Day 24 - Feb. 26, 2008
Visitors to the Capital today included members of the League of Women Voters; over one hundred children’s advocates; proponents of legislation to increase Georgia’s minimum wage; and even Davy Crocket!
Voices for Georgia’s Children was proud to host our 4th annual Children’s Policy Watch at the Capital this morning. In addition to hearing featured speakers, Joan Lord of the Southern Regional Educational Board and Senator Dan Moody, discuss preK, attendees received copies of Voice’s newest report, Compounding Interest, on 0-5 issues and screened a preview of a video featuring families discussing the importance of health coverage.
The League of Women Voters, in conjunction with Mayor Shirley Franklin, also held a legislative event this morning. Attendees received words of inspiration from Mayor Franklin, tips on lobbying from Senator Nan Orrock and Representative Georganna Sinkfield, and heard from DHR Commissioner BJ Walker. In addition, they were briefed on current issues including adolescent health, efforts to regulate marriage brokers, the Parent Protection Act, the cut in childcare subsidy funding, home visitation and Pre-K. Attendees joined a rally to increase Georgia’s minimum wage before heading inside the Capitol to meet with their legislators.
On the floor today, the Senate debated and passed, over objections from the Chamber of Commerce, SB 403 which would allow the Cancer Treatment Centers of America an exemption from the Certificate of Need process. The House passed HB 1169, sponsored by Rep. Morgan which changes the definition of a day care center to exclude k-12 private schools that offer before or afterschool care.
Finally, Davy Crockett wearing his coonskin cap surprised many visitors under the Gold Dome today. Davy ( really a costumed assistant to the Mayor of Chattanooga, TN) came to Atlanta to pass out Tennessee bottled water to legislators and oppose Georgia’s effort redraw its border with Tennessee.