Snow returned to Atlanta, and so did the Appropriations Committee members as they continued to look for budget cuts. The snow did not last long, and some attributed that to the heated debate coming from the Board of Regents and the Subcommittees on Higher Education. Both sides clashed as the chancellor warned members to go slow on cuts that could cause damage to Georgia's University system. The House and Senate Committee wanted another 300 million in cuts to offset the increasing budget deficit. The University of Georgia president stated he would cut 4H and the Extension program from his Athens budget. The war of words was now on as TV and newspapers reported the clash of the Titans. President Adams’ statement was the shot that was heard all over Georgia. Phones started ringing at the State Capitol, emails started popping up and letters poured in to denounce any cuts to these very popular programs. It was great support for these programs that came in from the people of the district and all over Georgia. If I did not get around to answering all of the emails on this subject, I can tell you that these programs will continue to be funded.

The bad weather did not keep law enforcement officers from all over the state from coming to the Capitol to oppose cuts to their training and put the cost back on the counties. I too am opposed to this, and my subcommittee is looking for alternatives to this cut. Sheriffs came with an option to keep the Moultrie and the Columbus Crime Labs from being closed on March 31. Fire chiefs were present to protect their training as well. The committee listened and allowed all who wanted to speak to have that opportunity.

Legislators will return Monday to take up legislation once again, after a two week recess. Meanwhile the process of the 2011 budget continues to come together one line at a time. Members will work way into the night this coming week to put together a budget that needs to be passed. The process will leave the House and head for the Senate, and then each House adopts a version that will then go to a conference committee to resolve any differences in the document.

Many issues are now log jammed at the State Capitol with only 20 working days left to solve these pressing problems. Questions abound at this stage such as, will we have to have new taxes, will people be retired and let go from state jobs, will counties have to pick up more of the cost that state government is cutting? All I can say is stay tuned to see what happens in the days ahead. Please continue to contact State Representative Gerald Greene at 404 656 0315 or email him at gerald. greene@house.ga.gov.