Thank You from Representative Lynne Riley

Dear Friends,

On January 9th, we will convene for the 2012 session of the Georgia General Assembly. Our primary responsibility will be to adopt a state budget for the fiscal 2013 year. Governor Deal will present his budget proposal to the House and Senate in the early days of the session, and we will deliberate over the coming months on the most effective and efficient ways to appropriate public funds for the benefit of Georgians.

In 2012, I will continue my work on the Natural Resources and Environment Committee, the Retirement Committee, and MARTOC (Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Oversight Committee). Under my leadership as the chairwoman of the Governance Sub-Committee of MARTOC, we performed a comprehensive review of the MARTA act to identify legislative opportunities to enhance transit services in Metro Atlanta. I anticipate the introduction of legislation to accomplish these goals during the 2012 session.

Following the format of model legislation that was approved at the ALEC State and Nation Policy Summit in December of 2011, I have filed a resolution opposing any action by the Federal Government to bail out dysfunctional state governments. It is my hope that the Georgia House of Representatives will join me in making a clear statement to the Federal Government that fiscally responsible states like Georgia will not tolerate any attempt to bail out state governments who have made poor financial decisions.

Each state has the ability to levy taxes to provide for services and liabilities incurred, and state leaders must be held accountable for their actions. I have also signed on as a co-sponsor of legislation calling for a Federal Constitutional Balanced Budget Amendment, and look forward to working on the successful adoption of both of these bills that protect the taxpayer.

I welcome your comments and suggestions on policy and legislative initiatives of interest to you. You may review legislation that is being considered by clicking on the legislation tab at the top of the home page. I invite you to visit the Capitol during our legislative session and interact with your state elected officials. Please call my Capitol office at 404-656-0188 for assistance or information regarding Capitol tours or to schedule an appointment to discuss policy issues.

I will continue to work each and every day to make Georgia a better place for our families, schools and businesses. It is an honor to serve you in the Georgia General Assembly.

Very Truly Yours,

Representative Lynne Riley
House District 50 - Johns Creek, Fulton County