Last month, I proposed and the Board of Commissioners adopted, the final budget under my leadership as Chairman of Cobb County. Out of respect for the incoming administration, the budget I put forth is a continuation budget. In other words, it maintains tax rates, spending and service levels from the prior year (2016).
Our common defense is the government’s greatest obligation. That is why Speaker of the House David Ralston (R-Blue Ridge) appointed me as the chairman of the new House Military Affairs Study Committee, a committee that looks at ways we can improve the military value of Georgia’s bases. The committee’s fourth meeting was held at Fort Gordon in Augusta, and Congressmen Jody Hice and Rick Allen joined us in support of our efforts to protect Georgia’s bases.
House Bill 677, a 127 page bill to legalize casino gambling in Georgia was introduced at the end of the 2015 legislative session. A similar bill, SB 264, to legalize pari-mutuel betting on horse racing, passed out of a Senate committee last week. What makes them similar? Both would lead to casino gambling and both are bad for our state. Georgians should oppose these bills for many reasons.
Public Safety Appreciation Week is Oct. 5-10. During this week, the entire Cobb Community will come together to honor and recognize first responders who risk their lives daily to protect ours. This week is also a great reminder that public safety is the most important service that local governments provide.
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