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There are many issues a Senator in Georgia must deal with, but none so important as the budget. While there is much to be said regarding the Federal budget and spending, the Georgia Constitution requires that the General Assembly present a balanced budget each year for the Governor's approval.
Renee serves on the Appropriations committee in the Senate, and chairs the Human Development Subcommittee. As such, she has been responsible for making cuts to the State of Georgia's budget for the past several years so that spending is in line with revenue. Renee knows the State of Georgia must function just as its citizen by living within its means.
Budget Snapshot
The overall state fund budget, once you adjust for a few different factors, was reduced by 4% from FY2011 to FY2012 (this past year), and over the last several years, from FY2009 to FY2012, it’s been reduced by over 14%.
For the Human Development Subcommittee, below are listed the individual agencies and their percent changes. The DBH number is an increase because of the recent agreements/obligations with the federal Department of Justice to improve our Behavioral Health system.
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2009 General Budget |
2011 General Budget (with Stimulus Funds) |
2012 General Budget (Adjusted) |
% Change 2011 to 2012 |
% Change 2009 to 2012 |
| Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities |
$787,659273 |
$764,680,628 |
$871,881,880 |
14.0% |
10.7% |
| Human Services |
$687,621,617 |
$489,317,793 |
$484,211,344 |
-1.0% |
-29.6% |
| Veterans Services |
$25,701,669 |
$21,182,680 |
$20,297,223 |
-4.2% |
-21.0% |
Note 1: In order to see the true impact on agencies, federal stabilization funds (ARRA stimulus) are treated as state funds, and statewide changes that do not impact operations (such as State Health Benefit Plan or Workers' Compensation Adjustments) were factored out.
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Working for Georgia
Renee's background as a nurse and social worker keep her working at the forefront of healthcare issues in Georgia. She has worked on health-related issues for seniors, those suffering from mentally illness, and children at both the local and state level.
In 2006, an important and little talked about issue was brought to Renee's attention: the Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children (CSEC). She was appalled to learn that children were being bought and sold for sex acts in our state and set out to do something about it. She has been a part of several key pieces of legislation and an advocate for the children in Georgia.
As a member of the National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL), Renee is serving on the Hunger Partnership Initiative. The Hunger Partnership is a nationwide public-private partnership making healthy food available to hungry families. |
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