ATLANTA (WTOC) -
State lawmakers, including those from Southeast Georgia, took their places Monday in Atlanta as the 2012 General Assembly session began.
State Sen. Jack Hill sees state revenues increasing. But the chairman of the Senate appropriations committee said it isn't enough for lawmakers to go on any spending spree when it comes to the budget they'll pass in the 2012 session.
"I think for every dollar coming in, we've got a spot for it to go," said the Reidsville senator.
He and others said Monday during the first day of the session they can't assume revenues will continue to rebound. They want to see them rise further before they build them into any spending.
"Our main focus should be what the people want, which is the economy and job creation," said Rep. Al Williams, of Liberty County. "Anything beyond those should be secondary."
Most think the 40-day session will go smoothly as most lawmakers want to return home to begin campaigning for summer primaries.
Gov. Nathan Deal has asked legislators to find items in the budget they could cut, possibly up to two percent of the budget. Some groups came to the Gold Dome on the session's first day to show that their programs are vital and should not be cut.
One project local lawmakers said was safe is state funding to push forward with the deepening of the Savannah port to accommodate larger cargo ships.
"Without question, we've got to have the bond money for that and we will," said State Sen. Buddy Carter, of Garden City. "The whole state knows how important that project is for our region and the entire state."
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Sen. Buddy Carter
Rep. Al Williams
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