Legislative Report from the People’s House

Transportation: There is no doubt that we as a state and community have to maintain our roads and bridges. Citizens in our area recognized that when they voted to approve T-Splost. The one percent sales tax is paying for specific projects like resurfacing and paving new roads in our local community. Friday we broke ground on the new bridge on the Altamaha River on US #1, made possible in part by T-Splost. Most regions in the state, however, did not pass a T-Splost. A bill has been introduced to increase the excise tax on motor fuel to pay for statewide transportation projects. I believe this bill, in its current form, will result in an overall tax increase and would be unfair to the citizens of our community. The bill as written would shift the burden of raising taxes to our local cities and counties.  HB 170 could cause local governments to call for gas tax increases of up to 12 cents per gallon. Local governments, including school boards, might even have to raise property taxes since the bill eliminates their ability to collect sales tax on motor fuel. As always, I am willing to work with my colleagues in the house to find solutions for our states growing transportation needs, but I will not vote for a tax increase on the citizens of our community to pay for a Marta bus in Atlanta.

Part-time school workers: Governor Deal’s proposed FY2016 budget, among other things, calls for the elimination of part-time school employees from the State Health benefit plan. This would result in school bus drivers and cafeteria workers losing their state health insurance. Part-time school employees are not paid a great deal and many are working in our school system to provide health insurance for their families. I think this is not a good idea for two reasons. One, I believe that if these very valuable part-time workers do not have health insurance, many would choose to leave the school system. Number two, this would leave our local school systems with a tough choice which would likely results in having to hire full-time employees, the cost of which would be paid for by citizens in the form of higher property taxes. On a personal note, I am not sure that we all appreciate the value of these workers to our community and the impact they have on the lives of our children, As a child, I remember one of the most pleasant parts of my day at school was going to the cafeteria and being served by Mrs. Bobbie Callahan and Mrs. Eudene Mosley. They treated me just like my Mama did. I still remember their kindness. And occasionally, I still hear someone mention Mr. Alvin Wheeler who was a school bus driver in Vidalia. All the students seemed to love him and appreciate his kind and gentle nature. These people have a real impact on the lives of our students, and they are well worth the investment.

Before I end, let me say that when I get calls, they often start with “I hate to bother you” or “I know you are in Atlanta and you’re awfully busy,” almost apologetic for calling. The fact is, I want and need to hear from you about your concerns. Whether I am in Atlanta or at home, I am never too busy to listen to your concerns, whether you agree or disagree. Your opinions and concerns are what matter most in helping me to do a good job. You can always reach me by email, greg.morris@house.ga.gov or on my cell at 912-293-0725.