GHCC’s Legislative Priorities

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Transportation
Transportation is a critical component to Georgia’s continued global and national economic competitiveness. Economies thrive when transportation needs that foster commerce are met. States are able to attract companies that bring quality, high paying jobs, quality of life is enhanced, and states are able to sustain economic development opportunities overtime. In contrast, congested pathways slow commerce and impede Georgia’s ability to attract additional economic development opportunities and projects.

Metro Atlanta is the fastest growing region in the nation. Georgia is the third fastest growing state in the nation. At the same time, metro traffic is the second most congested in the nation. Yet, we are second from the last with regard to per capita investment in transportation. In fact, a recent study by McKinsey & Co. indicates that if Georgia does not generate up to $160 billion for new transportation investments over the next 20 years, we could miss out on 320,000 new jobs and more than $500 billion.

For these reasons, the GHCC supports legislation that considers the following:

A comprehensive, statewide transportation plan that addresses long term transportation needs. The plan should consider multiple modes of transportation, infrastructure enhancements, and it must secure the necessary funding.

Water
Equitable access of a quality water supply protects individual health, the environment and supports economic development. Georgia’s phenomenal growth has resulted in more economic opportunities, and it is estimated that in the next twenty-five (25) years, we must prepare for the next 2.3 million residents. While Georgia has abundant water resources with fourteen river systems and multiple groundwater aquifer systems, our water resources are not unlimited. As such, our resources must be carefully managed over time to meet our needs.

For these reasons, the GHCC supports funding for The Comprehensive Statewide Water Management Plan.

Small Business
Small businesses are the key to job creation, innovation, and economic opportunities in the state. According to the U.S. Small Business Administration, Office of Advocacy, in 2008, it was reported that Georgia had 831,122 small businesses. From 2004 to 2005, small businesses created all of Georgia’s net new jobs. As of 2002, it was reported that Georgia’s Hispanic owned firms totaled 18,310 representing $4.2 billion in business revenues. In addition, of the top 25 minority firms in Atlanta, 10 are Hispanic owned. As of 2007, it was reported by the U.S. Small Business Administration, Office of Advocacy that Hispanics constituted the largest minority business community.

For these reasons, the GHCC supports legislation that encourages small business formation and sustainability including a tax policy that encourages the location and expansion of businesses in Georgia.

With the economic downturn, many small businesses who are struggling may be looking for guidance.

For these reasons, the GHCC will consider supporting legislation that consider tax breaks for small businesses.

Economic Development
In the next twenty-five (25) years, the region must prepare for the next 2.3 million residents and the creation of 1.7 million new jobs. As such, attracting domestic and international economic development opportunities is imperative to the continued economic success and viability of Georgia.

The Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport and the ports located in Savannah and Brunswick provide opportunities for our Latin American partners. In fact, Savannah has emerged as the fastest growing and fourth largest container port in the nation.

In the coming years, it is important to continue to identify and invest in key areas where economic development opportunities may exist to stimulate Georgia’s economy. Georgia has identified six strategic industries for economic growth – one being tourism.

For these reasons, the GHCC will support legislation or initiatives that:

Promote economic development incentives such as allowing municipalities the flexibility to offer a wide range of incentives.

Adopt economic incentives to encourage private investment in identified strategic industries for Georgia’s economic growth, including tourism.

Explore economic development opportunities in rural areas.

Support the expansion of the capacity of our ports and places Georgia in a position to be the preferred east coast gateway.

For these reasons, on the federal level the GHCC supports bi-lateral and free trade agreements with key Latin American trading partners.

Education
Education is a key component for Georgia to remain globally and nationally competitive; the key to economic growth and development. A well-prepared, educated and trained workforce supports the needs of existing businesses and assists in attracting new companies to Georgia.

Georgia is among the states with the highest high school drop out rates. Latino student drop out rates continue to be disproportionately high. At the same time, Georgia’s public school enrollment is the twelfth (12th) fastest growing in the nation. The student enrollment growth has challenged teacher hiring. In 2006, teacher slots remained unfilled, affecting tens of thousands of students.

For these reasons, GHCC supports legislation that will:

Assist in increasing graduation rates.

Keep the HOPE scholarship which is vital to retaining Georgia’s best students.

Set higher standards, aligning standards with international and national norms.

Encourage and incentivize recruitment of high quality teachers.

Establish teacher and school board accountability.