ATLANTA --- Legislators haven't passed any of the bills in recent years that would make it illegal to use cell phones while driving, but on Monday, members of the House enacted a rule that prohibits them from using cell phones while making laws.
That and other minor rule changes and a few new faces were among the developments when the General Assembly opened for a session that will be marked by a deficit that could approach $2.5 billion and by Gov. Sonny Perdue's stimulus plan, which is nearly half that size.
In his first speech to senators, Lt. Gov. Casey Cagle made clear his approach to the deficit: "Make no mistake, I will come down on the side of downsizing state government."
While he opposes tax increases in general, Mr. Cagle wants to pass in this first week a plan to give voters the option to raise sales taxes in their region for transportation funding.
Sen. Bill Jackson, R-Appling, is for passing that quickly.
"That's the way we've got to go," he said. "That will take some pressure off of counties (needing better transportation)."
Among the new faces in the Senate are Lester Jackson, D-Savannah, who was sworn in to replace Regina Thomas after she retired to run unsuccessfully for Congress.
Mr. Jackson's wife, children, siblings and many friends drove from across the state to see his induction.
He'll sit beside Sen. Eric Johnson, R-Savannah, just as Ms. Thomas did, but Mr. Johnson no longer has the seat on the end of the row where he can sprint up to Mr. Cagle's side. He gave up that prized seat when he decided to step down as president pro tem, the highest-ranking senator.
Taking over the post is Sen. Tommie Williams, R-Lyons. Mr. Williams told his colleagues that he'll make some drastic policy decisions.
"We need to find out who's doing it right, whatever it is, and copy it, whether it's in education, transportation, trauma, taxes, jobs or solving our budget crisis," he said, warning his colleagues not to wait to make changes.
In the House, Speaker Glenn Richardson was elected unanimously when Democrats didn't nominate anyone against him.
There were a few questions about how the cell-phone prohibition would be enforced, but the major objections concerned a provision enacted two years ago that allows Republicans to send GOP loyalists called "Hawks" to vote in any committee.
Mr. Richardson said Hawks were mainly used to ensure a committee had a quorum, or the minimum number present to conduct business.
Reach Walter Jones at (404) 589-8424 or walter.jones@morris.com.
FLEMING COMES BACK TO HOUSE
ATLANTA --- Former House Majority Whip Barry Fleming, of Columbia County, was rubbing elbows with his old colleagues Monday even though he retired from his legislative seat for an unsuccessful run at the GOP nomination to Congress against U.S. Rep. Paul Broun, R-Athens.
Mr. Fleming is the new counsel to House Speaker Glenn Richardson, a post that didn't exist last session partly because the speaker's chief of staff was a lawyer. Mr. Richardson's new top aide is his former press secretary.
Some Capitol insiders grumbled that with a state budget deficit projected to be more than $2.5 billion, legislative hiring should be on hold.
But Mr. Richardson's current press secretary, Marshall Guest, said it's customary for legislative leaders and committees to add temporary staff during each session.
"As a part-time employee, the wage he earns from the state fits the reduced budget allotted for temporary House staff," Mr. Guest said. "The speaker is glad to have him in the office this session and looks forward to his counsel."
-- Morris News Service
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