By: Sen. John Albers

Since its inception, the HOPE scholarship has provided a low-cost education for Georgia’s best and brightest students.

Governor Nathan Deal, legislative leaders and educational stakeholders are working tirelessly to pass legislation that will address the most appropriate and efficient way to restore funding to Georgia’s educational system. Maintaining the HOPE Scholarship and other key programs are crucial not just for our students, but for our state’s ability to develop a strong workforce and attract new businesses.

One of the main goals of the HOPE scholarship is to incentivize top students to attend a college or university within the state and become contributing members of Georgia’s workforce. The HOPE Scholarship should never be based on family income; instead, it should solely be based upon the hard work of Georgia’s students.

At present, the HOPE Scholarship is the most generous grant program in the nation. When HOPE was originally created, eligibility was partially based on family income levels; this restriction was removed in 1995. If the income cap was reinstated, some high achieving students from upper income families might choose to attend an out-of-state institution. While low-income families have access to millions of dollars in financial aid, Georgia’s highest achieving students should always have the opportunity, regardless of income level, to receive financial aid based on their hard work throughout their scholastic careers.

The HOPE Scholarship isn’t just a reward for the student’s hard work – it is also a reward for the parents who continually encouraged their students to do well, and stayed actively involved in their child’s education. By supplying grants to our state’s highest achieving students, we’re able to secure a more prosperous future by investing in the education of our future leaders.

We need our “best and brightest” to remain in a state undergoing tremendous economic growth. Georgia is home to the headquarters of 14 Fortune 500 companies with combined revenues of $283.77 billion. While companies have expanded operations or relocated to our state for several reasons—including location proximity to the Savannah Ports and tax credits—the ability of our state to provide an educated and reliable workforce is an attractive incentive to businesses. We need to be able to supply the workers necessary to fill the jobs these companies provide, and ensure our universities and colleges are able to provide students with the essentials for success.

As a representative of the 56th Senate District, I look forward to working with my colleagues in the Senate to protect the HOPE Scholarship for Georgia’s highest achieving students for years to come.

ATLANTA (January 27, 2012) – Sen. John Albers (R-Roswell) and Sen. Majority Leader Chip Rogers (R- Woodstock) will host a Town Hall meeting in Alpharetta on Saturday, January 28, to discuss legislative updates and priorities. Attendees will then have the opportunity to participate in a question and answer session. All residents are invited to attend.

WHEN: Saturday, January 28, 2012
10:30 a.m.

WHERE: Alpharetta City Hall
2 S. Main Street
Alpharetta, GA 30099

ATLANTA (November 15, 2011) – Sen. John Albers (R-Roswell) today pre-filed Senate Bill 292, legislation which would require mandatory drug testing to determine welfare eligibility.

Senate Bill 292, known as the Social Responsibility and Accountability Act, would require recipients of Medicaid and the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) welfare programs to undergo drug tests similar to the routine drug-screening measures set forth by private sector employers.

“Whether you work to receive compensation or collect government assistance, the same standards should apply,” said Senator Albers. “If individuals are receiving aid at the taxpayer’s expense, citizens have the right to know how their funds are being appropriated.”

The bills’ provisions outline that if an applicant fails to comply with state-mandated drug testing or produces a positive result, the applicant will be disqualified from receiving state benefits for a specified period of time which will be determined by the Georgia Department of Human Services.

To receive welfare benefits, applicants already submit to a detailed application process and drug-screening measures would serve as an additional eligibility requirement. In an effort to protect the privacy of welfare applicants, screening results would remain confidential to protect against the scrutiny of public opinion.

“The Social Responsibility and Accountability Act touts the virtues of individual responsibility and accountability, and relieves the taxpayer from undue tax burdens,” said Senator Albers. “The proposed legislation would serve to reward law-obeying citizens who need assistance the most.”

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Sen. John Albers represents the 56th Senate District, which includes portions of North Fulton County. He may be reached at his office at 404.463.8055 or by email at john.albers@senate.ga.gov.

Straight from Political Vine.

For Immediate Release
May 11, 2011
Contact: Julianne Thompson
Phone: 404-798-4663

“TEA PARTY LEADERS FOR EVERHART” CONTINUES TO GROW!
Tea Party and 912 activists from around Georgia continue to pledge support to Everhart for Re-election as Chairman of the GAGOP

Atlanta, GA - Last week, Tea Party leaders announced they would be endorsing Sue Everhart for GAGOP Chairman. This week, more leaders (all Georgians) within the movement have pledged support to Everhart, as the momentum grows for this weekend’s Georgia Republican Party State Convention.

Julianne Thompson – State Coordinator of Tea Party Patriots in Georgia and Co-Organizer of the Atlanta Tea Party

Debbie Dooley -  Co-Founder of the Atlanta Tea Party

Virginia Galloway -  Tea Party Educator and Co-Founder of the Atlanta Tea Party

Catherine McDonald – Leader, Atlanta 9-12

Steve Ramey -  Chairman of the Founding Fathers Tea Party

Anthony Scott-Hobbs – Chairman, Tea Party Business Network

Nighta Davis – Founder, American Patriots Tea Party

Kathy Hildebrand – 7th District Tea Party Patriots leader.

Stella Lohmann – Media Professional and Tea Party leader. Known as The Freedom Czar of America.

Conrad Quagliaroli – Organizer, Cherokee County Tea Party Patriots

Tom Ross, Henry County 912 Project

John Bigham, Henry County 912 Project

Clayton County 9-12 Project/Tea Party

Chris Collins Jackson County 9-12 leader

Maureen Miller ~ Douglas County TEA Party Chairman

Atlanta 912 Leadership Team supports Sue Everhart for GA GOP Chair:

John Allan
Marilyn Allan
Carey Brewer
Tony Brewer
John Heald
Judy Heald
John King
Karen King
Catherine McDonald
Deborah Fett Moscato
Amy Peil
Sue Simpson
Linda Smith

“This is very exciting”, said Julianne Thompson, State Coordinator of Georgia Tea Party Patriots and Co-Organizer of the Atlanta Tea Party. “Longtime GOP activists, as well as Tea Party activists brand new to the GOP have taken notice of Everhart’s support and respect of the movement, and her dedication to all of the various coalitions of conservatives that will make the difference going forward. They realize being an activist is about getting involved in choosing the right grassroots leaders going into 2012, if we are going to beat the Obama machine.”

Debbie Dooley stated, “After last week’s press release, Julianne and I were contacted by many Tea Party activists around Georgia who also support Sue Everhart. There were so many that it definitely warranted another press release. We expect more endorsements to come Sue’s way as this election will determine what direction the Georgia GOP will go in. It will determine if the Georgia GOP has its direction determined by the grassroots or powerful elected officials.”

The following Tea Party leaders proudly give Sue Everhart their endorsement:

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Kathy Hildebrand – 7th District Tea Party Patriots leader.

“You don’t trade the winning quarterback after you just won the Super Bowl. Sue is the one to lead us into 2012!”

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Stella Lohmann – Media Professional and Tea Party leader. Known as The Freedom Czar of America.

“If Georgia Republicans want this state to remain “RED” in 2012, we must have a leader who knows, understands, and has proven consistent experience in every aspect of the political process. Sue Everhart has been the ‘boots on the ground’ for many years in grassroots cultivation, management, and growth. Like many conservatives, labels and titles are insignificant when selecting leaders; it’s about integrity to principles and passion. In the more than twelve years that I have known Sue, she remains one of the most reliable models of citizen activism working tirelessly in any capacity entrusted to her with humility and grace. The fact of the matter is Sue gets results. It would be difficult to travel within Conservative circles in Georgia without someone having a story to tell about working on a winning team with Sue. Sue IS the One (for GA GOP Chairman) because she was “Tea Party before Tea Party was cool!”

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Conrad Quagliaroli – Organizer, Cherokee County Tea Party Patriots

“I’m forwarding this message about Sue Everhart, because after hearing all three candidates last month, I decided to support her.  Reason- while her opponents are very capable and embrace technology, it occurred to me that the number one job of the chairman is to raise money and get people to work together.  And for that, you need to have personal contacts with these people.  It seems to me, that after many years volunteering for the GA Republican Party, Sue is the only one with those kind of relationships.  Additionally, while you can hire the technical expertise, you can’t buy those personal contacts.

I will of course support whoever is our chairman, but I will be voting for Sue Everhart at the convention and hope you will as well.”
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ATLANTA – The Georgia House of Representatives passed House Resolution 643 on Thursday, April 14, 2011, with a vote of 157 to 7.  Introduced by State Representative Harry Geisinger (R-Roswell), this legislation creates the House Study Committee on the Horse Racing Industry.

“Expanding our state’s horse industry is a simple way to bring jobs to our state, jobs that are severely needed by the thousands of Georgians who continue to struggle to find employment,” said Rep. Geisinger.  “The number of jobs created and revenue generated through expanded horse racing in our state would give Georgia the economic boost we need.  Thirty-eight other states already reap the $39 billion in economic benefits that horse racing and pari-mutuel wagering bring to our country. Recent budget cuts have made it clear that Georgia can no longer afford to miss this economic opportunity.”

Under HR 643, the House Study Committee on the Horse Racing Industry will be tasked with studying the affects that horse racing and pari-mutuel wagering would have on Georgia’s economy.  This study would include any broad financial benefits for the state and Georgians from additional employment opportunities, capital investments, and real profits from increased breeding, raising, and quartering of horses.   The committee will publish a report of its findings and recommendations, which may include suggestions for proposed legislation.  This report will be submitted to the Georgia House of Representatives by December 31, 2011.

The Committee will be comprised of six members appointed by the Speaker of the House.  Three members will be selected from the Georgia House of Representatives, two members will be other citizens of the state, and one member will be an individual involved in the horse racing industry.  The Speaker of the House will designate one of the state representative committee members to serve as chairperson of the committee.

The House Study Committee on the Horse Racing Industry will build on the work of the 2009 House Special Equine Study Committee.  This 2009 study committee heard from numerous equine experts, all of whom testified to the economic benefits that Georgia would experience if the state expanded its equine industry by allowing horse racing and pari-mutuel wagering in the state.

Dr. Fisch, President of the Florida Quarter Horse Racing Association, explained to the 2009 study committee that each horse on a race track creates seven jobs.  The average horse meet will have at least 800-1,000 horses, thus creating approximately 7,000 jobs per meet.  Some of these jobs necessary for each horse include trainers, groomers, jockeys, drivers, riders, and veterinarians.  Other employment expansion would also include racetrack employees and support for industries such as hotels and restaurants.

Other expert witnesses that testified before the 2009 study committee included the President of the National Thoroughbred Racing Association, the Animal Science Director for the University of Georgia, the Executive Vice President and CEO of the United States Trotting Association, the Chairman of the Agricultural Commodity Commission for Equine, the Executive Director of the Georgia Agricultural Exposition Authority, the  Chairman of the Equine Law Section of the State Bar of Georgia, and several others.

The 2011 House Study Committee on the Horse Racing Industry will pick up where the 2009 House Special Equine Study Committee left off by conducting further in-depth reviews of the effect that an expanded equine industry would have on the state of Georgia.

A link to HR 643 can be found by clicking here.

For information about Georgia’s existing horse industry please visit: http://www.geepforgeorgia.com/.

ROSWELL (March 4, 2011) – Building on the need for efficient government spending, the Senate this week passed a bill to implement a system of zero-based budgeting for state government. Georgia currently prepares its budget on a “continuation” basis, which assumes that all current spending will be carried forward, and legislators only examine proposed increases. I was proud to co-sponsor Senate Bill 33, which would require that one-fourth of the budget be zero-based each year so that over a four year term, the entire budget is scrutinized by the General Assembly.

The Waste Reduction Act of 2011 (SB 33) ends the system of “continuation” budgeting under which appropriations approved one year are automatically rolled over into next year’s budget under a single line item labeled “continuation.”  This system, which effectively hides 95% or more of each year’s budget from public view, makes it difficult to identify spending programs that are no longer needed. Under zero-based budgeting, within four years, every line of the Georgia state budget would be scrutinized. Any waste and doubling of efforts could be eliminated, saving taxpayers untold dollars.

The Senate also took an important step in ensuring that Georgia is able to maintain an adequate water supply. The Georgia Public/Private Water Supply Act of 2011 (Senate Bill 122) will allow state and local governments to voluntarily partner with private investors on the construction of reservoirs and other water infrastructure projects, giving local governments a new tool for financing water projects. The bill strengthens local control by allowing local governments to identify, propose, negotiate and award public/private water supply and water treatment projects. The Water Supply Act will be a good addition to the comprehensive water conservation bill that the legislature passed last year, which outlines proactive steps in planning for water enhancement during future extreme drought conditions and additional water emergencies. As we near the judge’s ruling that will determine the future of Metro Atlanta’s drinking water, we must do everything we can to establish a sustainable framework for the future of Georgia’s water supply, and this bill puts us one step closer to that goal.

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Sen. John Albers represents the 56^th Senate District, which includes portions of North Fulton County. He may be reached at his office at 404.463.8055 or by email at john.albers@senate.ga.gov.

ATLANTA –House Speaker David Ralston (R-Blue Ridge) today led the Georgia House of Representatives in passing House Resolution 389, recognizing the Will to Live Foundation for its dedication to preventing teen suicide.  The foundation was created by John and Susie Trautwein after the couple lost their 15-year-old son, Will Trautwein, to teen suicide in October 2010.  The House fell silent as Speaker Ralston introduced the Trautwein family.

“We get caught up in this world here at the Capitol and think we deal with some big issues,” said Speaker Ralston. “I want to introduce you to a couple who is dealing with some big issues and dealing with them in a big way.  Last October 15, John and Susie Trautwein lost their 15- year-old son, Will, who took his own life.  Out of that tragedy that is unthinkable to me, they have dedicated themselves to fighting a problem and a tragedy that is becoming all too frequent – teenage suicide.  They have established an organization known as Will to Live.”

Speaker Ralston then asked members to join him in watching a video produced by a local television station which told the Trautwein’s story.  Speaker Ralston, members of the House and visitors in the gallery then rose to their feet and applauded to honor the strength and courage of this great Georgia family.

“It is truly an honor to be here.  Thank you for the kindness you have shown to our family,” said John Trautwein.  “This foundation was started the day that Will died.  The Foundation has brought us such hope because its motto of ‘for the kids, through the kids and by the kids’  is a good one, and we truly believe in it.  We know that our son, Will, would truly believe in it.  He would be up here leading this foundation had circumstances been different, but they are not.  So we are here and we are encouraged because we know this would make Will proud.”

The Will to Live Foundation, Inc. is a non-profit foundation dedicated to improving the lives and “Will to Live” of teenagers everywhere.  The foundation works to achieve its mission by empowering teens to help each other.

Specifically, Will to Live teaches young people how to share their own personal experiences in a way that can help other teens find the “good” in life and a “Will to Live” through all of life’s trials.  To do this, the foundation provides education, motivation, consultation, charity, support and most importantly, love and fellowship.

“My wife and I feel a hand on our back every day.  Maybe there are two hands.  One is the hand of God and the other is the hand of Will.  He’s saying do this mom; do this dad.  This is a good thing.  And to live in state where the government of that state is now adding their hand to our backs, this is a good thing.  This is truly encouraging to us and motivating to us and gives us the strength to keep doing it,” added John Trautwein.

Will to Live works with suicide prevention experts, and has succeeded in becoming a trusted resource for both youth and their families.  The foundation works to inform young people of counseling organizations that are available in times of need.  Additionally, they teach families how to support struggling youth and suicide warning signs.

“As a parent who has seen the toll that social and academic pressures can have on teens, I am comforted to know that an organization like Will to Live exists to help young people realize that they are loved and that suicide is never the answer,” said Rep. Lynne Riley (R-Johns Creek).  “I can’t even begin to imagine the difficulty of losing a child, but seeing how the Trautwein family turned their loss into a lifesaving foundation is truly an inspiring lesson for us all.”

The foundation held its first event in December of 2010.  Working with the girl’s lacrosse team from Northview High School in Sandy Springs, Georgia, the foundation showed the classic movie “It’s a Wonderful Life” to a group of more than 150 students.  Just before beginning the movie, Susie Trautwein explained to the students that even after more than 50 years, “It’s A Wonderful Life” continues to remind us that we all need a “Clarence” in our lives and that we all need to be a “Clarence” for our friends and loved ones from time to time.  A “Clarence” is a friend who helps you find the good in life, even at the worst of times.  By accepting “The Clarence Effect Challenge,” young people agree to love each other, be there for each other, and most importantly, talk to each other.

In addition to “The Clarence Effect,” Will to Live also encourages young people to find “Life Teammates,” those people that you want to help and that you would turn to for help.  By recognizing those individuals and telling them that they are life teammates, young people can build life-saving support networks.

The Will to Live message was powerfully shown this year at the foundation’s first ever “Where There’s A Will, There’s A Way 5K” race.  Over 1,500 people were in attendance to show their respect to friends and family who have fallen victim to suicide.  Sarah Biondich and Michael Trainer, event organizers who attend Northview High School and were guests of the Trautweins at the Capitol today, announced that the event raised $25,000.

Will to Live donates all funds raised during events like the “It’s a Wonderful Life” movie showing and “Where There’s A Will, There’s A Way 5K” race to teen suicide prevention, education, and counseling centers.

“The Trautwein story is one of tragedy, but one of hope springing from unthinkable adversity,” said Speaker Ralston.

For more information on HR 389, please click here.

For more information on the Will to Live Foundation, please visit www.will-to-live.org.

ATLANTA (March 1, 2011) – Senate Bill 33, the Waste Reduction Act of 2011, passed the Senate on Tuesday with overwhelming bi-partisan support. The measure, authored by Sen. David Shafer (R-Duluth) and co-sponsored by Sen. John Albers (R-Roswell), will implement a system of zero-based budgeting for state government.

“As stewards of the taxpayers’ money, it is incumbent upon us to justify every dollar we spend,” said Albers.  “This common-sense budgeting practice will help us eliminate wasteful spending and establish a more open and transparent budgeting process.”

Georgia currently prepares its budget on a “continuation” basis, which assumes that all current spending will be carried forward, and legislators only examine proposed increases.  This bill would require that one-fourth of the budget be zero-based each year, so that over a four year term, the entire budget is scrutinized by the General Assembly.

The Waste Reduction Act of 2011 ends the system of “continuation” budgeting under which appropriations approved one year are automatically rolled over into next year’s budget under a single line item labeled “continuation.”  This system, which effectively hides 95% or more of each year’s budget from public view, makes it difficult to identify spending programs that are no longer needed.

Under zero-based budgeting, within four years, every line of the Georgia state budget would be scrutinized. Any waste and doubling of efforts could be eliminated, saving taxpayers untold dollars.

The Senate has passed a version of zero based budgeting four times in the last eight years, the last three times unanimously.  During the 2010 session, Senate Bill 1: The Zero Based Budgeting Act passed the Senate and House unanimously, with the support of both Democrats and Republicans. The bill was then vetoed by then Governor Sonny Perdue. On January 27, 2011, the Senate voted to override the former governor’s veto in an effort to increase openness and fairness in government and further benefit the taxpayers of Georgia.

By Sen. John Albers

ROSWELL (February 25, 2011) – This week brought some high profile issues to the table, including the budget and a HOPE bill that are putting us on the right track to taking care of the issues most important to Georgians.

The Senate passed the amended Fiscal Year 2011 budget this week after it was approved by the House of Representatives, which lays out our spending plan for the rest of the fiscal year that ends June 30.  While revenues are beginning to level out, we are still facing about a $2 billion budget hole.  In difficult times, we have the opportunity to be most efficient with the people’s tax dollars.

The amended budget totals $18 billion, which will continue until the new budget cycle this summer.  Financial shortfalls for FY 2011 were numerous. Among the top budget discrepancies: enrollment growth in K-12 education will cost us $95.7 million more than we anticipated; a less-than-anticipated federal match of Medicaid expenses will cost another $144 million; we have to spend $13.4 million as a result of a Department of Justice settlement regarding our mental health system. To come up with a solution, we chose not to make a few large budget cuts but many small cuts. Across the board, state agencies and departments will make an average 4 percent cut. Some agencies will save more. We ensured that the smallest cuts were made in the state’s education system.

In addition to producing a balanced spending plan for the state, another of our top priorities this session is to overhaul the HOPE scholarship program to ensure its sustainability for future generations.  If we do nothing, HOPE will be unable to meet its obligations in just two years.  The governor unveiled legislation this week that maintains the current merit-based scholarship for students with a 3.0 grade point average (GPA), but adjusts the amount annually based on lottery revenues.  Students attending public colleges and universities will receive 90 percent of the Fiscal Year 2011 tuition rate, and those attending private institutions will receive $3,600.  This decouples the scholarship from rising tuition rates and ensures that HOPE is sustainable for students in the future.

The bill also creates the Zell Miller Scholarship program to reward Georgia’s top students with full tuition coverage.  It will be awarded to students with a 3.7 GPA or higher and who received at least a 1200 SAT score or scored at least a 26 on the ACT.  The HOPE Scholarship program will no longer cover books and fees, and eliminates funding for remedial courses, ensuring those funds go to Georgia’s best and brightest students.

Georgia’s Pre-K program, also funded through the lottery, will continue to be a universal program serving 4-year-olds throughout the state.  It will move from a six and a half-hour to a four-hour program, adding 5,000 slots and $4.5 million for extended day slots for at-risk children.  We will also add $4.2 million to increase the quality of Pre-K.

With HOPE, Georgia introduced the first merit-based program of its time, making Georgia a national leader in education.  Since its creation in 1993, HOPE has provided benefits totaling more than $5 billion to over 1.2 million students pursuing post-secondary education.  It’s our responsibility to ensure that future students can take advantage of these opportunities, creating a bright and educated workforce for Georgia.

The Senate also passed the Taxpayer Protection Act of 2011, a Constitutional Amendment to limit state spending which I proudly co-sponsored.  If approved by voters, Senate Resolution 20 would limit the growth in state government by restricting the state from spending any money in excess of the previous year’s budget adjusted for inflation and population.  Any additional revenue beyond the spending limitations would be required to go into the Rainy Day fund until it reaches 15% of the previous year’s spending, or will be used to pay off state debt and state income tax cuts. If Georgia had utilized this practice over the last 20 years, we would have $2.5 billion additional dollars in shortfall reserve.  The resolution has garnered enormous support from many advocacy groups such as the National Federation of Independent Businesses, Americans for Tax Reform and the National Taxpayers Union.

Also this week, I gathered several of my Republican colleagues to stand with me in support of Governor Scott Walker and the Wisconsin legislature as they work to balance their budget in challenging times and make the tough choices to be fiscally responsible.  The economy in Wisconsin today requires state and local officials to have the ability to make economic decisions unburdened by the collective bargaining efforts of teachers and public employees.  While Georgia is not a collective bargaining state, I thought it was important to address this issue after receiving numerous calls from constituents who wanted to know how we would handle the situation if something similar happened in our state.  It is incumbent upon all elected officials to report to work and make the difficult decisions they were elected to make.