Sens. Beach, Albers Bring Legislative Issues to Alpharetta

The Alpharetta and Roswell lawmakers will hold a town hall meeting Saturday, March 16.

State Sens. John Albers and Brandon Beach will hold a joint Town Hall meeting Saturday, March 16 in Alpharetta. Beach, R-Alpharetta, and Albers, R-Roswell, will meet with local residents at Alpharetta City Hall starting at 11:30 a.m. The two legislators are expected to offer legislative updates from the current session of the General Assembly, and their priorities. They also will take questions from those who attend.

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Alpharetta Expected to Join Milton in Opposing Cell Tower Legislation

The proposed House Bill would limit a city's ability to control cell towers through zoning.

Alpharetta is prepared to oppose legislation that would limit its zoning controls for cell towers and that prohibits any city from offering Internet broadband if any private carrier alrady offers the service. The North Fulton city joins Milton in opposing House Bill 176, which limits the municipal zoning authority for cell towers. According to the resolution City Council will consider at tonight's meeting in City Hall at 7:30, the legislation would:

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Fulton Opposes Attempt to Freeze or Lower Property Taxes

Commissioner Liz Hausmann said she was in favor of legislation by Alpharetta, Milton and Johns Creek lawmakers that also would redraw commission district lines that would add another North Fulton member.

The Fulton County Board of Commissioners voted today to oppose temporarily capping the county's property tax millage rate, doubling the homestead exemption rate and giving North Fulton more representation on the commisson. Liz Hausmann is the only commissioner who solely represents North Fulton. Commissioner Tom Lowe's district extends from Roswell south until it's well inside the perimeter. Hausmann, the District 3 commissioner, voted against the resolution. "I am in favor of the proposed new commission districts as it brings additional representation to North Fulton that is long overdue, and complies with the important concept of one man one vote," said Hausmann, the District 3 Commissioner. "I also think the legislation that provides …

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Rep. Riley Excited About Republican Majority

Johns Creek resident elected chairwoman of Fulton House Delegation.

With a new legislative session kicking off, Johns Creek's own Rep. Lynne Riley has been named to a new leadership position in the Georgia House of Representatives. "I am honored to have been elected Chairwoman of the Fulton County House Delegation," said Riley on her website. "In 2013, my colleagues and I will deliver a legislative package designed to benefit every citizen of Fulton County by lowering taxes and enhancing service delivery."  Riley told Patch that this year is significant in that it's the first time the Fulton delegation will have a Republican majority, and that her election as chair will enable the delegation to move legislation through that is important to North Fulton constituents. She said so far the delegation has …

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Bill Making Teachers Pay Back Bonuses Awaits Governor's Signature

HB 692, which follows a cheating scandal on standardized tests, would make those found guilty give back bonuses and pay raises.

The state Senate passed a House bill today that stiffens penalties for teachers who falsify student assessment results. It now awaits Gov. Nathan Deal's signature. According to lawmakers, HB 692 outlines a greater measure of accountability standards for teachers found guilty of falsifying assessments or standardized tests. A teacher who knowingly falsifies these test scores who gets a bonus or salary increase not only has to forfeit any bonus money, all money already received has to be paid back. This legislation followed a scandal in the Atlanta Public Schools in which many educators and administrators were implicated when the system's standardized test scores rose by phenomenal amounts in a short time. Many educators were asked to quit …

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From the Desk of Rep. Chuck Martin

The Capitol Express: Rep. Martin Backs Charter Schools, Sunset Act

The Georgia General Assembly is rapidly approaching Crossover Day, when all bills have to pass in one chamber to be considered by the other.

We are now past the halfway mark of the 2012 legislative session. We continue to work in committees and on the House floor to ensure important legislation makes it through the House while there is still time.  Just recently: As we embark on Legislative Day 28, 13 bills are expected to be debated on the floor as Crossover Day (Day 30) quickly approaches.  

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From the Desk of Sen. John Albers

Sen. Albers Says Legislation Upates Public Schools Retirement Plan

Tax Commissioners won't benefit from two retirement benefit programs under another bill passed this week.

Sen. John Albers plans his next town hall meeting in Sandy Springs on Saturday, Feb. 25 at City Hall. For additional information on his town hall schedule, visit Sen. Albers' website.

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From the Desk of Sen. John Albers

State Senate Passes Bill Setting Training Standards for Municipal Courts

Sen. John Albers, R-Roswell says it was a light week for legislation in the Georgia Senate as bills move through commitees. Two bills passed the Senate that relate to municipal courts and judges. Learn more about Sen. Albers at his website.

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From the Desk of Sen. John Albers

Watch Sen. Albers Talk About Legislation Intended to Help Find Agencies to Close

The state senator from Roswell offers his weekly legislative address after week three of the session in the General Assembly.

Sen. John Albers, R-Roswell, discusses legislation including a sunset bill that would create a joint commission to study and recommend what state agencies should be eliminated. Other issues include:

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Video Message: Sen. Rogers Said Constituents Want Government Off Their Backs

State agencies should justify their continued existence or be shut down.

Sen. Chip Rogers, R-Woodstock, sets out his priorities for the legislative session in his video message. Why should residents of Alpharetta and Milton care? The Senate Majority Leader's district will change to include many of them. "The new districts just approved by the Justice Department has Senate District 21 including portions of Cherokee and North Fulton. The North Fulton area includes all of Milton and about 1/2 of Alpharetta," he said. Rogers plans town hall meetings in the coming months, starting in Alpharetta. January Feburary March April For any additional information concerning the town hall meetings, contact Sen. Rogers’ legislative office at 404-463-1378.

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