ATLANTA – Governor Sonny Perdue today delivered his annual State of the State address before a joint session of the General Assembly touting Georgia’s growth and presenting new initiatives for Georgia’s future as a global leader in economic development, culture and technology.

“The triumphant drumbeat of our progress proclaims a new anthem and a new era for Georgia. Not just as the capital of the New South, not just another great American city – but an international leader – an economic . . . cultural . . . technological capital,” said Governor Sonny Perdue. “We Georgians are not content to stand on the achievements of the past – no, we are eager to create a better future for our children, and our children’s children.”

In outlining his priorities for the 2008 session of the Georgia General Assembly, proposed a constitutional amendment to eliminate the state portion of property taxes that residents pay on homes and automobiles. This would eliminate the state quarter mill ad valorem tax, providing approximately $94 million in tax relief to Georgia property owners, beginning in fiscal year 2010. The Governor also reaffirmed his commitment to the Senior Income Tax Credit to help keep Georgia families together and to spur economic development by attracting new retirees to the state.

As has become custom, Governor Perdue used his State of the State address to formally submit his Amended FY 2008 and FY 2009 budget recommendations to the General Assembly. In his recommendations, Governor Perdue proposed funding for a statewide trauma care network, a transportation infrastructure bank, reservoirs and additional funding for the Georgia State Patrol.

Education remains Governor Perdue’s top priority. “We want every school in Georgia to earn the flexibility charter schools enjoy,” said Governor Perdue. It's about local control - local decision making - and swift sanctions for lack of performance. This is an innovative, forward-looking idea to come out of the IE2 task force. It's an idea that will change the future of education - and an idea with which Georgia will lead.”

Governor Perdue put forth the recommendation of the IE2 task force to grant public schools some of the flexibility that charter schools enjoy through new contracts between the state and the local school systems. These contracts would require clear and measurable accountability standards, and would link flexibility with student achievement. Governor Perdue is also proposing $65 million in his amended FY 2008 budget proposal to fund two priority needs for schools – transportation and technology.

Sound management of our water resources remains a key focus for Governor Perdue. “We will conserve and use this precious and vital resource wisely,” said Governor Perdue. “We will reuse it so we consume as little as we need. We will respect the resources that we share with our neighbors. But hear me now - we will not allow others outside this state to hamper our progress by limiting our access to the waters that fall on our land. That will not happen on this Governor's watch.”

Governor Perdue is proposing a total of $120 million in funding for water infrastructure and reservoirs. He also urged the General Assembly to pass the Statewide Water Plan to ensure the wise use and responsible conservation of Georgia’s precious water resources. Governor Perdue is proposing an initial $11 million in existing resources to fully fund both the resource assessments and regional planning components of the water plan. The State Water Council unanimously approved the Statewide Water Plan last week with wide support and approval from stakeholders.

Providing for a strong, sound transportation infrastructure is also a priority for Georgia’s future. Governor Perdue proposed today a Transportation Infrastructure Bank to provide low interest loans to complete essential transportation projects for local governments, public transit agencies and community improvement districts. This will be a $50 million revolving loan fund with loans to be paid back and made available for new roads, bridges and transit.

The Transportation Infrastructure Bank will be administered by the State Road and Tollway Authority (SRTA). Governor Perdue also announced today his recommendation of Dr. Gena Abraham, commissioner of the Department of Transportation, to take on the responsibilities as director of SRTA.

Quality, affordable healthcare is vital for a growing Georgia. Governor Perdue announced his Health Insurance Partnership last summer as a way to harness the power of the free-market so that small business owners in Georgia can provide private health insurance to their employees. Under the partnership, the cost of the coverage would be shared between the employee, the employer and the government. This partnership allows the state to pay a portion of these health insurance costs in premiums on the front end, instead of paying the uninsured claims on the back end.

Governor Perdue also announced that the state is finalizing a new partnership between the state and the Shriners Hospitals for Children. Shriners will provide expensive orthopedic care for young Georgians on PeachCare, free of charge, in the Shriners Hospital in Greenville, S.C.

Providing a statewide trauma network and safer highways are also components of Governor Perdue’s vision for a safe, healthy Georgia. Governor Perdue’s budget will have $53 million in appropriations to strengthen Georgia’s trauma system.

Slowing speeding drivers down is a key part of maintaining safe highways and Governor Perdue proposed “Super Speeder” legislation that will force those speeding to pay more expensive fines. The revenue from these increased penalties would contribute to the state’s trauma network.

The Georgia State Patrol is the state’s first line of defense in the battle against reckless and speeding drivers. Governor Perdue proposed funding recruitment and training initiatives to add an additional 200 troopers to the ranks of the Georgia State Patrol by 2010.