November 2, 2007

Dear Friends,

I am pleased to announce some positive news in the water crisis this week.  Yesterday, Senator Chambliss and I met with Governor Sonny Perdue, Alabama Governor Bob Riley and Alabama’s two senators to discuss the water situation affecting the three states.  Later in the day, Governors Perdue and Riley met with Florida Governor Charlie Crist, Secretary of the Interior Dirk Kempthorne, Chairman of the Council on Environmental Quality Jim Connaughton and Commander of U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Lt. Gen. Robert L. Van Antwerp.  During a press event following the second meeting, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers announced it had drafted an interim operating plan that would reduce the minimum flow from Woodruff Dam at Lake Seminole to 4,200 cubic feet per second. The plan would also allow Georgia to store any additional inflows above 5,000 cubic feet per second. The plan will now proceed to U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service for additional input.  

These are complex issues and to expect that there will be one simple answer at one meeting is unrealistic, but we proved we are all trying to find constructive ways to work this out.  I’m also extremely pleased to hear there will be changes regarding the Corps’ operations in Georgia that will allow us to store additional water during this unprecedented drought. It is a step in the right direction in dealing with a problem that immediately confronts us.

The three governors have agreed to meet again in December to continue to seek a way to better share water among the three states.

State Children’s Health Insurance Program (also known as SCHIP)
I am continuing to work to reauthorize SCHIP, which is known in Georgia as PeachCare. SCHIP has proven to be a success in Georgia and across all 50 states, and I would like to see that the program remains true to its original intent – healthcare access for underprivileged children. The Senate this week again passed a massive increase to the program to serve additional adults and middle-income families that would be paid for by a tax increase.  Again, I voted against this massive increase.  The president is expected to veto the legislation, and I will continue to work to reauthorize and expand this program in a fiscally responsible way and in a way that serves the children who need it most.

Warner Robins Little League Team
Yesterday, Senator Chambliss and I were proud to welcome the members of the 2007 Little League World Series Champions from Warner Robins to the U.S. Capitol. After a pizza party, a photo with members of Georgia’s congressional delegation and a tour of the Capitol, we were privileged to escort these fine young men to meet with President Bush at the White House. This team brought great pride to our state, great pride to their parents and great pride to the city of Warner Robins.    

What’s on Tap for Next Week?

Next week, the Senate will begin debate on the Farm Bill.

Sincerely,
Johnny Isakson