Rep. Austin Scott, the Republican Eighth District congressman who represents much of Central Georgia, voted against the debt-ceiling agreement approved by the House Monday night.

In a statement e-mailed from his office, Scott said: "While this bill included some of the main principles of my preferred "Cut, Cap and Balance" bill it did not include enough of them. "

Scott said he rejected the compromise agreement because it did not require passage of a constitutional balanced-budget amendment before a second debt-ceiling hike, and cut too deeply into defense spending, "to the exclusion of other areas that are the true drivers of our national debt."

As Houston County schools reopened today, students at Perdue Primary School filed in to start their first day as Pandas.

Principal Leslie Shultz showed her Panda pride by welcoming students and their parents.

Watch the video above.

As the summer break draws to a close, parents and children across Middle Georgia are going through the pre-school rituals of buying backpacks and school supplies and wondering what the new school year will bring.  The crazy routine of back-to-school can derail even the most organized, stable household.  Taking a little time now can help set your stellar student up for success this school year.

Create Routines

Does your child do his homework as soon as he gets home or does he zone out by watching TV and playing video games before doing his homework?  Find what works for your child and stick to it.  Morning routines are also important to be sure everyone gets out of the house on time and with a bare minimum of bedlam.  The night before lay out clothes, pack the lunch boxes and be sure the backpacks are packed up and ready to go including all completed homework assignments.

Set Up Homework Station