Dear Friends and Neighbors,
Hello my Friends. 2011 is now here. 2010 brought real change to Georgia and our country. From the Republican takeover of the US House of Representatives, to the repeal of Don’t Ask Don’t Tell, to the rise of right wing extremism in the form of what we now call the “Tea Party”, to electing a new governor, Nathan Deal. Things seem to be moving too fast to even keep up with on a Twitter account.
That said some things remain the same. With January comes the start of a new legislative session. The news remains grim here. Our budget is likely to face huge cuts to plug an at minimum, 1.3 billion dollar short fall. Additionally a state commission will be reporting to the legislature on ways to “reform” our state’s tax code. With that in mind our website, www.makingyourvoicecount.com, has a new survey that I really hope you will take the time to fill it out by clicking on the survey icon or link. It asks you what you are willing to personally give up in budget cuts that affect you and what you are personally willing to pay in taxes for the things you do want. Only with real feedback from real Georgians can we hope to cut through political and ideological posturing to find real solutions to this problem.
Hello my Friends. 2011 is now here. 2010 brought real change to Georgia and our country. From the Republican takeover of the US House of Representatives, to the repeal of Don’t Ask Don’t Tell, to the rise of right wing extremism in the form of what we now call the “Tea Party”, to electing a new governor, Nathan Deal. Things seem to be moving too fast to even keep up with on a Twitter account.
That said some things remain the same. With January comes the start of a new legislative session. The news remains grim here. Our budget is likely to face huge cuts to plug an at minimum, 1.3 billion dollar short fall. Additionally a state commission will be reporting to the legislature on ways to “reform” our state’s tax code. With that in mind our website, www.makingyourvoicecount.com, has a new survey that I really hope you will take the time to fill it out by clicking on the survey icon or link. It asks you what you are willing to personally give up in budget cuts that affect you and what you are personally willing to pay in taxes for the things you do want. Only with real feedback from real Georgians can we hope to cut through political and ideological posturing to find real solutions to this problem.
Given that the Republicans in Washington have no interest in sending more stimulus dollars to Georgia and that they have broken the bank extending the Bush tax cuts to the rich I’m afraid we’re pretty much on our own. I hope that everyone is ready for the barrage of budget cuts because of the terrible shape our states finances are in. And if we try more tax breaks for big corporations as has been done for the past 8 years here in Georgia expect the cuts to be even worse.
With the budget being of such primary importance to Georgians this year our monthly Citizen’s Advisory Forum this month will feature a presentation and speaker on the proposed budget from the Georgia Budget and Policy Institute. Our Citizen Advisory Forum is held every 3rd Saturday of the Month at 10:30am Cafe´ 45 South (formerly the Northern Star to long time residents of Norcross) located at 45 South Peachtree Street, across from the train station in the historic downtown of Norcross, 30071. Come share coffee, great food and the company of friends while we discuss h! ow to invest in Georgia’s future.
Again, please make sure to let me know what YOUR ideas are about how we need to invest in our future and how we should come up with the funds needed to make that investment. If we don’t make sure our money isn’t spent on politicking and ideological infighting no one else will.
Please know you can always contact me with your thoughts, concerns and ideas by e-mail curt@curtthompson.com, through my website at www.makingyourvoicecount.com or by calling me at 404-643-2649.
Thanks for all you do. CurtThanks for all you do.
Curt.
With the budget being of such primary importance to Georgians this year our monthly Citizen’s Advisory Forum this month will feature a presentation and speaker on the proposed budget from the Georgia Budget and Policy Institute. Our Citizen Advisory Forum is held every 3rd Saturday of the Month at 10:30am Cafe´ 45 South (formerly the Northern Star to long time residents of Norcross) located at 45 South Peachtree Street, across from the train station in the historic downtown of Norcross, 30071. Come share coffee, great food and the company of friends while we discuss h! ow to invest in Georgia’s future.
Again, please make sure to let me know what YOUR ideas are about how we need to invest in our future and how we should come up with the funds needed to make that investment. If we don’t make sure our money isn’t spent on politicking and ideological infighting no one else will.
Please know you can always contact me with your thoughts, concerns and ideas by e-mail curt@curtthompson.com, through my website at www.makingyourvoicecount.com or by calling me at 404-643-2649.
Thanks for all you do. CurtThanks for all you do.
Curt.
Contact Information
21-I State Capitol
Atlanta, GA 30334
Office (404) 463-1318
Fax Number (404) 651-7078
www.makingyourvoicecount.com
curt@curtthompson.com
404.463.2649
21-I State Capitol
Atlanta, GA 30334
Office (404) 463-1318
Fax Number (404) 651-7078
www.makingyourvoicecount.com
curt@curtthompson.com
404.463.2649
