Collins is supportive of Gov. Deal's vision

GAINESVILLE - At least one area lawmaker liked what he heard when Governor Deal delivered his State of the State address Tuesday night.

Rep. Doug Collins of Gainesville was a guest on WDUN's "Al Gainey and Company" Wednesday, and he said the Governor has great vision for Georgia.

"He [Deal] is a governor who lays out a solid plan, he lays it out in a conscientious way, and he takes measured steps that are designed, as he put it last night, to continue to make Georgia the place that businesses want to come, the place that education is a priority," said Collins.

The Gainesville Republican also said while he appreciated all of Gov. Deal's ideas, he was especially impressed by his plans to strengthen the state's prison system. Deal announced his intentions to seek extra funding for prison beds for Georgia's most dangerous criminals, and he said he wants fudng for specialized drug courts as well as treatment facilities for those suffering from addictions.

While Deal did not specifically mention the aging prison population in Georgia, Collins said that is an issue that must be dealt with, as well.

"Where you have a prisoner who has a medical condition that's costing us, you know, upwards of $500 a day as compared to $49 a day for a prisoner with no [poor] health conditions," said Collins.

Collins said he felt there was bi-partisan support of Deal's speech, saying he saw Republicans and Democrats applaud the governor's comments numerous times.