Sen. Albers Reviews Week's Legislative Session

Sen. John Albers, R-56th, offered his weekly update on the state Senate's past week via e-mail and a video recorded at the Greater North Fulton Chamber of Commerce's Business Expo in Alpharetta on Friday.

Albers said the state Senate passed a bill to implement zero-based budgeting for state government.

Georgia 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," Albers said in his weekly message to constituents in North Fulton.

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 percent or more of each year’s budget from public view, makes it difficult to identify spending programs that are no longer needed," he said.

The Senate also approved the Georgia Public/Private Water Supply Act of 2011 (Senate Bill 122) to 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. Local governments will be able to identify, propose, negotiate and award public/private water supply and water treatment projects if the bill becomes law.

Albers said the bill 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," Albers said.