Gary Richey

FEB. 2-8, 2009

In This Issue Digital TV Converter Box Coupon Program Decatur Playbook Peanut Recall Update Support Needed for Federal Legislation Gov. Perdue Introduces Legislation to Restructure the Department of Human Resources DeKalb Crime Data Now Available Online Georgia Legislative Update DeKalb Budget Hearings State Capitol Events DeKalb County Homestead Exemptions In the News Community Calendar Jobs/Internships/Volunteer Scholarship/Summer Programs Opportunities Upcoming Decatur Recreation Center Events Quick Links Stephanie Benfield Georgia General Assembly DeKalb County Government DeKalb County Schools Organization of DeKalb Educators House Democratic Caucus Georgia Democratic Party DeKalb County Democratic Party Voter Registration Digital TV Converter Box Coupon Program Please click here for information regarding the TV Converter Box Coupon Program. For more information regarding digital conversion please visit the following website.  Decatur Playbook The new quarterly issue of the Decatur Playbook is here.  Get more info. on Decatur Active Living programs, classes, sport leagues, etc.: Click here to obtain one. Peanut Recall Update For an updated list of all the products recalled for possible Salmonella contamination, see the FDA's list of recalls. Friends and family who do not have access to the Internet can call CDC for a list of products recalled at 1-800-CDC-INFO. For information about the outbreak and Salmonella the consumer can check the CDC website. Consumers can also check the American Peanut Council website for a list of companies that are not involved in the recall and click on Salmonella updates. Support Needed for Federal Legislation H.R. 463-would expand access to preventive health care services that help reduce unintended pregnancy, reduce abortions and improve access to women's health care. Georgia currently ranks 10th worst nationally in teen birth rates, 2nd in repeat pregnancies, 6th in Chlymadia, 5th in Gonorrhea, 3rd in Syphilis and 9th in AIDS infection rates. Only Rep. Sanford Bishop and Rep. Hank Johnson have signed as co-sponsors.  Please contact your member of Congress and have him or her support this bill. Governor Perdue Introduces Legislation to Restructure the Department of Human Resources Governor Sonny Perdue announced today that Rep. Mark Butler has introduced HB 228, the Governor's legislation to restructure the Department of Human Resources (DHR). The legislation would form a new Department of Behavioral Health to oversee the mental health and addictive disease programs currently housed in DHR.  The new department would report directly to the Governor and increase fiscal transparency. The reorganization plan would also merge the Department of Community Health with the public health and health regulation programs of DHR to create the Department of Health. Current DCH Commissioner Dr. Rhonda Medows would lead the new Department of Health.  Merging the two departments will streamline the health related activities currently residing in two separate departments and establish a lead agency to focus on improving Georgians' health. The remaining social services under DHR would become the Department of Human Services. Programs included in this department include Developmental Disabilities, Aging, Division of Family and Children Services (DFCS) and Child Support. Current DHR Commissioner B.J. Walker would lead the new Department of Human Services. DeKalb Crime Data Now Available Online Just visit the DeKalb Police website and click on the "CRIMETRAC" link at the bottom of the page. If you have any challenges with accessing the information, please contact J.A. Hightower.

CHANGE IN DATE AND VENUE! DeKalb House and Senate Public Hearing Tuesday, February 10, 2009 7:00 pm DeKalb Tech Conference Center 495 North Indian Creek Drive Clarkston, Georgia 30021 Georgia Legislative Update Homeowner Tax Relief Grant (HB 143)-This bill commits the General Assembly to fully fund the Homeowner Tax Relief Grants program for the current fiscal year. It also puts provisions in place for funding the grant in future years.  Although the bill had opposition, it passed with bi-partisan support in a vote of 117-55. I voted against House Bill 143 which is the largest property tax increase in Georgia's history during a time when our economy is in peril and people are losing their jobs and homes.  It eliminates the $428 million Homeowner Tax Relief Grants pledged in 1999 under former Governor Barnes. These grants are then passed on to local governments as tax credits to property owners. Future Homeowner Tax Relief Grants would be subject to triggers and not having these grants go to local governments means homeowners could pay an additional $200 to $300 in property taxes, beginning with the 2009 tax bills. HR 1- would amend the Georgian Constitution so as to cap reassessment valuation of both residential and nonresidential property except during periods of inflation.  This bill would cripple public schools, shift tax burden onto homeowners and eliminates local control.  The bill scheduled for a vote before the House today.  Please contact your legislator and ask him/her to vote against HR 1. HR 7- would amend the Constitution so as to provide that the General Assembly shall have the duty to appropriate funds each year to provide homeowner tax relief grants with a benefit equivalent to a homestead exemption of not less than $8,000.00 and not more than $18,000.00 of the assessed value of a taxpayer's homestead or the taxpayer's ad valorem property tax liability on the homestead, whichever is lower.  This bill is in response to HR 1. The Shape Act of 2009 (HB 229)- would require local school systems to conduct an annual fitness assessment and to comply with state physical education instruction requirements. DeKalb County Budget Hearings A Message from DeKalb County CEO Burrell Ellis To make your priorities our county government's priorities, one of the most important tools in our toolkit is our annual budget. This is how we pay for a county government that gets the job done for you, delivering the services you expect on time, within budget, and with a smile. The first budget of our new administration is now out. I want to share some of the highlights with you, especially: The national -- indeed global -- economic downturn has had a significant impact on what we can spend. To bring the 2009 budget back into balance, I have cut $189 million from departments, but I am confident that all of our county departments will be able to continue the level of service and professionalism that you expect. The budget strongly supports public safety and continued projects of the 2006 Bond Referenda. The establishment of a Chief Public Safety Officer to oversee and coordinate the operation of Police, Fire Rescue, Medical Examiners Office, the Juvenile Court, the Recorders Court (which has reportedly lost millions of dollars in revenue in the recent past) and to upgrade our 911 emergency computer software (which is severely inadequate). Continuation of the 18-month Master Police Officer incentive plan designed to retain senior officers who attain this designation. The allocation of 52 new positions to cover the scheduled new library openings during 2009. Continued expedition of implementing the 2006 Bond Projects -- construction of Transportation, Library and Parks and Greenspace Projects. Continued focus on upgrading public safety facilities, equipment and capabilities. The recommendation includes $1.5 million to continue the process of converting all public safety communications (radios) to state-of-the-art digital platforms. The computer system in the county's 911 Emergency Center is severely inadequate and must be fixed. For more information on the 2009 budget, please visit their website. Tuesday, February 3, 2009 7:00 - 8:30 pm  East Lake YMCA 275 Lake Blvd SE Atlanta, Georgia 30317 Thursday, February 5, 2009 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm  Tucker Recreation Center 4898 LaVista Rd Tucker, Georgia 30084 Tuesday, February 10, 2009 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm Stephenson Middle School 922 Stephenson Rd. Stone Mountain, Georgia 30087 Wednesday, February 11, 2009 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm Torah Day School 1985 LaVista Rd., NE Tucker, Georgia 30329 Thursday, February 12, 2009 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm Exousia Ministries 2652 Bond St. Lithonia, Georgia 30058 Tuesday, February 17, 2009 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm St. Timothy United MethodistChurch 5365 Memorial Dr. Stone Mountain, Georgia 30083 Thursday, February 19, 2009 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm Berean Community Center 2440 Young Rd. Stone Mountain, Georgia 30088 State Capitol Events Interfaith Children's Movement Day at the Capitol Wednesday, February 4, 2009 9:00 am State Capitol Room 230 For more information click here. Happy Hour with the Lobbyists Citizens for Progressive Transit Monday, February 9, 2009 6:30 pm - 8:00 pm Slice Downtown 85 Poplar Street Atlanta, Georgia 30303 Senate Appropriations Education Subcommittee Tuesday, February 3, 2009 State Capitol Room 125 House Children and Youth Committee Tuesday, February 3, 2009 State Capitol Room 403 To view House calendar please click here. To view Senate calendar please click here. DeKalb County Homestead Exemptions If you purchased your home in 2008, you have until March 1 to file for a Homestead Exemption in DeKalb County. To be granted a homestead exemption, you must actually occupy the home, and the home must be considered your legal residence for all purposes. Homestead exemption applications are accepted year-round in DeKalb County, but in order to be processed in the current year, the application must be received by March 1 with the tax commissioner's office. Homeowners who receive the benefit of homestead exemption may also apply for a property assessment freeze to help offset future increases in property value. Call (404) 298-4000 for more information. WebLink: Georgia Property Tax Guide & Exemptions In the News Headlines from throughout Georgia and the Nation GSU program helps grandparents who are primary caregivers Atlanta Journal-Constitution Community Calendar/News Immigrants' Rights Lobby Day Wednesday, February 4, 2009 9:00 am Coverdell Legislative Office Building Room 306 Atlanta, Georgia 30334 For more information contact Rebecca Roy at (404) 805-9413. Vote for Atlanta Women's Pro Soccer Team Name Visit their website or the Georgia State Soccer Association website for more information about the contest and the team. 2009 Druid Hills Artist Market: Call for Artists For more information and an application, please visit their website. Druid Hills Civic Association Annual Meeting Sunday, February 8, 2009 1:30 pm Fernbank Museum of Natural History 767 Clifton Road Atlanta, Georgia 30307 Dangers Threatening DeKalb Teenagers and How to Protect Them Dunwoody High School PTSO Thursday February 5, 2009 (Teens and Adults) Thursday February 12, 2009 (Adults Only) 6:30 pm - 8:30 pm Dunwoody High School 5035 Vermack Road Dunwoody, Georgia 30338 2009 Monthly Legislative Review State Rep. Stacey Abrams, District 84 Saturday, February 7, 2009 10:00 am - 12:00 pm Oakhurst Presbyterian Church 118 2nd Avenue Decatur, Georgia 30030 Environmental Legislative Breakfast Wednesday, February 4, 2009 7:30 am - 9:00 am Freight Depot 65 Martin Luther King, Jr., Drive Atlanta, Georgia 30303 For more information contact the Georgia Conservation Voters at (404) 522-8144. Healthy Mothers, Healthy Babies Legislative Reception Wednesday, February 4, 2009 5:30 pm - 8:00 pm Central Presbyterian Church 201 Washington Street SW Atlanta, Georgia 30303 For more information and to RSVP, please visit their website. Stop Violence Against Women Lobby Day Georgia Commission on Family Violence Thursday, February 5, 2009 8:00 am - 1:00 pm Central Presbyterian Church 201 Washington Street SW Atlanta, Georgia 30303 For more information please call (404) 657-3412 or visit their website. February Sustainable Atlanta Roundtable Friday, February 6, 2009 7:00 am All Saints' Episcopal Church Ellis Hall 634 West Peachtree Street Atlanta, Georgia 30308 Click here to register. The REAL State of the Union Georgia WAND Tuesday, February 10, 2009 7:00 pm Hillside Chapel and Truth Center 2450 Cascade Road Atlanta, Georgia 30311 For more information contact Georgia WAND at (404) 524-5999. Decatur Youth Basketball Night Tuesday, February 3, 2009 Boy's Game-5:30 pm Girl's Game-7:00 pm Decatur High School Gym All 2008-09 youth basketball players will be allowed to attend this Tuesday's Decatur High School varsity basketball games for FREE.  All players must wear their youth basketball jersey. New Family Registration Period City Schools of Decatur This registration will take place at the Central Office at Westchester (758 Scott Blvd., Decatur, Georgia 30030) on February 2-27 from 8:00 am - 4:30 pm.  This information can also be found on our website (www.csdecatur.org) and on the registration webpage. Meet Children's Author Jeff Kinney Wednesday, February 11, 2009 4:30 pm Decatur Recreation Center 231 Sycamore Street Decatur, Georgia 30030 For more information visit the Little Shop of Stories website. 3rd Annual Decatur Concert Hosted by the Dogwood Alliance Saturday, May 2, 2009 3:00 pm - 9:00 pm For more information contact Cheryl Burnette, Beth Bond or John Beal. Call for Silent Auction Items Breakthru House 40th Anniversary Celebration April 16, 2009 Northside United Methodist Church Please contact Kate Boyer at (404) 284-4658 ext. 2 for any additional information. 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. Job Announcements Georgians for a Healthy Future Executive Director Position Please send (via mail, e-mail or fax) a cover letter, resume, three references, and a salary history to: Terri Theisen Theisen Consulting LLC 7140 Northgreen Dr NE Atlanta, Georgia 30328 Fax:  770-396-2385 ttheisen@earthlink.net 2010 Census Jobs Available For more information, contact the local Census office or call the agency's toll-free jobs line at (866) 861-2010. Careers.ga.gov Notification List To find more extensive information about job opportunities with the State of Georgia including information about the State's Continuous Recruitment Job Titles, visit The Job Site. 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 White House Project Women Helping Women Win Internship Program To apply please send your resume and cover letter to Stacey Chavis.  The subject line should be Capitol Internship: Your Name. 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. StandUp for Kids To see training calendar and to get more information, 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. Upcoming Decatur Recreation Center Events Decatur Youth Lacrosse Register now at the Decatur Recreation Center Boys Lacrosse: Ages 7-14 Girls Lacrosse: Ages 9-14 Practices and games are held at local fields. Volunteer coaches needed! For more information, please visit their website or contact Stacy Green at (678) 553-6549. Valentine Luncheon for Grades 1-3 Saturday, Feb. 14, 2009 11:30 am Decatur Recreation Center Valentine Dance for Grades 4-5 Saturday, Feb. 14, 2009 6:30 pm - 8:30 pm Decatur Recreation Center For more information on both events, please visit the website or contact Lee Williams at (678) 553-6551. Be a Lifeguard or a Front Desk Attendant at a City of Decatur Pool! To apply online to be a lifeguard, please click here. To apply to be a front desk attendant, please contact Desiree Kaman, HR Director, Sears Pool Management, at (770) 993-7492.