ATLANTA (February 19, 2009) — Legislation authored by Sen. Chip Pearson (R-Dawsonville) to award 10 percent of all state and municipal contracts to small businesses passed out of the Senate Government Oversight Committee and is now headed to the Senate floor for a vote.
“Small businesses are the backbone of our nation’s economy. They provide jobs, needed services, and economic growth to our state,” said Pearson. “Competition in the marketplace must be encouraged for the health of our economy, and this legislation ensures that small businesses are given a fair shot at success. As our economy moves toward recovery, this legislation will help see that small business continues to be the creator of jobs that it always has been.”
Under Senate Bill 21, the Department of Administrative Services and local governments are directed to consider small businesses in awarding contracts and procurements. Recognizing that free competition is a vital part of the economic system, SB 21 strives to expand the marketplace and create an accessible environment where small business can thrive. An advisory council made up of small business representatives appointed by the legislature will meet quarterly to monitor the progress of achieving the legislative intent of the bill, and will deliver an annual report to the Governor and General Assembly.
Small businesses represent over 90 percent of the employers in Georgia. The state is home to over 860,000 small businesses, which were responsible for creating all of the state’s net new jobs between 2004 and 2005. Small businesses eligible under SB 21 are defined as independently owned and operated, with fewer than 100 employees or that generate less than $10 million in gross receipts per year.
Honoring his commitment to further economic development in Georgia, Sen. Pearson last week participated in the sixth annual Sustainable Business Day at the State Capitol, where he recognized several of Georgia’s sustainable and environmentally friendly businesses in the Senate Chamber. In addition to his work as chairman of the Senate Economic Development Committee, Pearson is also working on other measures this session that are vital to the state’s economic growth. This includes jumpstarting Georgia’s housing industry, supporting statewide transportation funding legislation and rewarding the development of other energy resources for the state.
For more information on the Georgia State Senate or to view Senate Bill 21, please visit www.senate.ga.gov.
Sen. Chip Pearson serves as chairman of the Economic Development Committee. He represents the 51st Senate District which includes Dawson, Fannin, Gilmer, Lumpkin, Pickens, and Union counties and portions of Forsyth and White counties. He may be reached at 404.656.9921 or via e-mail at chip.pearson@senate.ga.gov.
PRESS RELEASE
For Immediate Release:
February 19, 2009
For Information Contact:
Raegan Weber, Director
Kallarin Richards, Senior Communications Specialist
kallarin.richards@senate.ga.gov
404.656.0028