 2011.
Gwinnett Coalition to hold Town Hall meeting Jan. 24
The Gwinnett Coalition for Health & Human Services will host a Town Hall meeting Tuesday, Jan. 24, at the Norcross Community Center, 10 College St., Norcross, GA 30071.
In order to accommodate as many attendees as possible, we will have two sessions: 9 a.m. to noon (registration starting at 8:30) and 1:30 to 4:30 p.m. (registration starting at 1).
The purpose of the meeting is to engage the public and community agencies as well as their representatives in developing the Coalition's next Community Strategic Plan.
This is your opportunity to provide input and feedback on the issues, needs and trends in our community as well as shape the future and direction of Health and Human Services in Gwinnett County.
Gwinnett Neighborhood Leadership Institute
The Gwinnett Neighborhood Leadership Institute is now accepting applications for the Class of 2013, which will kick off in August. GNLI is an eight-month, intensive, community-based leadership program that trains and empowers everyday citizens to become active participants in their local communities. Please visit www.gnli.org to learn more about the program and nominate someone today. The deadline for applications is April 30, 2012.
Follow the General Assembly online
You can read the details and check the status of legislation and watch live broadcasts of House and Senate proceedings and committee meetings online at www.legis.ga.gov.
Greetings!
The 2012 legislative session is now under way. Gov. Nathan Deal outlined his legislative and budget agendas during his State of the State address on Tuesday (read more below).
Next week, the General Assembly will pause on Monday to honor Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., followed by Appropriations Committee hearings the rest of the week.
Governor presents budget proposals to General Assembly
Gov. Nathan Deal outlined his legislative agenda, including proposals for the annual state budget, Tuesday night during his annual State of the State address to a joint session of the Georgia House of Representatives and Senate.
The governor said he would recommend three tax breaks for businesses, depicting them as an effort to spur job creation in light of the fact that Georgia's unemployment rate has exceeded the national average for 52 consecutive months. The governor supports a plan to eliminate the sales tax on energy used by manufacturers. He also proposed launching a "Go Build Georgia" program to encourage young workers to take jobs in constructions and skilled trade industries.
On education, the governor is proposing $20 million in the state budget toward a college scholarship loan program for needy students and $8.7 million to assist charter schools that have not been approved by their local school boards. He also said he would restore the full level of state funding to local school systems with a pledge of $257.9 million.
Gov. Deal also recommends spending $35.2 million for additional prison beds, $5.7 million for substance abuse treatment centers and $10 million for the creation of new drug courts.
The governor's healthcare budget plans include $5 million to help the Georgia Health Sciences University in Augusta become the state's second designated cancer center, alongside Winship Cancer Center at Emory Hospital, as well as funding for 400 residency slots in hospitals across the state.
On transportation, the governor said, "We need a bigger, smarter transportation network to move people and products in the most efficient way possible. That means roads on which traffic and freight move freely, ports that handle bigger ships and airports that process people and packages more efficiently... Investment in transportation infrastructure is an investment in our future ... The regional referendums on this year's ballots give voters the opportunity to fund a slate of projects with a sales tax when they deem the proposed investment provides value."
House and Senate Appropriations Committee members will consider these proposals during budget hearings Jan 17-19. here to review Gov. Deal's midyear budget proposal for the remainder of fiscal year 2012 and the annual budget for fiscal year 2013.
Asian American Legal Advocacy Center holds Legislative Strategy Session and Dinner
On Wednesday, Jan. 4, the Asian American Legal Advocacy Center (AALAC) kicked off the new year with its annual Legislative Strategy Session and Dinner. Participants included (L-R) state Rep. Pedro Marin (D-Duluth), Helen Kim Ho of AALAC, Larry Pelligrini of the Georgia Rural Urban Summit, Karen Bremer of the Georgia Restaurant Association and Sharon Hill of Georgia Appleseed.
The session was designed to highlight important legislation impacting the civil, social and economic rights of Asian and other immigrants that we anticipate during the 2012 Georgia legislative session. Special thanks to our wonderful panelists, photographer Eric Voss and the 30-plus people who braved the cold to join us.
here to visit the AALAC Facebook page.
Rep. Marin to serve as panelist for 'Moving to Opportunity' Gwinnett Community Forum on Thursday
Rep. Pedro Marin as been selected to serve as a panelist at the "Moving to Opportunity" Gwinnett Community Forum scheduled for Thursday, Jan. 12, at 6:30 p.m. at the Global Mall, 5675 Jimmy Carter Blvd., Norcross.
Nathaniel Smith, Founder and Convener of Partnership for Southern Equity, will give an in-depth presentation on the transportation challenges and opportunities in Gwinnett County and the Atlanta Region. There will also be discussions about the Transportation Investment Act Referendum that will be on the ballot in July 2012.
Rep. Marin to be Grand Marshal for MLK Jr. Parade
Rep. Pedro Marin has been selected by the United Ebony Society of Gwinnett County to serve as Grand Marshal for the 12th annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Parade to be held Monday, Jan. 16. The parade will commence at 10 a.m. at the Gwinnett Historic Courthouse, 185 Crogan St., Lawrenceville, GA 30046.
On Sunday, Jan. 15, at 3 p.m., a special MLK Day program will be held at Meadowcreek High School, 4455 Steve Reynolds Blvd., Norcross, GA 30093, featuring essay readings and performances by Gwinnett County students.
here for more information.
National Mentor Month program Saturday, Jan. 21
In honor of National Mentor Month, the Gwinnett Coalition and the Gwinnett County Public Schools Mentoring Program have teamed up to offer the 2012 Volunteer Mentor Summit on Saturday, Jan. 21, at 10 a.m. at the Central Gwinnett High School Theater, 564 W. Crogan St., Lawrence-ville, GA 30046. Check-in starts at 9:30. here to register or call 678-377-4137 for more information.
Gwinnett Coalition's 2011 YHS Parent Handbook has arrived
The Coalition's Comprehensive Youth Health Survey yields data on the risky and protective behaviors of Gwinnett County middle and high school students. Based on survey results the Coalition produces a parent handbook detailing emerging trends in youth on topics such as mental and emotional health, substance abuse, and physical activity accompanied by strategies to increase positive encourage and prevent negative ones. here to view the handbook.
Greetings!
I hope that you and your family had a wonderful holiday season and that good health, prosperity and happiness will be with you throughout this new year.
On Monday, Jan. 9, the 2012 legislative session will begin, and you can read below about some of the major issues that will be on the agenda.
2012 session to see return of debate over changes to tax
Having failed to agree on legislation that would have dramatically changed Georgia's tax code last year, the Republican majority leadership is expected to try again when the 2012 session of the Georgia General Assembly convenes on Monday, Jan. 9.
Proposed changes include large tax breaks for corporations and tax increases on Georgia families in the form of reinstating the 4 percent state sales tax on food. Taxes will be a hotly debated issue again this year. Other issues expected to be at the top of the agenda include:
Transportation: As the result of legislation that was passed in 2010, Georgia voters are scheduled to go to the polls during this year's July 31 primary and decide whether to approve a one-cent sales tax, proceeds from which would be used to fund transportation improvements on a regional basis in the counties of each region where the tax referendum is approved. A proposal has been made to change the election date for the regional sales tax (T-SPLOST) vote from July to the November general election, when voter turnout is historically higher. The proposal failed to reach a vote during the General Assembly's special session last August but is expected to be brought up again during the 2012 session. If approved, the tax would bring in $6.1 billion to the metro Atlanta region over the next 10 years.
Criminal Justice: A special council has recommended an increased use of probation and flexibility in sentencing for non-violent offenders to reduce the financial and human costs of Georgia's overcrowded prisons. It is estimated that Georgia currently spends more than $1 billion a year and has the fourth-highest incarceration rate in the nation. Among the proposals recommended by the council include allowing judges to depart from mandatory minimum sentences in certain circumstances, expanding the use of Drug, DUI and Mental Health Courts and changing many traffic offenses from misdemeanors to violations. Gov. Nathan Deal is supportive of the proposals, and legislative leaders have said criminal justice reform will be a priority issue during the upcoming session.
Requirements for Assistance: Legislation has been introduced to require drug testing for those receiving Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) benefits. A separate proposal would require those receiving unemployment benefits to complete 24 hours of community service each week.
Other Issues: Lawmakers will consider recommendations on revising the state funding formula for local public school systems, which has been cut by billions of dollars over the past nine years. Separate bills have also been proposed that would authorize counties to hold non-partisan elections for local offices (sheriff, tax commissioner, clerk of court, coroner, county commissioner, school board, etc.); allow persons to carry concealed firearms in public without having to obtain a gun permit; and remove the statute of limitations on prosecuting persons for child molestation or rape.
U.S. Justice Department gives pre-clearance to Georgia GOP-approved redistricting maps
On Dec. 23, the U.S. Department of Justice granted pre-clearance for Georgia's proposed new legislative and congressional district maps, which were developed by the general counsel of the state Republican Party and approved by the Republican majority of the General Assembly earlier this year.
The Justice Department's action is only the first round of the review process, as likely court challenges await. The proposed maps were clearly drawn for the purpose of increasing the number of Republican districts in the Georgia House of Representatives and Senate and the U.S. House of Representatives.
If the new maps take effect in the 2012 election cycle, House District 96 will continue to be located in western Gwinnett County but will undergo substantial changes in terms of precincts added and taken away. Click here to see the proposed House District maps for the metro Atlanta area.
Unemployment falls below 10%
Georgia's unemployment rate decreased from 10.2 percent in October to 9.9 percent in November, marking its first venture below the 10 percent mark in four months.
State Labor Commissioner Mark Butler said, "We had the best November since 2007 for retail hiring, while seeing gains in the financial and business sectors. These two sectors had been hit very hard by the recession. This is encouraging news."
However, November was the 52nd consecutive month Georgia has exceeded the national unemployment rate, which now stands at 8.6 percent.
"State and local governments have cut 22,500 jobs over the last year, while the private sector has gained 2,600 jobs. I think it's evidence that our state and local leadership is being sensitive to the taxpayer and trying to make government live within its means."
State revenue collections up 7% in November
Georgia tax collections increased in November by $88.3 million or 7 percent over the same month last year. The total increase for the first five months of fiscal year 2012 is 6.8 percent.
Sales tax revenues for November increased 14.8 percent, while individual income tax collections rose by 2.6 percent, motor fuel tax revenues by 6.7 percent and corporate income taxes by 65 percent.
Email: marinstatehouse@aol.com
State Representative Pedro Marin
Capitol
Georgia Gwinnett District 96
611 Coverdell Office Building
Atlanta, GA 30334
Phone: 404.656.0314
Fax: 404.651.5585
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