Sonny Perdue in State of Georgia Archives

On Abortion: Require information session 24 hours before abortion

HB197 stipulates that women considering an abortion should receive accurate and adequate information 24 hours in advance of the procedure. This information is to include the medical risks of the procedure, probable gestational age of the unborn child, medical risks of carrying the child to term, medical assistance available for prenatal care, childbirth, and neonatal care, and that the father is liable for child support. The bill also seeks to protect minors by requiring that an unemancipated minor be accompanied by a parent or guardian, who must show proper identification and state that they are the lawful parent or guardian. Parents or guardians must also receive notice 24 hours before an abortion is performed.

On Abortion: Establish a stem cell tissue bank from fetal sources

• WHEREAS: Over 100 million Americans suffer from diseases that may be treated or cured with stem cells; and
• WHEREAS: The umbilical cord, placenta, and amniotic fluid are rich in stem cells which may be used for scientific research and medical treatment without destroying embryos;
• NOW, THEREFORE, IT IS HEREBY ORDERED: The Governor's Commission for Newborn Umbilical Cord Blood Research and Medical Treatment, shall be created, for the purpose of establishing a network of postnatal tissue and fluid banks in partnership with colleges, hospitals, or organizations.
• IT IS FURTHER ORDERED: The Commission shall promote awareness and encourage donation of postnatal tissue and fluid to public or private umbilical cord blood banks, and develop a program to educate pregnant patients with respect to the banking of postnatal tissue and fluid.

On Civil Rights: Activist judges should let people define marriage

"I am very disappointed by this decision to countermand the people of Georgia's voice in defining marriage in our state as a union between a man and a woman. This decision highlights the effect activist judges can have on our system of governance. The people of Georgia knew exactly what they were doing when an overwhelming 76% voted in support of this constitutional amendment. It is sad that a single judge has chosen to reverse their decision. I am carefully assessing the options to ensure that the will of the people will not be thwarted."

On Drugs: Allow onsite testing for drug-free workplace program

Summary by eDrugTest.com: Georgia has a voluntary drug testing law. For companies that wish to qualify for a 7.5% discount on their workers' compensation premiums they must comply with this law.

Legislative outcome:Passed House 160-2-18, Vote #429 on Apr/20/07; passed Senate 56-0-0, Vote #175 on Mar/27/07; Signed by Gov. Perdue on May/24/07

On Education: Tie teacher pay to student achievement

Yesterday morning, I outlined a proposal that would tie teacher pay to student achievement. Some will defend the status quo, but it's hard for me to believe that tying pay to performance is anything other than commonsense.

On Energy & Oil: Commercial clean energy grants for solar, wind & geothermal

"HB 473 provides Georgia companies with additional incentives for investing in energy efficiency and renewable energy," said Governor Perdue. "These clean energy grants will also help the private sector meet the state's goal of reducing energy consumption by 15 percent."

Governor Perdue has committed all state agencies to reduce energy consumption per square foot in state facilities 15 percent below FY2007 levels by 2020. The Governor also challenged Georgia's citizens, businesses and local governments to match the state's effort.

On Families & Children: Criminalize sex offenders photographing minors

Legislative outcome:Passed House 131-22-27; Vote #1075 on Apr/04/08; passed Senate 41-8-7; Vote #961 on Apr/04/08; Signed by Governor Sonny Perdue on May/13/08

On Foreign Policy: Lead business & trade delegation to Cuba

"Our intent with this mission is to develop relationships that can bring more business for our companies and for the state," said Governor Perdue. "The global accessibility we can provide through the Georgia Ports and Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport already position Georgia as a prime trade partner for Cuba, and open other economic development opportunities for us as well."

Governor Perdue will lead the group in a business roundtable with Alimport, Cuba's primary purchasing agency for commodities, on June 7. The Governor will also meet with senior officials from the Ministry of Foreign Relations and other Cuban government leaders.

On Foreign Policy: Lead business & trade delegation to China

"Our office in Beijing will join our global commerce teams in cities all over the world, making Georgia an even more desirable location for foreign direct investment and tourism while facilitating the entry of Georgia businesses into foreign markets," said Governor Sonny Perdue.

China was Georgia's third-largest export destination at $1.1 billion in 2006.

On Free Trade: Make Atlanta hub for Central America FTAA trade

"During your visit, you will see that Atlanta is an important and growing hub for international trade. We've developed strong business ties with our neighbors in the Americas. We want to keep strengthening those relationships," said Governor Sonny Perdue. "I understand the importance of this region to Georgia's future. Central America is one of the fastest growing markets for the U.S., and especially for Georgia."

During his remarks, Governor Perdue also asked the visiting officials for their support to locate the headquarters of the Free Trade Area of the Americas (FTAA) in Atlanta.

On Free Trade: Rework NAFTA for dairy and poultry tariffs in Canada

On Government Reform: Make government more responsive, efficient, & value-driven

It would be easy to sit back and point fingers at Washington. But we must reject the course forward that promises the next generation little more than an expensive bill--crushing entitlements and unfunded mandates.

On Government Reform: Require voter ID to ensure purity of elections

Legislative Outcome: Passed Senate 32-22-0 on Jan. 24, vote #599; passed House 111-60-6 on Jan. 25, vote #564; signed by Gov. Perdue Jan. 26.

On Health Care: $70M for moral obligation to serve those with disabilities

I want to be clear, my interes is not driven purely by legal mandates, but from my own personal belief that we have a moral obligation to serve those with disabilities. We are our brothers' keepers.

That obligation should carry a tangible effort. It's a hard thing to do in these budget times... the budgets that I will release on Friday will include additional investment--$20 million in 2010 and over $50 million in 2011.

Together, we are making concerted efforts to do the right thing for this vulnerable population. I ask for your continued support as well as that of our consumers, providers, advocates, families and communities to help us develop a system of care of which we can be proud.

On Health Care: Reauthorize SCHIP, State Children's Health Insurance Program

"There's been strong and steadfast support in both parties and in all regions of the country for the State Children's Health Insurance Program (SCHIP) ever since its creation in 1997. This program has enabled millions of children the opportunity to see a doctor, to receive preventative care and to live healthier lives. Yet the progress we have made is now threatened. For health and moral reasons, Congress must reauthorize SCHIP by September 30, 2007. Without timely reauthorization and funding, it will be virtually impossible for states to continue coverage for children already enrolled in SCHIP programs."

On Health Care: Question the constitutionality of this travesty of ObamaCare

Here in Georgia, this vote will force an additional billion dollars or more of Medicaid spending per year, requiring either a tax hike or offsetting cuts to public safety, education and other core services of state government. While this colossal unfunded mandate cripples our budget, I am even more concerned about the debilitating impact it will have on Georgia's small businesses.

What is most unfortunate is that the American people had no voice at the table in Washington during the course of this debate. The only glimpse citizens saw of the process were closed-door meetings that resulted in backroom deals and the buying of votes to ensure passage. I am requesting that Georgia join other states in reviewing the constitutionality of this travesty.

On Health Care: Require proof of physical impairment in asbestos lawsuits

Summary by the Mesothelioma Center: Georgia enacted a revised version of the Asbestos and Silica Litigation Reform law on May 1, 2007. Plaintiffs with asbestos-related cancers must provide evidence of physical impairment. Georgia also attempts to limit the use of information obtained from mass asbestos screenings sponsored by personal injury lawyers to satisfy medical criteria.

Legislative outcome: [Voting YES establishes stricter rules to file lawsuit for asbestos damage. Voting NO would keep the existing rules, allowing suing for asbestos before physical impairment is proven]. Passed House 156-1-23, Vote #321 on Apr/17/07; passed Senate 36-3-17, Vote #444 on Apr/20/07; Signed by Governor Sonny Perdue, Apr/30/07.

On Health Care: Tax breaks for high deductible insurance; no aid for insured

Summary by the CBPP:Georgia created new tax breaks for high-deductible health plans. Almost 1.7 million Georgians--20%t of all residents under age 65--are uninsured. Almost 2/3 of them have incomes below 200% of the poverty line. Georgia's plan does not attempt to help these low-income individuals obtain insurance. Instead the plan's main target is uninsured people with incomes over $50,000.

Legislative outcome:Passed Senate 36-12-8, Vote #623 on Feb/26/08; Passed House 148-2-30, Vote #1070 on Apr/04/08; Signed by Gov. Perdue, May/7/08.

On Homeland Security: US military has kept America free for over 200 years

On Immigration: Check immigration status after minor offenses

Registration of Immigration Assistance Act: To establish and enforce standards of ethics in the profession of immigration assistance by private individuals who are not licensed attorneys.

OnTheIssues Interpretation: Immigrants are allowed to get legal help, but those helping must register, and may offer only limited help. They must declare in writing that they are not an attorney, and cannot give legal advice. The purpose is to make the process harder for illegal immigrants to get legal help, and hence to increase deportations.

Legislative Outcome: Passed Senate 39-16-0 on March 27 vote #1037; passed House 119-49-8 on March 28 vote #1076; signed by Gov. Perdue April 17.