The opening bells of the 2010 session of the Georgia Legislature rang to life last week, bringing with them a new speaker of the house, David Ralston (R-Blue Ridge), a pile of bills to be passed and the subject on most minds, budget.

The Calhoun Times caught up with district five representatives, John Meadows (R-Calhoun) and district 12 representative, Tom Graves (R-Ranger) to discuss their plans and concerns for the 2010 Session.

Q: How will this being an election year impact the session?

Meadows: Truthfully, there might be some cases where an election year would have an impact. But really, most are really and truly doing the job they were elected to do which is to speak on voter’s behalf.

Graves: The legislature has a job to do and I do not believe an election year will impact what we need to accomplish. We must balance the budget and help the private sector create jobs for those Georgians looking for work and an election will not impact what we need to accomplish.

2. How do you propose to fix the budget? Specifically, what areas do you think could be cut or reshaped?

Meadows: Until we get to the point where we get to a zero based budget, on all accounts, I don’t see a way to change the budget process. Most people are coming in and saying, ‘we need more.’ Every department is suffering. Look at how many programs we have. Some of those programs are worthless. We have to change the way Georgia has done business for the last 130 years.

Everyone knows what the problem is. There isn’t enough money to service everyone. There are services that will get cut. People will be furloughed, and not just teachers. The House of Representatives has one job, and that is to balance the budget.

Graves: Many are saying that the legislature faces insurmountable challenges as we gather in Atlanta. Continued declining revenues and multi-billion dollar cuts in recent years have certainly created significant challenges. But, it’s times such as these that create the greatest opportunities. Despite the budget “crisis” as some would call it, this is a Session of opportunity! Opportunity to lay the groundwork for future recovery, opportunity to change the way we do business and a reminder that more government is not the answer.

First, we should review all facets of government and determine if this is really something government should be doing. Secondly, we should pass Zero-Based Budgeting, which will open up the state budget to increased scrutiny each budget cycle by requiring state departments to begin at $0, not the previous year’s budget number. Finally, now is the time to pass the Taxpayer Dividend Act, which would require a certain percentage of any surpluses to be placed in the state’s rainy day fund and to return whatever remains to the taxpayer.

Enacting these types of reforms now will ensure that when we do recover, Georgia will come out of this recession a leaner and stronger state government that lives by new rules and is better prepared for what lies ahead.

3. Aside from the budget and transportation, what in your opinion are the top priorities this session?

Meadows: I have two things, number one is education and number two is public safety.

We can’t cut a budget that has already been cut. The schools I represent (Calhoun City and Gordon County) have cut their budgets to the bone. How much more can they cut?

And as far as Public Safety is concerned. We need to get more troopers on the road. We have a huge number of vacancies, but no new hires. We have been short troopers for three years. They were the hardest hit area when the governor cut the budget. We are ripping and tearing up the interstate like nobody’s business and now there are too few troopers.

We have to find revenue sources. We have $1.4 billion in uncollected retail sales taxes. The Department of Revenue says they don’t have enough agents to investigate all the taxes owed.

Graves: The most important thing government can do for our struggling economy is to get out of the way of individuals and small businesses. Last year, I authored and the legislature overwhelming passed the Jobs Opportunity and Business Success (JOBS) Act, which focused on helping small businesses and creating, expanding and attracting jobs through a series of tax credits, cuts, and incentives for businesses to hire Georgians. Unfortunately, the legislation was vetoed. This year, House and Senate leadership are again committed to passing pro-jobs legislation firmly rooted in our conservative principles. The way out of this recession is not through higher taxes, expanded government, deficit spending, or bailouts. The road back is found through getting Georgians back to work through an expanded private sector. Creating jobs for Georgians is my number top priority.

4. What is the most frequent concern voiced by your constituents and how are you working to address that?

Meadows: “Don’t raise my taxes.” I am committed to not voting for any tax increases. To me, if somebody comes up with a wonderful way to raise revenue, great. One way is to implement a user tax in those areas where people want to see major change such as the Department of Transpiration. Or a regional sales tax (like a Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax).

Graves: Jobs, jobs and jobs. Georgians are concerned with the economy and I think we all know someone who has been affected by this Great Recession. Passing the JOBS bill will help small businesses by creating, expanding and attracting jobs through a series of tax credits, cuts, and incentives for businesses to hire Georgians. We can put Georgians back to work through an expanded private sector, not a growing government. Again, creating jobs is my top priority.

Note: Graves is currently running for the U.S. Congressional ninth district. Meadows was named Chairman of the Insurance Commission.