[January 12, 2020] | 2020 SESSION ISSUES
This week we look at some of the issues that are sure to come up in the 2020 General Assembly. Of course, no one can foresee issues that are lurking out there and not well publicized yet. But here are my ideas and my thoughts on these. Incidentally, we will be putting out a questionnaire probably in late January-early February seeking your opinions on issues. Hope that you will respond and give us your thoughts as you always have.
BOTH 2020 AMENDED AND 2021 GENERAL BUDGETS
This year, budgets will be scrutinized closer than normal, due to the volatile revenue picture and big issue budget items to be considered. The Governor will present his budgets in early January and there will be much interest in what is and is not in the Amended and General Budgets.
The Amended FY 2020 will have little new spending, given the continued revenue shortfall facing our state. Hearts would be lightened by a very positive December revenue report which will come out about the time the Governor submits his budget.
The suspense is in the FY 2021 Budget proposal. Will the Governor include the second stage of the income tax cut to 5.5%? That is hard to imagine, given the tenuous revenue picture now being painted in the state.
Secondly, will the second stage of the teacher pay raise be in his proposal? I hope so. That might be possible since no new funding will be required for TRS in this budget...combined with the 6% cuts initiated by the Governor.
Beyond that, these budgets will be remembered by what is not in them. New funding for any project or program will be hard to find or justify this year as will replacing any budget cuts.
DUAL ENROLLMENT TWEAKING
Dual Enrollment of our high school students in colleges, universities, and technical schools has grown exponentially from a $25 million program to potentially a $125 million program if funded this year without any changes. This is very popular in our region and a lot of students take advantage of this opportunity.
Legislation was introduced in the 2019 Session to offer some changes, but the legislation never reached a consensus, and ultimately the program was underfunded in the FY 2020 budget. Look for some changes this session that may likely restrict courses to "core" subjects that count towards basic college graduation requirements and some sort of cap on the total hours that a student may be allowed to take free of charge. I know we will be careful to protect technical education, particularly the certificate job-related courses.
THE TAX CUT
Two years ago, I was excited to help lower our state income tax for the first time in history. We lowered the state income tax rate to 5.75%, and we planned to lower it again to 5.5% this session.
The question will be, "Are state revenues steady enough to support this planned reduction?"
This vote and the reduction could be delayed until state revenues improve.
FINANCING BROADBAND EXPANSION
By now, everyone has heard about the need for broadband expansion connecting rural and hard-to-reach parts of Georgia to the rest of the world. The federal government is parceling out small amounts of funding, a few million here and there; but there is no massive federal funding mechanism.
A proposal taxing services failed in the 2019 Session, bringing a House committee to recently suggest a grant program to allow local governments to proceed. The problem with that proposal is the availability of state revenues to fund such a program.
PAYING COLLEGE ATHLETES
Not sure how this issue will manifest itself, but I believe there will be legislation introduced to move the state down that road. College athletic directors are already lobbying against it.
SPORTS BETTING and CASINOS
Legal sports gambling has long been only allowed in Las Vegas and Reno, but today sports betting is being legalized in more and more states and has been officially endorsed by professional sports. The growth of the internet and fantasy sports games has encouraged sports gambling and virtually removed the stigma.
I expect spirited discussion on this and the following gambling issues. The argument for casinos in Georgia has bounced from economic development, to supplementing and saving the HOPE scholarship program, helping to pay for health care, to the "just let the people decide by voting" argument. Let me know what you think.
That?s just a few of the issues that will be brought up. I thank you for the honor of allowing me to be your Representative in the Georgia House. As always, I greatly appreciate any feedback I receive from my constituents, and I welcome you to contact my office for questions or concerns about the legislative session. My Capitol office number is 404-656-7153 my home 770-893-2039, and my email address is rick.jasperse@house.ga.gov. Please contact me anytime.