legislative session ends for 2013 in Georgia General Assembly
Freshman Legislator Stands Strong
by
Rep. Valencia Stovall
At Last, At Last: My first legislative session has finally come. It was an unforgettable experience being in the midst of the high energy of great leaders around the State of Georgia. We definitely didn't always agree, but I thank God we did make progress for the citizens. Tough decisions had to be made and I was up for the challenge!
Standing strong for the Buck, the Book, and the Ballot was not popular at the Capitol.
The BUCK (Economic Regeneration): As a freshman legislator, I sponsored and passed my first and only bill in the House overwhelmingly.
HB 545- Metropolitan Atlanta Aerotropolis Development Authority (MAADA). This authority would have leveled the playing field when it came to the overdue development in and around the Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport. The Board would have 19 members (inclusive of representatives from the surrounding cities with one being a business person, along with 2 appointments by the Governor). It was a bold move because if it had passed in the Senate, the City of Atlanta 's Hartsfield-Jackson airport ownership would have transferred to MAADA. My staff and I were approached by a lobbyist for the City of Atlanta who accused us of "trying to steal the Airport from Atlanta". I stood strong and told him, "Our main goal was to steer economic development for the deprived surrounding cities. The voters of District 74 elected me to make things better for Clayton County.
Another great win for Clayton County was in HB 106- Fiscal Year budget 2014 which is set by revenue estimate of $19.9 billion
-
Clayton State University was awarded $19.8 million for a new Science Building. This was a great achievement because the college had been waiting 5 years. The new building is critical to its growth, retention and graduation rates. We were on pins and needles in anticipation of this great news! This will be a major economic boost for Clayton County.
The BOOK (Education Reform): I supported several educational legislation and one in particular making school improvement accountable to the parents.
HB 123- Parent and Teacher Empowerment Act (Parent Trigger Bill)- I spoke on this bill to my House members because it is time for parents' voices to be heard and recognized by the local school boards. This bill allowed 50% of the parents at a low performing school to "trigger" a change by the school board to identify specific ways the school will be improved among the choices of charter conversion. I didn't like that there wasn't an appeal process beyond the local school board. This bill passed in the House, but stalled in the Senate.
HB 244- Elementary & Secondary Education Annual Performance Evaluation- sent to Governor for signing
HB354- Early Care and Learning, Department of- sent to Governor for signing
You can learn more about bills passed this legislation session on the website (www.legis.ga.gov).
Educators in District 74 will be appreciated at our next monthly community forum Speak Your Mind Mondays on April 22 at Clayton State University - East Campus located at 5823 Trammell Road, Morrow, GA 30260 from 5pm-7pm.
Make your contribution here! http://form.jotform.com/form/20405222666
or mail to Friends of Valencia Stovall, PO Box 842, Ellenwood, GA 30294 |
|
|
Rep. Stovall & Student Pages
from District 74 |
Learning About the Government Firsthand
Rep. Stovall welcomed many student pages from her district. They delivered messages to legislators from lobbyist, constituents, and others while in session. They saw firsthand the legislative process. I wonder if there is a special day for adults to be pages? Maybe I can introduce that resolution..... |
|
|
| House Chambers at midnight |
Sine Die Day
Last day of session was celebrated by the General Assembly. It was an end but also a beginning. There were a lot of bills which didn't make it to the Governor for signing. There is hope for the 2014 legislative session. |
|
|
Rep. Stovall's April Community Update
Monday, April 22 | 5:30pm-7pm
Clayton State University- East Campus
5823 Trammell Road, Morrow, GA 30260
Topic: Education |
Wellesley Homeowners- Unity in the Community Day
Saturday, Apr. 13 | 3pm - 6pm
Wellesley Drive, Riverdale, GA
City of Forest Park Mayoral Run-off Election
Advance Vote Apr. 8-12 | 8am - 5pm | Forest Park City Hall
Election Day Tues. Apr. 16 | 7am - 7pm | Forest Park Recreation Ctr.
Clayton Co Water Authority Household Hazardous Waste Day
Saturday, Apri. 27 | 10am - 2pm
Casey Water Facility 8890 Roberts Rd, Jonesboro, GA (off Flint River Rd)
770-960-5200
Job Fair for District 74
TBD in May
|
|
|
|
