Inside insights into what could happen during the General Assembly, scheduled to reconvene Monday, were revealed to members (including this writer) of the Atlanta Lawyers’ Chapter of the Federalist Society at a Wednesday Alston & Bird law firm forum featuring state House Majority Leader Larry O’Neal, R-Bonaire, and state Sen. Majority leader Bill Cowsert, R-Athens.
* When asked about raising either the gasoline or sales tax to help pay for costly transportation/infrastructure projects, both lawmakers said they had no idea what could unfold. They didn’t want to predict if the necessary votes were there for those options. O’Neal did acknowledge “the (Republican) base” is not happy with tax increases. Cowsert noted all “spending proposals have to be originated and passed first in the House” before Senate consideration— and then half-joked that “the Senate will just wait and see what the House does.”
* Questioned whether Delta Air Lines would continue to get a generous fuel tax break in light of “record billions of dollars in profits” by the company, O’Neal answered “yes.” He said “federal pre-emption” and “a complicated formula” essentially ties the hand of the Legislature “for this year.”
* Both were asked to “read the tea leaves” about any new cityhood legislation. The lawmakers said they didn’t know, especially when specifically asked by a questioner regarding the proposed and contentious city of Tucker issue. Cowsert indicated that he hoped nothing would come forward this year – but cautioned “I’m sure I will hear from (Senator) Fran Millar about a proposal at some point.”
* Regarding the “religious liberty bill” being re-introduced in both legislative chambers, O’Neill and Cowsert expressed sympathy for the legislative intent. They both noted it parallels federal law and has been approved in 19 other states. O’Neal declared “there will be a (House) floor vote” and said the opposition is being “overstated.”
* Responding to questions about the cannabis oil bill authored by state Rep. Allen Peake, R-Macon, Cowsert said there is “no support for the wholesale legalization of marijuana.” But he indicated the specific Peake bill is being “tweaked” to garner additional support, and added that “it is hard to oppose” the bill “when parents seeking medicinal help for children with seizures” are meeting with you. O’Neal nodded in agreement.
* Cowsert was asked by this writer about chances for passage of S.B. 6 by Sen. Josh McKoon, R-Columbus, to prohibit the issuance state driver’s licenses to illegal aliens and even those with “deferred” status. The legislation will most likely be sent to the Senate Public Safety Committee, where it has to be voted out. The Senate majority leader said that he sympathizes with the bill, but adds that it is “going to be a difficult balance in satisfying the business community, Tea Party groups and others” with differing views.
