Miller (R-49)was a guest on the Friday edition of WDUN's Morning Talk, and he told hosts Joel Williams and Ashley Bell that he feels education funding will be in the spotlight this year.
"I think we're going to see significant legislation and action with the education budget, and that's a good thing," said Miller. "There's nothing more important than education of our young people."
Miller said he has been pleased with Governor Nathan Deal's goal to restore full funding for the state's pre-K program, noting the planned restoration of school days to the pre-K calendar will mean more money for teachers.
"I think you'll see that [increased salary] across the board as we move forward and our budget solidifies and our economy continues to rebound," speculated Miller.
Published reports from Atlanta media this week have indicated that ethics reform measures will be among the first pieces of legislation introduced as the session begins Monday.
Miller said he was one of a handful of lawmakers who supported ethics reform last year.
"I didn't just talk the talk, I walked the walk," he said. "I signed the ethics bill last year. There are 236 legislators in the state of Georgia. I think there was eight or nine of us on the bill...I think I was the fourth signer on it."
As for placing a $100 cap on lobbyist gifts to lawmakers, Miller said, "Let's just make it zero. That'll work."
He noted that lawmakers receive a stipend for mileage and daily expenses, so in his opnion, there's no reason to accept gifts from lobbyists.
(See the story on House Speaker David Ralston's outlook for the 2013 legislative session via the link below.)
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http://accesswdun.com/article/2013/1/257049