ATLANTA (June 11, 2009) – Senate Majority Leader Chip Rogers (R-Woodstock) has recently been named Senator of the Year for 2009 by the Georgia Retail Association (GRA) for his continued efforts to support Georgia businesses, particularly retailers.
“Georgia retailers are on the front line of our state’s economy. They are truly the economic engine that delivers almost all goods and services to Georgia consumers, while also employing millions of Georgia citizens,” said Sen. Rogers. “It is a great honor to receive the industry’s highest legislative award. Together we will continue our work to make Georgia the best place in America to do business.”
Sen. Rogers was instrumental in passing pro-growth policies during the 2009 session aimed at creating a thriving business climate in Georgia. He fought to eliminate the state inventory tax and extend the sales tax holidays on school supplies and energy efficient appliances. Retailers also had a particular stake in the JOBS Act of 2009, designed to lower taxes and reduce regulation for businesses. Though vetoed by the Governor, the bill would also have freed-up cash flow by no longer requiring merchants to estimate their sales tax obligations before they were collected. Georgia is one of the few states that require its retailers to remit their sales tax revenues before they are even collected.
“A champion for Georgia businesses,” is how John Heavener, Executive Director of GRA, describes Sen. Rogers. “Rogers recognizes the significant role that retail plays in Georgia’s economic well-being, employing one-in-five workers and remitting nearly 42 percent of all state revenue.”
The Georgia Retail Association is the state’s largest retail organization and has represented the interests of retailers in Georgia for more than 40 years.
Sen. Chip Rogers serves as Senate Majority Leader. He represents the 21st Senate District which includes portions of Cherokee and Cobb counties. He can be reached at his office at 404.463.1378 or by email at chip.rogers@senate.ga.gov.
PRESS RELEASE
For Immediate Release:
June 11, 2009
For Information Contact:
Raegan Weber, Director
Kallarin Richards, Senior Communications Specialist
kallarin.richards@senate.ga.gov
404.656.0028