Benfield Beat -- January 12, 2009 Start of the Georgia GeneralAssembl

"Locavores," a term coined by a San Francisco-based group to describe those who choose to buy local produce, are leading the way in a massive trend to buy locally grown food. Food costs, recall scares and other concerns are thought to be contributing to the trend. To read more click here.

Use this link to receive weekly updates from the Georgia Department of Agriculture.

DeKalb's New Zoning Ordinance to Recognize New Urbanism

"Our code dates back from the 1950s with an update in the '90s," District 6 County Commissioner Kathie Gannon said. "We have no code to fit the kind of development we want in DeKalb County." " is a very suburban code. We need something that matches our urban setting," she said. To read more click here.

The Atlanta Journal Constitution

School Class Size may Rise

by Laura Diamond

Most of Georgia's public school students and teachers may have two more kids in their classes next school year under a temporary proposal by state schools Superintendent Kathy Cox that would save about $200 million statewide. To read more click here.

Digital TV Converter Box Coupon Program

Please click here for information regarding the TV Converter Box Coupon Program.

Invitation to Become a Physical Activity Guidelines Supporter

On October 7, 2008, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) released the 2008 Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans, a comprehensive set of recommendations for people of all ages and physical conditions.

To complement the Guidelines, HHS invites organizations to sign up to become a Physical Activity Guidelines Supporter.

By signing up as a Supporter, we are offering you the following:

A toolkit with resources to encourage physical activity according to the Guidelines.

A Physical Activity Guidelines Supporter Network where you'll learn from and connect with professionals representing more than 1,000 organizations.

Launch date: January 6, 2009 at 2:00 - 3:00 pm by conference call.

More information about the 2008 Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans materials are available online.

To sign up as a Supporter visit the website.

Weekend Voting Bill Introduced In U.S. Senate

On the first day of the 111th Congress, one hundred forty-three bills were introduced in the United States Senate including one by Wisconsin Senator Herb Kohl that would move federal election day from the first Tuesday in November to the first weekend in November. To read more click here.

Georgia Campaign for Adolescent Pregnancy Prevention

CDC Reports Shows Increase in Teen Pregnancy in Georgia

The National Center for Health Statistics released its final data on teen births yesterday showing a 3 percent increase in adolescent births within Georgia between 2005-2006. The report also identified 26 states with a significant increase in teen birth rates while only three states and the District of Columbia showed a significant decrease. To read more click here.

DeKalb County School District joined the growing list of school districts that are adopting the 100% Tobacco Free Schools model policy

Congratulations and a BIG THANK YOU to the DeKalb County School Board; Dr. Wanda Gilliard, Associate Superintendent of the DeKalb County School District; Shannon Williams, Assistant Director of Health and Wellness of the DeKalb County School District; and Eryn Marchiolo and Brandi Whitney of the DeKalb County Health District for their leadership.

By adopting the CDC model policy, 101,000 students and 13,800 employees are protected from the dangers of secondhand smoke.

2009 Georgia General Assembly

With the historic election having come and gone it is now time to focus on the upcoming 2009 Session of the Georgia General Assembly. First and foremost every year is the state budget. This year's spending plan is sure to see cuts because state revenue is down dramatically from last year due to the recession. In fact, estimates showed over the summer there could be a $1.6 billion shortfall. As a result Governor Perdue instructed agency heads to prepare budgets with 6, 8 and 10 percent cuts in spending and he withheld 6 percent of their funding. More recently, it appears the shortfall could top $2 billion or greater and Governor Perdue is now saying budget cuts may be close to 8 percent rather than the 6 percent as originally planned for last August.

But there was some good news recently when it was reported that state agencies ended the year with a $203 million surplus because of internal cutbacks. Hopefully this will help offset some of the upcoming cuts in the state budget. Another issue looming is whether the $428 million homeowner tax relief grants that go to local governments and are passed on to property owners will continue. Governor Perdue has indicated he would like to see them eliminated from the budget which could lead to a $300 property tax increase for Georgia homeowners.

Other big issues sure to see action include:

Expanding Pre-K: State Rep. Stephanie Stuckey Benfield supports providing funding for 3,000 additional slots for children to enroll in Georgia's pre-K program to reduce the current waiting list.

Transportation funding: Last year the leadership in the General Assembly failed to pass a much needed transportation funding plan in the waning minutes of the session. It would have allowed counties to band together and, with voter approval, pass a 1 cent sales tax that would have to be dedicated to transportation needs for that region, such as mass transit. Governor Perdue is also expected to propose $1 billion in bond issues for state transportation projects to help stimulate the economy.

Trauma Care: Another big issue this session will be finding a permanent funding source to improve Georgia's woefully inadequate trauma care network. Governor Perdue is proposing charging hospitals and health insurance companies a fee to help fund a trauma care network and shore up the state's Medicaid budget. Estimates show that improving Georgia's trauma care network would lower accidental deaths by 14 percent. Last year there was a proposal to raise the car tag renewal fee to $10 to help build a better trauma care network. However, it died on the last day of the session because the leadership in the General Assembly failed to come to an agreement.

Capping property tax assessments: House Speaker Glenn Richardson is backing House Resolution 1 which would limit annual property tax assessment increases to 3 percent, or the rate of inflation, whichever is less. In 2008 Speaker Richardson pushed a plan to replace all property taxes with increased sales taxes. Eventually it morphed into the elimination of ad valorem tax on your vehicles. But in another failure, the leadership in the General Assembly on the last day of the session couldn't agree on any tax cut for the citizens of Georgia. Other tax measures being proposed include freezing ad valorem taxes at their base level and legislation protecting the $428 million homeowner tax relief grants that were put in place by Governor Barnes.

Unanimous Jury Verdicts for the Death Penalty: State Rep. Tim Bearden (R-Villa Rica) plans to introduce legislation abolishing the requirement of a unanimous jury vote to impose death, lowering the standard to a 10-2 vote instead. A unanimous vote would also no longer be needed to win a conviction in a non-murder felony case. Under Bearden's bill, an 11-1 vote for conviction would be sufficient. If approved, Georgia would become one of five states that does not mandate a unanimous jury verdict to impose death.

Vouchers: State Senator Eric Johnson (R-Savannah) plans to introduce legislation in January 2009 that would give each public school student a voucher equal to the money the state currently spends on his or her education. The voucher could be used for tuition at the parents' school of choice -- public, private or religious.

Sunday Sales: Senator Seth Harp (R-Columbus) has indicated he will introduce in the 2009 session of the General Assembly legislation which allows stores to sell alcoholic beverages on Sundays.

Metal Health: Governor Perdue is planning to turn over the state' seven mental health hospitals to a private company this year. The state's mental health hospitals are under investigation by the Justice Department because they have been vastly understaffed.

Parental Rights: State Rep. Roger Bruce (D-Atlanta) has introduced legislation that would allow parents 24 hours of excused leave for educational and medical purposes as it relates to their children.

The session begins on Monday, January 12, 2009 at 10:00 am.

Survey on Sunday Alcohol Sales

Please let Rep. Benfield know if you support Sunday sales of alcohol by taking this quick survey.

Legislative Survey-Sunday Alcohol Sales

State Capitol Events

State of the State Address

Wednesday, January 14, 2009

10:00 am - 11:00 am

Georgia State Capitol

House Chambers

Sportsman's Day at the Capitol

Thursday, January 15, 2009

8:00 am - 2:00 pm

Georgia State Capitol

South Wing

DeKalb ready for funds to address blight brought on by foreclosures

by McKenzie Jackson

DeKalb's highly anticipated $18.5 million HUD grant to help fight foreclosure blight is expected to arrive by mid-January and the county's Community Development Department is ready with its action plan to stretch the funds.

To read more click here.

Metropolitan North Georgia Water Planning District

Metro Water District Public Comment Period

December 15- January 31, 2009

The Metro Water District has begun the 45 day public comment period of the draft water management plans. The comment period is open from December 15, 2008 - January 31, 2009. Please visit the Metro Water District Website to download a copy of all three draft water management plans and view public meeting details. If you would like to submit comments in writing you may do so via:

Online Comment Form

Mail: Metropolitan North Georgia Water Planning District,
Attn: Draft Plans, 40 Courtland St. NE, Atlanta, Georgia 30303

Fax: (404) 463-3254

Email: comments@northgeorgiawater.com

As well, you can attend one of these important meetings:

Monday, January 12, 2009, 4:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Clayton County Water Authority Headquarters
1600 Battle Creek Road, Morrow, Georgia 30260 (Directions)

Tuesday, January 13, 2009, 4:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Cobb County Water System
660 South Cobb Drive, Marietta, Georgia 30060 (Directions)

Wednesday, January 14, 2009, 9:00 am - 12:00 pm
Duke Room, Loudermilk Center for Regional Community
40 Courtland Street NE, Atlanta, Georgia 30303 (Directions)

Community Calendar

Druid Hills High School Premiere Benefit

Saturday, January 31, 2009

6:30 pm - 10:30 pm

Emory University

Cox Ballroom

For more information contact Donna Toulme at (404) 373-6662

PAWS Atlanta Wine and Cheese Party

Sunday, January 18, 2009

4:00 pm - 6:00 pm

Pets Playhouse

2959 E. Ponce de Leon Avenue

Decatur, Georgia 30031

For more information visit their website.

Leadership DeKalb Open Houses

Tuesday, January 13, 2009

6:00 pm - 7:00 pm

The Women's Center

DeKalb Medical Center

2701 N. Decatur Road

Decatur, Georgia 30033

Tuesday, January 27, 2009

DeKalb Medical Center

5900 Hillandale Drive

Lithonia, Georgia 30058

The open houses are free. To RSVP, call (404) 373-2491.

Winnona Park Elementary School Meeting for Prospective Parents

Friday, January 30, 2009

1:15 pm

510 Avery Street

Decatur, Georgia 30030

Women's Health Summit 2009

Wednesday, January 14, 2009

3:30 pm - 7:00 pm

Harriett G. Darnell Multipurpose Center

677 Fairburn Road

Atlanta, Georgia 30331

RSVP at (404) 730-0184

New Year/New You Community Health Forum

Friday, January 16, 2009

8:30 am - 1:00 pm

2548 Panola Road

Lithonia, Georgia 30058

To register contact the DeKalb County Board of Health at (404) 294-3700.

The State of Georgia's 24th Annual MLK, Jr. Statewide Holiday Tribute Program

Thursday, January 15, 2009

11:00 am

North Wing

Georgia State Capitol

Atlanta, Georgia 30334

To RSVP, please contact Lauren Wright at (404) 463-1343.

DeKalb County Police Department Candlelight Vigil to Honor Fallen DeKalb County Police Officers

Thursday, January 15, 2009

6:00 pm

Barker Bryant Memorial Park

2300 McAfee Road

Decatur, Georgia 30032

The DeKalb County School System State of the System Address

Thursday, February 5, 2009

7:30 am - 9:00 am

Mercer University

Cecil B. Day Hall

3001 Mercer University Drive

Atlanta, Georgia 30341

For more information contact the DeKalb Chamber of Commerce at (404) 378-8000.

Press Conference for the Release of Report Card on Infrastructure for the State of Georgia

American Society of Civil Engineers

Tuesday, January 13, 2009

9:30 am

Georgia State Capitol

Room 403

Atlanta, Georgia 30334

Decatur's 7th Annual MLK, Jr. Service Project

Saturday, January 17 to Monday January 19, 2009

Volunteers will make greatly needed repairs and do yard work for Decatur's senior citizens. The MLK Jr. Service Project is sponsored by the Decatur Preservation Alliance in partnership with the City of Decatur and other organizations.

Volunteers may sign up for one or more of the following shifts:
Saturday, January 17:   9am to 1pm and 1pm to 5pm
Sunday, January 18:      1pm to 5pm
Monday, January 19:    9am to 1pm and 1pm to 5pm

Please contact Leeann Harvey at 678-553-6548 if you are interested in volunteering, being a Materials Expeditor or Materials Runner, helping with air-sealing/energy efficiency improvements or assisting with volunteer check in.

The President's Commission on White House Fellowships

Accepting applications for the 2009-2010 class.

Applications are available online and must be submitted by February 1, 2009.

For more information please visit their website.

Job Announcements

Lead Community Organizer

The Southern Center for Human Rights

Please send resume, cover letter and three references by mail, fax or email to:

SCHR c/o Renee Myers (Operations & Staff Development Director)
83 Poplar Street, NW
Atlanta, Georgia 30303
Fax: (404) 688-9440
rmyers@schr.org.

Program Assistant

PEDS

The following link will take you to the job announcement with instructions for how to apply.

Summer Youth Fellows Program

Hands on Atlanta

Click here for more information

Field Organizer

Amnesty International

Applications to -- Jared Feuer, Regional Director

Amnesty International

Southern Regional Office

730 Peachtree Avenue

Suite 1060

Atlanta, Georgia 30308

(404) 876-5661 x 14

(404) 876-2276 (Fax)

Behavior Specialist

The Georgia Department of Human Resources

Division of Mental Health, Developmental Disabilities and Addictive Diseases

The following link will you take you to the job announcement with instructions for how to apply.

Program Coordinator of Community Events

Very Special Arts

Please use this link for a detailed job description and for application instructions.

United Way of Metropolitan Atlanta

1. Marketing/Communications Coordinator
Finance/Gifts in Kind

2. Donor Relations Manager

Major Gifts

3. Manager, Prospect Research & Analysis

Major Gifts

Send cover letter and resume to:

(Job Title)

United Way of Metropolitan Atlanta

100 Edgewood Avenue NE

Atlanta, Georgia 30303

jobs@unitedwayatlanta.org or via fax to (404) 527-7354.

Internships

Upper Chattahoochee Riverkeeper

For more information on how to apply, click here.

The Democratic Party of Georgia is currently accepting Intern applications for the spring semester.

For more information visit the party website.

The Institute for Responsible Citizenship

The Institute for Responsible Citizenship is currently accepting applications for its summer leadership program in Washington , DC . The Institute provides America 's best and brightest African American male college students with unparalleled networking opportunities, leadership development, and lifelong mentorship. For more information click here.

Volunteer Opportunities

DeKalb Rape Crisis Center

To learn about ways to volunteer please visit their website.

Scholarships

The Jackie Robinson Foundation Scholarship Program

Provides scholarships of up to $7,500 annually to minority high school students showing leadership potential and demonstrating financial need to attend an accredited 4-year college or university of their choice.

For more information go to Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ's) page, send us an email at requests@jackierobinson.org or call (212)290-8600.

Summer Programs

Breakthrough Atlanta (housed at The Lovett School)

Breakthrough Atlanta is looking for motivated students who want to participate in a six-year, tuition-free academic enrichment program. Please visit their website for additional information.

Image Diary for the Decatur Tour of Homes

The City of Decatur hosted their annual Holiday Tour of Homes. This year's tour features homes with the theme of Living Green. Southeast Green was the only publication allowed to take pictures of the homes. Granted most of ours were of fixtures in the bathrooms and ceiling insulation, not your usual interest in the home decorations and holiday greenery. The Living Green tour definitely proves that having a house and it being green does not sacrifice these families sense of home.

View the Living Green Image Diary.