As our nation has spent the past four years mired in the worst economic downturn since the Great Depression, the lights have stayed on in Georgia, thanks in no small part to the guidance, vision and foresight of governors Sonny Perdue, Nathan Deal and the Republican leadership under the Gold Dome and across Georgia.
Georgia’s Republican leaders, time and time again, looked adversity squarely in the eye and made the tough, though not always politically expedient, decisions.
Georgia’s legislators opted not to raise taxes on the hardworking citizens of our state, but rather to tighten our fiscal belt and balance our state’s checkbook. Our Republican leaders worked tirelessly this year to bring zero-based budgeting to our state government in order to ensure effective use of taxpayer dollars and to eliminate wasteful spending. Due in large part to the fiscal conservatism of Republicans under the Gold Dome, Georgia has maintained our stellar AAA bond rating, a true testament to our state’s even-keeled leadership.
When faced with the impending insolvency of Georgia’s acclaimed HOPE Scholarship and Pre-k program due to shrinking lottery revenues, Governor Deal reached across the aisle to craft “Enduring HOPE.” Enduring HOPE has set the bar higher for the rest of the nation when it comes to supporting our education system.
Georgia has taken significant strides to create a business-friendly and pro-jobs economic climate throughout our state. Last year, Gov. Deal launched the Georgia Competitiveness Initiative in order to ensure that Georgia is competitive in the global marketplace for generations to come.
This public-private partnership has brought together the best and brightest business minds to attract, retain and grow jobs and investment in our state; the results have been immediate. Recently, CNBC ranked Georgia fourth among “America’s Top States for Business.” Chief Executive Magazine named Georgia the fifth-best state for business, and an independent nationwide survey ranked Georgia first in the nation for labor climate, labor availability and workforce development.
As we continue to attract entrepreneurs, small businesses and corporations to Georgia through our top-notch business climate and pro-growth incentives, our state’s fiscal outlook and economic standing will improve. Republican policies have kept Georgia open for business, even through these turbulent financial times and have made our state the economic envy of the nation.
Not to be overlooked, however, is the fact that Georgia’s Republican leadership at the state Capitol has achieved remarkable advancements under our current administration through bold reforms to our tax code, criminal justice system and illegal immigration enforcement, as well as a decisive victory in the tri-state water war. True leaders produce results. Our party’s leaders have delivered for the State of Georgia.
I am immensely proud of the accomplishments of Georgia’s Republican leadership, and the State of Georgia should be as well. The future of the Peach State is brighter than ever.
