January 27, 2011

We here at Georgia Watch are concerned about recent attempts by state leaders to scale back vital health care programs for our most vulnerable citizens at a time when they are critically needed.

The move began with Arizona Governor Brewer’s request to the federal government for a waiver from stability protections that prevent states from restricting eligibility levels for the Medicaid program. In response, Georgia Governor Nathan Deal’s spokesperson was quoted by Bloomberg news organization earlier today that while the Governor has not offered specific cuts, he “would happily work on such a proposal.”

“Rolling back eligibility among those already enrolled in our state Medicaid program essentially would strip medical coverage for those who are the youngest, oldest, and the sickest within our state,” stated Joann Yoon, Associate Policy Director for Child Health with Voices for Georgia’s Children.

“Medicaid especially is essential at a time like the present when many face unemployment, which also means a loss of employer-sponsored coverage.” Read more

January 20, 2011

Made up of a broad coalition of watchdog and educational groups, the Georgia Alliance for Ethics Reform is urging Georgia lawmakers to take further steps to strengthen the state’s ethics laws. The Alliance includes Georgia Watch, Common Cause, the state chapter of the Tea Party Patriots, and former gubernatorial candidate Ray Boyd.

“The people of this state want action now, and the fact that such a broad alliance as this one has formed, is evidence of that,” said former Georgia House Minority Leader and current Alliance member Bob Irvin. Read more

January 18, 2011

After a motion from Public Service Commissioner Doug Everett and a formal request from Georgia Watch, the Public Service Commission has voted unanimously to release $5 million from a special fund to help low-income seniors pay their energy bills in wake of extreme weather conditions.

Four million dollars will be credited to qualifying Atlanta Gas Light Company customers.  The money will show up as a line item credit on AGL gas bills. The Salvation Army will receive the remaining funds to disburse to people in need across the state.

“We applaud the PSC for acting quickly to address a situation that has reached emergency levels,” said Georgia Watch executive director Angela Speir Phelps, a former public service commissioner herself. “The recession has hit consumers hard and record-low temperatures are exacerbating an already dire situation.”
Read more