The requests then go to the appropriations committees of the House and Senate. State Sen. Charles Walker. The grants haven't always gone for exactly what's listed on the budget document, and figures have been rounded to the nearest hundred, or thousand dollars. The request forms submitted by lawmakers can be extremely vague. However, Mr. Cheeks added that he checks on the grants his district receives and has asked the state to audit them to make sure they are being properly spent.
Many groups lobby for money while legislators are in Atlanta figuring out what to fund.
For instance, Phyllis Hendry, president of Augusta's Fort Discovery children's museum, was in Atlanta several times over the past few weeks making her case for funding while lawmakers were working on the budget. Her delegation was well-versed on the interactive science exhibits. It's easy to sell that,'' she said. In the Senate, Mr. Hooks emphasizes the economic shape of the district the money will go to help. He keeps a list in his office ranking the per capita income of each district.