Benfield Beat
 
JAN. 19-25, 2009
In This Issue
Decatur Annexation Meetings
Save the Date-3rd Annual DeKalb County Police Officers Ball
Secretary of Arts and Culture Petition
Digital TV Converter Box Coupon Program
Decatur Playbook
MetLife Foundation Community-Police Partnership Awards
City Schools of Decatur 2009-10 Calendar Survey
Join Community Radar
Georgia Legislative Update
MLK Holiday Parade
LWV Under the Gold Dome
Sponsoring Legislation
State Capitol Events
Weekly Survey
In the News
Community Calendar
Internships/Volunteer Scholarship/Summer Programs Opportunities
White House Fellows
Upcoming Decatur Recreation Center Events
Quick Links
Join Our Mailing List
Important Meeting
for Decatur Annexation
 
Tuesday, Jan. 20, 2009
7:30 pm
City Commission Room
Consideration of annexation options will be an action item on the City Commission agenda.
 
For more information visit the city of Decatur website.
Save the Date
The 3rd Annual DeKalb County Police Officers Ball

This event has been rescheduled.  Once a new date has been confirmed it will be posted on this newsletter.

For more information contact the DeKalb Police Alliance at (678) 362-0392 or visit their website.
Secretary of Arts and Culture Petition
 
Quincy Jones has started a petition to ask President-Elect Obama to appoint a Secretary of the Arts.  While many othercountries have had Ministers of Art or Culture for centuries, The United States has never created such a position.  We in the arts need this and the country needs the arts--now more than ever.  Please take a moment to sign this important petition and then pass it on to your friends and colleagues.
Digital TV Converter Box Coupon Program
 
Please click here for information regarding the TV Converter Box Coupon Program.
 
For more information regarding digital conversion please visit the following website. 
Decatur Playbook
 
The new quarterly issue of the Decatur Playbook is here.  Get more info. on Decatur Active Living programs, classes, sport leagues, etc.:
 
Click here to obtain one.
MetLife Foundation Community-Police Partnership Awards
 
MetLife Foundation and the Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC) are partnering for the eighth year to recognize, sustain and share the work
of innovative partnerships between community groups and police to promote
neighborhood safety and revitalization.

Further information and a link to the full RFP is available at their website. 
City Schools of Decatur 2009-10 Calendar Survey
 
The City Schools of Decatur's Calendar Committee  will be posting two amended calendar options for feedback from CSD families and employees.
Although the committee posted its 2009-2010 calendar options last year, two important changes to last year's parameters have taken place that warrant one last feedback session:

1.) CSD leadership wishes to communicate student progress to families 6 times each year rather than 4. This does not affect the length of the school year.
2.) Budget constraints will not permit any student intervention opportunities in which some students would attend school for more than 180 school days.

A calendar survey was sent out on Monday, January 12th to the Campus Parent Portal account of each CSD parent or guardian.
 
Click here to log in to the Campus Parent Portal.
comradar
Join Community Radar
 
Community Radar™ is a site dedicated to everything about your community; from government, to places to go, from schools, to zoning - one place to stay informed! As a community-run site, the mission of Community Radar™ is to be your best source for timely and relevant community news.
Click here to join.
MLKing
 
Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday Celebration
Monday, January 19, 2009
2:00 pm
 
MLK Jr. Day Parade sponsored by the City of Stone Mountain and the DeKalb NAACP.
 
This annual parade honors the civil rights champion, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.  The parade starts at the Fourth Street MARTA parking lot and proceeds through historic Shermantown to the Freedom Bell on Main Street.  The parade ends at the Champion Middle School Gym where a tribute to Dr. King will be held inside.

Georgia Legislative Update

Budget
The Governor's proposed budget will not be relying on money from Washington.  Instead the Governor has recommended using the Rainy Day fund to balance the budget ($50 million) in 2009 and plans to save the largest portion of available reserve funds for the 2010 budget ($408 million).
 
The 2009 supplemental budget, which runs until June 30, is going from $21.2 billion to $19.2 billion and the 2010 budget which begins July 1st of this year is $20.2 billion. To stimulate growth, the Governor is proposing $1.2 billion in bonds for new construction projects throughout the state that is expected to create 20,000 jobs.

The Governor laid out his plan to restructure the Department of Human Resources.  The proposed changes include the creation of a new Department of Behavioral Health, Department of Health and Department of Human Services.
 
He is also proposing a 1.6 percent fee on hospitals and health insurance plans to pay for Medicaid services.  According to the Governor, these changes will allow Georgia to significantly raise reimbursement rates for providers and give $60 million to sustain and expand the state's trauma network.
 
The budget unfortunately omitted the $428 million homestead property tax relief grants for local governments.  Estimates indicate a potential increase in property taxes for homeowners up to $300.
 
In response, members of the House are considering a constitutional amendment that would cap property tax assessments for residential properties at 2 percent and 3 percent for commercial properties.  Local governments state they would have to raise property taxes to make up for lost revenues or slash existing services if cap was enacted.
 
Some other highlights within the Governor's budget include:
1. Continued cuts to the QBE education formula that go to  
     operate schools.
2. Elimination of  10 conservation rangers and 18 staffers
     at the Environmental Protection Division.
3. Cuts for the Georgia Bureau of Investigation crime labs
     and arson investigators at the Georgia Forestry
     Commission.
4. Reduction of case workers at the Child Protective
     Services Division.
5. Closing of four prisons.
 
Some members of the Georgia General Assembly are concerned that there was no action taken to move forward on transportation, trauma care or tax reform.  It is the hope of many that the legislature will focus on creating jobs for our workforce; providing students with a superior education; making sure that every family has a family doctor and access to preventative care; developing long-term plans to manage our natural resources; keeping our families safe from crime and drugs and developing a transportation plan that will take Georgia into the future.
 
For more information on the Governor's proposed budget please click here.
 
House Committees Assigned
The Committee on Assignments, chaired by the Speaker, is in charge of deciding committee rosters.

Congratulations to all members on your new committee assignments.  Also, a special congratulation goes out to Representatives Penny Houston, Don Parsons, Chuck Sims, Matt Dollar, Rich Golick, Roger Lane, Howard Maxwell, and John Burns for their new Chairmen positions.
 
Click here to view 2009 committee assignments.
Legislation
This session I will be sponsoring or co-sponsoring the following legislation.
 
Banning Cell Phones While Driving (HB 19) - prohibits the use of cell phones while driving for Class D, or beginner, drivers.
 
Sales Tax Holiday School Supples (HB 97) - to add calculators valued up to $1,500 to the list of tax free items that may be purchased during the annual sales tax holiday.
 
Racial Profiling (HB 110) - to require policies that prohibit law enforcement officers from impermissibly using race or ethnicity in determining whether to stop a motorist.
lwv 
 
Under the Gold Dome
Click here to read more.
leghomepage
State Capitol Events
 
House and Senate Budget Hearings
To see the schedule click here.

Weekly Survey

Last week, 92 percent of the respondents approved of selling alcohol on Sunday in Georgia.  Thank you again for participating in the Survey.
In the News
Headlines from throughout Georgia and the Nation
 
Athens Banner-Herald
Senator Renews Sunday Sales Plan
As promised, supporters of Sunday sales of alcohol in Georgia are renewing efforts to change Georgia's law.

A bill filed Tuesday by state Sen. Seth Harp, R-Midland, says local governments could call elections to let voters decide if they want to allow Sunday sales of beer, wine and liquor at grocery, convenience and liquor stores.

Alcoholic beverages already are sold on Sundays in restaurants and bars in much of the state. 
Click here to read more.
 
The Washington Post
House Votes to Expand Child Health Insurance
The House easily approved an expansion of government health coverage for low-income children yesterday, a top priority for President-elect Barack Obama and the first in a series of stalled measures expected to move quickly through the Democratic Congress as President Bush leaves office.

To read more click here.
 
Augusta Chronicle
$4 million at state over seat belt law
The economy might give Georgia legislators the extra push they need to require adults in pickups to wear seat belts -- changing the law would instantly give the state about $4 million in federal highway funds.

The effort has become an annual crusade. Supporters come to legislators armed with frightening statistics about the number of lives that could be saved and accidents avoided if the law was tweaked.
 
Click here to read more.
 
HB 22 was introduced by Reps. Mary Margaret Oliver, Stephanie Stuckey Benfield and others.
Community Calendar/News
 
calendar
Druid Hills High School Premiere Benefit
Saturday, January 31, 2009
6:30 pm - 10:30 pm
Emory University
For more information contact Donna Toulme at (404) 373-6662
 
Winnona Park Elementary School Meeting for Prospective Parents
Friday, January 30, 2009
1:15 pm
510 Avery Street
Decatur, Georgia 30030
 
ODE and Japan-America Society of Georgia Host Fundraiser Starring Famed Storyteller Motoko
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
7:30 pm
Holiday Inn Decatur
130 Clairemont Road
Decatur, Georgia 30030
Fundraiser is for Read With Me DeKalb, an ODE initiative that has given over $40,000 worth of books to Title 1 Schools and low income children in DeKalb County.
 
Avondale Estates Calendars are Available
Photographer and designer Carolyn Chandler has produced a limited edition Avondale Estates calendar for 2009.  The calendars are $15 each and can be purchased by calling (678)596-4810 or stopping by Avondale Antiques at 89 N. Clarendon Ave. (across from the Fire Station).
 
Workshop: Growing Up-A Vertical Perspective (Gardening)
DeKalb Extension Service
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
7:00 pm - 8:30 pm
4380 Memorial Drive
Decatur, Georgia 30032
For more information or to register, please call (404) 298-4080.
 
Parents Night Out
Leapin' Lizards
Saturday, January 24, 2009
7:00 pm - 10:00 pm
185 Sams Street
Decatur, Georgia 30030
For reservations call (404) 371-9700 or send an email.
 
PEDS Pizza Party (Pedestrians Educating Drivers about Safety)
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
6:00 pm - 8:00 pm
85 Poplar Street
Atlanta, Georgia 30303
 
Public Hearing on School Zone Boundaries
Avondale Estates Museum Charter School
Thursday, January 22, 2009
6:30 pm
Avondale Estates City Hall
21 North Avondale Plaza
Avondale Estates, Georgia 30002
 
FODAC Benefit (Friends of Disabled Adults and Children)
Saturday, January 24, 2009
7:00 pm - 9:00 pm
6655 James B. Rivers Drive
Stone Mountain, Georgia 30083
For more information contact Hilde Friese at (770) 489-0329.
 
Panel Discussion: Energy Alternatives, Conservation and Sustainability
DeKalb Chamber of Commerce
Monday, February 2, 2009
Holiday Inn Conference Center
130 Clairemont Road
Decatur, Georgia 30030
For more information please contact the Chamber at (404) 378-8000 or click here to RSVP.
 
Call for Silent Auction Items
Breakthru House 40th Anniversary Celebration
April 16, 2009
Northside United Methodist Church
Please contact Kate Boyer at (404) 284-4658 ext. 2 for any additional information. 
 
The DeKalb County School System State of the System Address
Thursday, February 5, 2009
7:30 am - 9:00 am
Mercer University
Cecil B. Day Hall
3001 Mercer University Drive
Atlanta, Georgia 30341
For more information contact the DeKalb Chamber of Commerce at (404) 378-8000.
 
Decatur's 7th Annual MLK, Jr. Service Project
Saturday, January 17 to Monday January 19, 2009
Volunteers will make greatly needed repairs and do yard work for Decatur's senior citizens.  The MLK Jr. Service Project is sponsored by the Decatur Preservation Alliance in partnership with the City of Decatur and other organizations.

Volunteers may sign up for one or more of the following shifts:
Saturday, January 17:   9am to 1pm and 1pm to 5pm
Sunday, January 18:      1pm to 5pm
Monday, January 19:    9am to 1pm and 1pm to 5pm
 
Please contact Leeann Harvey at 678-553-6548 if you are interested in volunteering, being a Materials Expeditor or Materials Runner, helping with air-sealing/energy efficiency improvements or assisting with volunteer check in.
fellows
 
The President's Commission on White House Fellowships
 
Accepting applications for the 2009-2010 class.
Applications are available online and must be submitted by February 1, 2009.
For more information please visit their website.
 Internships
 
Upper Chattahoochee Riverkeeper
For more information on how to apply, click here.
 
The Democratic Party of Georgia is currently accepting Intern applications for the spring semester.
For more information visit the party website.
 
The Institute for Responsible Citizenship
The Institute for Responsible Citizenship is currently accepting applications for its summer leadership program in Washington , DC . The Institute provides America 's best and brightest African American male college students with unparalleled networking opportunities, leadership development, and lifelong mentorship.  For more information click here.
 
Volunteer Opportunities

DeKalb Rape Crisis Center
To learn about ways to volunteer please visit their website.
 
Scholarships
 
The Jackie Robinson Foundation Scholarship Program
Provides scholarships of up to $7,500 annually to minority high school students showing leadership potential and demonstrating financial need to attend an accredited 4-year college or university of their choice.
 
For more information go to Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ's) page, send us an email at requests@jackierobinson.org or call (212)290-8600.
 
Summer Programs
 
Breakthrough Atlanta (housed at The Lovett School)
Breakthrough Atlanta is looking for motivated students who want to participate in a six-year, tuition-free academic enrichment program.  Please visit their website for additional information.
Upcoming Decatur Recreation Center Events
 
Decatur Youth Lacrosse
Register now at the Decatur Recreation Center
Boys Lacrosse: Ages 7-14
Girls Lacrosse: Ages 9-14
Practices and games are held at local fields.
Volunteer coaches needed!
For more information, please visit their website or contact Stacy Green at (678) 553-6549.
 
Valentine Luncheon for Grades 1-3
Saturday, Feb. 14, 2009
11:30 am
Decatur Recreation Center

Valentine Dance for Grades 4-5
Saturday, Feb. 14, 2009
6:30 pm - 8:30 pm
Decatur Recreation Center
For more information on both events, please visit the website or contact Lee Williams at (678) 553-6551.
 
Be a Lifeguard or a Front Desk Attendant at a City of Decatur Pool!
To apply online to be a lifeguard, please click here.
To apply to be a front desk attendant, please contact Desiree Kaman, HR Director, Sears Pool Management, at (770) 993-7492.
 
DeKalb Parks and Recreation Department Third Public Meeting for Mason Mill Park
Thursday, January 22, 2009
6:30 p.m.
Mason Mill Recreation Center
1340-B McConnell Drive, Lower Level
Decatur, Georgia 30032

For more updated information, please go to their website, click on park planning and development, then "Mason Mill Park". Any comments or questions may be directed to John Anderson, Project Manager at (404) 687-3497.