Joy Peterson posted on February 04, 2011 17:07
ATLANTA, Ga. – Floyd County Commissioners joined their counterparts and other county officials from across the state at the 2011 Capitol Connection Conference coordinated by the Association County Commissioners of Georgia (ACCG). Governor Nathan Deal, Lt. Governor Casey Cagle, House Speaker David Ralston and other state officials participated in the conference and encourage a spirit of cooperation in addressing the state budget, transportation, and economic growth.
Commissioners Eddie Lumsden, Chad Whitefield, Irwin Bagwell and John Mayes were in attendance, as well as County Manager Kevin Poe.
During the Capitol Connection Conference luncheon, Governor Deal announced changes to the Georgia Transportation Infrastructure Bank to make loans to counties for transportation development more available. As well, Deal spoke of increasing funding support for the Regional Economic Business Assistance grant program and One Georgia Authority to support economic development and attract businesses to Georgia.
Commissioners were also able to make connections with others at the Capitol to discuss other important issues as well.
“In addition to meeting with our local delegation, we also met with other State officials to continue addressing our concerns with the scheduled closing of Northwest Regional Hospital,” said Commission Chairman Eddie Lumsden. “We have been in contact with state officials since word of the closure came and will continue to keep those lines of communication open. We have significant concerns about how this closure will happen and what resources are available to the employees, patients and their families.”
In addition to hearing from state leaders, ACCG’s Capitol Connection Conference provides an opportunity for county officials to get the latest information on pressing legislative issues. They also have time to meet with state legislators to discuss concerns on specific legislative and budget proposals.
“Issues change daily at the Capitol this time of year,” said Lumsden. “Legislation that is passed can have a direct impact on county operations, so it is important for county officials to understand the issues and make sure that our legislative delegation knows the impact that their decisions can have on our community.”
Commissioners were also able to meet with Josh Waller, Transportation Policy Advisor, to discuss the 411 Connector project and the proposed Transportation Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax (TSPLOST).
“Transportation is important in every community and we want to make sure that state officials know it is a top priority for Floyd County,” said Lumsden. “We communicate our concerns to our local and state delegation frequently, but never hesitate to remind them at times like this.”
ACCG staff briefed county officials on several key legislative initiatives including the sales tax reform proposal developed by the Special Council on Tax Reform and Fairness for Georgians, proposed changes for early voting requirements and changes to immigration laws that could impact county operations. County officials also learned more about how some of the proposed budget cuts in the FY2011 Amended Budget and the FY2012 Budget in agencies such as the Georgia Bureau of Investigation, Department of Community Affairs and the Department of Public Health will impact county government.
“We have to continue building relationships with our state legislators and keep the lines of communication with them open, especially during the legislative session,” said Union County Commissioner and ACCG President Lamar Paris. “As local government leaders, many counties also are cutting programs and staffing in response to declining revenues. We need to work as partners with our state legislators.”
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