Gov. Sonny Perdue has announced a new statewide transportation partnership called Investing in Tomorrow’s Transportation Today, designed to bring the Department of Transportation, Georgia Regional Transportation Authority, the General Assembly, local partners and the executive branch together to formulate strategies that will improve transportation infrastructure throughout the state.

"As we did in education, we will transform the way we look at transportation from counting how much money we spend to an outcomes-based investment stragegy to ensure we create a 21^st century transportation network throughout the state," said Governor Perdue.

During a news conference, Gov. Perdue also announced that the state will fund 28 new GRTA buses using a combination of state and federal dollars. "I think with standing room only on buses and gas at four dollars a gallon, we need more transportation options, and that’s what I am committed to do by funding additional GRTA buses. These additions to the Xpress fleet are based on consumer demand on routes originating in Conyers, Stockbridge, Newnan, Buford, Douglasville, Canton and Snellville.

Gov. Sonny Perdue says that top-tier Kia supplier Glovis plans to locate a new facility in West Point, creating 600 jobs. "With this latest announcement, total job creation by the Kia plant and supplier facilities in Georgia will near 6,000," said Gov. Perdue. "We welcome Glovis to the Georgia business community and look forward to the important role it will play in Kia’s success." Glovis will supply auto parts and provide inventory management to the KMMG vehicle assembly line. The company has been a top logistics provider for Kia and Hyundai since 2001.

David Poythress Plans Governor’s Race

A Major General in the Georgia National Guard, Poythress has enjoyed a distinguished career that includes military service, public service and private law practice. He is currently working in the banking industry with American United Bank in Lawrenceville.

General Poythress, a native of Macon, served four years on active duty with the U.S. Air Force as a judge advocate officer, including one year as Chief of Military Justice at DaNang Air Base in the Republic of Vietnam. As Adjutant General, he traveled to Iraq to meet with Georgia’s 48^th Brigade Combat Team.

General Poythress and his wife, Elizabeth, have three grown children and three grandchildren. He is a member of the American Legion, the Veterans of Foreign Wars and the USO. He has served on the board of directors of Wesley Homes and the Atlanta Day Shelter for Women, and also served two terms as Chairman of the Board of the State YMCA of Georgia.

Secretary of State Karen Handel has certified Dee Dawkins-Haigler as the winner of a special election for State House District 93, a position previous held by Rep. Ron Sailor, who resigned. Dawkins-Haigler won with 54.3% of the vote over Malik Douglas.

Georgia Ports Authority Executive Director Doug J. Marchand welcomed Australian State Minister Joe Tripodi to the Savannah Port last week. Tripodi, the Minister of Small Business, Minister of Regulatory Reform and Minister of Ports and Waterways of New South Wales, had requested the meeting as part of a U.S. trade mission and fact-finding expedition. As the largest exporter of goods to Australia from the U.S. East Coast, the Port of Savannah has a long-standing relationship with New South Wales.

U.S. Senator Saxby Chambliss has urged a bipartisan Medicare solution for doctors and seniors and expressed his opposition to S.3101, a Medicare bill introduced by Sen. Max Baucus, D-Montana, which he says would negatively impact Georgia seniors. Chambliss is supporting an alternative measure, the "Preserving Access to Medicare Act of 2008," introduced by Sen. Charles Grassley, R-Iowa, that would replace the scheduled physicians fee cut with a 1.1 percent increase but does not make drastic cuts to the Medicare Advantage program.

"While I am supportive of ensuring doctors receive adequate Medicare reimbursements so they can cover costs, I cannot support legislation which will expand entitlement programs and ultimately take money away from reimbursing doctors as we move on down the road. Now is not the time to expand entitlement spending when it is already out of control and unstainable. While we need a more permanent solution so doctors don’t have to worry about having to lay off employees or denying Medicare patients altogether, it is important that we work in a bipartisan manner to readh a temporary solution for doctors’ reimbursements in the meantime."

Chambliss Applauds Peanut Decision – U.S. Senator Saxby Chambliss, Member of the Senate Agricultre Committee, has applauded the decision made by the U.S. Department of Agriculture to not make any changes to the manner in which they establish marketing loan differentials for peanuts for the 2008 crop year. Georgia produces nearly 45 percent of all the peanuts produced in the United States, making it the number one peanut producing state. "This is good news for peanut producers in Georgia," said Sen. Chambliss. "This year’s crop of peanuts has been in the ground for weeks and 2008 productions contracts were signed months ago. Changing the loan differential formula after the peanut crop has been planted would have been detrimental for our growers."

Congressman John Lewis said about the death of NBC’s Tim Russert – "Tim Russert made a lasting contribution to our society. We must hold his family in our hearts and prayers. He will be deeply missed. As the consummate host of Meet the Press, his analysis of all the great issues of the day informed millions of people all over the world whose lives are shaped by decisions of our government."

Gov. Sonny Perdue’s Judicial Nominating Commission has submitted recommendations to fill the vacancy in the Superior Court of the Alapaha Judicial Circuit. The vacancy on the Alapaha Judicial Circuit was created by the resignation of Judge Brooks E. Blitch, III.

The Nominating Commission recommended that one of the following three be selected for the judgeship:

Larry M. "Mickey" Johnson, Enigma

Donald L. Johstono, Macon

Howard M McClain, Adel

Health and Human Services Secretary Michael Leavitt joined Gov. Sonny Perdue and the Georgia Department of Community Health to kick-off Georgia’s efforts as a Medicare Electronic Health Records (DHR) Demonstration Site. The Medicare EHR Demonstration Project will provide Georgia physicians support for the adoption of electronic health records into their clinical practice.

"I am excited that Georgia has been chosen to take part in the electronic health records project," said Gov. Perdue. "Implementing this type of technology will allow our healthcare professionals to provide the appropriate treatment with greater speed and precision."

The Motor Vehicle Division of the Georgia Department of Revenue has unveiled its new Electronic Lien and Title program, which provides paperless vehicle titles to participating lienholders.

"Paperless titles enhance the security interest process, reduce cost and increase data privacy because lien information is exchaned electronically between the Motor Vehicle Division and the lender," explained Revenue Commissioner Bart L. Graham.

The Revenue Department developed the ELT program in cooperation with VINtek, a provider of automotive collateral management services headquartered in Philadelphia. Georgia joins 12 other states that offer ELT as an alternative to paper-based liens.

Gov. Sonny Perdue has announced that Suniva, Inc. will locate its first solar cell facility, and Georgia’s first solar manufacturing plant, in Norcross. Working with technological advance developed at the Georgia Institute of Technology, the Atlanta-based company will manufacture high-efficiency solar cells. Suniva anticipates the new operation will create about 100 jobs within the first year.

"As the solar industry looks to bring down costs and compete with conventional power, Suniva has build the team and the technology to execute on our vision of low-cost, high-efficiency solar energy," said John Baumstark, CEO of Suniva. We are pleased to be moving into our next phase of growth close to home, and we are interested in working with state and local government to create an ecosystem of clean energy companies in the Atlanta metro area."

Automotive supplier DongNam Tech plans to locate its first U.S. plant in Columbus, creating 350 jobs and investing $29 million, Gov. Sonny Perdue has revealed.

DongNam Tech is creating a U.S. offshoot called DNT Georgia for the new facility which will manufacture carpet and floor mats for a number of automakers and suppliers, including Hyundai Mobis, Kia Mobis, General Motors and Nissan.

Pochun, Korea-based DongNam has a long history as a supplier to Kia and related companies. In addition to the new facility in Columbus, DongNam also has a distribution center in Detroit.

Congressman John Lewis (D-GA) has received the endorsement of the Georgia AFL-CIO for the July 15 Democratic Primary election. Richard Ray, president of the Georgia AFL-CIO, called Rep. Lewis a "friends of working people everywhere."

"For Atlanta, for Georgia, for Labor, for everyone who believes an honest days work should receive an honest days pay – John Lewis is our guy, said Ray.

The highly respected Georgia congressman is expected to have little difficulty in winning the primary challenge.

Regarding the endorsement, Lewis said, "I am grateful to have their help and their support as I continue to seek to serve the people of this district."

Governor Is Proud of Pastor – The following is a statement from Governor Sonny Perdue regarding the election of Dr. Johnny Hunt, Pastor of the First Baptist Church of Woodstock, as the President of the Southern Baptist Convention:

"I have the utmost confidence that my pastor, Dr. Johnny Hunt, will not only be a great leader for Southern Baptists worldwide, he will demonstrate his love for all people just as our Lord has commanded us to do. While he has nurtured and shepherded a large flock, his leadership style is based on a concern and compassion for each individual. He has not only pastored a large, dynamic church, he has tirelessly ministered to other churches and their pastor families. That is why I was not surprised that the love he shows so easily was returned through the votes of Southern Baptists. He is a leader of our faith that I am proud to follow."

Floor Leader — Rep. Jimmy Pruett of Eastman has been selected as the Assistant Administration Floor Leader in the House of Representatives. He replaces Rep. Vance Smith who wanted to devote greater time to his duties as Chairman of the House Transportation Committee.

Georgia Beat Edition 386 June 20, 2008

Monday, June 23 -- Georgia Beat subscribers are invited to support this year's Arthritis Foundation Memorial Golf Tournament at the exclusive Peachtree Golf Club. This is an excellent opportunity for networking with your clients while benefiting an extraordinary cause. More information is available Patti Peach pattipeach@mindspring.com

Wednesday, June 25 -- A fundraiser with Gov. Sonny Perdue will be held at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Scott Smith in Marietta for Senator Judson Hill. For More information call 770 234 5378. It's $400 per player. RSVP (706) 726-0059.

Wednesday, June 25 -- State Rep. Lester Jackson, candidate for Senate District 2 will have a fundraiser at the One Ninety One Club, 3 to 4:30 p.m. RSVP (912) 232-4440.

Wednesday, June 25 -- The Freeman Fun Shoot will honor Rep. Allen Freeman of Macon at The Meadows Gun Club in Forsyth. Competition will begin at 9:30 and lunch will follow at noon. All shooting skill levels welcom, women, men and children. Register by calling 478-788 7721. For more information: Call 478 335-3003.

Thursday, June 26 -- Senator Renee Unterman will host an Inaugural Golf Tournament at The Woodlands at Chateau Elan. Registration is 9 a.m. with a shot gun start at 10 a.m. Individual players fee is $350.00. Contact Jim Collins at (912) 293-5466.

Wednesday, September 24 -- The lawn at the historic Mount Vernon overlooking the Potomac will provide the perfect setting for the seventh "Spirit of Mount Vernon" reception, dinner and spectacular fireworks display. The event is sponsored each year by the Distilled Spirits Council of the United States.

Friday, November 21 -- The 33rd annual Georgia Agribusiness Council Harvest Celebration will take place at the Cobb Galleria Centre, beginning with the silent auction and field of dreams reception at 5:30. Dinner will follow at 7:30. Entertainer Lorrie Morgan will perform after dinner. For more information, contact the Georgia Agribusiness Council.

Legislative Awards – Senators Chip Rogers and Ross Tolleson and State Reps. Earl Ehrhart, Larry O’Neal, and Jay Shaw were named Legislators of the Year, while Sen. Eric Johnson, Rep. Richard Royal and Rep. Barry Fleming were given Lifetime Achievement Awards during the annual Legislative Weekend sponsored by the Georgia Chamber of Commerce.