Pubdate: Wed, 03 Feb 1999 Source: Augusta Chronicle, The (GA) Contact: http://www.augustachronicle.com/ IN THE SENATE: The Senate Transportation Committee unanimously passed Gov. Roy Barnes' plan to battle Atlanta's air and traffic woes through a regional authority, with Mr. Barnes' floor leader describing it as "not perfect but the best we can do." A bill that would allow optometrists to prescribe all drugs except narcotics passed the Senate after failing by one vote a day earlier. QUOTABLE: "You're going to have to trust this governor." - Sen. Steve Thompson, D- Powder Springs, fielding questions about the governor's power to appoint members of his proposed regional transportation authority. DAYS IN SESSION: Tuesday was the 12th day of the 1999 session; 28 days remain. - --- MAP posted-by: Joel W. Johnson