2012 state legislative ratings guideacuratings.conservative.org/wp-content/uploads/... · 3 2012...
Post on 12-Oct-2020
1 Views
Preview:
TRANSCRIPT
American Conservative Union • 1331 H St. NW, Suite 500, Washington DC 20005 • (202) 347-9388 • conservative.org
The American Conservative Union is taking our hightly touted Congressional Ratings program to State Legislatures for the second year in a row, grading members on their votes on key conservative issues. Last year, we graded State Legislators in the critical battleground states of Florida, Nevada, North Carolina, Ohio and Virginia. This year, we are expanding our ratings to fifteen states.
ACU first began rating members of Congress in 1971. Since then, our ratings system has become the most important conservative measuring stick in American politics- the gold standard for voters seeking more information on their representatives’ records.
This expansion of our Conservative Ratings program is part of Chairman Al Cardenas’ vision for building on successful ACU initiatives and taking the fight for conservative principles to the state and local levels. This is part of the ACU five-year plan to bring our ratings to all fifty states- scoring every legislature in every state, every year.
Table of Contents ACU Presents 2011 State Legislative Ratings
2012
STATE LEGISLATIVE RATINGSGUIDE
GEORGIA
Historical Capitol Building, Atlanta, Georgia
ACU Board Members
A Letter From The Chairman
How We Selected the Votes
Conservative All-Stars
GA House Vote Descriptions
House Score
GA Senate Vote Descriptions
Senate Scores
2
3
4
4
7
9
15
17
GEORGIA 2012 STATE LEGISLATIVE RATINGS
22
Al Cardenas (Chairman)Thomas S. Winter (First Vice Chairman) Donald Devine (Second Vice Chairman) Becky Norton Dunlop (Treasurer)Jameson G. Campaigne, Jr. (Secretary)Joe BastJeffrey BellMorton C. Blackwell Ambassador John BoltonFloyd BrownMuriel ColemanDr. Larry Eastland Paul EricksonCarly FiorinaCharlie GerowAlan M. Gottlieb Van D. Hipp, Jr.
Asa HutchinsonDavid A. Keene Suhail A. KhanJames V. LacyMichael R. Long Honorable Serphin Maltese Carolyn D. Meadows Cleta Mitchell Joseph A. MorrisGrover G. NorquistRon RobinsonAllen RothMatt SchlappFred L. Smith, Jr.Lewis K. Uhler Kirby Wilbur
ACU Board Members
Cleta Mitchell (Chairman)Van D. Hipp, Jr. (Treasurer)Carolyn Meadows (Secretary)Al Cardenas
Millie HallowRobert LuddyThomas S. Winter
ACU Foundation Board Members
3
GEORGIA 2012 STATE LEGISLATIVE RATINGS
1331 H Street, NW, Suite 500, Washington, DC 20005 Tel: (202) 347-9388 Fax: (202) 347-9389www.conservative.org
July 10, 2012
Dear Fellow Conservatives:
On behalf of our Board of Directors, I am pleased to present the American Conservative Union’s 2012 State Legislative Ratings for members of the Georgia General Assembly.
Since 1971, our Congressional ratings have become the gold standard in holding every member of Con-gress accountable for their voting record on the most important issues facing our nation. Last year we brought that same commitment to conservative ideals to the states, by rating members in five legislatures. I am pleased to report that this year we will score 15 states. This is part of the ACU five-year plan to bring our ratings to all fifty states- scoring every legislature in every state, every year. 2012 is a critical election year in the life of our nation and it is important, now more than ever, that Americans have the information to elect true conservatives into office. Now approaching four years under the failed leadership of President Barack Obama, America needs decisive change to rein in reckless spend-ing, restore our standing in the international community and return to the traditional values that made our nation so great. The liberal policies of the Obama administration have energized a national grassroots conservative movement, bringing change to state and local governments nationwide. Because of this, our 2012 State Legislative Ratings are vital for voters to make informed choices on the future of our nation, especially in battleground states.
We are dedicated to supporting the efforts of courageous conservative leaders fighting for limited govern-ment, promoting prosperity and individual freedom, and defending traditional values. Standing by voters around the nation, ACU is leading the way to encourage and help the next generation of conservative lead-ers, beginning at the state level.
Thank you for your continued support. I know that together we can ensure America’s best days are still ahead.
Sincerely,
Al CardenasChairman, American Conservative Union
Al Cardenas, ACU Chairman
4
GEORGIA
2012
STATE LEGISLATIVE RATINGS GUIDE
How We Selected the VotesThe American Conservative Union is taking our hightly touted Congressional Ratings program to State Legislatures for the second year in a row, grading members on their votes on key conservative issues. Last year, we graded State Legislators in the critical battleground states of Florida, Nevada, North Carolina, Ohio and Virginia. This year, we are expanding our ratings to fifteen states.
ACU first began rating members of Congress in 1971. Since then, our ratings system has become the most important conservative measuring stick in American politics- the gold standard for voters seeking more information on their representatives’ records.
This expansion of our Conservative Ratings program is part of Chairman Al Cardenas’ vision for building on success-ful ACU initiatives and taking the fight for conservative principles to the state and local levels. This is part of the ACU five-year plan to bring our ratings to all fifty states- scoring every legislature in every state, every year.
Conservative All-Stars of the Georgia General AssemblyDefenders of LibertyACU Defenders of Liberty are those members of the Georgia General Assembly who were present and cast a vote for each adjudicated roll call and scored 100 percent on the ACU 2012 State Legislative Ratings
John AlbersCharlie BethelMike CraneSteve Gooch
Bill HeathWilliam T. Ligon, Jr.Barry LoudermilkJeff Mullis
Jack MurphyChip RogersDavid ShaferLindsey Tippins
Renee S.Unterman
Georgia Senate
Georgia House of Representatives:
Stephen AllisonAlex AtwoodPaul BattlesTommy BentonEllis BlackBuzz BrockwayJon G. BurnsJohn CarsonAmy CarterDavid CasasMickey Channell
Mike CheokasJosh ClarkDoug CollinsKevin CookeChristian CoomerKatie M. DempseyRobert DickeyMike DudgeonDelvis DuttonTerry EnglandMark Hamilton
Bob HannerBuddy HardenMichael HardenBrett HarrellDustin HightowerCalvin HillDoug HoltBilly HornePenny HoustonRick JasperseJan Jones
Roger LaneEdward LindseyBilly MaddoxGene MaddoxJudy ManningHoward MaxwellJohn MeadowsGreg MorrisJay NealRandy NixLarry O’Neal
5
GEORGIA 2012 STATE LEGISLATIVE RATINGS
Amos AmersonLee AndersonPaulette BraddockCharlice ByrdValerie ClarkBrooks ColemanSharon CooperSteve DavisTom DicksonMatt DollarEmory DunahooEarl EhrhartBubber EppsHarry Geisinger
Rich GolickGerald E. GreeneBen HarbinMatt HatchettBill HembreeSusan HolmesMike JacobsSean JergusonTom KirbyDavid KnightChuck MartinTony McBrayerTom McCallDoug McKillip
Chad NimmerDon ParsonsAlan PowellJay PowellJimmy PruettAnn PurcellMatt RamseyLynne RileyEd RyndersMartin ScottEd SetzlerJason ShawRichard H. SmithTommy Smith
Kip SmithRon StephensJan TankersleyTom TaylorAndrew J. WelchTom WeldonJoe WilkinsonWendell WillardRoger WilliamsJohn P. Yates
ACU ConservativesACU Conservatives are those members of the Georgia General Assembly who scored 80 percent or higher on the ACU 2012 State Legislative Ratings.
Don BalfourJohn BullochBuddy CarterRonnie ChanceBill CowsertJohn Crosby
Frank GinnGreg GoggansTim GoldenJohnny GrantBill HamrickJack Hill
Judson HillBill JacksonRick JeffaresJoshua McKoonFrank MillarButch Miller
Cecil StatonJesse StoneRoss TollesonJohn WilkinsonTommie Williams
Georgia House of Representatives:
Georgia Senate:
B.J. PakButch ParrishAllen PeakeTom Rice
Jay RobertsCarl RogersTerry RogersDonna Sheldon
Barbara SimsLynn SmithWillie TaltonDarlene Taylor
Sam TeasleyBen WatsonChuck WilliamsBruce Williamson
Georgia House of Representatives (Continued)
GEORGIA 2012 STATE LEGISLATIVE RATINGS
6
True Liberals of the Peach StateTrue Liberals of the Sunshine State are those members of the Georgia General Assembly who scored 0 percent on the ACU 2012 State Legislative Ratings.
Georgia House of Representatives:Georgia Senate:
Roberta Abdul-SalaamStacey AbramsSharon Beasley-TeagueSimone BellJames BeverlyTyrone BrooksRoger BruceDee Dawkins- HaiglerHugh FloydVirgil Fludd
Gloria FrazierKeith HeardJoe HeckstallMichele HensonCarolyn HugleyLynmore JamesDarryl JordanDar’shun KendrickPedro MarinHoward Mosby
Yasmin NealSandra Scott Pam StephensonRashad TaylorKeisha WaitesDavid Wilkerson“Coach” Williams
Vincent FortLester JacksonDonzella JamesMiriam Paris
7
GEORGIA
2012
STATE LEGISLATIVE RATINGS GUIDE
Georgia House Vote Descriptions1. HB 181 School Vouchers. This bill expands the use of school vouchers by exempting certain special needs
students from the requirement they attend public school for one year before being eligible for vouchers that can be used for private schools. ACU supports the use of school vouchers and supports this bill. The bill passed the Georgia House on March 29, 2012 by a vote of 115-51.
2. HB 347 Fiscal Responsibility. This bill allowed the state of Georgia to stop borrowing money to pay for unemployment insurance by reorganizing the program. It reduced the 26 weeks of guaranteed payment to a sliding scale of 14-20 weeks depending on the unemployment rate. At the same time it increased the amount taxed to make up for an employer exemption that had existed for a number of years. ACU supports this rea-sonable effort at fiscal responsibility and supports this bill. The bill passed the Georgia House on March 29, 2012 by a vote of 98-60.
3. HB 456 Streamlining Government. This bill would create a joint Senate/House advisory committee to rec-ommend efficiencies in government and the elimination of state agencies or programs. The recommendations would be subject to further legislative action. ACU supports these modest efforts to reduce the size of govern-ment and supports this bill. The bill passed the Georgia House on February 28, 2012 by a vote of 108-50.
4. HB 730 Project Labor Agreements. This bill bars the state and local governments from requiring vendors to use union labor to receive a contract and prohibits discrimination against vendors who do not use union labor. ACU supports these efforts to allow all qualified companies to compete for contracts and supports this bill. The bill passed the Georgia House on February 22, 2012 by a vote of 104-64.
5. HB 861 Welfare Requirements. This bill requires welfare recipients under the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program to undergo drug tests to be eligible. An exemption is provided for those with mental or developmental disabilities. ACU supports these reasonable requirements for welfare programs and supports this bill. The bill passed the Georgia House on March 7, 2012 by a vote of 114-59.
6. HB 954 Limiting Abortions. This bill reduces the ability to have an abortion from 26 weeks into the preg-nancy to 20 weeks. Exemptions are provided for the life of the mother and if the pregnancy is determined to be medically futile. ACU supports this effort to reduce abortions and supports this bill. The bill passed the Georgia House on March 29, 2012 by a vote of 106-59.
7. HR 1162 Charter Schools. This resolution places a constitutional amendment on the ballot in November, 2012 that permits state authorization of Charter Schools in Georgia. ACU supports this expansion of paren-tal choice and supports this amendment. The resolution passed the Georgia House on February 22, 2012 by a vote of 123-48.
GEORGIA 2012 STATE LEGISLATIVE RATINGS
8
8. SB 350 Firearm and Vehicle Forfeiture. This bill allows the owner of a vehicle or firearm used in the com-mission of a crime without the owner’s consent to have the property returned rather than confiscated by the government. ACU supports this property right and supports this bill. The bill passed the Georgia House on March 29, 2012 by a vote of 115-54.
9. SB 428 Government Accountability. This bill requires each state agency to prepare an annual report that details those federal mandates that require the agency issue new rules without legislative approval. The report would also outline state and federal regulatory duplication. ACU supports this effort to increase government transparency and public awareness of the burden of federal regulation. The bill passed the Georgia House on March 27, 2012 by a vote of 119-38.
10. SB 432 Knife rights. This bill prevents local governments in Georgia from passing laws more restrictive than the state banning the sale, manufacture, possession or transfer of a knife. ACU supports this protection of individual rights and supports this bill. The bill passed the Georgia House on March 29, 2012 by a vote of 124-46.
9
GEORGIA 2012 STATE LEGISLATIVE RATINGSG
EORG
IA 2
012
HO
USE
VO
TES
Bill
HB 1
81HB
347
HB 4
56HB
730
HB 8
61HB
954
HB 1
162
SB 3
50SB
428
SB 4
32+
/tota
lAC
U %
Nam
eDi
stric
tPa
rty
Abdu
l-Sal
aam
74D
-0
-E
-0
--
--
0/7
0%
Abra
ms
84D
--
--
--
--
--
0/10
0%
ALLI
SON
8R
++
++
++
++
++
10/1
010
0%
AMER
SON
9R
EE
++
+E
++
++
7/7
100%
ANDE
RSON
117
RE
E+
++
E+
E+
E5/
510
0%
Ashe
56D
--
--
--
+-
--
1/10
10%
ATW
OOD
179
R+
++
++
++
++
+10
/10
100%
Bake
r78
D+
+0
--
--
-+
+4/
944
%
BATT
LES
15R
++
++
++
++
++
10/1
010
0%
Beas
ley-
Teag
ue65
D-
--
--
--
-E
-0/
90%
Bell
58D
--
--
--
--
--
0/10
0%
Benfi
eld
85D
+-
--
--
--
--
1/10
10%
BENT
ON31
R+
++
++
++
++
+10
/10
100%
Beve
rly13
9D
--
--
--
--
0-
0/9
0%
BLAC
K17
4R
++
++
++
++
++
10/1
010
0%
BRAD
DOCK
19R
+-
++
++
++
++
9/10
90%
BROC
KWAY
101
R+
++
++
++
++
+10
/10
100%
Broo
ks63
D-
--
--
--
--
-0/
100%
Bruc
e64
D-
--
-E
-0
--
-0/
80%
Brya
nt16
0D
--
+-
--
+-
++
4/10
40%
Buck
ner
130
D-
--
--
--
+-
-1/
1010
%
BURN
S15
7R
++
++
++
++
++
10/1
010
0%
BYRD
20R
+-
++
++
++
++
9/10
90%
CARS
ON43
R+
++
++
++
++
+10
/10
100%
CART
ER17
5R
++
++
++
++
++
10/1
010
0%
CASA
S10
3R
++
++
++
++
++
10/1
010
0%
CHAN
NELL
116
R+
++
++
++
++
+10
/10
100%
CHEO
KAS
134
R+
++
++
++
++
+10
/10
100%
CLAR
K, V.
10
4R
0+
++
++
++
++
9/9
100%
CLAR
K, J.
98R
++
++
++
++
++
10/1
010
0%
COLE
MAN
97R
++
++
++
++
+-
9/10
90%
COLL
INS
27R
++
++
++
++
++
10/1
010
0%
0=Ab
sent
; X =
Did
not v
ote.;
E=
Exc
used
Abs
ence
; NR=
Not R
ated
Due
to M
issin
g Vot
es
GEORGIA 2012 STATE LEGISLATIVE RATINGS
10
Bill
HB 1
81HB
347
HB 4
56HB
730
HB 8
61HB
954
HB 1
162
SB 3
50SB
428
SB 4
32+
/tota
lAC
U %
Nam
eDi
stric
tPa
rty
COOK
E18
R+
++
++
++
++
+10
/10
100%
COOM
ER14
R+
++
++
++
++
+10
/10
100%
COOP
ER41
R+
++
++
++
0+
+9/
910
0%
Craw
ford
16D
--
+-
++
-+
++
6/10
60%
DAVI
S10
9R
+0
++
++
++
++
9/9
100%
Dawk
ins-
Hai
gler
93D
--
0-
--
00
--
0/7
0%
DEM
PSEY
13R
++
++
++
++
++
10/1
010
0%
Dick
erso
n95
D-
-+
--
--
-+
-2/
1020
%
DICK
EY13
6R
++
++
++
++
++
10/1
010
0%
DICK
SON
6R
++
E+
++
++
++
9/9
100%
Dobb
s53
D-
-0
--
-+
--
+2/
922
%
DOLL
AR4
R+
++
++
++
++
09/
910
0%
Dren
ner
86D
--
--
--
+-
--
1/10
10%
DUDG
EON
24R
++
++
++
++
++
10/1
010
0%
Duke
s15
0D
-0
0-
--
--
-+
1/8
13%
DUNA
HOO
25R
++
+E
++
++
++
9/9
100%
DUTT
ON16
6R
++
++
++
++
++
10/1
010
0%
EHRH
ART
36R
0+
0+
++
++
++
8/8
100%
ENGL
AND
108
R+
++
++
++
++
+10
/10
100%
Epps
, C.
128
D-
--
--
0-
--
+1/
911
%
EPPS
, B.
140
R+
++
0+
++
++
+9/
910
0%
Evan
s40
D+
--
-E
-+
++
+5/
956
%
Floy
d99
D-
--
--
--
-0
-0/
90%
Flud
d66
D-
--
--
-0
--
-0/
90%
Fraz
ier
123
D-
--
--
--
-0
-0/
90%
Fulle
rton
151
D-
-E
--
-+
--
+2/
922
%
Gard
ner
57D
--
--
--
--
-+
1/10
10%
GEIS
INGE
R48
R+
++
++
-+
++
+9/
1090
%
GOLI
CK34
R+
++
++
++
+E
+9/
910
0%
Gord
on16
2D
--
--
--
-+
+-
2/10
20%
GREE
NE14
9R
+0
+-
0+
++
++
7/8
88%
HAM
ILTO
N23
R+
++
++
++
++
+10
/10
100%
GEO
RGIA
201
2 H
OU
SE V
OTE
S
0=Ab
sent
; X =
Did
not v
ote.;
E=
Exc
used
Abs
ence
; NR=
Not R
ated
Due
to M
issin
g Vot
es
11
GEORGIA 2012 STATE LEGISLATIVE RATINGS
Bill
HB 1
81HB
347
HB 4
56HB
730
HB 8
61HB
954
HB 1
162
SB 3
50SB
428
SB 4
32+
/tota
lAC
U %
Nam
eDi
stric
tPa
rty
HANN
ER14
8R
++
++
++
++
++
10/1
010
0%
HARB
IN11
8R
++
++
++
-+
++
9/10
90%
HARD
EN, B
147
R+
++
++
++
++
+10
/10
100%
Hard
en, M
28r
++
++
++
++
++
10/1
010
0%
HARR
ELL
106
R+
++
++
++
++
+10
/10
100%
HATC
HETT
143
R+
+-
++
++
++
+9/
1090
%
HATF
IELD
177
R-
-+
++
+-
++
+7/
1070
%
Hear
d11
4D
--
--
--
--
--
0/10
0%
Heck
stal
l62
D-
--
E-
-E
-E
-0/
70%
HEM
BREE
67R
++
++
++
+0
+0
8/8
100%
Hens
on87
D0
--
--
--
-E
-0/
80%
HIGH
TOW
ER68
R+
++
++
++
++
+10
/10
100%
HILL
21R
++
++
++
++
++
10/1
010
0%
Holc
omb
82D
--
--
--
++
--
2/10
20%
HOLM
ES12
5R
++
++
++
-+
++
9/10
90%
HOLT
112
R+
++
++
++
++
+10
/10
100%
HORN
E71
R+
++
++
++
++
+10
/10
100%
HOUS
TON
170
R+
++
++
++
++
+10
/10
100%
Howa
rd12
1D
--
+-
--
--
--
1/10
10%
Huds
on12
4D
+0
E-
-0
++
0+
4/6
67%
Hugl
ey13
3D
--
--
--
--
--
0/10
0%
Jack
son
142
D+
--
++
0-
-+
-4/
944
%
JACO
BS80
R+
++
++
-+
++
+9/
1090
%
Jam
es13
5D
EE
--
-E
-E
EE
0/4
0%
JASP
ERSE
12R
++
++
++
++
++
10/1
010
0%
JERG
USON
22R
+-
0+
++
+0
0+
6/7
86%
John
son
37D
+-
E-
-0
--
--
1/8
13%
Jone
s, S.
44
D-
--
--
-+
-0
-1/
911
%
JONE
S, J.
46
R+
0+
++
++
0+
07/
710
0%
Jord
an77
D-
0-
--
0-
--
-0/
80%
Kais
er59
D0
--
--
-+
-0
+2/
825
%
Kend
rick
94D
--
--
--
--
--
0/10
0%
GEO
RGIA
201
2 H
OU
SE V
OTE
S
0=Ab
sent
; X =
Did
not v
ote.;
E=
Exc
used
Abs
ence
; NR=
Not R
ated
Due
to M
issin
g Vot
es
GEORGIA 2012 STATE LEGISLATIVE RATINGS
12
Bill
HB 1
81HB
347
HB 4
56HB
730
HB 8
61HB
954
HB 1
162
SB 3
50SB
428
SB 4
32+
/tota
lAC
U %
Nam
eDi
stric
tPa
rty
Kidd
141
I+
E+
--
E+
++
+6/
875
%
KIRB
Y10
7R
++
VACA
NTVA
CANT
VACA
NT+
VACA
NT+
++
6/6
100%
KNIG
HT12
6R
+0
++
++
++
++
9/9
100%
LANE
167
R+
++
++
++
++
+10
/10
100%
LIND
SEY
54R
++
++
++
++
++
10/1
010
0%
Long
61
D0
-E
--
-+
-0
-1/
714
%
MAD
DOX,
B.
127
R+
++
++
++
++
+10
/10
100%
MAD
DOX,
G.
172
R+
++
++
++
++
+10
/10
100%
MAN
NING
32R
++
++
++
++
++
10/1
010
0%
Mar
in96
D-
--
--
--
--
-0/
100%
MAR
TIN
47R
++
+E
++
++
++
9/9
100%
MAX
WEL
L17
R+
++
++
++
++
+10
/10
100%
May
o91
D-
--
--
-+
--
-1/
1010
%
MCB
RAYE
R15
3R
++
++
++
+0
++
9/9
100%
MCC
ALL
30R
+0
++
++
++
++
9/9
100%
MCK
ILLI
P11
5R
++
+-
++
++
0+
8/9
89%
MEA
DOW
S5
R+
++
++
++
++
+10
/10
100%
Mitc
hell
88D
--
--
--
+-
+-
2/10
20%
Mor
gan
39D
+-
0-
--
+-
0+
3/8
38%
MOR
RIS
155
RE
++
++
++
E+
E7/
710
0%
Mos
by90
D-
--
--
--
--
-0/
100%
Mur
phy
120
D-
--
--
--
--
+1/
1010
%
NEAL
, J1
R+
++
+E
++
+0
+8/
810
0%
Neal
, Y75
D-
--
--
--
-0
-0/
90%
NIM
MER
178
R+
++
++
+-
++
+9/
1090
%
NIX
69R
++
++
++
++
++
10/1
010
0%
O'NE
AL14
6R
++
++
++
++
++
10/1
010
0%
Oliv
er83
D-
--
--
-+
--
+2/
1020
%
PAK
102
R+
++
++
++
++
+10
/10
100%
Pare
nt81
D+
--
--
-+
--
-2/
1020
%
PARR
ISH
156
R+
++
++
++
++
+10
/10
100%
PARS
ONS
42R
++
++
+-
++
++
9/10
90%
GEO
RGIA
201
2 H
OU
SE V
OTE
S
0=Ab
sent
; X =
Did
not v
ote.;
E=
Exc
used
Abs
ence
; NR=
Not R
ated
Due
to M
issin
g Vot
es
13
GEORGIA 2012 STATE LEGISLATIVE RATINGS
Bill
HB 1
81HB
347
HB 4
56HB
730
HB 8
61HB
954
HB 1
162
SB 3
50SB
428
SB 4
32+
/tota
lAC
U %
Nam
eDi
stric
tPa
rty
PEAK
E13
7R
++
++
++
++
++
10/1
010
0%
POW
ELL,
J.17
1R
++
-+
++
++
++
9/10
90%
POW
ELL,
A.
29R
+0
++
++
++
++
9/9
100%
PRUE
TT14
4R
++
++
+0
++
++
9/9
100%
PURC
ELL
159
R+
++
0+
++
+0
+8/
810
0%
RALS
TON
7R
00
00
00
00
00
0/0
-
RAM
SEY
72R
++
++
++
++
+0
9/9
100%
Rand
all
138
D-
+0
--
--
--
-1/
911
%
Reec
e11
D-
--
-+
+-
++
+5/
1050
%
RICE
51R
++
++
++
++
++
10/1
010
0%
RILE
Y50
R+
0+
++
++
++
+9/
910
0%
ROBE
RTS
154
R+
++
++
++
++
+10
/10
100%
ROGE
RS, T
.10
R+
++
++
++
++
+10
/10
100%
ROGE
RS, C
. 26
R+
++
++
++
++
+10
/10
100%
RYND
ERS
152
R0
0+
++
++
++
+8/
810
0%
SCOT
T, M
.2
R0
+E
EE
++
+E
+5/
510
0%
Scot
t, S.
76
D-
--
--
--
--
-0/
100%
SETZ
LER
35R
E+
++
++
++
E+
8/8
100%
SHAW
176
R+
++
++
+-
++
+9/
1090
%
SHEL
DON
105
R+
++
++
++
++
+10
/10
100%
SIM
S, B
.11
9R
++
++
++
++
++
10/1
010
0%
SIM
S, C
. 16
9R
++
--
+0
++
0+
6/8
75%
Smith
, E.
122
D-
--
--
--
-+
-1/
1010
%
SMIT
H, K
.12
9R
++
++
++
-+
++
9/10
90%
SMIT
H, R
. 13
1R
E+
++
++
++
++
9/9
100%
SMIT
H, T.
168
R+
++
0+
++
+E
+8/
810
0%
SMIT
H, L
.70
R+
++
++
++
++
+10
/10
100%
Smyr
e13
2D
+0
0-
--
--
--
1/8
13%
SPEN
CER
180
R-
-+
++
+-
++
+7/
1070
%
Step
hens
, M.
161
D-
--
--
--
++
-2/
1020
%
STEP
HENS
, R.
164
R+
++
++
00
++
+8/
810
0%
Step
hens
on92
D-
--
--
--
--
-0/
100%
GEO
RGIA
201
2 H
OU
SE V
OTE
S
0=Ab
sent
; X =
Did
not v
ote.;
E=
Exc
used
Abs
ence
; NR=
Not R
ated
Due
to M
issin
g Vot
es
GEORGIA 2012 STATE LEGISLATIVE RATINGS
14
Bill
HB 1
81HB
347
HB 4
56HB
730
HB 8
61HB
954
HB 1
162
SB 3
50SB
428
SB 4
32+
/tota
lAC
U %
Nam
eDi
stric
tPa
rty
TALT
ON14
5R
++
++
++
++
++
10/1
010
0%
TANK
ERSL
EY15
8R
++
E+
++
++
++
9/9
100%
TAYL
OR, D
.17
3R
++
++
++
++
++
10/1
010
0%
Tayl
or, R
.55
D-
--
--
--
--
-0/
100%
TAYL
OR, T
.79
R+
0+
++
-+
++
+8/
989
%
TEAS
LEY
38R
++
++
++
++
++
10/1
010
0%
Thom
as, B
.10
0D
--
--
--
+-
-+
2/10
20%
Wai
tes
60D
--
--
--
0-
--
0/9
0%
WAT
SON
163
R+
++
++
++
++
+10
/10
100%
WEL
CH11
0R
+0
++
++
0+
++
8/8
100%
WEL
DON
3R
+0
00
++
+0
+0
5/5
100%
Wilk
erso
n33
D-
--
--
--
--
-0/
100%
WIL
KINS
ON52
R+
+E
E+
-+
++
+7/
888
%
WIL
LARD
49R
++
++
++
++
+0
9/9
100%
WIL
LIAM
S, C
.11
3R
++
++
++
++
++
10/1
010
0%
Will
iam
s, A.
16
5D
+-
E-
--
--
++
3/9
33%
WIL
LIAM
S, R
.4
R+
E+
++
E+
-+
+7/
888
%
Will
iam
s, "C
oach
"89
D-
--
--
--
--
-0/
100%
WIL
LIAM
SON
111
R+
++
++
++
++
+10
/10
100%
YATE
S73
R+
+0
++
++
++
+9/
910
0%
GEO
RGIA
201
2 H
OU
SE V
OTE
S
0=Ab
sent
; X =
Did
not v
ote.;
E=
Exc
used
Abs
ence
; NR=
Not R
ated
Due
to M
issin
g Vot
es
15
GEORGIA
2012
STATE LEGISLATIVE RATINGS GUIDE
Georgia Senate Vote Descriptions1. HB 181 School Vouchers. This bill expands the use of school vouchers by exempting certain special needs
students from the requirement they attend public school for one year before being eligible for vouchers that can be used for private schools. ACU supports the use of school vouchers and supports this bill. The bill passed the Georgia Senate on March 22, 2012 by a vote of 34-16.
2. HB 347 Fiscal Responsibility. This bill allowed the state of Georgia to stop borrowing money to pay for unemployment insurance by reorganizing the program. It reduced the 26 weeks of guaranteed payment to a sliding scale of 14-20 weeks depending on the unemployment rate. At the same time it increased the amount taxed to make up for an employer exemption that had existed for a number of years. ACU supports this rea-sonable effort at fiscal responsibility and supports this bill. The bill passed the Georgia Senate on March 29, 2012 by a vote of 37-17. The bill passed the Georgia House on March 29, 2012 by a vote of 98-60.
3. HB 861 Welfare Requirements. This bill requires welfare recipients under the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program to undergo drug tests to be eligible. An exemption is provided for those with mental or developmental disabilities. ACU supports these reasonable requirements for welfare programs and supports this bill. The bill passed the Georgia Senate on March 27, 2012 by a vote of 36-15. This bill passed the Georgia House on March 7, 2012 by a 114-59 vote, and was signed by the Governor.
4. HB 954 Limiting Abortions. This bill reduces the ability to have an abortion from 26 weeks into the preg-nancy to 20 weeks. Exemptions are provided for the life of the mother and if the pregnancy is determined to be medically futile. ACU supports this effort to reduce abortions and supports this bill. The bill passed the Georgia Senate on March 29, 2012 by a vote of 36-19.
5. HR 1162 Charter Schools. This resolution places a constitutional amendment on the ballot in November, 2012 that permits state authorization of Charter Schools in Georgia. ACU supports this expansion of paren-tal choice and supports this amendment. The resolution passed the Georgia Senate on March 19, 2012 by a vote of 40-16.
6. SB 223 Streamlining Government. This bill would create a joint Senate/House advisory committee to rec-ommend efficiencies in government and the elimination of state agencies or programs. The recommendations would be subject to further legislative action. ACU supports these modest efforts to reduce the size of govern-ment and supports this bill. The bill passed the Georgia Senate on January 30, 2012 by a vote of 37-12.
7. SB 305 Fee Increase. This bill increases the Georgia Lemon Law Fee from $3 to $5. Although modest in size, the bill’s increased revenues went into the General Fund and at the time of the vote there was no indica-tion how much more money the Lemon Law administration would receive or why it was needed. ACU op-poses needless fee increases and opposes this bill. The bill passed the Georgia Senate on February 2, 2012 by a vote of 30-19.
GEORGIA 2012 STATE LEGISLATIVE RATINGS
16
8. SB 429 Regulatory Impact. This bill requires legislative bills that would have a significant fiscal impact on private employers to have a fiscal note and be introduced by the 20th day of the legislative session. ACU supports these efforts at government transparency and supports this bill. The bill passed the Georgia Senate on February 29, 2012 by a vote of 39-13.
9. SB 432 Knife Rights. This bill prevents local governments in Georgia from passing laws more restrictive than the state in banning the sale, manufacture, possession or transfer of a knife. ACU supports this protection of individual rights and supports this bill. The bill passed the Georgia Senate on March 7, 2012 by a vote of 41-12.
10. SB 438 Taxpayer Funding of Abortion. This bill bars the State health plans for employees and teachers from covering abortion services with a life of the mother exception. ACU opposes taxpayer funding of abortion and supports this bill. The bill passed the Georgia Senate on March 7, 2012 by a vote of 33-18.
11. SB 460 Religious Freedom. This bill provides an exception for religious institutions from the requirement that every health benefit policy in the state provide coverage for contraceptives. ACU supports this protec-tion for religious freedom and supports this bill. The bill passed the Georgia Senate on March 7, 2012 by a vote of 38-15.
12. SB 471 Health Insurance Competition. This bill directs the Georgia Insurance Commissioner to help create an interstate market for health insurance through a multistate compact and a new alternative approval process for the current system. ACU supports efforts to encourage free market competition to bring down the cost of health insurance and supports this bill. The bill passed the Georgia senate on March 7, 2012 by a vote of 36-16.
13. SB 493 Second Amendment Rights. An amendment to SB 493, Amendment #2 would have created a new crime of “carrying a firearm while intoxicated.” It would have been a misdemeanor to carry a firearm up to three hours before a person was found to have an alcohol concentration of at least .08 grams. ACU opposes this ill considered and illogical attempt to intimidate firearm owners. The amendment failed in the Colorado Senate on March 7, 2012 by a vote of 18-35.
17
GEORGIA 2012 STATE LEGISLATIVE RATINGSG
EORG
IA 2
012
SEN
ATE
VO
TES
Bill
H.B.
181
H.B.
347
H.B.
861
H.B.
954
H.R.
116
2S.
B. 2
23S.
B. 3
05S.
B. 4
29S.
B. 4
32S.
B. 4
38S.
B. 4
60S.
B. 4
71S.
B. 4
93
Amen
dmen
t #2
+/to
tal
ACU
%
Nam
eDi
stric
tPa
rty
ALBE
RS56
R+
++
++
++
++
++
++
13/1
310
0%
BALF
OUR
9R
++
++
+E
-+
++
++
+11
/12
92%
BETH
EL54
R+
++
++
++
++
++
++
13/1
310
0%
BULL
OCH
11R
++
++
++
-+
+E
0+
+10
/11
91%
Butle
r55
D-
--
--
-+
+-
--
--
2/13
15%
CART
ER, B
.1
R+
++
++
+-
++
++
++
12/1
392
%
Carte
r42
D+
00
--
++
++
--
0-
5/10
50%
CHAN
CE16
R+
++
++
--
++
++
++
11/1
385
%
COW
SERT
46R
++
++
++
--
++
++
+11
/13
85%
CRAN
E28
R+
++
++
++
++
++
++
13/1
310
0%
CROS
BY13
R+
++
++
+-
++
++
++
12/1
392
%
Dave
npor
t44
D-
--
--
-+
--
--
--
1/13
8%
Davi
s22
D0
--
0+
0-
++
0-
0-
3/8
38%
Fort
39D
--
--
--
--
-0
0-
-0/
110%
GINN
47R
++
++
+E
-+
++
++
+11
/12
92%
GOGG
ANS
7R
++
++
++
-0
++
++
-10
/12
83%
GOLD
EN8
R0
++
++
+-
++
++
++
11/1
292
%
GOOC
H51
R+
++
++
++
++
++
++
13/1
310
0%
GRAN
T25
R+
++
++
+-
-+
0+
++
10/1
283
%
HAM
RICK
30R
++
++
+E
-+
++
++
+11
/12
92%
Harb
ison
15D
E-
E-
-+
E+
0-
+-
03/
838
%
HEAT
H31
R+
++
++
++
++
++
++
13/1
310
0%
Hens
on41
D-
--
--
-+
+-
--
--
2/13
15%
HILL
, Jud
son
32R
E+
++
++
++
++
++
+12
/12
100%
HILL
, Jac
k4
R+
++
++
+-
++
++
++
12/1
392
%
Hook
s14
D-
+-
-+
+-
+0
-+
00
5/10
50%
JACK
SON,
B.
24R
++
++
+-
-+
++
++
+11
/13
85%
Jack
son,
L.
2D
--
--
-E
--
--
--
-0/
120%
Jam
es35
D-
--
--
--
--
--
--
0/13
0%
JEFF
ARES
17R
++
++
++
-+
++
++
+12
/13
92%
0=Ab
sent
; X =
Did
not v
ote.;
E=
Exc
used
Abs
ence
; NR=
Not R
ated
Due
to M
issin
g Vot
es
GEORGIA 2012 STATE LEGISLATIVE RATINGS
18
Bill
H.B.
181
H.B.
347
H.B.
861
H.B.
954
H.R.
116
2S.
B. 2
23S.
B. 3
05S.
B. 4
29S.
B. 4
32S.
B. 4
38S.
B. 4
60S.
B. 4
71S.
B. 4
93
Amen
dmen
t #2
+/to
tal
ACU
%
Nam
eDi
stric
tPa
rty
Jone
s10
D-
--
--
+-
--
--
--
1/13
8%
LIGO
N, JR
.3
R+
++
++
++
++
++
++
13/1
310
0%
LOUD
ERM
ILK
52R
++
++
++
++
++
++
+13
/13
100%
MCK
OON
29R
++
++
++
-+
++
++
+12
/13
92%
MIL
LAR
40R
++
++
++
-+
+-
++
+11
/13
85%
MIL
LER
49R
-+
++
++
-+
++
++
+11
/13
85%
MUL
LIS
53R
++
++
+E
E+
++
++
+11
/11
100%
MUR
PHY
27R
++
++
++
E+
++
++
+12
/12
100%
Orro
ck36
D-
0-
--
-+
--
--
--
1/12
8%
Paris
26D
--
--
--
0-
--
--
-0/
120%
Ram
sey,
Sr.
43D
--
E-
-0
+E
EE
EE
E1/
520
%
ROGE
RS21
R+
++
++
+0
++
++
++
12/1
210
0%
Seay
34D
--
--
--
--
+-
--
-1/
138%
SHAF
ER48
R+
++
++
++
++
++
++
13/1
310
0%
Sim
s12
D-
-0
--
+-
0-
--
--
1/11
9%
STAT
ON18
R+
++
++
++
-+
++
++
12/1
392
%
STON
E23
R+
++
++
+-
++
++
++
12/1
392
%
Ston
er6
DE
--
--
+E
+-
--
--
2/11
18%
Tate
38D
E-
E-
--
+-
--
--
-1/
119%
Thom
pson
, S.
33D
--
--
+-
+-
+-
+-
-4/
1331
%
Thom
pson
, C.
5D
+-
--
++
-0
+-
--
-4/
1233
%
TIPP
INS
37R
++
++
++
0+
++
++
+12
/12
100%
TOLL
ESON
20R
++
++
++
-+
++
++
+12
/13
92%
UNTE
RMAN
45R
++
++
++
++
++
++
+13
/13
100%
WIL
KINS
ON50
R-
++
++
+-
++
++
++
11/1
385
%
WIL
LIAM
S19
R+
++
++
+-
++
++
++
12/1
392
%
GEO
RGIA
201
2 S
ENA
TE V
OTE
S
0=Ab
sent
; X =
Did
not v
ote.;
E=
Exc
used
Abs
ence
; NR=
Not R
ated
Due
to M
issin
g Vot
es
JOHN BARRASSO
REGISTER ONLINE: conservative.org
INVITED SPEAKERS INCLUDE:
NAME:
ADDRESS:
CITY: ST: ZIP:
EMAIL: *CELL PHONE:
PAY BY CREDIT CARD:
CARD # EXP. SEC. CODE
NAME ON CARD: SIGNATURE:
GENERAL REGISTRATION - $50 ($75 onsite)
YES! I WANT TO ATTEND THE CPAC COLORADO CONFERENCE. ENCLOSED IS MY REGISTRATION AND PAYMENT:
MAKE CHECK PAYABLE & MAIL TO:
CPAC COLORADO1331 H Street, NW, Suite 500, Washington, DC 20005(202) 347-9388
Valid Student ID Required at Check In
STUDENT REGISTRATION - $25 ($35 onsite)
Includes VIP ticket with priority seating, VIP reception and VIP express check-in.
VIP - $200
*For non-ACU members, ticket purchase(s) will include a one year complimentary ACU membership.
REGISTRATION OPTIONS:
MICHAEL MEDVED
JOHN MCCAIN
Online at conservative.org or mail form below
a project of
a project of
PEGGY NOONAN
JAN BREWER
HUGH HEWITT RAÚL LABRADOR
KEVIN MCCARTHY
DENNY REHBERG
GLENN BECK
MOBILIZING THE MOUNTAIN WEST
MITT ROMNEYSARAH PALIN
MICHELLE MALKINDOUG LAMBORN
The American Conservative Union is proud to present CPAC Colorado, held on Thursday, October 4, 2012 at 9:00 a.m. at the Crowne Plaza Denver International Airport. CPAC Colorado takes the fight for the future of America directly to an important battleground state, and the site of the broken promises made to the American people in Denver the night President Obama accepted his party’s nomination in 2008. Denver will also be the site of the first Presidential debate, where -- the night before CPAC Colorado—the President’s failed leadership will be on full display.
CPAC Colorado will bring national and regional conservative lead-ers and grassroots activists together for a full day of blockbuster speeches, grassroots activist training and network opportunities – all celebrating our founding principles of limited government, a strong national defense and traditional values.
VENUE:
REGISTER:
Crowne Plaza Denver International Airport, 15500 E. 40th Avenue, Denver CO 80239Discounted Room Rate: $129/night
AL CARDENAS
The American Conservative Union
The American Conservative Union (ACU) is America’s oldest and largest grassroots conservative organization.
Founded in 1964, ACU represents the views of Americans who are concerned with economic growth through lower taxes and reduced government spending and the issues of liberty, personal responsibility, traditional values, and national security.
As America’s conservative voice, ACU is the leading entity in providing conservative positions on issues to Congress, White House Administration Officials, State Governments, the media, political candidates and the public.
The ACU’s marquee initiatives include the annual Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) and the annual Ratings of Congress guide.
Under the leadership of ACU Chairman Al Cardenas, the organization remains the standard bearer of conservatism in America. Chairman Cardenas is dedicated to growing the national conservative movement through the expansion of ACU programs, unprecedented outreach and advocacy – especially to young, emerging activists – and an extended reach into local and state issues. Among these inaugural efforts are the expansion of conservative rating to State Legislatures and a first-ever series of regional CPAC’s in states across the country, building on the legacy of the annual national CPAC event in our Nation’s Capital.
For more information on the American Conservative Union, please visit our website at www.conservative.org.
1331 H Street, NW, Suite 500Washington, DC 20005Phone: (202) 347-9388
conservative.org
Contact Us
top related