ATLANTA (Oct. 6, 2009) – Senate Majority Leader Chip Rogers (R-Woodstock) has received a special invitation to testify before the U.S. House Subcommittee on Income Security and Family Support of the Committee on Ways and Means on Thursday, October 8, 2009, at 10:00 a.m. in Washington, D.C. The Subcommittee hearing is to evaluate the response of “safety net” programs during the recession, to which Rogers will discuss the lack of results in Georgia.
“At a time when Georgians need help, job opportunities, and economic growth, the Georgia legislature lowered taxes and passed legislation to let free market solutions work for Georgia families and businesses. The trillions of dollars in spending have only produced enormous dept for our children and grandchildren and have not produced results. I’m honored that Congressman Linder asked me to testify to represent Georgia families and provide real, sustainable and viable solutions for economic growth in Georgia,” said Rogers.
The Georgia unemployment rate is at an all-time 10.2 per cent, despite the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. The national unemployment rate remains at 9.7 per cent. Unemployment continued in September with 263,000 more jobs lost on the national level and 3.4 million Americans have lost jobs since January 2009. Over 480,000 Georgians remain unemployed since August 2009.
“Washington needs to listen to what the people of Georgia and around the United States have asked for – get the government out of the way, let the economy be free and give them room to take care of their own families,” said Rogers.
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. The JOBS Act of 2009 also provided incentives for businesses to hire Georgians who were on unemployment. The legislature also passed a number of important measures to protect Georgia’s property owners. Rogers authored the “Transparency in Government Act” which requires state expenditures be placed on a searchable Website so taxpayers can see how their money is spent.
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:
October 6, 2009
For Information Contact:
Raegan Weber, Director
raegan.weber@senate.ga.gov
404.656.0028