About The Forest-blade. (Swainsboro, Ga.) 1996-current | View Entire Issue (March 3, 2021)
6C The Forest-Blade • ummiEmaniielConntyLive.com • Swainsboro, Georgia • March 3, 2021 News From Under the Gold by REPRESENTATIVE BUTCH PARRISH, STATE HOUSE DISTRICT 158 On Monday, February 22, we returned to the State Capitol for the seventh week of the 2021 legislative session. Monday marked the halfway point of the session, and this week was our busiest yet as we geared up for the impending "Crossover Day" deadline. From expanding access to health care to looking after some of our more vulnerable residents, the House examined a myriad of legisla tive initiatives this week that are important to Georgians. TeleHealth We passed House Bill 307 to authorize health care providers to continue to provide telehealth services from home and patients to receive telehealth services from their home, workplace, or school even after the pandemic is over. This legislation would also allow for audio-only care via phone call under certain circumstances, such as a lack of broadband connection. To extend insurance coverage for telehealth services, HB 307 would prohibit insurers from requiring separate deductibles or an in-person consultation before paying for a virtual appointment and restrict insurers from requiring providers to use a specific tele health platform or vendor. Likewise, insurers could not restrict the prescribing of medications through telehealth that are more restrictive than what is currently required under state and federal law for in-person prescribing. Further, this bill would require providers to maintain documentation of each virtual health care appointment in a manner that is as extensive and thorough as their documenta tion for in-person visits. Throughout the pandemic, health care providers across the country have uti lized telehealth services to continue to treat patients while COVID-19 has limited in-person options, especially for mental and behavioral health treatment. Many Georgians have benefited from these safe and convenient types of appointments, and HB 307 would ensure that Georgians can continue to receive this type of care for years to come. Honoring Senator Isakson We honored a great Georgian last week through the unanimous adoption of House Resolution 119, which would recognize and honor retired U.S. Senator Johnny Isakson, who served our state and country with distinction for 43 years. This bipartisan measure would dedicate the bridge on State Route 307 over the Georgia Ports Authority Mega Rail Site in Chatham County as the Senator Johnny Isakson Bridge. Senator Isakson's commitment to growing our state's econom ic footprint could not be more apparent than in his work to guarantee federal funding for the Port of Savannah. During his time as a leader in Washington, D.C., Isakson secured major federal funding for the Savannah Harbor Expansion Project and the Mason Mega Rail Yard, which has ensured the efficient move ment of goods through the state. Renaming this bridge is an abundantly fitting way to pay tribute to this outstanding Georgian who spent his life bettering our state through economic opportunities like the Georgia Ports Authority system. COVID-19 Update We received the news last week the state is poised to expand Georgia's COVID- Dome: House Bill 307 passed FRIENDS VISITING THE CAPITOL- REP. MARCUS WIEDOWER, HIS DAUGHTER ANNABELLE, AND MY NEIGHBOR ARHAM SHAW 19 vaccine priority list to include teachers and school staff. Starting March 8, all of Georgia's pre-k and K-12 teachers and school staff, as well as Department of Early Care and Learning staff, will join the state's Phase 1A+ group, which currently consists of those who are 65 and older, first responders, health care workers and staffers, and residents of long-term facilities. In addition to Georgia teachers and school staff, the state will also expand vaccination access to adults with mental and developmental disabilities and their caregivers and children with complex health issues plus their caretakers. The state also recently launched four state-operated mass vaccination sites across Georgia in Bibb, Dougherty, Fulton, and Habersham counties. Crossover Day As "Crossover Day" draws near, we will continue to vote on meaningful House legislation before we start the process of reviewing Senate bills. I encour age you to reach out to me with any comments or questions about legislation that is important to you, your family and our community. I remain dedicated to serving your interests as your state representative, and I hope that you will contact me with any questions or concerns you may have regarding the legislative session or with any proposals or recommendations for future legislation. You can also stay in touch by visiting our website at www.house.ga.gov to watch a live stream of the House in action, as well as archived committee meetings, and review legislation that we are considering. Follow me on facebook for updates throughout the year. Thank you for allowing me to be your representative. Legislative Update: Week 7 by SENATOR BILLY HICKMAN, 4™ DISTRICT We had another great week in the State Senate and will be back next week as we approach crossover day. Crossover Day is the deadline for a bill to pass out of either legislative chamber. Bills that fail to do so are no longer in consideration during the current ses sion. These bills, howev er, can be carried over and voted on next year. Keep reading to learn more about what I've been up to this past week! Much of our time was spent debating a slate of election reform bills. As you know, I've been vocal on this issue. I've heard from Georgians who want transparency, uniformity, and frankly, confidence in our elections. I promise to do all in my power to keep our elections secure. When I came into the Senate, I told everyone would roll up my sleeves and get to work - just as I have done my whole life. I worked dang hard ahead of presenting my first bill - HB 265 - which passed unanimously. I promised to champion conservative, pro-growth legislation which is exact ly what HB 265 is - low ering taxes and provid ing tax incentives to keep Georgia's economy thriv ing. As the week pro gressed, I was honored to receive an appointment from Lt. Governor Geoff Duncan to serve on the Jekyll Island State Park Authority Oversight Committee. I look forward to con tinue serving Georgians in this new role! I will be heading back to Atlanta tonight for another great week in the Senate. This week will be particular ly busy as we approach Crossover Day. If you have any issues that you would like to discuss or if you want to stop by and say "hello", please reach out to me atbilly.hickman@senate. ga.gov or 404-656-5035. Be sure to check out mySenate website to keep track of legislation that I am working on. HICKMAN ‘ DROWNING in IRS DEBT? Get The Freedom YotrDesezxe! We specialize inTax Resolution (Federal and State) 1. Settle Back Taxes 2, Settle Payroll Taxes 3. Get IRS Liens Released 4, Penalty Abatement/Reduction 5. Wage Garnishment Assistance . V Individual and Business Ball's Accounting HALLSACCT.COM I LIKE US ON FACEBOOK TAX PREPARATION 314 old nunez rd I swainsboro I 478.237.4349 & BookKeeping Service! ENROLLED TO PRACTICE BEFORE THE I.R.S. TINA HALL, ENROLLED AGENT
