ATLANTA (Feb. 16, 2010) – The Georgia State Senate today voted in favor of creating an economic development council of state lawmakers to evaluate all state-funded activities that support Georgia’s economic development strategy. Chairman Chip Pearson (R-Dawsonville) of the Senate Economic Development Committee will carry Senate Bill 374, which has the strong support of the Lt. Governor.
“As stewards of taxpayer dollars, it’s our responsibility to ensure that money used for economic development is utilized effectively to promote job creation and growth,” said Sen. Pearson. “The council is an important tool to align our efforts on a coordinated economic development strategy that will increase efficiencies and encourage job creation.”
The council will be comprised of Senate and House legislators and will be charged with reviewing current goals, tax exemptions and credits, as well as the Department of Economic Development’s (GDEcD) activities and expenditures and other entities. The council will also analyze legislative proposals relating to economic development, as well as researching legislation and policies from other states. In conjunction with the GDEcD, the council must provide an annual report to the governor detailing the state’s programs and activities related to job creation and economic development in Georgia.
Currently, economic development initiatives are scattered throughout the budget and across agencies. A sound economic development strategy will generate new opportunities and make Georgia an attractive business destination. Additionally, an ongoing review of state rules, regulations and red tape will further position the state as a prime location for growing businesses.
“The Legislative Economic Development Council will provide a forum to empower the General Assembly to work together in looking at the state’s overall economic development strategy and making sure that the money, the policies, the programs and rules are all aligned in order to maximize job creation and business growth in Georgia. Senator Pearson has been a strong leader on this issue and a tireless advocate for economic development and I thank him for his efforts on this bill,” said Lt Governor Casey Cagle.
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 404.656.9221 or via e-mail at chip.pearson@senate.ga.gov.
PRESS RELEASE
For Immediate Release:
February 16, 2010
For Information Contact:
Raegan Weber, Director
Kallarin Richards, Senior Communications Specialist
kallarin.richards@senate.ga.gov
404.656.0028