Issue Position: Growing Economy/Jobs

Issue Position

The most widespread concern I hear throughout our district is "Jobs." With unemployment and underemployment, it has been one of our most critical issues. Our region is a natural magnet for job creation because of its location and hard-working citizens. The vast majority of our jobs come from locally owned small businesses. Better job opportunities will come as Georgia encourages the creation and growth of small businesses. What we have done in the past few years under Republican leadership:

* Put more money in people's pockets by encouraging job creation and higher wages.
* Passed legislation cutting state personal and corporate income tax rates from 6% to 5.75% in 2019 and passed in the House to 5.5% in 2020. Provided first state income tax reduction since implemented in 1934. This was exciting to vote for. I know it will help YOU.
* 700,000 new jobs have been created in the past 8 years. This was done by job creators who opened new businesses and expanded existing businesses. Many businesses moved to Georgia to relocate to create and provide jobs.
* Georgia has earned national distinction as Best Place to Do Business for five years running (Site Selection Magazine). A Pro-Business-Pro Worker environment does this.
* At the end of 2019, Georgia had the lowest unemployment in decades, due to policies Republicans passed and implemented. Wages have been growing faster than national average.

We all have Invested in our infrastructure to fuel a more prosperous future:

* Targeted higher funding to road and bridge improvements than ever, surpassing almost every state per capita. Increased road safety for all Georgians, reducing congestion and helping businesses move products more efficiently.
* Broadened state's economy significantly since Great Recession through initiatives encouraging 21st century manufacturing and agribusiness, film production, high tech, data centers, and healthcare business expansion.
* Targeted technical college and university programs in high demand areas. Georgia offers 17 technical college programs tuition-free through HOPE grant in fields with a 99% placement rate. Also, students earn higher credit towards the HOPE scholarship GPA at 4-year colleges for STEM courses required in high demand areas.
* Opened the Appalachian Regional Port in Murray County. This will open the doors to the world for our region and our goods.
* We worked to make sure we had the State funds to deepen the Savannah port. Began deepening 39 miles of Savannah River from 42 to 47 feet with completion projected January 2022. Georgia enlarged the Brunswick port to move 600,000 automobiles in 2019.
* We passed a number of bills to make Our State the best place for a military base to be. We have made it easier for a family to move, work, and be educated here. These policies to support nine military installations and their soldiers and their families, responsible for 130,000 jobs directly and indirectly.

As your State Representative:

The House created the Rural Development Council to look at issues across the rural parts of our state including the creation of jobs and bringing business and industry to rural Georgia. From 28 meetings across the State, over 30 pieces of legislation have been passed to help Rural Georgia. I am the co-chairman of this important committee.

I have worked tirelessly to ensure that our residents have the training and skills to work at our new businesses. Our investment in Technical Colleges and other Higher Education has been a priority for me and the General Assembly. A few years ago, I was selected to be a member of the State's Oversight Committee on Technical Education to make sure we meet the needs of Georgians.

I will work to eliminate wasteful spending and reduce taxes. I have always wanted to do this. I will need your help in finding waste. If you see any, please let me know. Governor Kemp has instructed his Office of Planning and Budget to evaluate all departments for waste, overlap, and ways to cut unnecessary spending in order to save taxpayer dollars before any budget is submitted to the State Legislature every January for examination, hearings, and debate in committee and on the House Floor.

I am always listening for your suggestions and new ideas to make government more effective.

We are the lowest-taxed state per capita. It takes leadership; I would appreciate your vote to continue our work.

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