ATLANTA (April 1, 2009) –State Senator Kasim Reed (D-Atlanta) presented legislation in the Senate today, House Bill 349, to exempt sales taxes for goods used in the construction of the Center for Civil and Human Rights. The center, which will be constructed in Centennial Olympic Park, is expected to draw 650,000 visitors a year, create 1,150 jobs and add $1.1 billion to Georgia’s economy over the next 10 years.
“I am pleased that the General Assembly has supported the construction of this monumental center—one which will honor the struggles and achievements of civil and human rights movements,” said Reed. “The Civil and Human Rights Center is going to have a positive economic impact on our state beyond its initial construction, bringing tourists to Atlanta and our great state for years to come.”
The Center for Civil and Human Rights in scheduled to break ground this year, and will commemorate the contributions of Atlantans and Georgians to the historic struggle for African-American freedom and equality. Additionally, the museum will serve as a space for ongoing contributions to human rights struggles around the world.
The bill has passed the House and Senate, and will now go to the Governor for signature. For more information on the Center for Civil and Human Rights, please visit www.cchrpartnership.org.
Sen. Kasim Reed represents the 35th Senate District which includes portions of Douglas and Fulton counties. He may be reached by phone at 404.463.1379 or by e-mail at kasim.reed@senate.ga.gov