Mary Margaret Oliver, Georgia General Assembly for House District 82

Thank you for allowing me to represent you in the Georgia General Assembly for House District 82.

I am a lifelong resident of District 82 in DeKalb County and have served in the Georgia General Assembly in both the House of Representatives (1987-1992) and 2002 - present, and the Senate (1993 -1998). My past legislative accomplishments have included authoring and passing significant legislation for the protection of children and consumers, including Georgia's anti-stalking law, along with legislation to protect neighborhood activists from intimidation. Prior to my elections, I practiced law, was and administrative law judge and an Associate Magistrate Judge. See my biography for more detail.

I continue to practice law on the Square in Decatur where I have had an office for the last 25 years.

In 2013, I am working hard on the Judiciary, Appropriations, Juvenile Justice and Governmental Affairs Committees. Go to Georgia House of Representatives' link to view my legislation.

The new District 82 was created by the Georgia General Assembly in the 2011 Special Session in response to the 2010 census data. Our new district includes the middle DeKalb county neighborhoods of Druid Hills, Decatur, Emory, Sagamore Hills, Leafmore Estates, Oakgrove and the Hawthorne Elementary School area, as well as parts of the new City of Brookhaven, north of I-85.

Please take a look at my website and my legislative record. Write me or give me a call at my law office, mmo@mmolaw.com, 404.377.0485. I look forward to hearing from you and particularly want to know what issues are most important to you.

— Mary Margaret

Governor signs HB 21 covering post adoption agreements
May 7, 2013

Bill signing days are happy!We now celebrate the Governor signing HB 21 into law. Thanks to the many people who helped make this happen.

Good Patch article on Town hall meeting
May 7, 2013

Good reporting on last night's Town Hall meeting on cityhood. Thanks to Fred Pitts and Clairmont Hills Baptist Church for being such fine hosts.

MMO hosts Legislative Town Hall meeting to discuss cityhood
May 7, 2013

MMO hosted a great Town Hall meeting last night at Clairmont Hills Baptist Church on new cityhood options for DeKalb voters. Over 200 people in attendance. Thanks to all participants and volunteers. Good discussion!

Governor signs Juvenile Justice reform Bill
May 3, 2013

Governor signs HB 242, Juvenile Justice Reform, and now we move into the next critical steps of implementation. We must commit to take this new direction and spend our money wisely. MMO is grateful to be a co-sponsor of this bill and thank you, Governor Deal!

May 6 DeKalb Town Hall meeting to discuss possible new cities
April 24, 2013

Members of the DeKalb House and Senate delegations, including those who have introduced legislation to create new cities or annex new areas to existing cities, will hold a Town Hall meeting on May 6, from 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm at Clairmont Hills Baptist Church, 1995 Clairmont Drive, Decatur 30033, the corner of Clairmont and North Druid Hills Road. We want all DeKalb citizens to learn about the options available to them for local governance, and how you may participate in the efforts that will be on-going this summer. PLEASE JOIN US!
House Rules of the Georgia General Assembly require that a new city may only be created over a two year term, not in one year. Legislation, listed below by primary sponsor, was filed in the 2013 Session that ended March 28, 2013, to give an opportunity procedurally to create possible new DeKalb cities of Druid Hills, LaVista Hills, Lakeside, Stonecrest, City of DeKalb, and Tucker. Also, annexation bills are pending for Chamblee and being discussed for Decatur, and legislative limitations on annexations options have also been filed. We ask neighborhood associations or groups who are reviewing current legislation, or working for or against possible new cities to describe briefly their efforts.
WE NEED YOUR INPUT! HOW DO YOU WISH TO BE GOVERNED?
The meeting will provide information on the costs of planning for new cities and the resulting possible tax implications. We will discuss procedures for legislative enactment, give a summary of ongoing cityhood activities, and learn about other governance options.
THANK YOU! PLEASE JOIN US MAY 6 AND LEARN HOW YOU MAY PARTICIPATE IN PLANNING FOR A NEW DEKALB! Thank you.
The following are bills that have been introduced and may be reviewed on the General Assembly web site by Bill number:
HB 22---Primary Sponsor Mary Margaret Oliver. HB 22 sets out additional procedures and enhanced financial requirements for creation of new cities.
HB 619—Primary Sponsor Mary Margaret Oliver. HB 619 passed in 2013 and allows an area in unincorporated DeKalb that adjoins Chamblee to vote to be annexed into Chamblee
HB 665—Primary Sponsor Mary Margaret Oliver. HB 665 is a placemholder bill to create new city of Briarcliff/Druid Hills.
HB 677—Primary Sponsor Billy Mitchell. HB 677 would create a new city of Tucker.
HB 687---Primary Sponsor Pam Stephenson. HB 687 limits the ability to annex new areas to existing cities by geography.
SB 270—Primary Sponsor Fran Millar. SB 270 would create city of Lakeside
SB 275—Primary Sponsor Jason Carter. SB 275 would create new city of LaVista Hills.
SB 278---Primary Sponsor Ron Ramsey. SB 278 would create new city of Stonecrest.

MMO and Rep. John Lewis at Colbert fundraiser
April 21, 2013

MMO was a guest for lunch with Congressman John Lewis and Congressional candidate Elizabeth Colbert Busch, who is running against former Gov. Sanford of South Carolina. Congressman Lewis talked about Elizabeth's father and knowing him in years past, not about her more famous brother, Steve. She was moved and appropriately grateful for Congressman Lewis' support. He will be campaigning personally for her in the Charleston district for the upcoming special election. More women in Congress---YES!

Final Newsletter of 2013 session
April 19, 2013

Note meeting sponsored by DeKalb Legislators who have sponsored cityhood or annexation bills. Clairmont Hills Baptist Church, May 6, 6:30-8:30 PM.

April 18, 2013 – 2013 GENERAL ASSEMBLY FINAL WRAP-UP -- SINE DIE!

This is Mary Margaret Oliver’s FINAL WRAP-UP email newsletter for the 2013 General Assembly Session which convened January 14, 2013 and adjourned at midnight March 28. If you do not want to receive this email newsletter please visit my web-site at http://www.marymargaretoliver.org to unsubscribe.

Also, to follow MMO’s legislative work and learn about opportunities to participate please friend her on Facebook and follow her Tweets. Thank you for your interest!

MEETING ON CITYHOOD BILLS – On May 6, from 6:30 to 8:30 pm, members of the DeKalb delegation who have introduced new cityhood or annexation bills will hold a Town hall Meeting at the Clairmont Hills Baptist Church at the corner of Clairmont and North Druid Hills to discuss all the bills introduced, including provisions for Druid Hills, Lavista Hills, Tucker, Lakeside, and the City of DeKalb. Please come, learn about your options and how you may participate in a broad discussion about DeKalb governance. More details about this meeting will be forth coming in future notices, but please put this date on your calendar. Thank you for your interest! .

THE GOOD, THE BAD AND THE UGLY

GOOD DEEDS OF THE 2013 SESSION

HB 242 and HB 349 Passage —Final passage of the Juvenile Court Code re-write combined with the positive proposals from the Governor’s Council on Criminal Justice Reform are substantial good acts from the 2013 General Assembly. As with all legislation, time and energy must now turn to implementation strategies. I will be encouraging DeKalb County Juvenile Court leaders to apply for pilot project money from the approximate 6 Million dollars the Governor and General Assembly budget will commit to fund local programs for lower risk juvenile offenders in lieu of secure detention in state youth jails. Savings from a reduced population in the state’s YDCs can be redirected in the future to more effective programing, with lower recidivism rates. A major focus in the newly funded pilot programs will be the mandate that projects be effective in an provable, evidence based review. Proving effectiveness of appropriated money is a valuable provision and will set standards for future work.

HB 21 Passage – MMO’s bill introduced on behalf of Judge Michael Key and others to authorize Post Adoption Contact Agreements passed both Chambers and is on the Governor’s desk for signature and final passage. I will be working with private DFCS leaders, adoption agencies, private attorneys, and Adoptees on how best to implement this new policy, particularly focusing on foster care children. We know from other states' experiences with PACA and from research that voluntarily agreed upon exchanges of information between Adoptees and members of birth families can support adoptions from the beginning and ongoing. Thank you to all the folks who helped with the huge amount of work to pass this important legislation, with special thanks to Kirsten Widner and the excellent law student help from the Barton Child Law and Advocacy Center at Emory University School of Law.

HB 142 Passage – Passage of HB 142 placing a cap of $75.00 on gifts to legislators and implementing other ethics reform proposals is more good than bad. There are many additional provisions of gift limitations that I would have supported, but passage of HB 142 is an important step, and represents progress. There is clearly more work to do, and I am ready for new efforts, but after 10 years of proposing limitations on gifts to legislators, I am pleased with at least a cap. Restoring to the Ethics commission the authority to issue rules and regulations, and limiting reimbursement of travel expenses are also helpful steps.

BAD DEEDS OF THE 2013 LEGISLATION SESSION

HB 122 – As an add-on to a good bill about the sex offender panel bill, the Department of Corrections successfully led effort to make a state secret of the way in which death penalty offenders are executed. The pharmacy “cocktail” of drugs used in executions has been subject to litigation, and the participation of the large pharmaceutical companies in authorizing and sale of drugs, is now a “state secret” which I believe is a violation of Georgia’s Open Records Act. This amendment was added on the House floor without any earlier debate in committee, and was never introduced as a separate bill. It represents a poor process and the reality that its implementation will cause more litigation for all concerned---including the victim's families.

THE UGLY

Although efforts were unsuccessful, to the credit of the many, strong attempts were made to eliminate medical coverage for abortion services for 650,000 beneficiaries of the state health benefit package–hugely controversial, which the Governor says he now supports. Finally, the gun legislation debates as set forth in HB 512 and SB 101 were very depressing and ugly. Toward the end of the debates, however, the private colleges (Emory and Agnes Scott as examples) were exempt from “guns on campus” provisions and allowed to make decisions on their own private property. Nothing passed in 2013 on guns on campuses, in churches, or in more bars, but the debate will return next year without doubt.

One more question and you decide the category of good, bad or ugly–Did the 2013 General Assembly do anything positive for public education, or only continue to support private education scholarships and options?

My opinions, WHAT DO YOU THINK?

Also, for any question you may have, hit reply, or feel free to email me at mmo@mmolaw.com.

MMO Legislative Activities:

Since the Session, MMO has spoken to the Family Law Section of the Atlanta Bar Association on the Session’s family law legislation, the Judicial Council (invited by Chief Justice Carol Hunstein), and the Dresden Neighborhood Association. On behalf of the Governor’s Council on Criminal Justice Reform, MMO accepted an award from the Georgia Justice Project, and attended the Georgia Holocaust Annual Days of Remembrance Ceremony at the Capitol. MMO’s Facebook documents many of her daily visits and activities. This weekend, MMO is supporting and attending the Druid Hills Tour of Homes–please come and enjoy the tour, which includes lectures and an antique car show!

MMO introduced HB 619 and passed through both Chambers, to allow two precincts north of I 85 decide by a voter referendum if they wish to be annexed into the City of Chamblee. She is arguing with the Governor’s legal counsel about whether this bill violated Senate rules in passage and whether the Governor will veto or sign the bill. Stay tuned. And, she is making plans for an assortment of Session follow-up work and will report on these activities more in the future.

PLEASE LOOK FOR MORE DETAILS ON THE CITYHOOD TOWN HALL ON MAY 6! MORE TO COME!

Capitol visits and Speaking engagements

If you would like MMO to visit your group to talk about legislative issues, or visit the Capitol during a Session, please let her know.
Thank you !!

MARY MARGARET
Law office 404 377 0485
Legislative office 404 656 0265
CLOB 604
Atlanta, Georgia 30334
mmo@mmolaw.com

MMO quoted in article on options for DeKalb residents on cityhood and annexation
April 4, 2013

MMO files cityhood (HB 665) and education (HB 669) for post Session discussion
March 26, 2013

MMO introduces HB 665 providing opportunity for DeKalb citizens to create new city
March 26, 2013

MMO introduced HB 665 to give DeKalb citizens in Druid Hills and Briarcliff neighborhoods an opportunity to analyze and possibly create a new city. House rules require that new cities be created over a two year process and HB 655 is a "placeholder" bill that begins the discussion. If citizens wish to finance and organize their neighborhoods into a new city in the 2014 session, then they now have that chance. Let the conversation begin! Please participate!

MMO 7th Legislative newsletter
March 23, 2013

ry Margaret Oliver ---- GIRL SCOUTS AT THE CAPITOL!!!!

Law office: 404.377.0485
Legislative office: 404.656.0265 Coverdell Legislative Office Building

March 23, 2013 – MMO LEGISLATIVE NEWSLETTER
2013 GENERAL DOWN TO FINAL THREE DAYS!

This is Mary Margaret Oliver’s SIXTH email newsletter for the 2013 General Assembly Session which convened January 14, 2013 and has completed 37 of its forty days of work. If you do not want to receive this email newsletter please visit my web-site at http://www.marymargaretoliver.org to unsubscribe.

Also, to follow MMO’s legislative work and receive more updates on the 2013 Session, please friend her on Facebook and follow her Tweets. Thank you for your interest!
In each newsletter, I ask how you would vote on a pending bill or budget item. Thank you for your opinions and guidance!

SIXTH newsletter question:

Would you support funding a Venture Capital fund from Tobacco settlement payments for investors to come to Georgia to start high tech companies?

For over two decades Georgia has funded the Research Alliance to support research projects
in six public and private universities in Georgia. Emory and Georgia Tech have been recipients of these funds, and in addition Georgia Department of Economic Development in many ways provides financial incentives for new businesses to come here. Also, for many years, the national tobacco settlement funds have come to Georgia and are distributed throughout the budget including major contributions to One Georgia, a special economic development fund, originally designed to assist south Georgia tobacco counties.

The proposal for a high tech venture capitalist budget item, to be funded by One Georgia, is part of the Fiscal Year 2014 Budget Discussion. Is this a good use of tobacco settlement funds? Can we lure venture capitalists to Georgia effectively, and convince them to invest here, hopefully through our university research offerings?

WHAT DO YOU THINK?

To reply to the weekly question about a Venture Capitalist Fund please click “reply” or message me on my web site at http://www.marymargaretoliver.org. Also, for any question you may have, feel free to email me at mmo@mmolaw.com.http://www.marymargaretoliver.org/

MMO Legislative Activities:

MMO’s HB 21 passed the Senate Judiciary Committee and initially received positive support in Senate Rules. In the last 24 hours, we have learned, however, that a former Governor has personally intervened to stop final passage on the Senate floor. This opposition comes totally out of the blue and reflects the mystery of the democratic process. MMO has not given up and will keep fighting for good adoption legislation in HB 21. Stay tuned!

MMO introduced HB 619, which has passed the House to allow two precincts north of I
85 decide by a voter referendum if they wish to be annexed into the City of Chamblee.

Also, introduced this week, to be studied over the summer, is HB 632 offered by the State Bar of Georgia relating to testamentary guardian procedures. MMO was asked by the State Bar Family Law and Fiduciary Law sections of the Bar to file this legislation.

On Monday March 25, MMO will file a “place holder” bill to allow residents of Druid Hills and other neighborhoods the opportunity to decide whether they wish to be consider a new DeKalb County City in the 2014 Session. We anticipate other groups in the Lakeside and Tucker areas will also file similar bills in order to have ongoing discussion over the summer. To create new cities, legislation must be filed in one year in order to be voted on in the next year. In future newsletters MMO will discuss the procedures more fully in hopes that there will be a robust discussion on how citizens wish to be governed. This is important question for the voters, not elected politicians.

Best news of the week --- Criminal Justice Reform legislation unanimously passed the Senate on Thursday! HB 242 contain excellent reforms for juvenile justice and sets forth a new comprehensive Juvenile Court Code, and represents many years of work

Worst news of the week – Gun legislation allowing guns on campuses, in churches, on in bars passed the House again on Friday, and will be in conference with the Senate for passage of something allowing more guns, more places by the end of Day 40. The Georgia Board of Regents opposes guns on campus.

MMO presented to a Conference this week at Emory on Critical Health decisions with Ken Thorp and Art Kellerman. Thank you, Kathy Kinlaw, and the Emory Ethics Center, for this excellent conference.

And, thank you Girl Scouts from Immaculate Heart of Mary for visiting your Capitol this week!

Capitol visits and Speaking engagements

MMO continues to host pages from District 82, and children twelve years and older are eligible. Please let her know if your child would like to page on the House floor.
If you would like MMO to visit your group to talk about legislative issues, or visit the Capitol during a Session, please let her know.
Thank you !!

MARY MARGARET
Law office 404 377 0485
Legislative office 404 656 0265
CLOB 604
Atlanta, Georgia 30334
mmo@mmolaw.com

MMO meets with Girl Scouts from Immaculate Heart of Mary School
March 20, 2013

MMO relived her girl Scout days when she was visited at the Capitol by 25 Girl Scouts from Immaculate Heart of Mary School. They had a big day getting picture made with Governor, meeting the Lt. Governor, visiting with Rep. Scott Holcomb and getting autographs from the House Doorkeeper and Clerk of the House, Robbie Rivers. Wish more groups would come visit us. Just call our office to arrange.

March 13 is a big day
March 14, 2013

Governor Deal appointed the six new members of the DeKalb School Board in the morning and in the afternoon MMO's House Bill 21 on post adoption agreements was passed by the Senate Judiciary Committee. Thank you Sen. McKoon. The same Senate Judiciary Committee also passed House Bill 242, Juvenile Justice Reform. Congratulations to Chairman Wendell Willard for all of his hard work. A good day.

6th Legislative Newsletter
March 10, 2013

Mary Margaret Oliver -- HOUND DOG BOBO SLEEPS THROUGH CROSSOVER DAY! UNCONCERNED?
Law office: 404.377.0485
Legislative office: 404.656.0265 Coverdell Legislative Office Building

March 9, 2013 – MMO LEGISLATIVE NEWSLETTER
CROSSOVER DAY OVER! 2013 GENERAL HAS ASSEMBLY
TEN DAYS TO GO!

This is Mary Margaret Oliver’s SIXTH email newsletter for the 2013 General Assembly Session which convened January 14, 2013 and has completed 30 of its forty days of work. If you do not want to receive this email newsletter please visit my web-site at http://www.marymargaretoliver.org to unsubscribe.

Also, to follow MMO’s legislative work and receive more updates on the 2013 Session, please friend her on Facebook and follow her Tweets. Thank you for your interest!
In each newsletter, I ask how you would vote on a pending bill or budget item. Thank you for your opinions and guidance!

Sixth Newsletter Question:

Would you vote for HB 512 which passed the House this week to expand gun rights to carry concealed weapons into churches and onto college campuses, except for dorms and fraternity and sorority houses?

The House voted for HB 512 overwhelmingly, based on a Republican majority vote. Only three of 119 Republicans voted no, and only two Democrats voted yes. The Senate has passed another strong bill expanding gun carrying rights, and a possible combined bill may pass in the final ten days of the Session. I voted no, and spoke against HB 512 on the House floor, on behalf of Emory and other constituent voices, citing facts of history relating to gun control and the current imbalance of the debate that is driven by the NRA and GeorgiaCarry.org.

WHAT DO YOU THINK?

To reply to the weekly question about HB 512 and gun control, please click “reply” or message me on my web site at http://www.marymargaretoliver.org. Also, for any question you may have, feel free to email me at mmo@mmolaw.com. The specific language of HB 512 or any other bill may be found on the Georgia General Assembly web site.

MMO Legislative Activities:
Much of MMO’s legislative work is spent of local issues, matters directly impacting House District 82. The following are current local issues that are hot and requiring time and attention:

DeKalb School Board Removal – MMO and the DeKalb delegation have met personally with Governor Deal to discuss his decision to accept the State Board of Education’s recommendation to remove six of the DeKalb School Board members. This week, Governor Deal gave us the list of 403 citizens who have applied to serve as appointed members to replace the removed members before the list was made public. We are also meeting with the Nominating Committee this weekend to review the names and make our suggestions. MMO anticipates the Governor’s committee will move quickly to give the Governor names for consideration and new Board members will be appointed by the end of the week. MMO supports the Governor’s decisions to remove Board members and to move quickly. The legal proceedings will be ongoing, but the Governor is not enjoined from making new appointments. MMO also supports and is co-sponsor of HB 468 which prohibits removed or sanctioned School Board members from using taxpayer money to pay for attorneys to stop their personal removal from the Board.

HB 474, Druid Hills Protection of Georgia Historic Preservation Commission Districts — This week, the House Judiciary Committee voted to table HB 474, which guts the Georgia Historic Preservation Commission Act to assist one developer attempting to override Druid Hills Historic Commission rulings on a Clifton Road property. The issue may continue to be raised in the next ten days in the form of amendments to other bills, and MMO and many others are watching closely for any such attempts. There are 138 Historic Preservation Districts in Georgia, and many others are concerned about HB 474 dramatic negative impact on local control and zoning issues.

HB 481 Relating to Embryo Scientific Research ---MMO was appointed to a Special Committee of the House Judiciary Committee to hear testimony on HB 481, entitled the “Ethical Treatment of Human Embryos Act”. Similar to past political and faith-based discussions on stem cell research, Emory scientists have an interest in prohibitions on specific cellular research that make scientists subject to criminal sanctions. The hearing was lengthy and confusing and did not answer what exact research tools would be banned under the possible passage of HB 481. The debate will continue over the summer and fall, and MMO will continue to serve on the special committee that directly involves Emory’s research work on cancer and multiple sclerosis among other illnesses.

AGL Regulator Substation Construction -- Many neighbors in the north Clairmont and Tanglewood Road area are concerned about a major AGL construction project, and MMO is communicating on a frequent basis with Atlanta Gas Light and the Public Service Commission on safety issues being raised. A gas leak occurring yesterday and shutting down neighborhood roads did not help feelings of insecurity.

DeKalb Cityhood and Annexations – There are many ongoing discussions about possible new cities in DeKalb, and MMO is working with constituents in the Dresden neighborhoods on their wishes to me annexed into Chamblee. Local legislation will be introduced this week for the voters in this area to decide their fate. Part of the impetus of this annexation is the wish to be protected from inclusion in a possible new City of Lakeside. Talks will continue on all these boundary issues and self determination questions. On a procedural issue, any group seeking to create a new city must file a “placeholder” bill in 2013 in order to have an opportunity to pass legislation in 2014 to make a new city a reality by votes of the impacted citizens.

Supplemental and FY 2014 Budget Issues -- MMO serves on the Appropriations Committee and the Supplemental Budget to the 2013 Budget passed both Chambers this week. The only thing the General Assembly is required to do each year is pass a budget, and MMO is involved in budget activity on a daily basis. Of particular interest to HD 82 is the Medical Residency appropriations that impacts Medical training of residents through Emory and Grady Hospitals. MMO continues to question the possible loss of child and Adolescent psychiaric resdiency slots and resulting loss of mental health services for children in DeKalb County. The creation of a new state agency for Behavioral Health has created both opportunites and challenges for children's mental health services. The lack of progress on coordinated or managed care option for foster care children is also an issue in the 2014 Medicaid budget.

Capitol visits and Speaking engagements

MMO continues to host pages from District 82, and children twelve years and older are eligible. Please let her know if your child would like to page on the House floor.
If you would like MMO to visit your group to talk about legislative issues, or visit the Capitol during a Session, please let her know.
Thank you !!

MARY MARGARET
Law office 404 377 0485
Legislative office 404 656 0265
CLOB 604
Atlanta, Georgia 30334
mmo@mmolaw.com

MMO named to Suicide Prevention and Awareness Committee by State Bar of Georgia
March 7, 2013

State Bar tries to take on suicides
Greg Land
2013-02-27 00:00:11

Click here to review the State Bar of South Carolina’s study, “The Lawyers’ Epidemic: Depression, Suicide and Substance Abuse."

The recent suicide of a federal public defender in the State Bar of Georgia parking deck served as a tragic exclamation point for an effort by bar associations in Georgia and elsewhere to stem an often-unseen tide of suicides—successful and attempted—among attorneys.

In what she termed a "bizarre, intense" revelation, Georgia Bar President Robin Frazer Clark said investigators determined that at the very time Thomas "Jake" Waldrop was sitting in his car and preparing to take his own life, between 1 and 2 p.m. on Feb. 12, she and the bar's Executive Director Cliff Brashier were having a lengthy conversation about her proposed "How to Save a Life" initiative.

"It's chilling," said Clark. "Literally two minutes after we hung up, Cliff called me back and said, 'I have some very bad news.' We were discussing it while a man was committing suicide in our parking deck."

Clark said she is aware of at least three Georgia lawyers who have taken their own lives in the last nine months, including Waldrop. The suicide of an Emory Law School student last year had already spurred a panel discussion there aimed at throwing light on the stresses that can trigger depression or substance abuse and start a spiral that can, if left unchecked, end in suicide.

Three days after Waldrop's death, Clark named a five-member panel to a new Suicide Prevention and Awareness Committee that was part of her initial plan.

J. Randolph Evans of McKenna Long & Aldridge will chair the panel, which also includes Duane Morris partner and former bar president Bill Barwick; bar executive committee member Elizabeth L. Fite of Kutak Rock; Decatur family law practitioner and state Rep. Mary Margaret Oliver; and Atlanta solo Charles "Chuck" Pekor Jr., who chairs the bar's Lawyer Assistance Program Committee.

The panel's task, according to the appointment letter, is to "develop new means through which to provide Bar members, their families and colleagues with suicide prevention resources and information, including understanding the warning signs, myths and realities, and attorney specific risks."

According to figures circulated at a bar seminar last week, "The Attorney's First Aid Kit," the suicide death rate for lawyers is six times that of the general population, and it is the third-highest cause of death for lawyers.

Attorneys are also among the professionals most prone to suffer from depression, according to course materials. A 2008 review of several studies estimated that of about 1 million lawyers in the United States, 250,000 suffer from some form of depression.

Evans, whose practice includes professional negligence, said his interest in the causes and prevention of suicide began with a client.

"I had a client, an attorney with a potential malpractice claim, and it just consumed him," Evans said. "He had [malpractice] insurance, but this claim was all he could think about. He had a 30- or 40-year practice, and he felt like it was about to collapse around him."

After the client took his own life, Evans said, "I tried to learn everything I could about it. Over my career, I've had a couple of other acquaintances who've attempted suicide; between the career pressures and the economic pressures, people are becoming more susceptible, I think."

Evans said that educating lawyers—as well as their colleagues, friends and families—is key to the program. Other states are already taking the lead in such efforts, he said, and Georgia is learning from their experiences.

"Texas has got a very progressive program and a great video, and some other states do as well; we're trying to collect all of that," said Evans. "Education is really the single most important tool. There are patterns of communication that are pretty clear signs that something is wrong."

According to a 2009 white paper authored by attorney C. Stuart Mauney of Greenville, S.C.'s Gallivan, White & Boyd, "The Lawyers' Epidemic: Depression, Suicide and Substance Abuse," the symptoms of depression include a depressed mood, loss of interest or pleasure, a change in sleeping patterns, fatigue, indecisiveness, feelings of worthlessness or excessive guilt and recurrent thoughts of suicide.

The warning signs of suicide include an unrelenting low mood, pessimism, hopelessness, desperation, anxiety, inner tension, withdrawal and sleep problems.

Alcoholism, according to the paper, is a factor in 30 percent of all completed suicides, it said.

Evans said that, had he been more cognizant of the warning signs, he might have been able to intervene and prevent his former client's suicide.

"If I had only known; there are certain kinds of language patterns, certain kinds of conduct that indicate that they don't see any solution to their problems," he said. "The signs were there, I just didn't see them."

The bar has a 24-hour confidential hotline through its Lawyer Assistance Program that is served by an outside referral service. Attorneys and law students can call 1-800-327-9631 for help. Pekor lauds the service it provides, which includes the availability of round-the-clock professional counselors.

As a member of the LAP Committee for six or seven years, Pekor said he and fellow committee members are often called upon to offer after-hours advice, referrals, or even to drive a troubled lawyer to an emergency Alcoholics Anonymous meeting.

"I get these calls literally at 2 o'clock in the morning," said Pekor. "We have a hotline, but sometimes a lawyer wants to talk to another lawyer. The LAP Committee has a pretty extensive program: You can get counseling, your family and children can get help. We get a lot of calls from family members, and even some from judges who are worried about a lawyer."

"Everything is completely confidential," Pekor emphasized.

Pekor, himself a recovering alcoholic who weathered his own professional and personal turbulence many years ago, said he appreciates the need for a dedicated suicide-oriented program.

"There's not a practicing attorney anywhere, essentially, that doesn't deal with anxiety on a routine basis," said Pekor. "The depression goes hand in hand with that; there's so much stress. … An awful lot of our suicides over the last few years haven't been down and out, or about to be disbarred, they're people from all walks of life, outwardly successful with a good practice."

"Probably 75 percent of those suicides were preventable," Pekor said. "There are a lot of warning signs you can look for, and that's what we're trying to raise awareness of. It's astonishing how much good you can do just talking to someone who's willing to listen."

http://www.law.com/jsp/ga/PubArticleDRO.jsp?id=1202589783901>

Good week at the Capitol
March 4, 2013

Last week was a good week at the Capitol. HB 242, the Juvenile Justice bill, of which MMO is a co-sponsor, passed the House unanimously. This represents years of work by a lot of people.

Then on Friday, MMO's HB 21 covering post adoption agreements passed the House by a vote of 157 to 3.

On to the Senate for both bills.

MMO co-sponsors HB 468
February 27, 2013

Spending taxpayer money to save your elected job to avoid SACS sanctions is just wrong.

HB 21 passes out of committee
February 25, 2013

It was a good day in that HB 21 passed out of the Juvenile Justice Committee with a unanimous vote. A lot of Committee time and effort and input from a lot of smart people helped move this needed legislation along.

Governor suspends 6 members of DeKalb Board of Education
February 25, 2013

Even though it is a sad day for DeKalb County, MMO believes that the Governor did what he had to do - to accept the recommendation of the State Board of Education. This gives us the opportunity to move forward to secure accreditation which is our goal.

MMO interviewed on Channel 2 regarding Bishop Wright's message
February 21, 2013

MMO introduces Bishop Rob Wright as Chaplain for the Day
February 21, 2013

MMO was proud to introduce as Chaplain of the Day, Bishop Rob Wright, to give the morning devotional to the House of Representatives. Bishop Wright gave his very timely concerns on guns and challenged the legislators to be courageous! Thank you, Bishop Wright for unnerving a few of my friends WHO prefer different messages from the pulpit.

MMO hosts Decatur Town Hall meeting
February 16, 2013

Sen. Jason Carter, Rep. Howard Mosby, Rep. Rahn Mayo and MMO hosted a Decatur Town Hall meeting on Feb. 13. Good discussion on a variety of topics that we all hope was helpful for our constituents.

MMO introduces House Bill 136 to insure consistency in monitoring wet coal ash ponds
February 15, 2013

PRESS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Contact: J.D. Easley
Friday, February 15, 2013
(404) 656-0311

john.easley@house.ga.gov.easley

Rep. Oliver Introduces Legislation Aimed Regulating Georgia’s Solid Waste Management

ATLANTA – State Representative Mary Margaret Oliver (D-Decatur) today announced the introduction of House Bill 136. This legislation would make Georgia’s wet and dry ash waste created by coal burning power plants monitored in a more consistent way.
“We must pay extra attention to this matter,” said Rep. Oliver. “Georgia’s statutes are inconsistent right now, and Georgia Power has a big job ahead of itself as it goes about closing coal ponds.”
Coal burning plants produce both dry and wet coal ash. Although Georgia’s Solid Waste Treatment Act requires monitoring of dry ash ponds to ensure that they do not contaminate the local water supply, the act does not apply to wet coal ash. As a result, wet ash ponds in Georgia are monitored inconsistently based on size and Georgia’s Safe Dam Act.
HB 136 would correct the inconsistency in state law by requiring all coal ash ponds to obtain a permit from Georgia’s Environmental Protection Division (EPD). To receive an EPD permit, the pond would need to have an adequate ground-water monitoring system. This measure will thus ensure that both dry and wet ash ponds are monitored. HB 136 would also require all new coal ash ponds constructed after January 1, 2014, to include liners that prevent environmental contamination.
The introduction of HB 136 comes on the heels of Georgia Power announcing earlier this year that the company will be closing 15 coal and oil-fired units at plants throughout the state. Georgia Power is taking the units offline to comply with federal rules aimed at reducing air pollution. While these closures will reduce the amount of coal ash generated in Georgia, it also raises issues concerning the long term storage of existing ash in the closing units.
“This bill is timely and important because Georgia Power is preparing to shut down about half of its coal burners and will have to figure out what to do with their coal ash ponds. This legislation will provide needed direction for Georgia power and further protection of our water,” added Rep. Oliver.
Coal ash is the waste byproduct that remains after coal is burned. It includes fly ash, bottom ash, and boiler slag residue. Coal burning plants typically store coal ash in landfills and surface impoundments, like ponds, pits, or lagoons.
According to the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), coal ash contains a broad range of metals, including arsenic, selenium, cadmium, lead, and mercury. While the concentrations of these metals are generally low, the EPA warns that coal ash may cause a risk to human health and the environment if it is not properly managed. The EPA considers proper management to include the use of lined storage units.
Georgia generates over 3.1 million tons of coal ash per year, making it the 13th highest generator of coal ash in the country. This coal ash is stored in a total of 28 ponds at 10 power plants throughout the state. According to a 2007 EPA risk assessment, 11 of these ponds are unlined. Of these 11 unlined ponds, 10 do not have leachate collection systems to remove environmentally harmful substances for treatment and disposal, and 9 of the 11 unlined ponds do not have any groundwater monitoring.
For more information on HB 136, please click here.

Representative Mary Margaret Oliver represents the citizens of District 82, which includes portions of DeKalb County. She was elected into the House of Representatives in 2002, and she currently serves on the Appropriations, Governmental Affairs, Judiciary, Juvenile Justice, and Science & Technology committees.

MMO's advantage at having a front row seat to see Preident in Decatur
February 15, 2013

MMO and POTUS

MMO on WXIA talking about Georgia's leaderhip role in pre-K education
February 15, 2013

MMO discusses new DeKalb School Superintendent
February 15, 2013

More to come...

REMINDER - TOWN HALL MEETING
February 7, 2013

Join Rep. Rahn Mayo, Rep. Howard Mosby, Sen. Jason Carter and me Wednesday, Feb. 13, 6:30 to 8:00 at Decatur City Hall to hear about what is happening in the Legislative session and to let us hear from you. See you there.

MMO wants people to know what HB 22 is written to accomplish
February 4, 2013

I've been hearing from folks and reading some things that lead me to believe that the intent of HB 22 needs to be spelled out. The following does just that.

This is Mary Margaret Oliver and I reside in unincorporated DeKalb, not a city, and have for my entire life. I am a graduate of Druid Hills High School and have represented parts of DeKalb County in the State House of Representatives and State Senate for most of the years since 1987.

The current process by which Dunwoody and Brookhaven have taken choice high dollar value commercial property into new cities, leaving all of the rest of the county with increased financial challenges, is flawed. I believe new cities are coming to DeKalb, and the purpose of HB 22 is to improve the process and add requirements of financial viability and values of economic development that are positive for the entire county population. I may even vote for a new city at some point in the future for my middle area of DeKalb. At present, I am concerned about how we are proceeding, and the energy spent on accusations, instead of the tough economic and planning tasks that are involved in creating a new city.

If I were authorized personally, I would design new cities for all the county that would fairly distribute the population and tax base at one time, and allow citizens to vote on a comprehensive plan--a possible goal of HB 22. In voting for possible new cities, they could vote for a plan in which they decide what services they want new cities to provide and what services they want to purchase from the county. Such a process might encourage all of DeKalb at one time to decide on its governance structures that best suit them personally and all of us together. The process of creating new cities does not have to be piecemeal, and should be done in one big conversation and analysis. This would be my personal preference.

I am happy to discuss any of these issues with you if you would like to call or email me. Thank you for your interest.

Mary Margaret
mmo@mmolaw.com
404-656-0265 Legislative Office

MMO's 3rd e-mail newsletter of the session
February 2, 2013

Mary Margaret Oliver
Law office: 404.377.0485
Legislative office: 404.656.0265 Coverdell Legislative Office Building
Suite 604
Atlanta, Georgia 30334 mail to: mmo@mmolaw.com

February 2, 2013 – HAPPY GROUND HOG DAY1 2013 GENERAL ASSEMBLY CONVENED JANUARY 14
AND HAS MET NINE DAYS!

This is Mary Margaret Oliver’s THIRD email newsletter for the 2013 General Assembly Session which convened January 14, 2013 and has completed nine of its forty days of work. If you do not want to receive this email newsletter please visit my web-site at http://www.marymargaretoliver.org to unsubscribe.

Also, to follow MMO’s legislative work and receive more updates on the 2013 Session, please friend her on Facebook and follow her Tweets. Thank you for your interest!

In each newsletter, I ask how you would vote on a pending bill or budget item. I am very grateful for your thoughtful responses and I personally read all your answers. Thank you for your opinions and guidance!
Third newsletter question:
Would you vote to create additional financial responsibilities and analysis before citizen groups would be allowed to create new cities by referendum of the voters?
I have introduced HB 22 to create additional responsibilities for citizen groups to ask voters to create new cities. The purpose of additional procedures is to strengthen financial accountability and analysis of comparative costs for counties and cities to deliver services. Also, HB 22 would require new cities to create some form of county-wide cityhood proposal if 25% of the county is already in cities. The intended purpose of HB 22 is to make decisions for new cities based on more real economic impact factors, and to improve planning and economic development.. The argument against HB 22 is that it would create barriers to new cities. WHAT DO YOU THINK?

To reply to the weekly question about HB 22, please click “reply” or message me on my web site at http://www.marymargaretoliver.org. Also, for any question you may have, feel free to email me at mmo@mmolaw.com.http://www.marymargaretoliver.org/

MMO Legislative Activities: MMO has filed HB 136 to require wet coal ash ponds resulting from coal fire plants in Georgia be regulated and monitored in the same manner as dry coal ash ponds under the Georgia Solid Waste Treatment Act. There is federal scrutiny and pending federal regulations on wet coal ash ponds and the Georgia wet coal ash ponds are treated differently under Georgia law. Some ponds require ground water testing by Georgia Power, the entity that creates all coal ash ponds from its plants, and some do not. Also this week, neighboring citizens of Georgia Power Plant Scherer have filed suit over alleged ground water pollution from wet coal ash ponds. This issue is pretty hot currently, and HB 136 attempts to make monitoring and protection of water resources consistent. You may review HB 136 and any other bill filed in the 2013 Session on the General Assembly web site. http://www.legis.state.ga.us. HB 136 has been assigned to the Natural Resources Committee, and additional updates will be provided on MMO’s Facebook and web site www.marymargaretoliver.org.

MMO has participated in the last two weeks in Appropriation Committee hearings. She has been assigned by Speaker David Ralston, in addition to the Appropriations Committee, also to Judiciary, Governmental Affairs, Science and Technology, and Juvenile Justice Committees--all excellent assignments. All committees have met, organized and have begun hearing new bills. All committee meetings are open to the public and may be viewed on-line live on the General Assembly web site. Please visit your Capitol or Tune in!

Capitol visits and Speaking engagements – MMO, Representatives Howard Mosby, Rahn Mayo, and Senator Jason Carter will hold a Town hall meeting on Wednesday night, February 13, 6:30 to 8:00 pm, at Decatur City Hall. Please attend and tell us what you think!

MMO visited recently with Nursing students from Emory on Nurses Day at the Capitol and Barton Child Law and Policy Center law students who are working on HB 21 on post adoption agreements. She hosted Ella Biehn as a Page for the House–thank you Ella for your service! National Poet Laureate Natasha Tretheway was a big hit with the House and MMO and she personally met with Governor Deal who presented Natasha with his formal Commendation.
If you would like MMO to visit your group to talk about legislative issues, or visit the Capitol during a Session, please let her know.
Thank you !!

MARY MARGARET
Law office 404 377 0485
Legislative office 404 656 0265
CLOB 604
Atlanta, Georgia 30334
mmo@mmolaw.com

Discussion of DeKalb County organization is ongoing
January 30, 2013

MMO hosting Town hall meeting in Decatur February 13
January 30, 2013

MMO quoted in AJC article on new Chair of Science and Technology Committee
January 23, 2013

2013 Legislative session convenes. MMO pre-files HB 21 and HB 22
January 21, 2013

HB 21 deals with post-adoption agreements and HB 22 deals with the municipalization process. Much discussion to be had.

Second MMO newsletter of the 2013 session
January 21, 2013

Go to Media section to read MMO's second newsletter of the 2013 session and answer her question about what the State Board of Education should do about the DeKalb School Board.

Article in Daily Report on HB 21
January 15, 2013

The discussion begins...

Unfortunately, the Daily Report article is hidden behind a subscription firewall. Click on Facebook logo on my home page a read the article there.

MMO on VOICES panel to preview upcoming children's legislative issues for 2013 session
January 9, 2013

MMO joined other legislators yesterday at the Capitol on a panel sponsored by VOICES to preview children's legislative issues in the 2013 General Assembly session. The crowd was huge! She talked about the Juvenile Justice recommendations from the Criminal Justice Reform Commission and HB 21, which she has pre-filed, that deals with post adoption contracts.

Criminal Justice Reform Commission Report issued
December 20, 2012

I have served on Gov. Deal's Criminal Justice Reform Commission for a second year and have learned about the challenges and am also proud of the progress that we made last year. This year's report, which mainly focuses on Juvenile Justice issues, offers strong and positive proposals for the Governor and General Assembly to pass in the 2013 Session. Please follow this legislative action and help your elected officials pay attention and vote as you wish them to.

First MMO Newsletter of 2013 Session
December 18, 2012

Go to Media page to read MMO's first newsletter and provide your answer to her question of what you think about using $300,000,000 in hotel/motel tax to fund a new stadium for the Falcons.

MMO quoted in AJC article discussing budget disaster at rape crisis centers.
December 17, 2012

DeKalb House delegation to hold three town hall meetings prior to 2013 Legislative session
December 12, 2012

We will be talking about the upcoming Legislative session and want to hear our constituents' concerns. Please plan on coming to one of the sessions.

MEDIA ADVISORY

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Contact: J.D. Easley
Tuesday, December 11, 2012
(404) 656-0311

john.easley@house.ga.gov.easley

UPDATE: DeKalb County Delegation to Hold Series of Town Hall Meetings

ATLANTA – The DeKalb County Legislative Delegation of the Georgia House of Representatives will hold three upcoming town hall meetings: Thursday, December 13th at 6:30 PM, Tuesday, January 8th at 6:30 PM, and Thursday, January 10th at 6:00 PM. The meeting originally scheduled for Thursday, January 3rd at Maloof Auditorium has been rescheduled for Thursday, January 10th and will now be held in Rebekah Scott Hall at Agnes Scott College.
The purpose of these meetings is to discuss important issues and initiatives likely to come before the General Assembly in the 2013 Legislative Session. The delegation would also like to hear comments and concerns from their constituents as they prepare for the upcoming legislative session. All DeKalb County residents are strongly encouraged to attend.

WHO: Rep. Dar’shun Kendrick (D-Lithonia)
Rep. Pat Gardner (D-Atlanta)

Rep. Mike Jacobs (R-Atlanta)

Rep. Scott Holcomb (D-Atlanta)

Rep. Stacey Abrams (D-Atlanta)

Rep. Karla Drenner (D-Avondale Estates)

Rep. Billy Mitchell (D-Stone Mountain)

Rep. Simone Bell (D-Atlanta)

Rep. Tom Taylor (R-Dunwoody)

Rep. Mary Margaret Oliver (D-Decatur)

Rep. Michele Henson (D-Stone Mountain)

Rep. Ernest “Coach” Williams (D-Avondale Estates)

Rep. Howard Mosby (D-Atlanta)

Rep. Pam Stephenson (D-Atlanta)

Rep. Rahn Mayo (D-Decatur)

Rep. Dee Dawkins-Haigler (D-Lithonia)

Rep. Elect Tonya Anderson (D-Lithonia)

Rep. Elect Karen Bennett (D-Stone Mountain)

WHAT: Town Hall Meetings to inform residents of DeKalb County about the upcoming 2013 legislative session of the Georgia General Assembly.

FIRST EVENT:
WHEN: Thursday, December 13, 2012
6:30 PM

WHERE: Cross Keys High School
1626 N Druid Hills Rd NE
Atlanta, GA 30319

SECOND EVENT:
WHEN: Tuesday, January 8, 2013
6:30 PM

WHERE: Porter Sanford Center
3181 Rainbow Drive
Decatur, GA 30034

THIRD EVENT:
WHEN: Thursday, January 10, 2013
6:00 PM

WHERE: Agnes Scott College
Rebekah Scott Hall
141 East College Avenue
Decatur, GA 30030

###

MMO prefiles two bills in the House for consideration in the 2013 General Assembly Session
December 6, 2012

HB 21 deals with open adoptions and post-adoption contracts. Click on headline for link to Clerk's office and to view bill.

HB 22 provides additional procedures for creating new cities. Click below for link to Clerk's Office and to view bill.
http://www.legis.ga.gov/Legislation/en-US/display/20132014/HB/22

MMO looking at possible legislation to assist adoption families
November 4, 2012

What do you think about Post Adoption Contracts between adoptive parents and birth parents? I have made two presentations at Continuing Legal Education seminars in the last week to adoption and child advocate lawyers on how Georgia treats these voluntary agreements. Stay tuned for a larger important discussion on possible new legislation to assist adoption families -- parents and child. Let me hear from you about this.

Ethics disclosure on the way for 2013 General Assembly session
October 14, 2012

MMO looks forward to progress...finally!

MMO reads "Pete the Cat" to College Heights Pre K students
October 10, 2012

MMO reading

I enjoyed reading "Pete the Cat" to pre-k students last week at Decatur's College Heights Child Care Center---congratulations Decatur and Georgia's pre-k program! 150 legislators, plus Governor and Mrs. Deal, also visited four year old programs across the state last week.

MMO falsley accused of hypocrisy
July 27, 2012

Ethics Chair accuses legislators signing a pledge to cap lobbyists' gifts of hypocrisy because they violated disclosure rules? Except, in my case, I violated no ethics rules. Whoops. Name calling is bad form in the southern gentlemen world, particularly on wrong facts.

Joe--your apology for calling me a hypocrite for wanting to cap lobbyist gifts will be accepted upon delivery of a flower bouquet--as long as you buy the flowers and not a lobbyist. I prefer roses.

AJC examining HB 535 and funding issues for State's Veterans' nursing homes
July 7, 2012

It is good that the AJC is examining HB 535, which I sponsored, and funding issues for the State's Veterans' nursing homes. When the State homes start accepting Medicaid and Medicare funding, the next steps, then Georgia can serve more veterans. More work is needed.

MMO told to do her job by DeKalb BOE head Dr. Walker. She is doing her job.
June 18, 2012

MMO files complaint with Attorney General alleging DeKalb School Bd. violation of Open Meetings Law
June 5, 2012

MMO unopposed for 82nd District election
May 24, 2012

Qualifying for election for House District 82 ended at noon today, and I am unopposed! I am so fortunate and grateful and look forward to the privilege of representing the newly drawn House District in middle DeKalb County for another term. House District 82 includes parts of Decatur, Druid Hills, Emory University campus, Leafmore, Sagamore, Hawthorne, Woodland Hills and Briarcliff Lavista neighborhoods. More work to do and I look forward to the challenges! Thank you for your support and good wishes.

Mary Margaret

MMO qualifies for 82nd District seat
May 23, 2012

I ask for your vote and your good wishes.

Mary Margaret

Governor Deal signs Criminal Justice Reform Bill
May 2, 2012

I attended Governor Deal's press conference and bill signing ceremony today at the Capitol for the Criminal Justice Reform Commission's HB 1176. Governor Deal is reappointing the Commission by Executive Order, and I am one of those who will continue to serve. He is asking that the work go forward with recommendations from the Commission that were not included in HB 1176. Also, the Governor wants the Juvenile Court Code Reform project to be a part of the 2012 and 2013 efforts. I look forward to working with the other Commission members on these efforts. All of this is very positive for our state.

MMO's language added to HB 1176 will increase the number of adults who must report child abuse
April 24, 2012

MMO quoted on ongoing analysis of DFCS funding inequities
April 13, 2012

More important news about DFCS
April 12, 2012

Barton Center Newsletter
April 12, 2012

The Barton Child Law and Policy Center at Emory Law School has the best legislative wrap-up for child related issues for the 2012 General Assembly session.

MARTA woes continue...
April 4, 2012

MMO and Stephanie Stuckey Benfield catch "them" trying to pull a fast one
April 2, 2012

MMO's HB 535 has passed the House and Senate and is headed to Governor for his signature
March 23, 2012

MMO's 6th Legislative e-mail newsletter
March 23, 2012

Description: MMO_EmailMary Margaret Oliver

Law office: 404.377.0485

Legislative office: 404.656.0265 Coverdell Legislative Office Building

Suite 604

Atlanta, Georgia 30334 mail to: mmo@mmolaw.com

March 23, 2012, 2012 – 40 Day Session Completes Day 37

FRIEND ME ON FACEBOOK TO RECEIVE DAILY POSTINGS FROM THE 2012 SESSION!

Link: https://.facebook.com/marymoliver
>

This is Mary Margaret Oliver’s sixth email newsletter for the 2012 General Assembly Session which convened January 9, 2012, and has now completed 37 days of the 40 day session. If you do not want to receive this email newsletter please visit my web-site at http://www.marymargaretoliver.org to unsubscribe.

HOME STRETCH---Thank you for your interest!

In each previous newsletter this Session, I have asked how you would vote on a pending bill or budget item. I am very grateful for your thoughtful responses and I personally read all your answers. THE FOLLOWING IS HOW YOU VOTED:

Would you ban cell phone use for all drivers of cars, not just teenage drivers?

Yes 68% (18% would allow hands free exception)

No 32%

Would you increase the Tobacco tax to $1.00 for a package of cigarettes?

Yes 79%

No 21%

Would you grant an Energy Tax Exemption for Manufacturing?

Yes 32%

No 35%

Undecided 33

Would you vote for no tax changes without comprehensive overhaul?

Yes 55%

No 38%

Undecided 9%

Would you impose an Income cap of $140,000 for HOPE scholarship eligibility?

Yes 62% (51% cap should be less or on a sliding scale depending on income/grades)

No 24%

Undecided 14%

Would you add Clergy and Coaches to list of mandated reporters for suspicious child abuse?

Yes 92%

No 6%

Undecided 2%

Do you think all adults should be mandated child abuse reporters?

Yes 51%

No 42% (44% worried about vindictiveness/false claims)

Undecided 7%

Do you think possession of drugs should be presumed to receive probation instead of prison time?

Yes 95%

Undecided 5% (not enough local resources to handle)

To comment on your “votes” or ask questions, please click “reply” or message me on my web site at http://www.marymargaretoliver.org. Also, for any question you may have, feel free to email me at mmo@mmolaw.com.

MMO Legislative Activities:

Good news to report! On Day 37 of the Session, MMO’s HB 535 passed the Senate and now is on the way to the Governor for his signature. HB 535 grants new authority to the state Veteran’s Administration to participate in additional federal funding streams for the Georgia’s two veteran’s nursing homes. This bill will begin the process, long overdue of modernizing the funding for this service, and MMO will be monitoring the bill’s implementation over the summer. This effort was based on the work of the Appropriations committees and passed with the governor’s support. HB 535 is the first bill of the 2012 Session to be passed by a Democrat.

HB 1176, the Criminal Justice Reform package, passed the House on Thursday with only one “no” vote, and now moves to the Senate. HB 948, authored by MMO, to add clergy and coaches to the list of mandate reporters of child abuse, is included in the bill. These criminal justice reforms may be the most significant action of the 2012 Session.

A tax package has been voted on by both Chambers and also moves to the Governor for final action. HB 386 contains many provisions that were part of the 2011 Tax Reform Council recommendations, but not all, and it is not a comprehensive re-write or modernization of Georgia’s tax structure. But, it does include elimination of the “birthday tax” ad valorem for cars and replaces it with a one time title fee, expands the marriage couple exemption for income tax, grants a energy tax ecemption for manufactures, imposes a limit on the income tax exemption for taxpayers over 65, and recreates the sales tax “holiday” for pre-school shopping. A comprehensive review of this bill may be best found at the http://gbpi.org/bill-analysis-house-bill-386-lc-34-3484s-tax-package. The Georgia Budget and Policy Institute provides an independent review of budget and tax legislation and is an excellent resource.

HOW WOULD YOU HAVE VOTED?

Capitol visits and Speaking engagements – This week international law and graduate students from Emory Law School visited the Capitol along with a special group of AARP members. MMO will speak to Decatur Rotary on April 6 with Senator Jason Carter, and to the Hunting Hill Garden Club in late April. If your group would like to invite MMO to review the 2012 Session, please ask.

Thank you!

MARY MARGARET

Law office 404 377 0485

Legislative office 404 656 0265

CLOB 604

Atlanta, Georgia 30334
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MMO's Juvenile Justice projects for last 10 days of session
March 12, 2012

Passage of the Juvenile Code rewrite will be MMO's highest priority.

DeKalb AARP members visit with MMO at Capitol
March 12, 2012

Drug testing welfare applicants will cost the taxpayers more
March 9, 2012

HB 535 passes. To save State $3-6 million
March 5, 2012

My HB 535 passed the house this afternoon, 147 to 13. The legislation allows state VA to accept Federal monies. Conservative! And there is more work to do to modernize funding for veterans' homes - currently the state VA refuses to accept either Medicare or Medicaid funds to support the 2 veterans' nursing homes in Milledgeville and Augusta. Amazing!.

HB 535 will save between $3-6 million annually.

HB 641 passes 172 to 0
February 29, 2012

HB 641 just passed the House on a vote of 172 to 0. Excellent! Significant progress on a very important issue!

Under Chairman Willard's leadership, I and several of my colleagues presented portions of the Bill on the floor of the House. Congratulations to a lot of very smart people who worked very hard to get this done.

Report of HR 1162 - Authority to Create and Fund Charter Schools
February 22, 2012

Charter Schools, magnet schools, and specially designated curriculum schools have been important to House District 83, and I have been supportive of these alternative approaches consistently. I particularly have tried to assist the International Charter School in Avondale that has served the neighborhood and refugee children for years, and I am glad to report that the DeKalb School Board has approved the International School to occupy Medlock Elementary School beginning in the fall. Medlock Elementary School was otherwise designated to close and stand vacant, and the International School has sought a new home for a long time.

In a past General Assembly session, a bill was passed to allow the State Board of Education to by-pass local School Boards, create charter schools in the School District, and take money from the local Boards to pay for the newly created Charter Schools. This measure was declared unconstitutional by the Georgia Supreme Court, and HR 1162 was offered to overturn this decision. I think the Georgia Supreme Court was correct, on issues of local control of tax monies, and I voted against HR 1162 initially, which did not gain the constitutional majority needed to pass.

This past week, a revised HR 1162 was brought to the House floor, which allowed the state Board of Education to create charter schools, but the new charter school will be paid for by state funds, and not local funds. I voted for this compromise, and I am happy to talk to anyone who may have a question about this compromise and my vote change. Thank you for your interest!

Report of HB 641 - Re-write and Modernization of Georgia's Juvenile Court Code
February 22, 2012

Good news! Many individuals, private funders, Juvenile Court professionals, and child advocates have worked for several years on a major project to update, modernize and improve Georgia's Juvenile Court Code, HB 641. This week, HB 641 passed out of the house Judiciary Committee unanimously, and we anticipate it will be on the House floor soon, perhaps Tuesday, February 28. We all owe particular thanks to Judiciary Chairman Wendell Willard, the Younger Lawyers Section of the State Bar, JustGA, and the Barton Child Law and Policy Center at Emory for the high quality work on this important project. I am a co-sponsor of HB 641, and have worked for its passage consistently for years. It is refreshing to report good news from the State Capitol and I will continue to post progress on this bill. HB 641, like all bills in the General Assembly, can be reviewed in detail on the Georgia General Assembly web site.

HB 630 creating employment protection for gay state employees was tabled
February 22, 2012

MMO voted against tabling the bill and will continue working for its passage.

MMO on WABE discussing timing of a referendum vote on Dekalb School Board size
February 20, 2012

What do you think?

MMO co-sponsors HB 949, easing ballot access for independent and third party candidates
February 20, 2012

E-mail me your thoughts on this.

Conversations continue about the size of the DeKalb School Board
February 20, 2012

The more people who join the discussion, the better. E-mail me with your thoughts.

MMO op-ed in AJC about her HB 948 expanding mandated reporters of child abuse
February 18, 2012

MMO speaks on floor of House opposing HB 636, the Brookhaven/Ashford incorporation bill
February 17, 2012

MMO interviewed on WABE over ongoing work of DeKalb School Board redistricting
February 17, 2012

MMO interviewed on Channel 2 about adoption reimbursement mismanagement
February 17, 2012

MMO awaiting response from DHS on psychtropic driug report from Barton Center at Emory
February 16, 2012

MMO welcomes staff and residents of the Frazer Center on Disability Day at the Georgia State Capitol
February 16, 2012

MMO is a proud member of the Frazer Center Board. All are welcome.

MMO and Sen. Fran Millar meet with parents about Dekalb school board redistricting
February 16, 2012

MMO asks for answers to two questions as redistricting moves forward
February 15, 2012

MMO "I think we're in a ditch right now" on school board redistricting
February 15, 2012

Hearing held on MMO sponsored HB 23 dealing with oversight of psychotropic medications administered
February 10, 2012

MMO and DeKalb Legislators hold Decatur town Hall meeting
February 5, 2012

Click on title to read article and see photos in our Media section.

MMO interview on WSB concerning truancy bill
January 30, 2012

Click on title to see interview on WSB with MMO and Rep. Rahm Mayo concerning their introduction of new truancy legislation.

MMO and Rep. Parent introduce Municipalization legislation
January 30, 2012

Click on above headline to read about HB 830 introduced by MMO and Rep. Elena Parent which will help voters and the General Assembly assess the financial viability of proposed municipalities.

MMO co-sponsors Ethics bill
January 26, 2012

Click on title to view article about MMO's co-sponsorship of Ethics bill.

MMO introduces legislation focusing on truancy
January 26, 2012

Click on title to hear interview with MMO on WABE

MMO in two articles concerning first hearing on incorporation of City of Brookhaven
January 26, 2012

Click headline to see articles in our media section.

Barton Center Newsletter
January 24, 2012

The current newsletter from the Barton Child Law and Policy Center at Emory provides a comprehensive overview of child advocacy efforts being discussed during the 2012 Legislative session.

Second Newsletter for the 2012 General Assembly Session
January 21, 2012

Click on title to read the newsletter in the Media section.

MMO on committees recommending new county commission and school board boundaries
1/21/12

MMO named as one of 175 Emory History Makers.
January 12, 2012

Click for more information in Media section.

DeKalb County Town Hall Meeting
January 11, 2012

State Representative Mary Margaret Oliver (D-Decatur) and State Representative Stephanie Stuckey Benfield (D-Atlanta) will hold a town hall meeting with State Senator Jason Carter (D-Decatur) on Thursday, January 26, at 6:30-8:00 PM at the Decatur City Commission Chamber, 509 North McDonough St. All DeKalb residents are strongly encouraged to attend.

First newsletter for the 2012 General Assembly Session
January 8, 2012

Click to read newsletter in the Media section

NTSB recommendation on cell phone use by drivers
December 18, 2011

MMO was interviewed on Channel 11 last week on the NTSB recommendation that states ban cell phone use by all drivers, not just teenagers. Good article in the New York Times on the issue.

SCHOOLS OF EXCELLENCE
December 15, 2011

Congratulations to Oakgrove Elementary School of the DeKalb County School District and Clairmont Elementary School of the City of Decatur School District for being named two out of twenty-six Schools of Excellence in Georgia!! Wonderful achievements for the 83rd House District -- keep up this exciting progress that is based on the hard work of students, teachers and parents. Good job!!

Longleaf coal fired plant defeated.
December 12. 2011

MMO to focus her efforts on HB 43 which will impose a moratorium on permitting of new coal fired plants, particularly one proposed in Sandersville by a consortium of EMC's.

MMO pre-files HB 671 reducing size of DeKalb School Board
November 23, 2011

By pre-filing this bill MMO is hoping for open discussion leading toward more effective school governance. Read the Press release in our Media Section.

MMO pre-files HB 672 to improve process to create new cities.
November 17, 2011

MMO has pre-filed HB 672 that will require communities to follow a two year process before incorporating as a city. Read the press release in our Media section.

DeKalb Legislative delegation to host 2nd public hearing November 15.
November 14, 2011

First was held last week at Chamblee Middle School. See our Media section for more information

MMO discusses incorporation of Brookhaven and legislation regarding Dekalb School Board terms.
November 9, 2011

MMO on panel at National Prisoner Reentry Conference
October 12, 2011

MMO sat on a panel at the National Prisoner Reentry Conference in Atlanta. More information in the Media Section.

MMO appointed to Committee on Justice for Children
October 5, 2011

MMO has been appointed by the Georgia Supreme Court to its Committee on Justice for Children. Read the entire press release in our Media section.

Immigration Panel Slammed for Lack of Diversity
September 12, 2011

MMO opposes the new immigration review board for lack of diversity.

2011 Special Session Adjourned
September 2, 2011

Click to see MMO's report in the Media section!

Scott Bonder Announces Campaign for Georgia Supreme Court. MMO is One of Many Supporters
August 30, 2011

MMO and Fran Miller Propose that William "Brad" Bryant Head Dekalb County School System
July 6,2011

"State Sen. Fran Millar, R-Dunwoody, called in to say that both he and state Rep. Mary Margaret Oliver, D-Decatur, had pitched the name to the DeKalb County Board of Education on Tuesday."

Criminal Justice Reform Panel Named
May 17, 2011

MMO named to panel that will explore ways to reform Georgia's criminal justice system.

MMO Receives Common Cause Democracy Award
June 5, 2011

Common Cause conveyed to MMO its annual Democracy Award for her service on ethics legislation in the 2011 General Assembly Session.

MMO Receives Conservation Voters Legacy Award
June 1, 2011

MMO was awarded the Georgia Conservation Legacy Award at a ceremony on June 1 for her specific efforts in 2011 on the bill board legislation, coal fire plant reform, and amendments to the Reservoir legislation.

Mary Margaret Attends Amy Howell's Swearing In

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MMO Introduces HB 633
March 31, 2011

HB 633 requires that DHS create centralized child abuse 800 number and web based reporting

MMO Introduces HB 43 Regarding Coal-fire Plants
January 28, 2011

HB 43 would place moratorium on permitting new coal fire plants in Georgia, and limit importation of coal from MTR mines--see press release under MEDIA.

State Office: Coverdell Legislative Office Building
18 Capitol Square, Suite 604
Atlanta, GA 30334

Email: mmo@mmolaw.com

Phone: 404-656-0265

Fax: 404-463-2634