The presiding officer the senate will come to order. Mr. Menendez [inaudible] and after having had the benefit of having a hearing on the pipeline ive decided to oppose this bill for four basic reasons. First, on the bill i am deeply concerned that if approved, this pipe lynn will be the first of many pipelines opening one of the largest sources of carbon on earth to exploitation. Second contrary to what many believe, im convinced this pipeline will simply not enhance, help, or in any positive way improve our energy profile. Third, in my view, it is completely absurd for congress to take the role of permitting pipelines. It is a role we have never assumed and should not assume now. And, fourth, i believe its ridiculous that our republican colleagues insist on language banning Eminent Domain for National Parks legislation but oppose it when it comes to foreign or private projects like keystone. Furthermore, mr. President we cannot underestimate the Environmental Impacts of this pipeline
This is curtourtesyurtourtesy of public broadcasting. Lt. Governor cagle, speaker ralston, president pro tem shafer, speaker pro tem jones, members of the General Assembly, constitutional officers, members of the judiciary, members of the consular corps, my fellow georgians today marks the fifth year that i have reported to you, the peoples representatives, on the state of our state. This is our annual checkup exam on the body politic, where we measure our vitals, celebrate areas of great health and seek cures for what ails us. In each succeeding year, weve seen the green shoots of our economy grow a little taller. Each year, weve seen more georgians return to work or get their first job. Each year, weve seen hundreds of more businesses open or relocate here. Each year, steady Revenue Growth has allowed us to slowly mend the ravages wrought by the great recession. Now, our economy is seeing positive growth with thousands of new jobs added every month. Were seeing the telltale signs of
Revenue. Last year we based our budget on an anticipated Revenue Growth of 3. 4 percent. That was in keeping with our pattern of conservative budgeting. So when fiscal year 2014 ended, our actual revenue was 4. 8 percent. That differential between what we spent and what we collected is deposited into our Rainy Day Fund. Every budget cycle since i have been governor we have added to that fund so that it has increased by 643 percent since i took office. [applause] annual Revenue Growth, coupled with conservative spending and a growing Rainy Day Fund are positive evidence that georgia is better today than it was last year. Since i took office, over 319,000 new private sector jobs have been created in georgia with nearly 93,000 of those coming in the past twelve months. The announcement last week that mercedesbenz usa is moving its north american headquarters to georgia is further evidence that our state will continue to be a leader in job creation. [applause] with job growth comes populat
We still have very substantial infrastructure revenue needs that have to be addressed. We have studied every option. Some have advocated raising the state gas tax. Yes, we do have the third lowest gas tax in america. Gas prices are now down to their lowest level since 2009. NonSouth Carolinans who visit our state would pay a portion of the tax and we would boost the are revenue stream thats dedicated to improving our roads and highways. But there are also major problems with it. We have not gotten to where we are as a state with our strengthening and growing economy by raising taxes. Quite the opposite. If all we do is increase taxes whether its the gas tax or some other tax, we will hurt our citizens, we will discourage job creators and we will dampen our economy. As ive said many times, i will veto any straightup increase in the gas tax. Thats just not going to happen while im governor. Its the wrong thing for South Carolina. So heres the deal. Lets do three things at once that will
Implement these laws. Thank you so much for your particularlyrvice, for tip oneill. I grew up in the district. Arms tos distributes the poor all over the world in 30 Different Countries in areas of severe conflict. Back. Ed to touch anseems to be a extreme lack of accountability among federal officers. We cannot get a name or a number. Shelter, provide food, and we are trying to make ventures. We have a conversation and seem to get anybody at the table. It does an outstanding job in certain circumstances. It is heart wrenching in terms of funds consistent with our laws but that have the effect of providing relief at the same time, not just in syria. It comes up in memory many troubled parts of the world. I am happy to look into the. Uestion we strive to a high level of clarity and communication. Toetimes, the issues relate specific matters that are not public matters. I would have to look at the specific matter to respond. Thank you. Good morning. Stern group. My question is about the