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LEGISLATIVE UPDATE - 2012

 

Ellyn Jeager

Mental Health America of Georgia

Director of Public Policy & Advocacy

 

March 12, 2012                                                                                            Issue #9.2012

Because there is no health without Mental Health!

Monday, March 12, 2012 is the 31st day of the legislative session. There are 10 legislative days left. This week, the legislative session is in 3 days - Monday through Wednesday. Next week, it will be in for 4 days - Monday through Thursday. Without additional changes, this general 2012 session should be completed by the end of March.

 

The Fiscal year 2013 budget, proposed by Governor Deal, anticipates an increase of slightly over 5% in total revenue, or approximately $928 million. Education remains Georgia's highest priority, receiving 54% of the state's revenue. Generally speaking, Georgia remains a fiscally conservative state, ranking 49th in the nation in per capita spending.

 

As reported by the Georgia Council on Substance Abuse, the Governor recommended $10 million to expand Accountability Courts. The House held several meetings with Judges as well as court and criminal administrative agencies (AOC, CJCC, DOC, Pardons & Paroles) to examine the best use and home for this money. The Appropriations Committee has recommended placing all $10 million plus an additional $1.6 million into the CJCC to administer and create an Accountability Courts Granting Committee.   Because the details are very important, the House has defined the allocation of funding as follows:

 

Criminal Justice Coordinating Council (CJCC)

  • $9,383,682 for felony accountability courts
  • $1,500,000 for DUI, family, and juvenile courts
  • $750,000 for collaborative pilot projects with the Department of Corrections
  • No administrative fees shall be received by CJCC for administering these funds

Accountability Courts

  • $251,285 funding for a program director and two project management staff dedicated to the implementation of the statewide Accountability Courts program.
  • $178,592 operating funds and partial annual conference costs to support the statewide Accountability Courts program.

Last Wednesday (3/7) was cross-over day, the 30th day of the session. On this day, any bills that did not cross over from one chamber to the other are no longer in consideration for this session.

 

The following are still in consideration:

HB 861 would require drug screening tests for recipients of TANF benefits.

HB 1114 would make assisted suicide a felony offense, punishable by up to 10 years in prison.

SB 292 would require drug screening tests for recipients of TANF benefits.

SB 312 would require personal growth courses for food stamp applicants, with the exception of people with developmental disabilities.

 

WE NEED YOUR SUPPORT!

 

Public Policy & Advocacy is only one of many programs developed by MHA of Georgia to further our mission of enhancing the mental health of all Georgians through education, outreach and advocacy.

 

Click here to learn more about our programs.  Your support will help us continue our work educating Georgians about mental illness, working to eliminate stigma and advocating on behalf of people with  mental illness in our state.  Click here to support MHA of Georgia.