A 1.45 percent hospital tax passed the house, but phycian owned surgical centers are exempt. (photo by Edgar Treiguts)
Among the winners are health insurance companies from out of state. The house passed a bill to allow the sale of health insurance across state lines.
Physicians who own surgical clinics were also successful in being exempt from the 1.45 percent hospital bed tax, which did pass the house.
Among the losers, a new Milton county and the city of Macon. A measure to create the new county wasn't considered, neither was a hotel tax for Macon to keep the Sports and Music Halls of fame open there.
House Speaker David Ralston says the clock simply ran out.
"We had Republican bills that didn't make it. We had Democratic bills that didn't make it. it's just the nature of the process and that's where we are."
Some of Governor Perdue's priorities were also left on the table.
His idea to have future Governors appoint some commissioners and the School Superintendent did not get a vote. And performance based teacher pay was not considered.
There are ten more days for bills to pass the other chamber in order to become law.
