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

Sen. Steve Gooch (R-Dahlonega) co-sponsored Senate Bill 292, legislation which would require mandatory drug testing for social service recipients.
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 the private sector.
To receive state welfare benefits, all applicants must 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.
“During these challenging economic times, Georgians have a vested interest in how their hard-earned tax dollars are being spent,” said Senator Gooch. “Senate Bill 292 provides a new era of accountability and promotes fiscal responsibility at a time when we need it most.” “By conserving our resources and balancing our state budget, we are working to ensure a brighter future for all Georgians.”
As part of the bills’ provisions, 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.
Recent studies have shown that individuals who engage in drug abuse are less likely to maintain employment, and as a result, remain on welfare-related programs for a longer period of time.

“Senate Bill 292 would provide financial support to families while also helping individuals who need drug rehabilitation,” said Senator Gooch. “In addition, this landmark legislation is aimed at encouraging these individuals to become active members of their communities by re-entering the workforce.”
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Sen. Steve Gooch represents the 51st Senate District which includes Dawson, Fannin, Gilmer, Lumpkin, Pickens, and Union counties and portions of Forsyth and White counties. He may be reached at 404.656.9221 or via e-mail at steve.gooch@senate.ga.gov.

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.

Sen. John Albers (R-Roswell) graduated alongside twenty other freshman state representatives and senators from the fourth Georgia Legislative Leadership Institute (GLLI) on September 25.

GLLI, an offshoot of the Biennial Institute for Georgia Legislators, is a phased leadership development program that helps newer legislators develop skills in leadership, decision making, and policy analysis to better serve constituents and the citizens of Georgia. Candidates for GLLI are chosen by legislative leadership.

“The GLLI provides the tools needed to effectively work on my constituents’ behalf and drive legislation that positively impacts all aspects of our great state,” said Sen. Albers. “Attending GLLI is both an honor and a privilege, and I am grateful to the Georgia General Assembly leadership for this opportunity.”

The GLLI curriculum focuses on characteristics vital to effective governance, including personal leadership development, public policy process and analysis, ethical governance, political leadership, and advanced legislative processes. Legislators engaged in a personal leadership assessment, then grappled with such topics as policy choices in the legislative process and collective problem solving and decision making. They also participated in workshops that helped them identify the qualities necessary for effective legislative leadership and learned how to cultivate those qualities in themselves and others.

“We were delighted to have Sen. Albers participate in GLLI. He was an enthusiastic and engaged participant who added depth and value to all discussions,” said Laura Meadows, Interim Director, Carl Vinson Institute of Government at The University of Georgia.

The Vinson Institute coordinates GLLI every two years in partnership with the Georgia General Assembly and with financial support from the Robert W. Woodruff Foundation. Over 90 legislators have attended GLLI since its 2005 inception.

The Georgia State Firefighters Association (GSFA) and the Georgia Association of Fire Chiefs (GAFC) are proud to name State Senator John Albers as their Legislator of the Year for 2011. Senator Albers, a fourth generation volunteer firefighter himself, was selected for his tireless work on behalf of the Georgia fire service this past session of the Georgia General Assembly. “On behalf of fire chief’s all across Georgia, I cannot thank Sen. Albers enough for his efforts this past session”, said David Kimbrell, President of the GAFC.

A freshman legislator, appointed to serve on the Senate Public Safety Committee, Albers was quick to distinguish himself as a leader on public safety issues and a strong advocate for the fire service. Albers sponsored SB 155, the Jarrett Little Act, which sought to ensure that the families and dependants of firefighters killed in the line of duty were properly compensated for their loss. Scott Carter, President of the GSFA said “It is rare to see a freshman legislator be willing to stand up and take the lead on an important issue like public safety and that’s exactly what John Albers did.”

State Sen. John Albers (R-Alpharetta) recently welcomed Slalom Consulting to testify at the Science and Technology Study Commission.

“Thank you to Slalom Consulting and Craig Marmon for taking the time to talk to our study committee. As a leading company in this highly competitive field, Slalom Consulting can offer a unique insight into how to attract high-tech companies to Atlanta and work with them to grow the industry,” said Albers.

“Georgia is a state in which technology workers thrive, as many of the world’s most innovative and customer-focused corporations have healthy technology centers located here,” said Slalom Consulting Atlanta Managing Director Craig Marmon. “Offshoring has eroded jobs as companies look to reduce overall technology costs. We have the opportunity to move many of these jobs to lower-cost areas of the state. With proper training and education, Georgia workers can compete on par with so-called ‘low cost’ centers abroad.”

Slalom’s Atlanta office offers a broad range of business and technology services, with an emphasis on improving enterprise performance, retaining and growing customers, improving employee productivity, and driving innovation. Including Atlanta, Slalom Consulting has ten offices nationwide and more than 1,100 consultants delivering solutions to companies from global brands to emerging companies.

The State of Georgia’s Science and Technology Strategic Initiative Joint Study Commission was created by Senate Resolution 68 during the 2011 Legislative Session. The members of the commission are tasked with cataloging Georgia’s existing technology assets, reviewing state and national policies that encourage technology advancement, and developing specific recommendations for a strategic plan for science and technology in Georgia. The Georgia Tech Research Institute’s Office of Policy Analysis and Research and the Technology Association of Georgia will assist the commission to fulfill the charge of SR 68.

Letter to the Editor

Sunday, May 1, 2011 will forever live in our history marking the death of Osama bin Laden.  I am overwhelmed with emotion knowing this evil man has descended from the earth.  His last cowardly act was to use a woman as a human shield.    I am so thankful to our military, elected and appointed leaders for their vigilance against Al Qaeda.   Three main points come to mind today:

Justice has been served to all those affected by bin Laden and Al Qaeda.  While his death will not bring back those who lost their lives, it is my prayer that it will help provide closure.  We will never forget what happened on 9/11 and the other terrorist events that have afflicted our country, but we can acknowledge a victory in defeating the leading face of terror.

The world is a safer place today. Ridding the world of bin Laden and much of his Al Qaeda leaders will save lives.   I continue to have the ultimate confidence in our soldiers defending us around the globe.

Good always triumphs over Evil.  It took almost 10 years from the devastating attacks on September 11, 2001.  However, I never doubted our resolve.  Perhaps I am old fashioned, but without hesitation I believe what goes around, comes around and the good guys always prevail in the end.

It is with no remorse or regret that I applaud the Old Testament justice to rebuke a murderer and terrorism.  Today we sent evil to Hades where it belongs, and are turning a new chapter toward peace and freedom for all.  I encourage you to find an active duty soldier, veteran or family member of the fallen and tell them thank you.  Many of us want to express ourselves, and I cannot think of a better way than to thank our fellow countrymen for their sacrifice and bravery.  May God continue to bless the State of Georgia and the United States of America!Sincerely,Senator John AlbersGA District 56

324-B Coverdell Legislative Office Building18 Capitol Square SWAtlanta, GA 30334
(404)463-8055 officejohn@senatoralbers.comwww.senatoralbers.com

ATLANTA (March 30, 2011) – Sen. Jack Murphy, R-Cumming, and Sen. Steve Gooch, R-Dahlonega, are pleased to announce that the Forsyth County campus of North Georgia College and State University is one step closer to completion.

The Senate, today, approved an $18.25 billion budget that included $3 million for the new school. Sen. Murphy and Sen. Gooch said negotiations between them, Lt. Gov. Casey Cagle, Appropriations Committee Chairman Jack Hill and Gov. Nathan Deal helped to ensure the money is included in the Senate version of the budget.

“Beyond the economic growth potential that will naturally come from having a university in our area, I am just so happy that our young people in Forsyth County will have an opportunity for a great education right here at home,” Sen. Murphy said.

Sen. Gooch concurred.

“North Georgia College and State University has proven itself to be a superior school for so many Georgians,” he said. “Having a branch of this campus right here in Forsyth County is truly exciting to me.”

The $3 million approved by the Senate will go toward furnishings, equipment and start-up capital for the new college. The city of Cumming provided the land and plans to build a 30,000-square-foot classroom facility off Pilgrim Mill Road. It will be leased to the university for 10 years before it will be transferred to the college foundation. The 70-acre complex will also include classes from Gainesville State College.

Sen. Gooch and Sen. Murphy each extended thanks to the Cumming City Council and Mayor H. Ford Gravitt for their financial backing and the six-year’s of work it took to get to this point.

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ATLANTA – The Georgia Senate today unanimously passed House Bill 200 by a vote of 50 to 0, showing broad bipartisan support for the measure.  Introduced by State Representative Edward Lindsey (R-Atlanta), HB 200 targets criminals engaged in the trafficking of persons for sexual servitude.

“I’m proud of the Senate for their unanimous support of HB 200,” said Rep. Lindsey. “This is a loud and clear message to those engaging in human trafficking: not in our state!”

HB 200 clarifies the definition of various terms pertaining to sexual servitude, increases penalties for individuals who are found guilty of human trafficking, provides law enforcement with additional tools necessary to combat the practice of human trafficking, and expands Georgia’s forfeiture law so that it applies to those convicted of human trafficking.

Specifically, the bill refines the definition of coercion, sexual servitude and deception as used in Georgia law.  It also adds new terms to Georgia’s code section dealing with human trafficking, including definitions for “performance” and “sexually explicit conduct” as currently used in state law pertaining to the Sexual Exploitation of Children.

Additionally, the legislation increases the penalties for prostitution, keeping a place of prostitution, and pimping or pandering.  These penalties are further increased if the offense involves a person under the age of 16.  Criminals involved in these heinous crimes could also see their property and assets seized because HB 200 allows forfeiture of any real estate or personal property that the courts find to be used, or intended to be used, for human trafficking or sexual servitude purposes.

Finally, the bill assists law enforcement by giving the Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) authority to investigate crimes involving the trafficking of persons for labor or sexual servitude.  It also requires the Georgia Peace Officer Standards and Training Council, as well as the Georgia Public Safety Training Center, to establish guidelines and procedures to provide law enforcement with training materials and information concerning human trafficking and forced servitude.  This will include: methods for identifying, combating, and reporting incidents where a person has been trafficked for labor or sexual servitude; methods for providing proper holding facilities for persons who have been trafficked for labor or sexual servitude, including information on therapeutic facilities; and methods for assisting persons who have been trafficked for labor or sexual servitude, including information on social service organizations.

This bill treats those that have been subjected to sexual servitude with compassion by providing victims a pathway out of their criminally forced servitude.  Any person who suffers a serious mental or emotional trauma as a result of being trafficked for labor or sexual servitude will be eligible for victim compensation so long as they fully cooperate with law enforcement against their human trafficker.

HB 200 is the result of a collaborative effort between Rep. Lindsey, Attorney General Sam Olens, the Georgia Commission on Family Violence, prosecutors, law enforcement officials, and social service advocates.

For more information on HB 200, please click here.