Legislative Updates
Many of you may not be aware that our lobbyist, Janice Winters, is hard at work reading and reviewing hundreds of bills during the legislation session to help ensure that the laws that could affect us negatively are blocked and conversely, that laws that might promote job growth are passed. Highlighted below are just five of the 25 successes we had this year.
Your GAPS dues at work!
House Bill 191 represents a major tax decrease for Georgia companies ( estimated at one billion dollars ). Should bring many new companies to Georgia and hundreds of thousands of jobs. This Bill passed both Houses. Governor will sign the Bill.
Senate Bill 125 provides for the "New Georgia Foundation for Tourism Act". This legislation establishes an agency to receive private and public monies to promote an ambitious state-wide tourism effort. The marketing would target the movie and TV industry, large and small conference groups, and seek tourists in general to experience the many opportunities in Georgia. This legislation should, at least, double Georgia's tourism industry. Presently, there are 200,000 jobs related to tourism. We should see another 200,000 or more jobs created under this initiative. Should also create growth within the hospitality industry. Passed. Governor will sign the Bill.
House Bill 520 would suspend, for another year, any increase in unemployment compensation rates. As you know, we first got decrease passed about ten years ago and have to bring a Bill every year to keep the decrease in effect ( under the Laws of Georgia ). Passed.
Senate Bill 11 gives discount on premiums for Worker's Compensation when the insured has a drug-free workplace. Removes existing eight-year limitation on the application of the discount. Passed
House Bill 282 provides a tax incentive for small business to encourage job creation. This is part of the Governor's package. Passed.