Legislators, local chamber members from across the state, lobbyists, and business leaders dined on Chick-fil-A at the Georgia World Congress Center at the Georgia Chamber's annual Eggs and Issues breakfast. The Chamber published its 2018 legislative priorities at the event. The education priority for this year reads: Ensure Georgia continues to foster an educational and vocational ecosystem focused on developing, retaining, and attracting a more globally competitive workforce.

 

Gov. Nathan Deal, Lt. Gov. Casey Cagle, and House Speaker David Ralston described their respective priorities for the upcoming legislative session during the breakfast. Deal spoke first, addressing the often-asked question: will Amazon's new headquarters come to Georgia? He encouraged policymakers not to act prematurely and speculate about whether Amazon-related legislation should pass this session. Deal promised he intends to call a special session should need related to Amazon arise in the near future. Check out the AJC'S coverage HERE. The governor also mentioned phase two of the new cybersecurity center in Augusta, $25 million for airport upgrades around the state (most of which are in rural Georgia), and a new constitutionally-created business court intended to relieve the burden on Georgia's superior and state courts. At the conclusion of his comments, Deal warned candidates running for higher office not to take credit for work of his administration. Gov. Deal did not reference his education or school-related plans for the 2018 legislative session.

 

Lt. Gov. Cagle focused his comments on education and career preparation. When education aligns with industry needs, it fuels our economy, Cagle stated. He expressed need for more industry certification and dual enrollment programs and said that students should enter their chosen field with little or no educational debt. He touted his College and Career Academies and efforts to attract venture capital to Georgia, particularly those investing in rural Georgia. The Lt. Gov. mentioned two of his priorities for 2018: a rural broadband initiative and healthcare reform that increases access and decreases cost, particularly in rural Georgia. He concluded, mentioning his intention to address the growing opioid crisis.

 

House Speaker Ralston's comment focused on transportation. He touted investment in Georgia's ports and rail connectivity. The Speaker mentioned MARTA ridership was twenty times higher last Monday during the UGA Championship game and summed up nicely, "quality of life matters regardless of whether you live on a dirt road or a MARTA line." Ralston mentioned ongoing work of the   House Rural Development Council and predicted that many, though not all, of the recommendations would move through the House this session. He closed by referencing much-needed legislation to modernize Georgia's child adoption laws.