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Isakson sees bankruptcy as option for states
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Sen. Johnny Isakson, R-Ga., told the Atlanta Press Club Thursday that states should consider bankruptcy for strained pension funds. - photo by File photo

 

ATLANTA — Sen. Johnny Isakson said states straining under pension debt should not fear what may sound like a drastic solution: bankruptcy.

The idea has become part of a growing discussion about how states will grapple with their budget woes, some due in large part to pension payments. Isakson said in remarks to the Atlanta Press Club on Monday that bankruptcy is not a term to fear, but a potential means to a solution.

"It's a process though which you rectify a problem," Isakson said.

He says they could follow the example of private sector companies like Delta Air Lines, which filed for bankruptcy in 2005 and emerged two years later.

"It can be done," he said. "That's an example of what the states have got to have as well."

Isakson is a member of the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions. The 66-year-old GOP incumbent was elected to his second term in November.

Headed back to Washington for the State of the Union on Tuesday, Isakson said he plans to sit beside New Hampshire Democrat Jeanne Shaheen for the speech in support of the new spirit of civility taking root in Congress after the shootings earlier this month in Tuscon, Ariz., which gravely wounded House Democrat Gabrielle Giffords and prompted a call for less hostile political rhetoric.

Isakson and Shaheen are planning to sponsor a bipartisan bill that would balance the budget biannually — during odd years, when lawmakers aren't up for election. The Georgia congressman, who has a reputation for diplomacy and reaching across the aisle, said he is looking for bipartisanship in action, not just words.

"I'm willing to participate with anybody who's moving in the right direction," Isakson said. "I like to be a part of solutions. And you don't have to compromise your principles to make sound political decisions."

 

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Georgia Motorcycle Safety Program announces grant
Funds earmarked for Share the Road initiatives
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Grant funding totaling $93,458 has been awarded to the Georgia Motorcycle Safety Program (GMSP) by the Governor’s Office of Highway Safety. The approved funding will be used to increase motorcycle safety awareness and outreach by encouraging all motorists and motorcyclists to Share the Road.

“The need for motorcycle safety programs is greater than ever, and this support from GOHS enables motorcycle safety programs and impaired riding initiatives to reach riders and non-riders alike” said Commissioner Spencer R. Moore. “Thank you GOHS for helping (the Department of Driver Services) and GMSP educate and encourage all Georgia drivers to ‘Share the Road.’”

The grant allows DDS to further develop the Motorcycle Safety Outreach Program by continuing to fund a position to promote state and national safety initiatives. The GMSP outreach coordinator researches, coordinates and helps maintain an adequate presence at industry events, local schools and colleges, regional meetings and festivals to increase awareness of motorcycles on the roadways and provide the most current information on motorcycle safety initiatives.

Visitors to a GMSP event display are also encouraged to sign up for regular newsletters which provide additional safety information, as well as review the motorcycle safety message on other social media platforms.

GMSP regulates motorcycle training for new riders, as well as seasoned riders, who want to learn how to ride a motorcycle legally and safely. The program is based on a continuum of learning and therefore offers three entry points to rider education.

Students participating in the Basic Riders Course do not need specialized motorcycle equipment, as the GMSP provides both a motorcycle and a helmet to class participants. Upon successful completion of the course, participants receive a 90-day license waiver card that exempts them from both the written and on-cycle skills tests needed to obtain a Class M license in the state of Georgia.

Please visit the DDS website at www.dds.georgia.gov for many online services including the convenience of enrolling in a GMSP training class and accessing many licensing services.

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