The governor called a special session on Monday, March 16 so that the House and Senate could approve the appropriations funding and ratify the declaration of a statewide public health emergency. This declaration gives the Governor broad powers that include freeing up resources, mandating quarantine and vaccination and asking healthcare facilities to provide services to fight the virus. The State of Emergency will last until April 13, unless renewed by the Governor.
Coronavirus strikes
home — I’m quarantined
After returning home from the Special Session Monday, we learned a Senator from Atlanta had tested positive for the coronavirus and was present Monday in the Senate Chambers and anteroom.
So virtually the entire Senate, which was present Monday, has been exposed and we are self-quarantining until March 30. I feel fine and have not run a fever.
But I am available to be of assistance. My cell number is 912-282-2821 and my office in Reidsville will be open Monday-Thursday as it stands right now. The office phone number is 912-557-3811 and also someone will answer the Atlanta number, 404-656-5038.
Struggling rural hospitals
The Amended Budget will include $5 million that will be directed to struggling, rural hospitals to fight the sudden influx of patients due to the outbreak of COVID-19 that is on top of other financial issues. The office of Rural Health will be administering the grant program. Two hospitals in the Fourth District are slated to receive these funds.
Info, links, phone numbers that might be of use
Small Business Administration Disaster Loans for Small Businesses:
➤ https://disasterloan.sba.gov/ela/Account/Login?ReturnUrl=%2Fela%2FLoanApplication%2FStartApplication
Click on the link at the end marked “Additional Information.”
For updates on the Coronavirus situation in Georgia:
➤ https://dph.georgia.gov/novelcoeonavirus or
➤ https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html
The State of Georgia has implemented a hotline for questions regarding COVID-19:
➤ (844) 442-2681
For Unemployment issues:
➤ www.EmployGeorgia.com or www.gdol.ga.gov
The Dept. of Labor has adopted an emergency rule 300-2-4-0-5 for Georgia employers to file partial claims online:
➤ https://dol.georgia.gov/blog/new-information-filing-unemployment-partial-claims-and-reemployment-services
How Employers file partial Claims Desk-Aid:
➤ https://dol.georgia.gov/document/document/how-employers-file-partial-claims/download
Veterans can reach assistance at:
➤ GaVetSvc@vs.state.ga.us
Information on the shifting of the IRS date for Paying tax due April 15 is at:
➤ https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-drop/n-20-17.pdf
Finally, CDC Guidance is at:
➤ https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prepare/prevention.html
February revenues
seem distant
Well, it was important at the time, but February Revenues came in 4.2% ahead of 2019. Individual Income Revenues were up 15.4% while Net Sales Taxes were down -1.8%. The other figure that stands out is Title Ad Valorem Taxes which declined $19.07 million. Fuel Taxes/Fees were up 4.1% for the Month.
Year to Date show overall revenues up just 1.2% which is also the figure for Individual Income Taxes. Sales Taxes are up only 1.8% YTD and Title Ad Valorem Taxes/Fees are negative $101.7 million for the year. Fuel Taxes/Fees were up for the year only $14.2 million or 1.1%
Facing the
uncertain future
The estimates of the economic impact this coronavirus pandemic will cause are into the billions. While there may be federal assistance, there is sure to be a net loss of state revenues due to the lowering of economic activity brought on by the reactions to the coronavirus. WE WILL GET THROUGH THIS! Georgia’s Rainy Day Fund (RSR) has $2.8 billion in it that we can use. Additionally, strong state leadership will budget conservatively and make good decisions. Georgia will emerge from this crisis and its economy will pick right back up.
I may be reached at
234 State Capitol, Atlanta , GA 30334
(404) 656-5038 (phone)
(404) 657-7094 (fax)
E-mail at Jack.Hill@senate.ga.gov
Or Call Toll-Free at
1-800-367-3334 Day or Night
Reidsville office: (912) 557-3811
