Deal urges action on schools, transportation in state-of-the-state speech

ATLANTA - Gov. Nathan Deal urged lawmakers Wednesday to take dramatic action on transportation and education issues facing Georgia, proposing new powers to take over struggling schools but refraining from making any recommendation on how to pay for maintenance of the state's transportation systems.<br /> <br /> "When confronting the challenges of 10 million people - challenges that can appear insurmountable - it's easy to feel that the tools we've been given aren't up to the task," Deal said in an advance text of his State of the State Address.<br /> <br /> "When it comes to our constituents' needs in education, health care, transportation and public safety, the sea seems so great and our boat so small. We may have 10 million challenges, but we also have 10 million oars."<br /> <br /> Deal did not release his budget proposal Wednesday. Those details will come Friday.<br /> <br /> He took no side in the debate over how to pay for the state's infrastructure needs but said it's "unacceptable" to take no action to maintain and improve roads, relieve congestion and prepare for more freight coming into the Port of Savannah.<br /> <br /> A study committee estimates Georgia needs $1 billion to $1.5 billion more each year to maintain its roads and bridges. Expanding it and changing mass transit systems would cost far more.<br /> <br /> Deal said solving the issue will make Georgia more independent from federal gas taxes, but taking no action will slow the state's economy. He also seemed to question exactly how much the state needs.<br /> <br /> "We must maintain and improve our roads and bridges; we must provide congestion relief; and we must prepare for more freight and more businesses," Deal said. "We can debate how much it will cost to do something; but let us not forget how much it will cost to do nothing."<br /> <br /> Democrats want mass transit to be a big part of the transportation discussion. They could play a role in approving any package if conservative Republicans refuse to OK new taxes or fees. Deal didn't mention transit in his address but has acknowledged its importance to some regions.<br /> <br /> Deal also proposed a constitutional amendment forming a state-run "Opportunity School District" to take over failing schools, akin to the system developed in New Orleans.<br /> <br /> Some educators already have questioned the plan, arguing that a similar structure worked in New Orleans because of donations and other funding after Hurricane Katrina's devastated the city. Democrats, meanwhile, say the state should consider whether its own education spending cuts contribute to schools failing to meet standards. Deal bluntly said money cannot solve "chronic failure."<br /> <br /> "Liberals cannot defend leaving a child trapped in a failing school that sentences them to a life in poverty," Deal said. "Conservatives like me cannot argue that each child in Georgia already has the same opportunity to succeed and compete on his or her own merits. We have a moral duty to help these children who can't help themselves."<br /> <br /> The governor also said he will form a study commission make recommendations by August on Georgia's education system, including updates to the state's complicated formula for funding schools. Deal said he hopes a new formula driven by "student need" will go into effect as early as the 2016 school year.<br /> <br /> Deal said he hopes to sign legislation decriminalizing cannabis oil in Georgia and said it will allow people with certain conditions to try the treatment without relocating to states where it is legal.<br /> <br /> Republican Rep. Allen Peake of Macon had discussed decriminalizing possession of the oil and setting up a state-regulated program to grow and sell medical marijuana to people with certain conditions. But he scaled back the legislation Friday, saying conversations with Deal prompted the change.<br /> <br /> Some families remain worried about being arrested with the oil while traveling across state lines. Several parents this week said that they will fight to pass this year's bill and work to expand it next year.<br /> <br /> Deal said he wants a study committee to consider further expansion.<br /> <br /> Deal's priorities for the session also include creating a new agency to oversee probation and parole. The governor made no mention of ethics reform on Thursday though his re-election campaign had discussed adding members to the state's ethics commission.

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