Georgia Legislative Watch

There’s not much to report from the session today. Below is some news from the first day as well as some statewide election news for 2010.

Gov. Sonny Perdue will announce the budget tomorrow during the State of the State address, which we will be covering here at GLW tomorrow beginning at 9:45am.

- ‘A daunting task’
Camie Young, Gwinnett Daily Post

- Perdue pushes higher pay for educators
James Salzer, Atlanta Journal-Constitution

- The transportation teeter-totter
Jim Galloway, Atlanta Journal-Constitution

- State lawmakers open session pledging to jettison partisanship
Shannon McCaffrey, Associated Press via Athens Banner-Herald

- Legislature opens in bipartisan spirit
Aaron Gould Sheinin and Mary Lou Pickel, Atlanta Journal-Constitution

- A New Glenn Richardson Emerges – But Is It Permanent?
Dick Pettys, InsiderAdvantage Georgia

- On Legislature’s 1st day, House bans cell phones
Walter C. Jones, Morris News Service via Augusta Chronicle

- For all our sakes, it’s time for a state trauma system
Dr. John Rogers, Atlanta Journal-Constitution

- Rep. Calvin Smyre gains more influence in Georgia house
Chuck Williams, Columbus Ledger-Enquirer

- Delegates allowed to get texts during session
Tim Chitwood and Chuck Williams, Columbus Ledger-Enquirer

- 2009 Ga. Legislature opens with swearing in, leadership selections
Travis Fain, Macon Telegraph

- Mills wants birth certificate required for voter registration
Harris Blackwood, Gainesville Times

- Supreme Court declines to hear Georgia’s case in water wars
Harris Blackwood, Gainesville Times

- Kemp will run in 2010
Blake Aued, Athens Banner-Herald

- Gingrey: Gov’s Race Unlikely In 2010
Dick Pettys, InsiderAdvantage Georgia

- Comeback time? Could Roy succeed where others have failed?
Otis Brumby, Bill Kinney & Joe Kirby, Marietta Daily Journal