March 5, 2010 By Sen. Jim Butterworth - “Leave no stone unturned.” This has become the theme of the budget process during the past few weeks. With Georgia facing an unprecedented slide in revenue numbers for the last 18 months, we have no choice but to make tough spending cuts. With education accounting for over 60 percent of state spending, our choices to cut are dismal at best.

As your State Senator, one of the things I feel obligated to do is keep you informed on issues and clarify topics when necessary. It is my desire to clear muddy waters that have been created over the last few days with regard to discussions of the Board of Regents’ budget.

Through the budgetary process, the governor proposed $265 million in cuts to the Board of Regents’ $2.2 billion budget. In recent discussions, members of the House and Senate appropriations committees asked the Board of Regents to demonstrate what another $300 million in cuts would consequently mean. This was simply proposed as topics for discussion to better understand the severity of our current budget. The result was a laundry list of terrible choices including massive layoffs, cutting essential programs, limiting future freshmen admissions and cutting research programs.

Again, these are purely points for discussion. This is what happens when open dialogue takes place with the goal of finding reasonable common ground. Rest assured, nothing on this list is going to a vote. As a matter of fact, these are not even recommendations from the Board of Regents. At this point, we are laying everything out on the table and looking at every available option so we can make smart, informed decisions.

I am extremely concerned about the topic of the 4-H and county extension programs.  These programs cannot be removed from UGA’s Research and Extension arms. 4-H touches the lives of more than 156,000 students and aides them in developing valuable life skills that better prepare them for leadership roles in their careers and community. Economic growth and success of Georgia agribusinesses greatly rely on the next generation of innovators.

Additionally, the Extension Service helps Georgians become healthier, more productive, financially independent and environmentally responsible.  Extension agents are in nearly every county in Georgia.  Most counties have a combination of agents who specialize in agriculture, natural resources, youth development and family and consumer sciences. Historically these programs have been a “budget line item” in the state budget and thus an argument could be made that they actually are not subject to being cut by the Chancellor of the Board of Regents or the President of the University of Georgia. I am studying this topic further and will determine the best method to defend these programs.

To clarify: There will be cuts. Some school programs might be limited, but not eliminated. There will be layoffs, but not to the extent recent discussions implied. February revenue numbers haven’t been released yet but they will be a very significant indicator as to what our next steps in the budget process will entail and how severe the cuts will need to be. Regardless, rest assured that I remain committed to ensuring that future generations of 4H-ers will have plenty of opportunities to use their heads, hearts, hands and improve their health through programs administered through statewide County extension offices.

As always, if you have any comments, concerns or would like your voice heard, please feel free to contact me anytime. If you need contact information you can go to the Georgia General Assembly website or simply send an e-mail to jim@jimbutterworth.net.

Sen. Jim Butterworth represents the 50th Senate District which includes Towns, Rabun, Habersham, Stephens, Banks, Franklin, and Hart counties along with a portion of White County. He can be reached by phone at 404.463.5257 or by email at jim.butterworth@senate.ga.gov.
COLUMN
For Immediate Release:
March 5, 2010
For Information Contact:
Raegan Weber, Director
Katie Wright, Communications Associate
katie.wright@senate.ga.gov
404.656.0028

February 25, 2010

By Senator Jim Butterworth

Every time I open a newspaper or turn on the news, I see another display of Washington leaders turning their back on the American people. Whether it is raising taxes or proposing costly health care mandates on taxpayers, the federal government seems to be out of touch with the very people they represent.

The Georgia Senate has chosen a different path. State leadership is stepping up to the plate proposing common sense economic legislation. We are not raising taxes, we are balancing our budget and we are doing everything in our power to create an environment for job growth. Lawmakers are pursuing the passage of the Jobs, Opportunity, and Business Success Act (JOBS Act 2010). This measure recognizes Georgia’s small business owners as the backbone to economic recovery and growth by utilizing free-market solutions to empower the private sector and drive Georgia’s economic recovery.

Among its provisions, the bill includes an “Angel Investor” income tax credit of up to 50 percent of an investment made in small or start up Georgia businesses that have 20 or fewer employees. Twenty-one other states have implemented programs to incentivize “Angels,” and North Carolina’s tax-credit program alone resulted in nearly 700 new jobs, with average salaries of more than $58,000.

The Obama administration is raising taxes on the middle class. They won’t admit this because the taxes are hidden behind politicians specializing in rhetoric. President Bush enacted tax cuts under the Economic Growth and Tax Relief Reconciliation Act of 2001. The Obama administration does not seem to understand that fiscal conservatism is what will lead us out of this economic downturn. They plan to let the Bush tax cuts expire at the end of this year. It is a camouflaged tax hike, one that will burden the middle class and hamper growth. This will hurt the very people on “main street” Obama pledged to help. Tax increases combined with an already suffering economy will only perpetuate the already volatile economic tailspin we’re in today.

While Washington continues the struggle with health care reform, Georgia is leading the way in reducing financial burden at no cost to the state.  Lawmakers are working to protect Georgians’ health care freedom of choice and prohibit any future federal or state mandates that may penalize our citizens.  Senate Bill 399 (SB 399) prohibits federal health care reform provisions from being implemented in Georgia unless the General Assembly passes legislation that authorizes the state’s compliance with any health care reform provision.  Georgia’s health care system was developed to address the unique circumstances in the state and provide solutions that work for Georgia.  However, federal government health care proposals seek to infringe on the state and its people by requiring them to enroll in a third-party payer system and levying fines on those who choose to pay directly for their health care.  Employers also face fines under federal proposals if they do not meet federal standards for providing health care benefits for employees, while threatening private health care systems with competing government health care systems.  In contrast, SB 399 provides protection for patients, doctors, and insurance providers.

The Georgia legislature is working for you, not against you. Federal proposals will do a great disservice to the American people. We must use common sense and realize that tax hikes and federal mandates are not what Georgians need.

If you have any comments, concerns or would like your voice heard, please feel free to contact me anytime. If you need contact information you can go to the Georgia General Assembly website or simply send an e-mail to jim@jimbutterworth.net.

Sen. Jim Butterworth represents the 50th Senate District which includes Towns, Rabun, Habersham, Stephens, Banks, Franklin, and Hart counties along with a portion of White County. He can be reached by phone at 404.463.5257 or by email at jim.butterworth@senate.ga.gov.

COLUMN
For Immediate Release:
February 25, 2010
For Information Contact:
Raegan Weber, Director
Katie Wright, Communications Associate
katie.wright@senate.ga.gov
404.656.0028

Butterworth: Legislation for Small Business

February 15, 2010 By Sen. Jim Butterworth

There is no greater boost to our economy than giving small business the room and flexibility they need to grow, expand and manage their business. Earning and spending money in the state will ensure that small businesses, the foundation of Georgia’s economy, keep growing and remain afloat in a troubled economy. The state legislature is proactively fighting for small businesses that are unfairly treated in this economy. I sponsored House Bill 926 (HB 926) in the Senate as a small win in our ultimate battle.

HB 926, simply put, allows state banks to renew loans in good standing. The economy, declining property values, and other loan losses have caused locally owned, reliable businesses, in good standing with their bank, to have trouble renewing their loans. This forces them to look for another credit lender in a very bad market.

How can we punish people for doing the right thing? It goes against everything we were raised to believe.  I sponsored this legislation because it puts a stop to punishing good customers for living in a bad economy and allow borrowers that have made all their payments on time, even if the market value of the asset has declined, to renew their loan and continue day to day operation. Customers benefit by not having to search for another lender and banks benefit by keeping healthy lending relationships.

This bill passed with overwhelming support in the House. It received unanimous support in the Senate Banking Committee as well as on the Senate Floor. It was the first piece of legislation to get to the governor’s desk and obtain his signature this year. It became law immediately.

So, what results can we expect to see because of this legislation? Experts predict that private citizens, real estate developers, large borrowers and state banks will benefit – all entities that need every economic boost available, especially in Northeast Georgia, especially in this economy.

Small businesses are at the very core of our economy. Our corner of the state is composed of small, family-run, locally owned businesses that benefit from legislation like HB 926. I was proud to carry this bill, the first bill signed by the governor this session, in the Senate and be part of the process that produces helpful legislation for the betterment of Georgia.

If you have any comments, concerns or would like your voice heard, please feel free to contact me anytime. If you need contact information you can go to the Georgia General Assembly website or simply send an e-mail to jim@jimbutterworth.net.

Sen. Jim Butterworth represents the 50th Senate District which includes Towns, Rabun, Habersham, Stephens, Banks, Franklin, and Hart counties along with a portion of White County. He can be reached by phone at 404.463.5257 or by email at jim.butterworth@senate.ga.gov.

COLUMN
For Immediate Release:
February 15, 2010
For Information Contact:
Raegan Weber, Director
Katie Wright, Communications Associate
katie.wright@senate.ga.gov
404.656.0028

Sen. Butterworth Unveils Transparency in Government Act and Paper Reduction Act

ATLANTA (Feb. 8, 2010) – Today, Sen. Jim Butterworth (R-Clarkesville) unveiled legislation promoting further transparency and savings in government.  The Transparency in Government Act will enhance reporting requirements of the public information website, open.georgia.gov. The Paper Reduction Act will bring cost savings by reducing the unnecessary, wasteful use of paper and increase electronic distribution and publication practices.

 “Economic struggles encourage efficiency and the Paper Reduction Act is just one small way to save money and bring state government into the 21st century,” said Butterworth. “Increasing transparency and enhancing open.georgia.gov is a priority of mine and will allow the public the information they deserve.”

Lt. Gov. Casey Cagle was also in attendance at the press conference. He added his support by saying:

“I applaud Senator Butterworth for his work and leadership to bring savings and enhance transparency in state government.  In this economy, every dollar counts and that is why we need to identify every avenue possible to save money.  It is also why taxpayers deserve the right to know how their hard-earned money is spent.

“Businesses have long practiced the move from paper to paperless and have seen real cost savings.  There is no reason state government should not do the same to not only promote the financial savings found in reducing the entire printing process, but to also lessen environmental impact.  At the end of the day, our goal is for the state’s checkbook to be open and available to taxpayers, who provide our ultimate accountability,” said Lt Governor Casey Cagle.

These bills come from recommendations expected to be included in the final report from the Budget Task Force, which is comprised of experienced business leaders and accounting professionals who will provide recommendations to the Senate regarding both short and long-term budget solutions. These solutions include consolidation of services, greater efficiency and cutting unnecessary spending. The group was tasked with identifying new ways to balance the budget without drastic cuts to essential services or raising taxes in this economy.  Lt. Gov. Cagle and Senate leadership announced the task force in early January and expect a final report in February.

The Transparency in Government Act will expand the public information website open.georgia.gov to include all three branches of government, any regional education service agency, all local boards of education, federal pass through dollars and contracts and expenditures made by the General Assembly.  With this legislation, the General Assembly, will be included in the auditing and tracking functions of open.georgia.gov, run by the Department of Audits and Accounts. This bill ensures all fiscal actions of the entire legislative arm of state government are available for the general public to find.

The Paper Reduction Act is a prescription to save time and money, and increase efficiency.   It will mandate electronic distribution and publication in state government, unless printing is necessary by a legal standard.  This will provide easier, more instantaneous access to government information as well as cut costs of printing, paper, and mailing.

 # # #

Sen. Jim Butterworth represents the 50th Senate District which includes Towns, Rabun, Habersham, Stephens, Banks, Franklin, and Hart counties along with a portion of White County. He can be reached by phone at 404.463.5257 or by email at jim.butterworth@senate.ga.gov.

For Immediate Release:                                                                               
February 8, 2010
For Information Contact:  
Raegan Weber, Director                                                                                        
Katie Wright, Communications Associate                        
Katie.wright@senate.ga.gov
404.656.0028

Sen. Butterworth Hosts Toccoa-Stephens County Day At the State Capitol

ATLANTA (Feb. 11, 2010) – Yesterday, State Sen. Jim Butterworth (R-Clarkesville) hosted Tocooa-Stephens County Day at the State Capitol. It was an opportunity for state and local leaders to come together, foster relationships and work collaboratively to further economic growth in Northeast Georgia.

“Counties like Stephens County will be strong leaders as Georgia grows out of this economic downturn,” said Sen. Butterworth. “I was honored to host the over 40 local leaders and citizens who came to visit the State Capitol and I look forward to discussing how to further promote job growth and economic prosperity in Stephens County.”

Officials from the city of Toccoa, Stephens County, Toccoa-Stephens County Chamber of Commerce, and Stephens County Development Authority travelled to the State Capitol to meet with their legislators and other state leaders. These local leaders and citizens, along with Sen. Butterworth and Rep. Michael Harden (R-Toccoa), attended to the legislative priorities of Toccoa-Stephens County including improved infrastructure, economic development and tourism.

The Senate adopted Senate Resolution 1031, sponsored by Sen. Butterworth, recognizing Feb. 10 as Toccoa-Stephens County Day at the State Capitol. The resolution mentioned several notable aspects of the counties. The City of Toccoa and Stephens County were deemed a Signature Community City by the Department of Community Affairs and an Entrepreneur Friendly county by Governor Sonny Perdue.

Sen. Jim Butterworth represents the 50th Senate District which includes Towns, Rabun, Habersham, Stephens, Banks, Franklin, and Hart counties along with a portion of White County. He can be reached by phone at 404.463.5257 or by email at jim.butterworth@senate.ga.gov.
PRESS RELEASE
For Immediate Release:
February 11, 2010
For Information Contact:
Natalie Strong, Deputy Director
Katie Wright, Communications Associate
katie.wright@senate.ga.gov
404.656.0028

ATLANTA (Feb. 5, 2010) – Lt. Gov. Casey Cagle and Sen. Jim Butterworth (R-Clarkesville) will unveil a pair of bills that promote further transparency and savings in state government on Monday, Feb. 8 at 2:45 P.M. Sen. Butterworth will drop a pair of bills on Monday that are expected to be included in the recommendations released by the Budget Task Force, which is comprised of experienced business leaders and accounting professionals who will provide recommendations to the Senate regarding both short and long-term budget solutions.

WHO: Lt. Gov. Casey Cagle

Sen. Jim Butterworth

WHEN: Monday, Feb. 8, 2010

2:45 P.M

WHERE: Coverdell Legislative Office Building

Senate Press Conference Room 203

Atlanta, GA 30334

# # # #
Media Advisory
For Immediate Release:
February 5, 2010
For Information Contact:
Raegan Weber, Director
Katie Wright, Communications Associate
katie.wright@senate.ga.gov
404.656.0028

By Sen. Jim Butterworth

Senate Press Office

CLARKESVILLE (Dec. 10, 2009) – The 2010 legislative session is upon us and I’m once again honored to represent you. As you are finishing up your Christmas shopping, at the State Capitol we are rolling up our sleeves in preparation to do the people’s business and move Georgia in a positive direction.

Last session, while facing historic drops in revenue, we passed a balanced budget without raising taxes. This year, we are facing additional declines in revenue and shrinking reserve funds. Although tough decisions must be made, raising taxes is still not an option. Your money belongs in your pocket. You are the best budgeter of your money, not the government. Attracting business and getting Georgians back to work is the only solution that will lead to economic recovery.

It is statistical fact that Georgia is currently ranked as one of the top states to do business in the nation. We have one of the lowest corporate income tax rates, total per person tax burdens, and cost of living in the nation. We have eagerly opened our doors to new and emerging businesses that will only lead to positive economic growth and increased job opportunities.

Northeast Georgia, along with the entire state, is feeling the strains of the tri-state “Water Wars.” Judge Magnuson’s ruling that Atlanta does not have the right to take its drinking water from Lake Lanier shocked millions. As much as I disagree with the decision, we must find a solution. The upcoming session will be an opportunity to work with the Governor’s Water Contingency Task Force and the states of Alabama and Florida, and even South Carolina, to find a solution that will work for everyone. One part of Georgia is not more important than another. We can all agree on one thing, the water faucet cannot be simply turned off to four million people and a solution that comes at others expense is no solution at all.

Trauma care must be addressed. A great extent of Northeast Georgia, as well as much of the rest of rural Georgia, has little access to trauma care. Trauma is the number one killer of Americans between the ages of one and 44, and the third cause of death across all age groups. We made steps in the right direction last year with the “super speeder” bill which imposes an additional fee on drivers convicted of driving at excessive speeds.  Money collected from the fee will go into the State’s general fund with the intent of funding a trauma care system in Georgia. Despite this, we must find a consistent funding source for trauma care.

We will work diligently to find a long term, sustainable answer to transportation in Georgia. We passed a transportation governance bill last year that streamlines the way transportation projects are developed, implemented and funded. With this headway, it allows our time this session to be focused on more pertinent issues, like budget and trauma care. We must find a funding solution but we must also prioritize.

The General Assembly continues to work throughout the year to prepare for the next session. Many bills have been pre-filed and meetings have already started. I am co-sponsoring a bill with Sen. Seabaugh (R-Sharpsburg) that will increase legislative oversight of the Georgia Lottery Corporation. This bill will ensure that money intended to be genrated for the Hope scholarship is being used properly and efficiently instead of going to Lottery executive bonuses.

I am employed by you. You elected me to do a job. I am honored and ready to tend to our business at the state capitol. If you have any comments, concerns or would like your voice heard, please feel free to contact me anytime. If you need contact information you can go to the Georgia General Assembly website or simply send an e-mail to jim@jimbutterworth.net.

Senate Press Office

CLARKESVILLE (Dec. 3, 2009) – Senator Jim Butterworth
The future of Atlanta’s water supply has once again turned the focus to Northeast Georgia. The Governor’s Water Contingency Task Force recently viewed a presentation which offered several scenarios to close the 350 million gallon per day (MGD) shortfall. As any Atlantan knows, U.S. District Judge Paul Magnuson has passed down a self-professed “draconian” ruling that Atlanta has no right to draw water from Lake Lanier. While there are no easy answers, when it comes to Northeast Georgia water, the Governor’s task force should be more about the “task” and less about the “force”.

Water is the life blood of any thriving community. If a populace is to survive and grow, there must be an ample supply of available water. Plans for providing this natural resource must take place decades before industry is recruited or a housing development is envisioned. For Northeast Georgia, that plan does not include losing 150 million gallons of this precious natural resource every day to Atlanta.

Among the concerns associated with the proposals are inter-basin transfers of raw water. One instance seeks 50 MGD from Lake Burton and the other seeks 100 MGD from Lake Hartwell. These transfers of raw water are illegal in Georgia. Their merits have been debated at length over the years, and some requests have been accommodated, the current proposal far exceeds anything considered reasonable by the Georgia Environmental Protection Division.

Lake Burton’s inter-basin transfer specifically calls for water to flow through an existing river, the Soque River, which flows into the Chattahoochee River. In order to accommodate Judge Magnuson’s ruling, it must then be transferred to a holding reservoir before it actually reaches Lake Lanier. The desperation of this proposal appears to be a quick reaction to the ruling. In digging deeper into the reality of this proposal, it becomes even more difficult to comprehend.

Lake Burton is an energy producing Georgia Power lake. It is used for the same purpose three more times as it passes through Lakes Seed, Rabun and Tugaloo. If 50 MGD is drawn out of Lake Burton for drinking water, it can’t be used to generate electricity. The decision does not ultimately lie with convincing Georgia Power that the water would be better used for drinking water. The ultimate decision lies with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC). While serving as Chairman of the Habersham County Board of Commissioners, I was personally told that this process would take years to get approval essentially because the lake was never intended to be a source for drinking water. Sound familiar?

The last time Northeast Georgia counties tried to gain access to water from the Savannah River basin, the South Carolina legislature got involved. It seems they also envision themselves as part owner of that water which creates yet another dilemma. We’ll add another state to the list that will take issue over “Atlanta’s water”.

Where do we go from here? In reality it’s anyone’s guess. The Governor’s office has a multi-pronged plan of attack executed on 4 fronts. Litigation is one front that should be pursued aggressively. At the risk of overstating the obvious, the Judge’s ruling is ridiculous.

Those of us in Northeast Georgia are not asking for a seat at that table. It’s actually quite the opposite. We apparently are the table and someone is trying to add a few more chairs. Georgia, along with the Governor’s Water Contingency Task Force, must seek to resolve Atlanta’s water problems collectively. In these trying times we can’t afford to have a divided Georgia over this valuable resource. We don’t want our solution to Atlanta’s water problems to create problems for future generations of Georgians.

 

# # # #

 

Sen. Jim Butterworth represents the 50th Senate District which includes Towns, Rabun, Habersham, Stephens, Banks, Franklin, and Hart counties along with a portion of White County. He can be reached by phone at 404.463.5257 or by email at jim.butterworth@senate.ga.gov.   

May 13, 2009 ATLANTA Contact: Office of Communications 404-651-7774
ATLANTA – Governor Sonny Perdue announced today the following executive appointments.

Direct link to article http://gov.georgia.gov/00/press/detail/0,2668,78006749_139486062_140551531,00.html

Georgia Board for Physician Workforce

Paul B. Fischer, M.D., 56, Martinez, Primary Care Physician – Fischer is a family practice physician and partner at the Center for Primary Care in Evans, Georgia. He is a member of the Institute of Medicine, American Academy of Family Physicians, and the Society of Teachers of Family Medicine. He previously served as chairman of the Department of Family Medicine at Doctors Hospital. Fischer earned a bachelor’s degree from Earlham College and a medical degree from the University of Connecticut School of Medicine. He and his wife, Asma, have one grown child and survive one child.

 

GeorgiaCommission on Child Support

James B. “Jim” Butterworth, 43, Demorest, State Senate Member – Butterworth is a pilot for Delta Air Lines and a state senator representing the 50^th district. He previously served as chairman of the Habersham County Board of Commissioners and was a pilot in the US Air Force for twelve years. Butterworth has served as an executive board member of several local organizations, including the Georgia Mountains Regional Development Center, the Georgia Department of Community Affairs All Hazard Council and the Georgia DCA Regional Advisory Committee. Butterworth earned a bachelor’s degree from the University of Georgia. He and his wife, Amy, have three children.

 

Board of Economic Development

Larry Hutcheson, 66, Temple, Eleventh Congressional District Representative – Hutcheson retired from Georgia Power in 2006 after 41 years of service. During his time there, Hutcheson set up, supervised and managed the Procurement and Material Department at Plant Yates. He also consulted for Southern Company in Turkey, Trinidad, and Chile. He was a certified supply chain professional and a member of the International Association of Supply Chain Professionals, where he served as its president for two years. Hutcheson is a member of the board for the Wade House and a member of Friends of the Library in Buchanan. He and his wife, Elaine, have two grown children and one grandchild.

 

LakeLanier IslandsDevelopment Authority

John F. Kieffer, 44, Cumming, Member At-Large – Kieffer is the owner and manager of Cumming Station, LLC. He is the previous chairman of the Forsyth County Board of Commissioners and served on the board for eight years. He is former chairman of the Georgia Mountains Regional Development Center and served on the Georgia Regional Transportation Authority’s Regional Advisory Panel. He also represented small business owners for seven years while serving on the Compliance Advisory Panel for the Environmental Protection Division. He currently serves on the Forsyth County Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors. Kieffer earned a bachelor’s degree from Southern Polytechnic State University.  He and his wife, Beth, have two children.

 

State Workforce Investment Board

J. Kevin Fletcher, 50, Fayetteville, Business Representative – Fletcher is vice president of community and economic development for Georgia Power. Fletcher serves on numerous boards, including the Georgia Cities Foundation, Georgians for Better Transportation, Atlanta Convention & Visitors Bureau, Livable Communities Coalition, Metro Atlanta Chamber of Commerce’s economic development committee and the Quality Growth Initiative Task Force. He also serves as the board chairman for Junior Achievement of Georgia.  Fletcher earned a bachelor’s degree from the Georgia Institute of Technology. He and his wife, Tammy, have three children.

Wednesday, 22 April 2009 14:13 Amelia Hines

DEMOREST - Northeast Georgia's five independent colleges may see some relief when it comes to paying for employee healthcare coverage. And it's all because of a Senate bill pushed through the Georgia Assembly by two Northeast Georgia legislators. WNEG's Amelia Hines explains how Senate Bill 63 works. Running a college is far from cheap and paying for employee healthcare coverage takes a big chunk out of independent colleges' budgets.

That's why 50th District Senator Jim Butterworth says he introduced Senate Bill 63 to the Georgia legislature at this year's session.

"There are 25 colleges that will benefit from Senate Bill 63." That's potentially 82,000 employees. Butterworth says that this bill will go a long way in helping schools like Toccoa Falls and Piedmont College when it comes to paying for employee healthcare.

To give you an idea of just how expensive Healthcare coverage is for smaller schools, Piedmont College spends $1 million a year to cover 150 faculty and staff.

Senate Bill 63 will help schools like Piedmont offset some of that cost by pooling all their healthcare plans into a synergy.

"Basically we made exemptions to all the statutes that are bureaucratic steps through the insurance healthcare process," Butterworth explains.

"It will give us a chance to look at rates competively and help control our healthcare costs in the future," Tom Bowen with Piedmont College tells WNEG News.

And to make things even better, this may also help keep tuition and fees down for students. Several schools factor employee healthcare costs into student tuition payments.

"It's a benefit on a number of levels and it will provide a little more predictability for tuition."

Representative Michael Harden helped push Senate Bill 63 through the House.

All the legislation needs now is Govenor Sonny Perdue's signature.