Georgia State Senator Chip Rogers || Senate Majority Leader (R - Woodstock, GA)

Majority Leader Chip Rogers Applauds Passage of HOPE Legislation in Senate

ATLANTA (Tuesday, March 08, 2011) – Today, the Georgia State Senate passed House Bill 326, Governor Nathan Deal’s HOPE bill 35-20. The bill was amended to allow all valedictorians and salutatorians from all Georgia schools to be eligible for the Zell Miller Scholarship and establishes a low interest loan program that will help students presently covered under HOPE to bridge the gap between actual tuition cost and costs covered by HOPE once the bill is enacted.

Senate Majority Leader Chip Rogers (R-Woodstock) issued the following statement:
“Today, we took a monumental step in preserving HOPE for future generations of
Georgia students. We must continue to support freedom in educational choice for our youth by refusing to let the high cost of education keep them from the school of their choice. The economy of our state, the future of Georgia businesses, communities and families depend on our ability to keep our best and brightest students in our state by offering them a great education and a way to pay for it,” said Sen. Rogers “I applaud Governor Deal, as well as members of the House and Senate, for working diligently to make saving HOPE a priority this session. Working together, we will ensure the legacy of HOPE benefits all future generations.”

Governor Nathan Deal issued the following statement regarding the passage of HB 326:

“I have worked closely with members of the Senate to find common ground on how best to save this important program. Any reforms to the HOPE scholarship require careful consideration because Georgians care deeply about this issue, and we are proud that our HOPE program holds national prominence. Senators understand our choice on lotteryfunded programs is not between reform and the status quo; our state’s choice is between reform and bankruptcy. Senators have played an important role from Day 1 on negotiating the best plan, and today they courageously did the right thing for our state.”

“Sen. Rogers, along with other leaders in the Senate, has played an important role not only in crafting this legislation but also in working to build a broad consensus to get it passed. This team effort has allowed us to educate Georgians all across the state on the crisis we face in our lottery-funded programs. With the leadership of Sen. Rogers and others, the Senate has passed a responsible bill that will maintain the most generous state education benefits in the nation for the next generation of Georgians.”

Senate Passes Constitutional Amendment to Limit State Spending

ATLANTA – (February 24, 2011) State Senate Majority Leader Chip Rogers (R-Woodstock) introduced Senate Resolution 20 - “Taxpayer Protection Act of 2011” in late January. The proposed Constitutional Amendment would limit the growth in state Government. Today, the resolution passed through the Senate with overwhelming bi-partisan support.

“The citizens of Georgia have a right to say ‘how much is too much’ when it comes to state spending. This Amendment would be the very best tool we have to ensure government does not spend beyond its means,” said Senate Majority Leader Chip Rogers. “Once enacted Georgia taxpayers can expect our state to eventually refill the rainy day fund and begin to gradually eliminate the state income tax.”

The resolution has garnered enormous support from many advocacy groups such as the National Federation of Independent Businesses, Americans for Tax Reform and the National Taxpayers Union. Kyle Jackson, the NFIB State Director said, “SR 20 not only protects the taxpayer from unsustainable accelerated growth in state government but it also contains language to help rebuild budget reserves and even give back to the taxpayer in the form of income tax cuts.”

Senate Resolution 20 would restrict the state from spending any money in excess of the previous year budget adjusted for inflation and population. Any additional revenue beyond the spending limitations would be required to go into the Rainy Day fund until it reaches a point of 15% of the previous year spending. Once the rainy day fund is at 15%, additional revenue would be used to slowly phase-out the state income tax.

Senator Rogers Applauds Health Care Ruling & Co-Sponsors Measure to Stop Federal Law

ATLANTA – (February 2, 2011) State Senate Majority Leader Chip Rogers (R-Woodstock) today released a statement applauding the ruling by a federal judge in Florida striking down the nation's health care overhaul as unconstitutional.

“I applaud Judge Vinson’s ruling labeling Obama’s health care overhaul unconstitutional,” said Sen. Rogers. “Today’s decision reaches far beyond the issue of healthcare, and makes a fundamental statement in protecting the personal rights and liberties of American citizens. Once again, a federal judge has found that Congress exceeded its constitutional authority by mandating citizens purchase health insurance.”

Vinson’s ruling follows a similar ruling made by Judge Henry Hudson in Virginia last December, making Hudson the first judge to strike down any part of the proposed overhaul to the nation's health-care system.

Sen. Rogers is a co-sponsor on Senate Resolution 55, the Health Care Freedom of Choice Constitutional Amendment. If passed this resolution would amend the Georgia Constitution to prohibit any law that would force any person, employer, or health care provider to participate in any health care system.

“The right of every Georgian to determine on their own whether to purchase, or not purchase, health care should be protected. Government is established for the purpose of protecting rights not diminishing them,” said Senator Rogers.

In additional to protecting Georgians from Federal mandate, SR 55 would also allow citizens and employers to pay directly for lawful health care services without penalties or fines.

Senator Rogers Authors Constitutional Amendment to Limit State Spending

ATLANTA – (January 27, 2011) State Senate Majority Leader Chip Rogers (R-Woodstock) has introduced the Senate Resolution 20 - “Taxpayer Protection Act of 2011”. The proposed Constitutional Amendment would limit how many tax dollars the state of Georgia can spend in any given year.

Senate Resolution 20 would restrict the state from spending any money in excess of the previous year budget adjusted for inflation and population. Any additional revenue beyond the spending limitations would be required to go into the Rainy Day fund until it reaches a point of 15% of the previous year spending. Once the rainy day fund is at 15% additional revenue would be used to slowly phase-out the state income tax.

The Amendment was approved Wednesday by the Senate Finance Committee in a unanimous bi-partisan vote.

Sen. Rogers Elected to Serve on Board of Directors for American Legislative Exchange Council

ATLANTA – (January 20, 2011) State Senate Majority Leader Chip Rogers (R-Woodstock) was recently selected by the American Legislation Exchange Council (ALEC) to serve on their national Board of Directors, as well as the State Co-Chair for Georgia.

“ALEC is the premier legislative organization in the world for supporting limited government. I am honored to be elected to serve on their national Board of Directors” said Senate Majority Leader Chip Rogers. “As state lawmakers we can benefit the entire nation when we work among the states to share and spread the best ideas of limited Government and personal freedom. This is what ALEC does so well and I am excited to help them in this cause. Bringing the best ideas to Georgia will help Georgians and taking our best ideas to the other states will help America.”

“ALEC is excited to have Majority Leader Chip Rogers as a member of ALEC leadership. His experience, knowledge and success on fiscal responsibility, government transparency and federalism will bring great contributions to the ALEC Board and Georgia as the State Co-Chair,” said ALEC National Chairman Noble Ellington (R-LA). “His passion for the issues and leadership skills are a welcome addition to this organization and I look forward to working with him on good, conservative policy solutions for the states.”

The American Legislative Exchange Council (ALEC) is the nation’s largest nonpartisan individual membership association of state legislators, with nearly 2,000 state legislators across the nation and more than 100 alumni members in Congress. ALEC’s mission is to promote free markets, individual liberty, and federalism through its model legislation in the states.

Senate Majority Leader Rogers Announces Town Hall Meetings for 2011Session

WOODSTOCK, GA – Senate Majority Leader Chip Rogers (R-Woodstock) today announced several 21st Senate District town hall meetings for the 2011 General Assembly. Rogers will update constituents on the upcoming legislative session, as well as, legislative developments, which happen during the session.

The current scheduled locations and times to meet with Sen. Rogers are:

March 2011
March 12th 9:00 – 10:00am Woodstock Community Center, 108 Arnold Mill Rd. - Bldg C, Woodstock, GA 30188

April 2011

April 14th 6:30 – 7:30pm Mountain View Library, 3320 Sandy Plains Road, Marietta, GA 30066
April 21st 6:30 – 7:30pm Woodstock Library, 7735 Main Street, Woodstock, GA 30188

For any additional information concerning the town hall meetings, please feel free to contact Sen. Rogers’ legislative office at 404-463-1378.

Rogers Chosen for Legislative Leaders Advisory Board

WOODSTOCK (December 14, 2010) – GOPAC, the nation’s premier training center for Republican leaders, has selected Senate Majority Leader Chip Rogers (R-Woodstock) to serve on the 2011 Legislative Leaders Advisory Board. He will provide guidance to GOPAC to enable the organization to continue to be the education and election center for a new generation of conservative leaders.

“GOPAC has played a critical role in restoring elected leadership across the country,” said Rogers. “I am honored to serve this organization and look forward to working with my fellow board members to identify key areas of growth and opportunity. Our state and nation need conservative leadership that will instill principles of limited government and market competition so that we make government smaller and more accountable.”

The Advisory Board is comprised of 25 members from 21 states across the country. Each member was selected by GOPAC because of their strong leadership in promoting conservative ideas and assisting Republican candidates with getting elected. Advisory Board Members are honored with a one-year term.

The members will address elected officials, candidates and GOPAC supporters at events and on conference calls. In addition, they will keep GOPAC updated on key legislative and political developments within their state.

Founded in 1979, GOPAC is educating and electing the next generation of elected leaders. Today, under the leadership of Chairman Frank Donatelli, GOPAC is ranked in the top 10 most influential state focused 527-political committees.

For more information on GOPAC, visit the organization’s Web site at, www.gopac.org.

Rogers Selected as Honorary Chair for Transition Team of State School Superintendent–Elect John Barge

ATLANTA (December 6 2010) – State Senate Majority Leader Chip Rogers (R-Woodstock) has been named Honorary Chair for the transition team of state school Superintendent –elect Dr. John Barge.

"Majority Leader Rogers has been a driving force in the legislature for true education reform,” said Dr. Barge. “I am honored he has agreed to help lead our transition team and I look forward to working with him to substantially change education in Georgia for the better."

“I am honored to be a part of this talented transition team and I look forward to working closely with Dr. Barge in our efforts to improve education in Georgia,” said Sen. Rogers. “Under his leadership, I believe we will make great strides through offering more choice, embracing the digital age of learning and setting high standards for both teachers and students. They deserve it.”

Senator Rogers has consistently worked for education reform in Georgia. His has helped lead the way on special needs scholarships, student scholarship organizations, increased opportunities for virtual education, grade integrity, and higher priority for education funding in the State budget. As a graduate of Georgia public Schools and the public University system, Rogers has a passion for providing greater opportunities for Georgia Students.

Dr. John Barge won the State-wide election after receiving more than 53% of the vote on November 2nd. He succeeds Superintendent Brad Bryant and brings with him twenty years of educational experience where he has served as a high school English teacher, middle school Spanish teacher, assistant principal, and principal. He also served as the State Director of Career, Technical and Agriculture Education for the Georgia Department of Education.

Rogers receives Legislator of the Year Award from Taxpayers for Energy Efficiency

Atlanta, GA— Taxpayers for Energy Efficiency (TEE) awarded Senate Majority Leader Chip Rogers with its ‘Legislator of the Year’ Award. Senator Rogers spearheaded four pieces of legislation during the 2010 Legislative Session, proving that keen ingenuity and strong, conservative approaches to fiscally responsible business matters can protect both Georgia’s taxpayers and our natural resources. Senator Rogers was instrumental in the passage of the following four measures:

SR 1231, constitutional amendment for state agencies to do performance contracting appearing on the ballot as Amendment 4
SB 194, enabling legislation for performance contracting (companion to SR 1231)
HB 1388, enabling legislation for development authorities to make loans to property owners for water and energy efficiency improvements
HB 1069, adds solar energy to tax credit acceleration

SR 1231, appearing as Amendment 4 on the ballot, continues to garner attention with the press as November 2nd approaches and voters clamor to research the various amendments. Senator Rogers, the third signer on the legislation continues to stump for its passage on election day.

“SR 1231 allowed Amendment 4 to appear on this November’s ballot. It is a win-win proposal that will cut government waste, save taxpayers money, create over 11,000 jobs and make Georgia a more energy efficient state,” said Jason Rooks, Executive Director of TEE. “Rarely do voters have an opportunity to approve an initiative that is noncontroversial, bringing groups from the business community to labor to environmental agencies together. And Senator Rogers was instrumental allowing the voters to decide on this important initiative this November.

Senator Rogers was honored by the award and vowed to continue to work on similar initiatives. “Protecting our environment makes good fiscal sense. Promoting energy efficiency is, by definition, a conservative value. Saving energy saves taxpayers money and saves our natural resources. There is an entire industry of energy efficient products and systems that will change the way we consume energy in the next ten years. Becoming energy independent should be a guiding principle for American elected officials. I’m honored that my work to conserve and protect has been honored by Taxpayers for Energy Efficiency and I look forward to working on these issues in the future.”

Rogers Honored by American Federation of Children

ATLANTA (Oct. 11, 2010) – Senate Majority Leader Chip Rogers (R-Woodstock) has been honored by the American Federation of Children as a Champion of School Choice. Sen. Rogers earned this distinction for his dedication to giving Georgia families more education options.

“Giving the power of choice to Georgia parents is the key to transforming education,” said Rogers. “I am grateful to the American Federation of Children for this distinguished honor. I look forward to a continued partnership with the Federation and my colleagues in the General Assembly in an effort to put children’s educational future in the hands of the parents, not government.”

Sen. Rogers helped lead two significant educational choice bills to become law. He is recognized as a state and national leader on the issue of educational freedom and reform.

The Corporate and Individual Scholarship Tax Credit Program pushed by Senator Rogers in the State Senate enables individuals and corporations to receive credit for donating to student scholarship funds.

Senator Rogers also worked to ensure Georgia’s special needs children have access to the best education by creating the Georgia Special Needs Scholarship Program. The program allows eligible students to transfer to the school of their choice so as to best address their special educational needs.

These two programs now serve thousands of families throughout Georgia.

Senator Rogers Endorsed by Georgia’s Small Businesses

WOODSTOCK - Sept. 28, 2010 – The National Federation of Independent Business, Georgia’s leading small business association, has endorsed Sen. Chip Rogers in the 21st District Senate race.

The endorsement was made by NFIB/Georgia SAFE (Save America’s Free Enterprise) Trust, which is comprised exclusively of NFIB members. The general election will be Tuesday, Nov. 2.

“Senator Rogers understands the need for a General Assembly that helps entrepreneurs and small, family businesses grow and create jobs. He realizes that small business is the key to a prosperous Georgia and low unemployment,” said David Raynor, state director of NFIB/Georgia.

“As Senate Majority Leader, he’s earned a 100 percent NFIB voting record every year since 2005,” Raynor said. “Our members support the candidates who support small business, and Chip Rogers has supported small business year after year after year.”

Rogers said, “I truly appreciate NFIB’s endorsement. I pledge to continue doing all I can to help Georgia’s small businesses. Small business is the backbone of our economy. When you help small business, you help Georgia.”

Small business owners and their employees vote in high numbers and are known for actively recruiting friends, family members and acquaintances to go to the polls. NFIB has pledged it will activate its grassroots network on behalf of these candidates. NFIB’s political support is based on the candidates’ positions and records on small business issues.

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NFIB is the nation’s leading small business association, with offices in Washington, D.C. and all 50 state capitals. Founded in 1943 as a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization, NFIB gives small- and independent-business owners a voice in shaping the public policy issues that affect their business.

Senator Rogers Earns Georgia Chamber Honor Roll

WOODSTOCK (Sept. 21, 2010) – Continuing his effort to make Georgia the most business-friendly state in America, Senate Majority Leader Chip Rogers recently achieved placement on the Georgia Chamber of Commerce Honor Roll. The Chamber’s Honor Roll recognizes legislators that were most supportive of the business community during the 2010 Legislative Session.

“It is Georgia’s private sector businesses and entrepreneurs that will create economic growth and prosperity. As legislators, it is our responsibility to create a pro-business environment and support free-market principles,” said Rogers. “I will continue working with my colleagues at the State Capitol to reduce tax burdens on individuals and businesses, improve our transportation infrastructure and support our free-market economy.”

Legislators focused on the issues most important to Georgia business and passed bills in the areas of transportation, health care, water, tax and education that will benefit our state for years to come. Throughout the 40-day legislative session, Rogers worked with the Georgia Chamber and fellow legislators to make Georgia the best state in the nation for business and helped save our Chamber members over $1.5 billion in 2009 and 2010 alone while achieving major milestones in key business issue areas.

Rogers lead the Senate in sponsoring three key pieces of pro-business legislation. The Angel Investor Tax Credit law (HB 1069) creates a tax credit for investments made during the early-stage development of innovative companies, encouraging a higher percentage of high-tech startups to remain in our state.

He sponsored the law that created the Special Council on Tax Reform and Fairness for Georgians (HB 1405). This council, made up of key elected officials, economists and business leaders -- including the Chair of the Georgia Chamber of Commerce -- will be charged with making recommendations for changes to the Georgia tax code in time for action by the new Governor and General Assembly in January 2011.

Rogers was also the lead Senate sponsor of the Jobs Opportunity and Business Success Act of 2010 (JOBS Act 2010). This legislation would have provided tax credits for hiring the unemployed, a reduction in the capital gains tax and elimination of the corporate net worth tax. The JOBS Act of 2010 was passed by the legislature, but was unfortunately vetoed by the Governor.

Senator Rogers Selected to Join National Digital Education
Council

WOODSTOCK (Sept. 15, 2010) – Senate Majority Leader Chip Rogers (R-Woodstock) was recently selected to serve as a member of Gov. Jeb Bush’s Foundation for Excellence in Education Digital Learning Council. The Council will work to identify policies that will integrate current and future technological innovations into public education. The Digital Learning Council unites a diverse group of nearly 50 national leaders from education, government, philanthropy, business, technology, and think tanks to develop the roadmap of reform for local, state and federal lawmakers and policymakers.

“Today’s students live and learn in a digital world. If we fail to communicate with them in their world, we will miss our opportunity to teach. Technology has moved our society forward economically, environmentally, and globally. We now have the tools to customize education to every student and make significant improvements our education system,” said Rogers. “I look forward to working with
the council and bringing new education innovations to Georgia.”

The Digital Learning Council will lead this national initiative to develop and transform education by moving digital learning to the forefront of education and away from the niche role it plays today. Today, more than 2 million students take courses online and 1.5 million home education students take online course but that barely scratches the surface of what is possible through technology.

The Digital Learning Council will cover the many facets of digital learning including; online and virtual schools; personalized learning; blended learning; digital content; online and mobile social networks; classroom technology; ensuring equity, security and privacy; and promoting parental choice,
among other topics. The Digital Learning Council will report its ongoing discussions online and welcomes input and dialog. The final recommendations of the Digital Learning Council will be the focus of a nationwide campaign to urge adoption of the policy principles by states, track states’ progress and encourage best practices.

Rogers Named a “Top Legislator” by ACCG

WOODSTOCK (September 8, 2010) – Senate Majority Leader Chip Rogers (R-Woodstock) has been named one of the Top Ten Legislators during the 2010 Legislative Session, by the Association of Country Governments (ACCG) for his focus on passing major property tax reform legislation (SB 346) through an open process and in moving several other pieces of legislation important to counties
through the Senate.

“Georgia’s property tax system has long needed major reform. With the passage of SB 346 we have taken major steps towards protecting property owner rights through an open and fair process. Georgians ought to be able to count on a system that works for them, not against them,” said Sen. Rogers. “I am honored to be recognized by the ACCG for my work on property tax reform, and
other areas vital to the growth and success of counties throughout Georgia.”

Sen. Rogers worked extensively with the ACCG during the process of property tax reform. The legislation will help improve fairness and equality in the property tax assessment and appeals procedures. Additionally, SB 346 may reduce some of the complaints county commissioners receive about property taxes. SB 346 passed with overwhelming bi-partisan support in the Georgia Senate and House.
The Association County Commissioners of Georgia (ACCG) is a nonprofit instrumentality of Georgia’s county governments. Formed in 1914 with 19 charter county members, today ACCG serves as the consensus building, training, and legislative organization for all 159 county governments in the state.

With this primary charge, ACCG works to ensure that the counties can provide the necessary leadership, services and programs to meet the health, safety and welfare needs of their citizens.