by Senator Cecil Staton

The landmark tax reform package passed during the 2012 legislative session has been touted as being good for business. Companies seeking to relocate or expand operations in Georgia will now be able to take advantage of several key incentives that reduce the corporate tax burden, promote industry growth and advance opportunity.

However, HB 386 is a bill that is also good for families. While the elimination of the vehicle ad valorem, or “birthday tax”, has received quite a bit of attention, there are several other components of the bill that will positively impact families. One in particular is the increased individual personal exemption for married couples who jointly file from $5,400 to $7,000—effectively removing the in-state “marriage penalty” for Georgians.

State Senate candidate Irving Martinez plans to discuss his recent arrest during a Wednesday news conference.

Spokesman Howie David Handsel said Martinez also plans to discuss his platform during his 2 p.m. news conference at Macon City Hall.

Calling himself a lifelong Democrat, Martinez said in December that he plans to seek the District 26 Senate seat this year. The position is now held by Miriam Paris, who plans to seek re-election.

Handsel said he's working as Martinez's public relations person during the campaign. But Handsel didn't elaborate on Martinez's platform or his recent arrest.

But Lt. Sean Defoe, spokesperson for the Bibb County Sheriff's Office, said Martinez was arrested April 2 on charges of violating his State Court probation.

by Senator Cecil Staton

ATLANTA (March 15, 2012) –There has been much deliberation in recent weeks about the proposed "Macon Miracle" plan aimed at improving public education in Bibb County. Due to the current demands of session, I have not yet had time to study this plan in great detail. However, I believe it is of utmost importance to ensure the plan’s transparency and full disclosure. Recently, I’ve received an enormous amount of feedback from concerned parents who are convinced the “Macon Miracle” is ill conceived and does not adequately represent our students’ best interests.