Rep. Greene Secures Funding For Local Health Center

ATLANTA – The Georgia House of Representatives today passed House Bill 742, the Fiscal Year 2013 (FY 2013) state budget. State Representative Gerald Greene (R-Cuthbert) successfully advocated for the budget to include start-up funds for a new Qualified Community Health Center in Randolph County, as well as increased funding for law enforcement needs throughout the state.

“This new health center is certainly needed in our area of southwest Georgia,” said Rep. Greene. “I want to thank our subcommittee for seeing our need in Randolph County, and I am hopeful that the Senate will maintain this funding as they review the budget.

As a member of the House Appropriations Committee, Rep. Greene successfully advocated for $250,000 for the construction of a new Qualified Community Health Center in Randolph County, Georgia.

Rep. Greene also used his position on the House Appropriations Sub-Committee on Public Safety to successfully advocate for an increase in law enforcement funds in the House Appropriations Committee. The increase would support new Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) researcher positions, a pay raise for GBI agents and Department of Natural Resources (DNR) officers, $10 million for accountability courts and an increased gas allowance for state troopers.

“Each of these investments plays a crucial role in continuing the success of our state’s criminal justice system,” said Rep. Greene. “With gas prices increasing dramatically, our state troopers need more money for gas so that they can continue their patrols. This measure will keep state troopers on the road, and ensure that the rising cost of gas does not negatively impact public safety.”

The FY 2013 state budget directs spending for all state agencies, departments, and programs from July 1, 2012 to June 30, 2013. Although the $19.2 billion state budget reflects a slight increase from the FY 2012 state budget, when adjusted for inflation the FY 2013 budget continues to reflect decade-old per-capita spending levels.

Now that the Georgia House of Representatives has passed the FY 2013 state budget with a vote of 151 to 21, the legislation will be sent to the state Senate for consideration.

Representative Gerald Greene represents the citizens of District 149, which includes Calhoun, Clay, Early, Miller, Randolph, and Seminole counties. He was elected into the House of Representatives in 1982, and serves as Vice-Chairman of the State Institutions & Property Committee. He also serves on the Appropriations, Economic Development & Tourism, Rules, and Retirement committees.

# # #