There has been no shortage of vetting, debating and passing legislation during the 2016 Legislative Session. Several key pieces have been passed and will have a positive effect on Georgia.
One of the bills to win approval was Senate Bill 277, which clarifies that neither a franchisee nor a franchisee’s employee can be considered an employee of the franchisor. I sponsored SB 277 to protect and support small business owners and to give them the power to maintain control of their business operations. Local control allows the small businesses to achieve their goals of growth and prosperity. Small businesses drive the positive progress of our economy, and we must continue to do all we can to support their success.
As legislators, it’s our job to ensure there’s growth and success within our education system. This session, Senate Bill 355, the Student/Teacher Protection Act, addressed the issue of standardized tests forcing students to focus more on memorization and multiple choice practices rather than independent thinking and true problem solving skills. SB 355 limits the time that can be dedicated to standardized testing to two percent of total instructional time, including the test preparation that occurs prior to these tests. We can ensure the continued success of our children by reducing the amount of testing we force in the classroom.
Another important measure that passed is Senate Bill 308, which creates the Positive Alternatives for Pregnancy and Parenting Grant Program. This grant program, under the direction of the Department of Public Health, will award grants to nonprofit organizations that provide pregnancy and parenting support services. SB 308 requires that each nonprofit agree that grant money be used to provide pregnancy support services and is prohibited from performing, promoting or acting as a referral for an abortion.
The Fiscal Year 2017 Budget included additions to the Georgia Bureau of Investigation to increase security around Georgia. Twenty additional investigators were added to protect our communities. Citizen safety remains a primary duty of the government. Georgia Homeland Security is hard at work identifying those areas most at risk and maintaining the security presence necessary to not only deter attacks, but to prevent them.
On the federal legislation side, the Achieving a Better Life Experience Act (ABLE), passed by the United States Congress, sets up a new standard for creating tax-free savings accounts for those with disabilities. These new savings accounts will live tax-free, cover only qualified disability expenses and will not affect a disabled person’s eligibility for social security or food assistance benefits. Before implementation of these accounts can take place in Georgia, the General Assembly must pass its own law establishing the creation of ABLE accounts, and establish a cohesive system that falls in line with the national guidelines for Georgians to apply.
As always, I’m available to answer any of your questions. AI urge you to contact me by phone or email with any questions, concerns or feedback.
to your business!