Lee Anderson (far left), Lincoln County’s representative in the Georgia House; his wife, Donna; and a dear friend, Betty Pender, recently donated a rocking chair and close to 800 books to the Lincoln County Library. A former resident of Columbia County, Mrs. Pender is now making her home in an assisted living facility in Mississippi. Pictured with Anderson is Shirley Dawkins, library director, and Emmye Collins, a member of the library board. Not surprisingly, budget cuts are the main topic of discussion during the first session of the 2010 term of the Georgia General Assembly.

According to Lee Anderson, who represents District 117 in the House, “A year ago, the state’s budget was $22 billion. Now, as the result of adjustments made throughout the year, the budget has dropped to $16 million – a reduction of 25 to 30 percent. Revenue sales and corporate taxes have decreased that much in the last 12 months. It’s a serious situation.

“It appears as if we are going to have to make more cuts,” he continued. “More than likely, every department will be cut in some fashion, whether it’s revenues or services. We will feel the pressure of the cuts in just about every area.”

The state representative indicated that he does not know exactly how much will have to be trimmed from the budget, but the figure will be somewhere around $1.2 billion.

“Revenues are still declining. In December of 2009, our revenues were nine percent less than what they were for December of 2008. Before this, we were in the double digits – the figure was 16 percent for November. I’m afraid we’ll be back in the double digits in January.”

As a member of the House, Anderson represents Lincoln County and portions of Columbia and Wilkes counties. He likewise serves on the following committees: Agriculture and Consumer Affairs, Intragovernmental Coordination, Natural Resources and Environment, and Transportation.

In comments on the upcoming budget hearings, Representative Anderson said, “My goal is to get more local elected officials to come to Atlanta and testify before the Appropriations Committee so we can determine what the true needs of our citizens are. We need to give them the option to make cuts where they can most afford to do so.

“In addition to testifying, local officials may also have some good suggestions for us on ways to save money at the state level. They are involved in the budget process dayin and day-out. They are the closest to it.

“Local officials have to operate their respective counties, and every county is not the same. What may work for one county may not work for another. I want the budget to address the true needs – not wants – of every county in the state.”

Anderson indicated that during FY 2009, state employees were furloughed 10 to 12 days and teachers, three days.

On a positive note, the representative said, “When it comes to having a financially sound government, Georgia ranks as one of the top 10 states in the country. We are in a good area –- people are still moving here from all directions. In fact, the state of Georgia is the hub of the Southeast.

“When we experience hard times, we just have to go back to the basics – it will take everybody working together at the state and local levels.”

Regarding other issues looming before the General Assembly, Representative Anderson said water issues will definitely start coming to the surface, specifically how to get water to Atlanta.

“It’s rained a lot lately, but history tells us we are certain to experience another stretch of dry weather,” stated Anderson. “I think we need to build reservoirs to hold the water until such a time as we need it. The reservoirs will also offer recreational opportunities for the people of Georgia and revenue income for the state.

“I’m totally against pumping water from the Savannah River to Atlanta. The Good Lord put it there, and there was where it was meant to stay.”

At the present time, 250 Georgians are serving on a special committee comprised of representatives of each water basin in the state. The committee, which is in the process of collecting information, is expected to make recommendations to state officials in the next year and a half con- cerning the management of the Georgia’s rivers, lakes, etc.

“My goal is for us to put our heads together and take the resources we have, especially the lake, and promote them and make them better in order to generate revenue for our local communities,” said Anderson. “I am also a firm believer in conserving and reusing water. These are ways we can all contribute.”

In further comments, the representative pointed out that David Ralston of Blue Ridge was elected as the new speaker of the House on January 11. “I believe he will make an excellent speaker. He is from rural Georgia, which is an advantage for us. Moreover, he is very down-to-earth and can see the big picture.

“He is the right leader to guide us in these challenging times.”

In conclusion, Representative Anderson invited anyone with questions or comments to feel free to contact him at 1-706-394-1812.