Benfield Beat -- January 19, 2010

Would you like to be a part of history? In August of 2010, we will open the doors to The Museum School of Avondale Estates and bring quality public charter education to our children. This is your unique opportunity to be a founding member of our community school!

The 2010 Founder's Club has been established to raise critical dollars needed to open our facility this fall. State and local funding does not provide for capital costs, and we need your support to raise these urgent funds.

Please join our mayor, Ed Rieker, along with your neighbors in becoming a part of The Museum School 2010 Founder's Club. With your minimum contribution of $2,010, you can make history happen!

To donate, visit our website at

themuseumschool.org. To learn more about the 2010 Founder's Club or other contribution opportunities, please contact Aspen Kron, Fundraising Chair, at (770) 330-2593.

The Benfield Beat is a weekly, nonpartisan publication featuring state and local government news and community events. A "job postings" feature has also been added to help people find employment during these tough economic times. Internship and scholarship opportunities for students and recent graduates are also listed. I welcome submissions for news stories, community listings, or employment postings. Submissions can be made by emailing me directly at stuckey@mindspring.com.

Feel free to circulate the Benfield Beat to friends, neighbors, and associates. You can subscribe by visiting my website at: www.benfieldbeat.com. If you would like to receive progressive news from a Democratic perspective, you can subscribe to the Political Beat by emailing me at stuckey@mindspring.com and putting "Political Beat" in the subject line.

I welcome your suggestions and feedback on entries in the Benfield Beat. I read all emails personally and do my best to respond in a timely fashion.

Thanks for reading!

Emory LaVista Parent Council

EDUCATION ISSUES IN THE LEGISLATURE

Wednesday, Jan. 20, 2010

9:15 am

Evansdale Elementary School

2914 Evans Woods Drive

Doraville, Georgia 30340

Legislative Panelists:

Sen. Steve Henson, District 41

Sen. Dan Weber, District 40

Rep. Stephanie Stuckey Benfield, District 85

Rep. Kevin Levitas, District 82

Rep. Fran Millar, District 79

Rep. Mary Margaret Oliver, District 83

Ms. Nicole Knighten, Govt. Relations, DeKalb Co. Schools

The people of Haiti need your help. Click here to make a donation to the NAACP For Haiti Fund

On Tuesday afternoon, a massive 7.0 magnitude earthquake struck southwest of the Haitian capital of Port Au Prince. You have seen the devastating images. Preliminary reports note that millions of people have been affected, although it will be days before the world knows the true impact of this catastrophe.

The NAACP is asking our members and supporters to do whatever they can to assist those who have lost their homes, their livelihoods, and their loved ones. In the weeks ahead, we will bring you a number of opportunities to get involved in relief efforts in your communities. Today, the need for aid is crucial, and we ask that you make an emergency donation through the NAACP For Haiti Fund.

Proceeds will go to the NAACP's relief effort to bring food, water, shelter and medical services to the people of Haiti.

Sincerely,

Benjamin Todd Jealous
President and CEO
NAACP

Events at the Capitol...

Rep. Benfield (and daughter, Beverly) meets with members of the blind and visually impaired community advocating for a Coalition for the Blind

Do you have a group visiting the Capitol? Please let me know! I'm always happy to meet with constituents and arrange for tours, meeting rooms, refreshments, etc. to make your trip to our State Capitol as enjoyable as possible. Call my office at (404) 656-7859 for more information.

Press Conference on Legislation Prohibiting Texting While Driving

AAA of Georgia and State Representative Allen Peake ( R-Bibb County ) will hold a press conference on Tuesday, January 19, 2010, to discuss House Bill 938, legislation that prohibits texting while driving. Since being introduced by Representative Peake, HB 938 has received wide support from other representatives as well as AAA Auto Club. The press conference will take place in Room 610 of the Coverdell Legislative Office Building and will begin at 11:00 am. Rep. Benfield is a co-sponsor of HB 938.

House Annouces Changes In Committee Chairs

Rep. Bill Hembree - Rules Chairman (previously Earl Ehrhart)
Rep. Wendell Willard - Rules Vice-Chairman (previously John Lunsford)
Rep. Earl Ehrhart - Appropriations Higher Education Vice-Chairman (previously Bob Smith)
Rep. Terry England - Appropriations Education Vice-Chairman (previously Ed Lindsey)
Rep. Penny Houston - Appropriations Human Services Vice-Chairman (previously Mark Butler)
Rep. Doug Collins - Appropriations Secretary (previously Richard Smith)
Rep. Len Walker - Higher Education Chairman (previously Bill Hembree)
Rep. John Meadows - Insurance Chairman (previously Tom Knox)
Rep. Mark Hamilton - Governmental Affairs Chairman (previously Austin Scott)
Rep. Tim Bearden - Governmental Affairs Vice-Chairman (previously John Meadows)
Rep. Richard Smith - Budget & Fiscal Affairs Oversight Chairman (previously Penny Houston)
Rep. Clay Cox - Human Relations Chairman (previously Len Walker)
Rep. Mark Williams - Game, Fish, & Parks Vice-Chairman (previously Cecily Hill)
Rep. John Lunsford - Special Committee on Small Business Development Chairman (new committee)
Rep. Mike Jacobs - Judiciary Vice-Chairman (previously David Ralston)
Rep. Stephen Allison - Judiciary Secretary (previously Mike Jacobs)
Rep. Kevin Levitas*- Judiciary Non-Civil Secretary (previously Tim Bearden)

At the Capitol this Week --

BUDGET BRIEFINGS ON the GA FY 2011 BUDGET

The 2010 Session Budget Briefings are scheduled to begin on Tuesday, January 19, 2010 at 1:00 pm in Room 341 State Capitol and should adjourn at 1:30 pm on Thursday, January 21, 2010.

For more information visit the Georgia General Assembly website.

Governor Perdue Announces

Transportation Resource Plan

Governor Perdue last week announced a comprehensive plan to provide additional resources to invest in Georgia's transportation network.

At the announcement, Governor Perdue explained his support for new transportation funding comes after being convinced that the state's transportation governance system is functioning well, and is regaining the trust of Georgians. After reforms passed by the General Assembly last year, the statewide strategic plan now drives the decision-making process on how and when to make additional investments that deliver results.

The Governor said Georgia is now in a position to strategically target investment to fuel Georgia's job growth and to position the state as a national leader in economic recovery.

First, the Governor announced that his FY 2011 budget recommendation will include $300 million in bond projects for transportation. These projects are aligned with the statewide strategic transportation plan and will focus on projects of statewide significance. The Governor laid out a vision for committing a similar amount in future budgets, which could total as much as $3 billion over the next decade. The bonds will be paid back using state general funds rather than motor fuel taxes, which are declining at a time when transportation needs are increasing.

He also said he would support legislation that would create special tax districts for transportation that mirror the state's 12 regional planning boundaries.

Voters in each region will have the ability to decide on new transportation improvements by voting on a one percent sales tax. The transportation districts will enable a collection of counties to make strategic decisions that will produce growth in their region. The state's director of planning will work closely with local communities to create a project list for each transportation district. The project list will knit together transportation improvements that connect our cities and regions, making the movement of people and goods faster and more cost-efficient.

The Governor's proposal calls for a statewide vote to be held, with the voters in each transportation district considering their specific list. If the district votes yes, the additional sales tax collected in their district will be used to fund their list of projects. If the district votes no, the tax will not be levied.

Georgians for Smart Energy Coalition Conference

Georgians for Smart Energy will host their Coalition Conference this Thursday, January 21, 10 am to 4 pm at Mercer University in Macon, Connell Student Center Conference Room 1.

The agenda will include milestones of what's been accomplished over the past year as well as plans that Coalition partners have developed. There will also be a discussion about the 2010 gubernatorial race, and we'll hear from an expert on media and messaging. We want your input because your ideas and energy are the truly renewable energy that holds the greatest promise for clean energy in Georgia .

We are also looking forward to getting to know one another better and beginning a process of enhancing the effectiveness of our Coalition with the assistance of the Institute for Conservation Leadership (ICL) - which should also be a lot of fun.

Midge Sweet
Georgians for Smart Energy Coalition
404-688-5430/work 404-667-4476/cell
www.georgiansforsmartenergy.org

Governor Perdue Announces Plan to Transform Teacher's Pay

Governor Perdue discussed a range of issues including education, water, transportation and health insurance reform today at the annual Eggs & Issues Breakfast hosted by the Georgia Chamber of Commerce at the Georgia World Congress Center.

At the breakfast, the Governor outlined a proposal to enhance the way Georgia compensates its teachers by adding a performance-based pay option to the existing salary system. The compensation model would award salary bonuses based on classroom observation and student growth, enabling effective teachers to be eligible for much higher salaries much earlier in their careers. Under the current system, teachers only receive salary increases for years spent teaching and for advanced degrees earned.

The proposed legislation will preserve the current salary structure but will allow current teachers to opt-in to the new performance pay system when it is fully implemented in 2014. New teachers and those opting into the pay system will not be eligible for automatic supplements for advanced degrees, but will be eligible for higher bonuses based on classroom observations and the degree to which their students have grown academically. In a recent survey of 20,000 Georgia educators, 80 percent said these were the components on which teachers should be evaluated. The bill will enable those already enrolled in advanced degree programs to complete their studies and remain in the current pay scale.

This proposal is part of Georgia's Race to the Top application, a competitive federal grant that offers as much as $400 million for Georgia schools. Twenty-two local school systems have committed to teaming with the state on the application to implement innovative education policies, including a pay-for-performance plan.

The bill requires the State Board of Education to adopt the pay-for-performance system by 2014, using the experience of the Race to the Top systems to develop a plan that will benefit teachers and students statewide.

Governor's Office for Children and Families announces Community Strategy Grant RFP and Training Dates

GAIC is pleased to disseminate information on the Governor's Office for Children and Families' (GOCF) Community Strategy Grant Program.

The Governor's Office for Children and Families' has announced the Systems of Care- Community Strategy Grants program (SOC-CSG) to provide up to $100,000 grants to local communities to support their existing or emerging System of Care framework. By developing productive programs that positively impact GOCF's "Educated" result area, strategies, and associated outcome indicators, funded communites will offer prevention, educational, and social service activities, targeted to specific populations of focus, that are designed to improve the living experiences of children, youth and families and to stabilize and strengthen the family and community.

For more information on this funding opportunity, visit the GOCF website.

Important dates:

January 4, 2010: RFP Released
January 12 - 26, 2010: RFP Training Sessions

March 1, 2010 : Applications due

Questions?

Contact Joe Vignati, Justice Programs, Governor's Office for Children and Families at Joe.Vignati@children.ga.gov or (404) 656-5183.

Weatherization Assistance Available

Free weatherization repairs are now available for low income families living in the city of Atlanta and Fulton County through grants from the U.S. Department of Energy. The repairs are made by the Southeast Energy Assistance, a non-profit agency that has been serving Fulton County for 28 years. Repairs include attic, wall and floor insulation, window and door repair, and repair or replacement of faulty gas appliances.

For more information please visit the website.

The Georgia Coalition to End Homelessness Inc. is proud to announce it is accepting nominees for the:

FIFTH HUMANITARIAN AWARDS CELEBRATION

People exhibiting outstanding service to the homeless and impoverished community will be recognized with the following awards:

The 2009-2010 Bridge Builder Award

The 2009-2010 Essential Piece Award

The 2009-2010 Robert Vincent Smith Volunteer of the Year Award

The GCEH Humanitarian Awards seek to identify and recognize individuals and organizations in the State of Georgia that are outstanding models of service, collaboration and leadership. Award recipients are those who are involved in innovative or unique programs. These programs support and assist homeless people with exceptional service provision that ultimately strives to end homelessness throughout our state.

Nominations for individuals or organizations that demonstrate any of the following characteristics are welcome:

Individuals and/or organizations that model a system of best practices and leadership in accordance with universally recognized standards of excellence.
Implements an innovative service delivery system partnering staff and volunteers or persons that are homeless.
Has overcome obstacles, and takes risks or has made sacrifices in the pursuit of finding a long term solution to ending homelessness.
Educates and collaborates with others in their communities concerning issues of homelessness and poverty.
Demonstrates measurable outcomes and has shown a significant impact on their community.

Please visit the website to obtain a nomination form. All information must be submitted by Friday, January 29, 2010.

dekalbseal

CEO Ellis 2010 Budget Gatherings

All Meetings are from 7:00 - 8:30 p.m.

Tuesday, January 19, 2010

Chapel Hill Middle School

3535 Dogwood Farm Road

Decatur, Georgia 30034

Thursday, January 21, 2010

East Lake YMCA

275 E. Lake Blvd. SE

Atlanta, Georgia 30317

Monday, January 25, 2010

Arabia Mountain High School

6610 Browns Mill Road

Lithonia, Georgia 30038

Tuesday, January 26, 2010

Montgomery Elementary

3995 Ashford Dunwoody Road

Atlanta, Georgia 303019

Featured Business of the Week

Kendrick Law Practice

Ms. Dar'shun N. Kendrick, Esq.

www.kendricklaw.net

678.739.8109 (office)

404.697.8006 (cell)

dkendrick@kendricklaw.net

Kendrick Law Practice offers the following three main categories to business clients:

"Making It Legal" Package: secretary of state and business license filings, partnership agreements drafted, etc.; contract negotiations and collections; and document drafting and review.

I am conducting FREE thirty (30) minute business consultations by phone for a limited time only so forward this email to family and friends.

Georgia Tech to host Sustainable Transportation Forum on Wednesday, January 20, 2010

Plan to join Mothers & Others for Clean Air staff on January 20, for the Sustainable Transportation Forum, presented by Georgia Institute of Technology and the Consulate General of Switzerland. This public policy event will gather regional planners, advocates, policy makers, business leaders, and political decision-makers to explore solutions to Georgia's growing transportation challenges and traffic congestion. Join us in speaking up for more alternatives to car travel for cleaner air and better health! This event is free and open to the public.

January 20, 1 - 5:30 p.m.
LeCraw Auditorium at 800 West Peachtree Street, Georgia Tech.

Imagine the world's greatest sporting event being held in the US and Atlanta not being one of the host cities simply due to the fact that we forgot to exercise our interest and commitment to being part of the greatest, once-in-every-four-year, spectacle on the planet.

If you haven't already signed the on-line petition in support of Atlanta's bid to be one of the host cities for the 2018 or 2022 FIFA World Cup™ - sign up today. There is not much time left before the USA Bid Committee will begin their deliberations on which of the remaining 27 cities to eliminate as they narrow their list down to 18 final cities.

You can make the difference in this bid not only by signing the petition but by getting everyone of your friends and family to go on-line in support of the bid. Now is the time to show how important this bid is to Atlanta and the Georgia Soccer community.
Let's get going.....

We need 50,000 signatures to support the Committee efforts. Every signature matters!

Please sign and pass along to your friends and family.

Sign the Petition now - www.gousabid.com/atlanta

GEORGIA CLOSE UP

Announces 2010 Legislative Conferences

for Middle & High School Students

February 17-18 and March 3-5

Georgia Close Up is a leader in civic education and engagement and proud to announce one of education's best kept secrets: "The Annual Middle and High School legislative conferences.

Middle and high school students from around the state gather at the State Capitol to review current legislation that impacts youth and learn how they can affect change in public policies.

Approximately 30-45 legislative bills are reviewed, discussed, debated, lobbied and voted on. Each participant will meet with their House and/or Senate Representative and perhaps equally important... they become active participants in a very democratic process of civic engagement.

Visit our website for more details on how to become involved at www.georgiacloseup.org or call and talk to our program admainstrator, Amber Sansbury at (706) 563-4504 or our chairperson, Ron Thomas at (404) 696-3092.

SUPPORT YOUR LOCAL INDEPENDENT BOOKSELLER!

JAMES ROLLINS will be signing his new book

ALTAR OF EDEN

at Eagle Eye Book Shop

Thursday, Jan. 21, 2010

6:30 pm

Please bring dog & cat food donations for PAWS Atlanta.

Eagle Eye Book Shop

2076 N. Decatur Road

Decatur, Georgia 30033

(404) 486-0307

http://www.eagleeyebooks.com/

Second Annual Auction

The Druid Hills High School (DHHS) Athletic Foundation and PTSA prepare to host their second annual auction to assure students continue to excel in DeKalb County. In the face of economic hardships and state cuts in education spending, DHHS parents, staff and students look forward to the fun of their on-line auction on Sunday, January 24, 2010.

Fun & Gains party to be held on Saturday, February 6, 2010, 6:30 pm-10:30 pm, Cox Hall Ballroom, Emory University Campus.

Now that you have donated your item, here are more ways that you can help DHHS students:
1. Log on to www.druidhills.cmarket.com and browse the online catalog.
2. Forward the www.druidhills.cmarket.com link to your friends and family.
3. Browse the online catalog periodically to see new items as they are added.
4. From Sunday, January 24, 2010 through Sunday, January 31, 2010, bid on items from the online catalog.
5. On February 6, 2010, attend the auction party and live auction at Cox Hall on the Emory Campus.

Community Calendar/News

Exercise Class for Individuals with Parkinson's Disease

Every Tuesday

11:30 am-12:15 pm

University Heights UMC

1267 Balsam Drive

Decatur, Georgia 30033

Cost is $90 for nine sessions

Call Kirsten Magee at (678) 592-6801 for more information.

Ken Kolodner, Nationally Recognized Hammered Dulcimer Player

Saturday, Jan. 23, 2010

7:30 pm

The Avondale Estates First Baptist Church

47 Covington Rd
Avondale Estates, GA 30002-1372
Call Mark Green at (404) 294-5284 or Patsy Jordan at (770) 591-1524 for more information.

Healthy Beginnings Celebration with Healthy Belvedere

Saturday, Jan. 23, 2010

6:00 pm - 9:00 pm

Saint Philip AME Church

Youth Center

240 Candler Road

Atlanta, Georgia 30317

RSVP by Jan. 20th by calling (678) 973-2186 or by email.

Free Activist Training Event

Environment Georgia

Thursday, Jan, 21, 2010

6:00 pm - 9:00 pm

For more information or to RSVP click here.

Druid Hills Civic Association Board Meeting

Wednesday, Jan. 20, 2010

7:30 pm

St. Johns Luthern Church

1410 Ponce De Leon Avenue Northeast
Atlanta, GA 30307-1616

North Druid Hills LCI Open House

Thursday, January 21, 2010

6:30 pm - 8:00 pm

International Student Center

2383 N. Druid Hills Road

Atlanta, Georgia 30329

For more information please call (770) 492-5206.

Music for Missions Winter-Spring Concerts Announced

Sunday, January 24, 2010

7:00 pm

Classical Duo of Pamela Horton (piano) and Anna Baksheeva (violin)

Lawrenceville Road United Methodist Church

3142 Lawrenceville Highway
Tucker, GA 30084-7127
(770) 939-3717

lrumc@bellsouth.net

RSVP Today for the Nonprofit Resource Fair

Thursday, Jan. 28, 2010

2:30 pm - 4:30 pm

Stop by the Nonprofit Resource Fair to meet and learn about local nonprofits whose missions are to help you build and strengthen your nonprofit. This informal networking event is your one-stop event to connect with organizations that provide technical assistance and professional development opportunities, often for free or at affordable prices.

Learn more and register here.

Apply Now for a Technology Makeover

If you or a nonprofit with which you work has a technology project that your organization would like to implement to more efficient and effective, TechBridge wants to hear from you. The winner gets to work with TechBridge to put their technology vision into action!

Join other Georgia nonprofits that are leveraging technology to enhance their missions. Apply online at www.techbridge.org. The application deadline is February 8, 2010.

Winner receives...
$25,000 in TechBridge services
$25,000 in Microsoft software
$5,000 cash grant

Two Finalists Each Receive...
Technology assessment
$10,000 in Microsoft software
$1,000 cash grant

Three award finalists will be selected in March 2010 and invited to deliver a live presentation to the Technology Innovation Award judging panel. The winner will be recognized in front of 800 guests at the TechBridge Digital Ball on May 8, 2010.