Last year, I traveled all across the state to visit members of the Georgia House of Representatives and meet with thousands of Georgians. I heard the same message over and over again: People want their Legislature to focus on creating jobs and doing whatever possible to grow the economy. While the government does not create jobs, as state policymakers, we have a responsibility to foster an economic environment conducive to job growth.
Through the historic difficulties of the recent global economic downturn, Georgia did just that. The economy is steadily improving. State revenue collections are up. The unemployment rate is at its lowest point since the height of the Great Recession, and 2013 was a banner year for private sector jobs creation.
We are also one of only nine states in the nation to maintain our AAA bond ratings from all three credit rating agencies throughout the economic downturn. This sends a signal of exemplary stability to help attract business interest and undergird the confidence of existing Georgia businesses. In fact, Georgia was recently named the No. 1 state in the nation for business by Site Selection Magazine.
We adopted tax-reform measures in the General Assembly that made Georgia more economically competitive and family focused for rapid recovery. We removed the sales tax on energy used in manufacturing, which helped bring companies like Baxter International and Caterpillar to Georgia. In 2013, we saw 389 company expansions or location announcements, resulting in 31,656 new jobs and more than $6 billion in investments.
We also substantially removed the “marriage penalty” in our tax code, so the state now treats married people equally. Our tax policy is taking this state in the right direction. We’ll continue to adopt and implement policies like these in the coming years that keep our economy growing.
As we head into the 2014 legislative session, House Republicans are focused on the one responsibility the state Constitution binds the General Assembly to fulfill each year. Unlike Congress, we are required to balance the budget every legislative session. That is something we will do again this year and without raising taxes on Georgians.
Our record in the General Assembly and, particularly, in the Georgia House of Representatives is built on stable, conservative leadership. We are laser-focused again this year on job creation and measures that positively impact the lives of our citizens, particularly our young people. Our tried-and-true policies are working. Recent success is evidence of that.
In 2014, we will work to build on these achievements and do everything we can to ensure Georgia remains a great state to raise families and build businesses.
Larry O’Neal, R-Bonaire, is House Majority Leader for the Georgia Legislature.
