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Update from the Capitol: Budget Week

By: Sen. Larry Walker (R – Perry)

On Thursday, members of the Senate and House Appropriations Committees wrapped up a series of joint budget hearings presented by Governor Brian Kemp and the heads of numerous state departments. Discussions surrounding our state’s budget for the upcoming fiscal year are always part of the routine of the General Assembly, but this year was especially critical given proposals for some notable funding cuts. Ultimately, Georgia is seeing less growth in state revenues than the expected 3%. As a state, we are still fiscally strong and economically competitive, but our progress has slowed down. So, while we continue our conversations on the budget and vote on enacting legislation, it is key that we make smart cuts that still address and prioritize the needs of Georgians everywhere.

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Capitol Recap: The 2020 Session Convenes

By: Sen. Larry Walker (R – Perry)

This week signified the beginning of the 2020 legislative session and by extension, the second season of the 155th General Assembly. As I took my seat in the Senate Chamber on Monday, I was reminded of the incredible opportunity I have to serve you, members of District 20. Thank you for allowing me to represent you under the Gold Dome and I look forward to allowing your voice to be heard in future legislation. Our gaveling in on Monday marked the first of many meetings to come, discussing the most important issues concerning all Georgians. The next few months will be a busy time and I will continue to update you on our progress.

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The Rural Jobs Coalition Names Sen. Larry Walker Legislator of the Year

ATLANTA (November 27, 2019) | Sen. Larry Walker (R – Perry) was recently named Legislator of the Year by the Rural Jobs Coalition, a nonpartisan organization that supports small, rural businesses and advocates around the country for policies that benefit rural economic growth.

Sen. Walker was chosen as Legislator of the Year for spearheading the Senate’s passage of the Georgia Agribusiness and Rural Jobs Act (GARJA) and for championing policies that help drive job creation, revitalization of small businesses and economic opportunities for rural communities across the state.

“If we want our small businesses to grow throughout Georgia – especially in our rural communities – we have to support their growth through access to affordable capital,” said Sen. Walker. “I am a strong advocate of our small businesses, and I will work hand-in-hand with our rural communities through GARJA and other programs, to encourage job creation and revitalization.”

The GARJA was passed during the 2017 Legislative Session as a program that uses tax credits to incentivize private sector investment in a revolving loan fund that provides growth capital for small businesses in rural Georgia. These loans are available to agribusiness, businesses dealing with healthcare, transportation, technology or other areas as deemed appropriate by the Department of Community Affairs. You can read more about the program here, and you can find the language of the bill here.

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Contact:

Elisabeth Fletcher, Communications Specialist

elisabeth.fletcher@senate.ga.gov

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Senate Study Committee on Creating a Georgia Agricultural Marketing Authority Meeting in Perry

ATLANTA (September 13, 2019) | Sen. Larry Walker (R – Perry) will hold the second meeting of the Senate Study Committee on Creating a Georgia Agricultural Marketing Authority on Tuesday, September 17, 2019, at 2:00 p.m. at the Georgia National Fairgrounds and Agriculture Center’s Agriculture Exposition Authority Board Room in Reaves Arena. You may enter at the Administration Office. Continue reading “Senate Study Committee on Creating a Georgia Agricultural Marketing Authority Meeting in Perry”