Senator John Albers Holds Town Hall Meeting

State Sen. John Albers, representing Georgia District 56, hosted a Town Hall meeting on Saturday at Wills Park in Alpharetta. The meeting was one in an ongoing series of monthly Town Hall meetings held by Senator Albers.

Joining Senator Albers at the meeting were Alpharetta City Councilman Jim Paine and Representative Chuck Martin from Georgia House District 47.

The first 20 minutes of the meeting allowed Senator Albers to speak on issues and legislation he is actively working on.  Twenty minutes were allowed for a question-and-answer session on any topics of interest to those attending the meeting. The town hall wrapped up with a discussion of suggestions and ideas from the audience.

Senator Albers reported on the Georgia state budget, indicating that the state currently has no deficit and is maintaining a balanced budget.  He reported that Georgia's "financial house is in order."

Other topics included:

• an update on efforts to solve issues related to the state's water needs, including efforts being made to allow Georgia to draw water out of the Tennessee River. 
• legislation allowing for the collection of DNA from individuals convicted of felonies for the purpose of developing a DNA database to aid in criminal investigations.
• the Special Legislative session which will commence on August 15 for the purpose of redistricting Georgia as a result of the 2010 Census.
• Senator Albers' work on the Science and Technology Committee and its efforts to find ways to bring additional Bioscience and High Technology jobs to the state.

During the question-and-answer session, Senator Albers expressed his belief in the need to use biometrics to ensure the legitimacy of claims being filed against Medicare. He stated that the best method to ensure improved health care in this country will be less government control and more involvement by private enterprise.

When asked about the status of the effort to recreate Milton County, Albers indicated his belief that the Georgia state redistricting effort which will be completed this year may have a positive effect on the legislation by increasing Republican representation in the Georgia House and Senate.

Information on future Town Hall Meetings can be found on Senator Albers' website: www.senatoralbers.com