State Sen. Lamar Plunkett urged members of the South Deanery of the Archdiocesan Council of Catholic Women to help end the apathy toward state government and politics

The Carroll County senator spoke to the group Sunday at Our lady’s Church, Carrollton, on issues that will face the next session of the General Assembly.

“One of the issues is state revenue,” he said. “At present it appears that state revenue will reach $735 million, but $785 million has been appropriated. The surplus will take care of the difference but after that increased taxes will be an issue. It is a critical situation.”

He said the Governor promised school teachers a raise of $1,285. “They have already been given $800 with the rest to come. This will total an additional $24 million plus $3 million more on retirement payments.”

The senator said education is always a big issue though it has been improved in Georgia. “Some effort will be made to start a statewide kindergarten program. Up to now the state has ignored this system.”

Plunkett pointed out that only 26 per cent of persons between ages 18-22 in Georgia are still in school compared to a national average of 47 per cent and an average of 35 per cent in the 15th southern states.

“Prison reform is an area which needs a breakthrough. We need to rehabilitate our prisoners and improve the pardon and parole system.”

“One of the most crucial issues is state aid to cities,” Plunkett said. “Georgia is now an urban state since approximately 56 per cent of its residents live in the cities. In another decade it will be 80 per cent, but our concept of government is by county and it creates problems. This will continue to be an issue before the legislature.”