Georgia 2015 Legislative Session - Your thoughts? (high school, different, college)

[atltechdude]

Originally Posted by AcidSnake

Thanks for the link.

Apparently, some North Fulton Republican Senator, a so-called transit supporter wouldn't allow the extra .5% tax to be voted on because "there wasn't enough time".

What a bunch of bunk.

You mean to tell me that within the two or more years since the failed 2012 T-SPLOST referendum, NO ONE was discussing the issue?

There weren't any long serving State Senators & Representatives in the MARTA counties who were hashing out plans to effectively improve transit behind the scenes in that 2+ year period? No one was plotting any potential pitfalls or alibis behind any pro-transit legislation to be put forward for a vote?

So they only talk this stuff during session?

My god...

Not surprised. If theres an area in the MARTA counties where opposition would be concentrated it's definitely North Fulton, which is kind ironic since the 400 expansion would help them a lot.

[AcidSnake]

All I'm saying is, there better not be any attempt to place a HOT lane on I-20 east/west in South Dekalb if a MARTA rail isn't built first...or it's lynch mob time!

Originally Posted by atltechdude

Not surprised. If theres an area in the MARTA counties where opposition would be concentrated it's definitely North Fulton, which is kind ironic since the 400 expansion would help them a lot.

[arjay57]

As Gideon J. Tucker famously observed, "No man's life, liberty or property are safe while the Legislature is in session."

It could have been worse, but not much.

[Gulch]

Originally Posted by AcidSnake

Thanks for the link.

Apparently, some North Fulton Republican Senator, a so-called transit supporter wouldn't allow the extra .5% tax to be voted on because "there wasn't enough time".

What a bunch of bunk.

You mean to tell me that within the two or more years since the failed 2012 T-SPLOST referendum, NO ONE was discussing the issue?

There weren't any long serving State Senators & Representatives in the MARTA counties who were hashing out plans to effectively improve transit behind the scenes in that 2+ year period? No one was plotting any potential pitfalls or alibis behind any pro-transit legislation to be put forward for a vote?

So they only talk this stuff during session?

My god...

Article said Sen. Beach voted for it to keep the bill alive. The House removed the 1.5% amendment.

Originally Posted by atltechdude

Not surprised. If theres an area in the MARTA counties where opposition would be concentrated it's definitely North Fulton, which is kind ironic since the 400 expansion would help them a lot.

There is minimal opposition to a Red Line extension in North Fulton, and for good reason, as they've been paying that 1% sales tax for 43 years now.

[AcidSnake]

Originally Posted by Gulch

The House removed the 1.5% amendment.

That makes it even worse. Where the heck are the House Republicans who represent the MARTA counties on this?

They should've been riding for MARTA rail extensions at EVERY STEP of the way since the failed 2012 TSPLOST referendum.

That they aren't?

Shows their ineptitude and total failure at dealing with transportation. They are caught up in the same traffic jams as the rest of us.

Are they really that stupid?

[toll_booth]

Originally Posted by tikigod311

I have been surprised at what they passed. There are some things that passed that are way more "progressive" than you would expect from a tea party heavy legislature. I'd have to say I'm pleasantly surprised.

The P3 bill was HUGE!!!!!!!

"P3"?

Originally Posted by Ha-Mez

I don't think the legislature is very tea party heavy. There's certainly a handful in there, but the establishment Republicans led the charge. They definitely surpassed my expectations, and that probably says more about my expectations than about the legislature.

Yeah, I think our legislature is more corporate Republican than Tea Party Republican. No way in hell the Tea Party would have pushed through any kind of bill to help any transportation issues within a 30 mile radius of the Gold Dome.

Also. Is that tradition of tossing all the papers up in the air after the final gavel a Georgia General Assembly tradition, or is that a thing elsewhere? Am I the only person who finds it very juvenile?

[Gulch]

Originally Posted by toll_booth

"P3"?

Public-private partnership

Also. Is that tradition of tossing all the papers up in the air after the final gavel a Georgia General Assembly tradition, or is that a thing elsewhere? Am I the only person who finds it very juvenile?

Not much different than graduates tossing their caps at a commencement ceremony.

[sedimenjerry]

Originally Posted by toll_booth

Also. Is that tradition of tossing all the papers up in the air after the final gavel a Georgia General Assembly tradition, or is that a thing elsewhere? Am I the only person who finds it very juvenile?

Originally Posted by Gulch

Not much different than graduates tossing their caps at a commencement ceremony.

College graduates aren't in charge of an entire state with 10 million people. I would hope college graduates are a little more juvenile than the legislature.

[atltechdude]

Originally Posted by Gulch

There is minimal opposition to a Red Line extension in North Fulton, and for good reason, as they've been paying that 1% sales tax for 43 years now.

I meant for the tax increase not the extension itself, but it's not an option now anyway.

[Gulch]

Originally Posted by sedimenjerry

College graduates aren't in charge of an entire state with 10 million people. I would hope college graduates are a little more juvenile than the legislature.

Seriously? That bothers you?