Policy Watch
03.31.08
The 2008 General Assembly reconvenes today for what is expected to be the last week of the 2008 Session. They are scheduled to meet through Wednesday, April 2, break on Thursday, and return for Sine Die, or final adjournment, on
Friday, April 4.
Last Thursday the Senate presented and passed their version of HB 990, the FY09 budget. Because it differs from the legislation passed by the House, both chambers held firm to their positions and a conference committee was appointed by Speaker Richardson and Lt. Gov. Cagle. They will be meeting over the next few days to work out a compromise budget. Also, because of the Governor's reduced revenue projections, there is more competition for available funds.
As you know, GFCN has appealed to the General Assembly for a $2 million budgetary request (FY09). The appropriation would be awarded to the Network to then disperse to the clinics through a grant program to spur additional clinics and new services into existing clinics. While our specific request has not been earmarked in any version of the 09 budget, we continue to be hopeful that some funding for the Network will be proposed by the budget conferees.
03.14.08
The 2008 General Assembly reconvened on Tuesday, March 11 for "Crossover Day." Legislation must pass either the House of Representatives or the Senate by "Crossover Day" in order to have a chance to be approved by the other chamber before the end of the 2008 Session. 1,250 bills and resolutions failed to make the deadline.
Also this week, given the slowing rate of growth of the state's revenue collections, Governor Perdue reduced the revenue estimates for both Amended Fiscal Year 2008 (AFY08) and Fiscal Year 2009 (FY09). For FY08, Governor Perdue is reducing the revenue estimate by $65 million from his original proposal. For FY09, Governor Perdue reduced the revenue estimate by $245 million.
As you know, GFCN is appealing to the General Assembly for a $2 million budgetary request (FY09). The one-time appropriation would be
awarded to the Network to then disperse to the clinics through a grant program to spur additional clinics and new services into existing clinics. With reduced revenue projections, there will be more competition for available funds. GFCN urges you to contact your
legislators in support of the GFCN appropriations request. To locate your Representative and Senator go to www.legis.state.ga.us.
The Session will reconvene on Tuesday, March 18, for Day 32.
Other legislation to watch:
SB 395, sponsored by Sen. Greg Goggans (R-Douglas) passed out of the State Senate and is now in the House Appropriations Committee. This legislation will create a safety net clinic funding program through the Department of Community Health.
HB 1222, sponsored by Rep. Mickey Channell (R-Greensboro) revises certain provisions related to the requirements for entering into contracts with health care providers as part of the Volunteers in Health Care Act. It also requires that health care licensing boards issue special license if certain conditions are met and requires that a practitioner under sanctions or restrictions shall not receive a special license. HB 1222 House and is now in the Senate Health Committee.
HB 1229, also sponsored by Rep. Channell creates an income tax credit for physicians who provide uncompensated care through a free health clinic. It is assigned to the House Ways and Means Committee.
HB 1241, sponsored by Rep. Joe Wilkinson (R-Sandy Springs) would provide for a sales tax exemption for a limited period of time to nonprofit volunteer health clinics. It is assigned to House Ways and Means Committee.
SB 383, sponsored by Sen. Judson Hill (R-Marietta) is a free-market health insurance solution for the uninsured, and would encourage health savings account eligible high deductible plans in Georgia. This legislation was introduced to provide coverage to more than 500,000 uninsured in Georgia. It passed the State Senate and is now in the House Insurance Committee.
GFCN urges you to contact your legislators during the Session and to familiarize yourself with the legislative process at www.legis.state.ga.us.
