In January 2002, President Bush called on all Americans to devote the equivalent of at least two years of their lives - 4,000 hours - to service and volunteer work.  The President asked us to help strengthen our communities by becoming involved in public-serving activities - by being active and engaged citizens.  Volunteering is a gift from the heart.  Some view volunteering as a way to give back to the community.  Others want to give to their specific cause or passion.  Still others just want to feel needed and keep busy.  Whatever the reason, the act of volunteering is a noble gesture that deserves to be recognized for its value to our society.

Over the last 20 years, the population of metropolitan Atlanta has doubled, and the region is now home to more than half the population of the State.  An estimated 2.3 million new people are expected over the next 25 years. Complicating matters, the Chattahoochee River is the smallest river in the nation serving as the major source of water for a region of this size. Because of these factors, water management issues in Georgia have become important over the last five years, driven by the some of the worst drought in Georgia history.  As the state moves out of one of the driest summers in memory - one in which wildfires raged in South Georgia for weeks due to dry conditions - several lawmakers are considering the proposed Statewide Water Management Plan.  This week, I'd like to give you some background on the water plan, as we prepare to move forward on this key issue.

ATLANTA - Lt. Governor Casey Cagle has appointed Sen. Chip Pearson (R-Dawsonville) as vice chairman of the Senate Transportation Committee.  He succeeds Sen. Jim Whitehead, Sr. (R-Evans) who left the state Senate to run for higher office.

Recently, I co-chaired a joint meeting of the Senate and House Economic Development Committees at the Capitol.  This was the first in a series of meetings to take place across the state this summer that will focus primarily on small business.  During this Small Business Initiative, state legislators will hear directly from entrepreneurs and business leaders on how to improve Georgia's climate for small business.  There is an incredible amount of data out there suggesting that small businesses are truly the backbone of our nation's economy.  If there are too many obstacles that exist for small businesses, especially when it comes to policy, it is a big negative for our economy.

A few weeks ago, I began a series of articles on the current debate in Washington concerning immigration reform.  I first outlined Senate Resolution 646, which lays out the position of a majority of the members of the General Assembly when it comes to U.S. immigration.  In part two, I highlighted the main points of a letter sent to Georgia's congressional delegation, which offers a detailed plan for immigration reform.  In this week's column, I'd like to take a look at the background of the current immigration reform proposal (S 1639), and discuss some of the issues that surround this reform package.  The bill was first introduced as S 1348, and it has since returned for debate as S 1639.

Memorial Day is the time for Americans to reconnect with their history and core values by honoring those who gave their lives for the freedom and the ideals that we cherish.

More than a million American service members have died in the wars and conflicts this nation fought since the first colonial soldiers took up arms in 1775 to fight for independence.  Each person who died during those conflicts was a loved one cherished by family and friends. Each was a loss to the community and the nation, as it is now as we fight the war on terror in Iraq.

The General Assembly began a two-week recess last week, but we are still hard at work for the people of Georgia, as we wait for Congress to approve funding for the PeachCare for Kids program.  The recess lull is unlike the previous two sessions, where we worked through the March calendar up to Sine Die.  Obviously, this year is different because of the PeachCare issue and how it affects our state budget, but I want all of you to know that we are working through this recess  fine tuning our bills and resolutions, meeting in our committees and meeting on the 2007-08 state budget as well.

As we reached the halfway point in the 2007 session, we paused to pay respect to a great Georgian, Congressman Charlie Norwood.  By now, I am sure that most of you have heard the news of his passing on February 13.  Rep. Norwood served seven terms in the U.S. House of Representatives, from 1995-2007, representing most of east Georgia at some point during his congressional career.  He was a hugely popular man, who was respected by virtually everyone in Georgia politics.  He won re-election every year since 1998 by landslide margins, and was again elected to the 110^th Congress last November.  Congressman Norwood leaves behind a legacy of great work on the issues of healthcare reform and education for the citizens of this state.  The news of his death was especially difficult for my wife Jill and I.  Congressman Norwood urged me to run for the Senate in 2004.  He was a great supporter during my campaign, and he endorsed me for the state Senate.  He also was a guest of honor at our campaign kick-off event.  All of the flags on state buildings are at half mast, as we pay our condolences to Rep. Norwood and his family.  He was a great man and a great public servant.

Last week, we passed some vital pieces of legislation that look to enhance Georgia's system of education, including legislation from Lt. Governor Casey Cagle's 2007 education package.  The General Assembly has really kicked into high gear now, and education turned out to be the major focus of last week, dominating much of the calendar.  There was some great debate this week, and I am confident that we have taken steps to push our system of education forward in new, innovative directions.

The General Assembly was in recess last week as we tackled budget priorities, but this week we are back in the swing of things and will be tackling those issues that are important to you.  In my previous columns, I have stated the priorities of the state Senate - some of these priorities include preserving the family as an American institution, maintaining the safety and well-being of Georgia's citizens, doing our best to make government smaller and improving education in our state.  This past week, lawmakers began to introduce and consider legislation that looks to achieve these goals.

We are now rapidly approaching the bang of the gavel to open the 2007 legislative session of the General Assembly.  Id like to continue our earlier discussion of the significant issues that may come up in the next session, all of which will impact the lives of Georgias citizens.

The 2007 legislative session is just a few short weeks away.  Now is the time for us to start thinking about new legislation that will cross our desks, and perhaps become new laws next year.  Over the next couple of weeks, Id like to preview some of the important issues that may come before the legislature in the 07 session.

Elections are important matters.  As citizens, we have the privilege to select our leaders, but we are also given the opportunity to weigh in on amendments to our state constitution and local referenda votes.  Election Day 2006 is just around the corner, and I hope that all Georgians have registered to vote this year.  For those citizens who need to cast an absentee ballot, you can do so by requesting one from your county Registrars Office beginning 180 days prior to Election Day, which of course is November 7.  This absentee ballot must be received in your Registrars Office no later than 7 p.m. on Election Day to be counted.  Also, early voting begins Monday, October 30, and goes through Friday, November 3.  There will be no early/advance voting held on Monday, November 6.

Its the time of the year in the mountains and valleys of north Georgia that I enjoy so much.  We are now well into the fall season  students are approaching fall break, football season is in full swing, and our gorgeous mountain skyline is now painted gold, red, orange and yellow with majestic fall leaves.  It is also festival season, which is something I always look forward to, as we celebrate our great heritage with fall festivals such as the Apple, Marble, Sorghum, Gold Rush and Moonshine Festivals. 

There is an increased effort in our state and around the country to search out alternative fuels and reduce our dependence on foreign oil.  Ethanol, also known as ethyl alcohol or grain alcohol, can be used as an alternative fuel or as an octane-boosting, pollution-reducing additive to gasoline (E85 is representative of 85 percent ethanol and 15 percent gasoline).  The majority of ethanol is produced from corn, but it can also be produced from many other crops including wheat, barley, milo/sorghum and sweet potatoes. New technology will allow ethanol to be made from cellulosic feedstocks, including corn stalks, grain straw, paper pulp, municipal solid waste, switchgrass and other sources.

The May revenue report shows an increase in net tax collections of 16 percent or $231 million compared to May of last year.  Personal income tax collection rose 19.2 percent or $161 million to $1 billion.  Sales and Use tax was up 13 percent or $59 million to $510 million.  Motor fuel tax collections declined 6.4 percent or $4 million compared to May of last year.  This indicates that, probably due to higher gas prices, consumers are not purchasing as many gallons of gas compared to May 2005. 

Since 1985, the Department of Technical and Adult Education has responded to student needs by registering over 1,800,000 students through its technical colleges, associated university technical divisions, and other services. During this time, Georgia has built a statewide network for technical education.

President George W. Bush formally announced in a nationwide address last week, his plans for dealing with the problem of illegal immigration.  Like most of the nation, my reaction to the plan is mixed.  Overall, I feel his plan is a step in the right direction, but I do feel that more needs to be done to stop the wave of illegal aliens entering this country.  It is time for Washington D.C. to take a tough stance on this issue.

You have to be living under a rock lately not to notice that gas prices are at record highs again.  Consumers are feeling the hit in their wallets again as we head into the summer months.  Many think that the oil companies are the ones to blame.  However, this just demonstrates that the liberal-leaning national media has failed to properly inform the American public about who is truly at fault for the rising cost of gasolineenvironmentalists.

Elliott will headline a campagin kickoff BBQ for Cagle's Lt. Governor campaign at the old Thunder Road facility at 415 Highway 53 in Dawsonville, GA on Saturday, April 29^th.    Additionally, Bill Elliott's brothers - Ernie and Dan - will also attend and show their support for Cagle.

Clean drinking water is vital to every family, but our property rights are essential to our freedom and independence.  Some local and state governments, and especially environmental bureaucrats, have tended in recent years to run roughshod over our private property rights using the need for clean drinking water as their excuse.  We can have both.  As a State Legislator, I am charged with finding solutions that work and that is what I have done with the legislation I have introduced.     

The nation is carefully following the progress of U.S. Supreme Court Chief Justice Nominee John Roberts’ confirmation hearings.  Many citizens have become frustrated with the seemingly lengthy process, which began with in depth consultation procedures by the White House.   Specifically, the White House has demonstrated an unprecedented level of consultation with Senators from both parties, consulting with more than 70 Senators, including every member of the Judiciary Committee and more than two-out-of three Democrats.  While this process may be cumbersome to a number of citizens, I feel that it is a refreshing reminder of how democracy works. 

Motor fuel prices have risen substantially since the adjournment of the 2005 legislative session.  Hurricane Katrina has caused major destruction and the loss of lives and property in the states of Alabama, Mississippi and Louisiana.  In turn, this has adversely affected the motor fuel supply to Georgia, which has had the effect of further increasing gas prices accross the state.

Last week was a trying time for residents of the GulfCoast and their families throughout the country.  Hurricane Katrina left a path of devastation through countless communities in our neighboring states.  While Georgia missed the brunt of the storm, tornadoes spawning from the hurricane turned tropical storm left their mark on some Georgia counties.

Last week I traveled to The Coastal Georgia Center in Savannah for the second study committee meeting for Inverse Condemnation.  Several representatives from across Georgia were present for public commentary and further discussion of the bill.  Among others, Congressman Lynn Westmoreland was in attendance to address the merits of this concept. 

A person noted for feats of courage or nobility of purpose, especially one who has risked or sacrificed his or her life defines a hero.  Heroes are not fictional characters who wear magical capes and have special powers; they are real people in our communities with special talents, big hearts, and a genuine sense of selflessness.

Slated at Georgia’s most subjective and regressive tax, the state’s property tax system is in need of substantial reform.  As with any old and entrenched system in state government, change is often difficult and slow; however with the New Republican majority we anticipate a greater opportunity to see legislation passed that would eliminate Georgia’s property tax in the near future.

DAWSONVILLE, GA--On September 13, Sen. Chip Pearson of Georgia’s 51 ^st Senate District will host the first American Hero Appreciation Picnic at LeeNewtonPark in Jasper, Georgia, with all proceeds benefiting the American Red Cross.

Georgia’s children truly are our greatest asset.  Preparing Georgia for a brighter future begins by focusing on the needs of our youngest citizens.  Providing our children with a safe environment fulfills one of their most basic needs, security. 

The recent terrorist attacks in London struck familiar chords with many of us here in America, and reminded the world of the reality of terrorism across the globe.  My heart goes out to the families of those who were injured or killed by the bombings in London, and my resolve to continue in our battle to defeat terrorism deepens.

In the past few weeks, many of our communities have seen a surge of patriotism from the Fourth of July holiday.  For several people, the Fourth of July held a deeper meaning this year, as we mourn the loss, and celebrate the lives, of 1^st Lt. Noah Harris and Lance Cpl. Holly Charette, whose families reside in the 51^st District.

Eminent domain has been making headlines this week after the Supreme Court ruled that local governments may force property owners to sell out to make way for private economic development when deemed by officials that it benefits the public.

We are entering the homeward stretch under the Gold Dome.  As the clock ticks away on the 2005-2006 session of the Georgia General Assembly, it is important that we stop for a minute and look back on what we have accomplished thus far.

Sen. Chip Pearson of Dawsonville, sponsor of Senate Bill 30, entitled Inverse Condemnation, presented the bill to the Senate Judiciary Committee on Tuesday, March 1, where it was passed with unanimous bipartisan support.

In recent weeks, there has been much confusion about the need for, and the motivation behind, House Bill 218.

The first House bill to make it over to the Senate this session is being sponsored by Sen. Chip Pearson.  Pearson brought House Bill 98, the Governor’s Land Conservation Plan, before the Senate Natural Resources Committee on Thursday.

ATLANTA – Army Lt. Patrick Evans, a native of Blue Ridge, and a graduate of NorthGeorgiaCollege and StateUniversity, was honored for his service and received a standing ovation at the State Capitol on Monday, January 24.

ATLANTA - State Sen. Chip Pearson (R-Dawsonville) has been appointed a Majority Deputy Whip of the Republican Caucus by GOP Majority Whip Mitch Seabaugh (R-Sharpsburg).  Sen. Pearson is in his first term as a State Senator, and such leadership positions generally are bestowed on those with more seniority.

Dawsonville- In the race for State Senate District 51, Chip Pearson was elected by an overwhelming margin.  In his first bid for public office, Senator-elect Pearson received 67% of the vote against the Democrat candidate Bobby Adams of Cleveland.

Dawsonville - Georgia Right to Life, a political action committee dedicated to encouraging and supporting candidates who are believed to be the strongest and most effective voice for those who cannot speak for themselves, today announces that they have endorsed Chip Pearson in the race for State Senate District 51.

Dawsonville- In the race for State Senate District 51, John T. Callaham, a resident of WhiteCounty who ran on the Republican ballot during the State Senate District 51 primary election, today has officially announced his support of Chip Pearson.

Dawsonville- State Senate Candidate Chip Pearson will be in New Yorknext week attending the Republican National Convention.  Nominated in April by the Georgia Republican Party, Pearson will serve as a member of the Georgia delegation and vote to nominate President George W. Bush for re-election. 

Dawsonville – Chip Pearson continues to show momentum in the 51^st State Senate race.  At an event in his honor last Saturday, July 10, people came from all across North Georgia to show their support for Chip.  The event was attended by Senator Saxby Chambliss, Congressman Nathan Deal, Bush/Cheney ’04 Southeastern Chairman Ralph Reed, Sen. Casey Cagle, Rep. Amos Amerson, Rep. Stacey Reece and many other local elected officials.  The event was attended by over 75 people and raised $46,000 for the campaign.

Dawsonville – Chip Pearson today would like to announce that Senator Saxby Chambliss will be the special invited guest at a fundraiser for his campaign for State Senate District 51.  The event will be on July 10 aboard The Amistad for an evening cruise of Lake Lanier in Forsyth County.

Dawsonville – Erin Grizzle, a 2004 graduate of The University of Georgia, has returned home to Gilmer County where she now serves as the Deputy Campaign Manager for Chip Pearson, Republican candidate for the 51 ^st District State Senate seat.

Dawsonville – Emily Echols, a 2000 graduate of The University of Georgia, has returned home to Forsyth County where she now serves as the Campaign Manager for Chip Pearson, Republican candidate for the 51^st District State Senate seat.

(Dawsonville) – Chip Pearson, Dawson Countybusiness leader and candidate for State Senate District 51 announced today that he has signed a Taxpayer Protection Pledge.  Pearson is the first announced candidate in the Senate District 51 race to do so. 

The recent terrorist attacks in London struck familiar chords with many of us here in America, and reminded the world of the reality of terrorism across the globe.  My heart goes out to the families of those who were injured or killed by the bombings in London, and my resolve to continue in our battle to defeat terrorism deepens.