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Gold Dome Update 
Highlights from the House 
Monthly Update
As we head into the season of thankfulness, there are many things for which we can be grateful where the overall economic health of our state is concerned. It is hard to believe, looking at today’s economy, that during this time in 2009 our Georgia unemployment rate was an astounding 10.2 percent. A sobering reminder of how far we have come since the Great Recession. Today the economic health of our state looks much different. As unemployment rates hover around 3.5 percent, Georgia’s growth continues as we have made headway in diversifying our state’s industry portfolio. Below I have listed ways in which we continue to improve Georgia's economic health!
Georgia's Economic Development

Did you know that Georgia has been named the number one state in which to do business for six years in a row? This is great news as it means in the area of policy, we are getting it right.

Area Development Magazine’s 2019 Top States for Doing Business results reflect the rankings that states receive based on weighted scores in the following categories: overall cost of doing business, corporate tax environment, business incentives programs, access to capital and project funding, competitive labor environment, shovel-ready sites program, cooperative and responsive state government, favorable general regulatory environment, speed of permitting, favorable utility rates, leading workforce development programs, and most improved economic development policies.

Because of our strides in lessening government red tape for business, our state has been successful in obtaining national recognition in numerous growing industries allowing our employment rates and economy to bounce back.

Did you know?
  • There are nearly 800,000 registered small businesses in the state which account for over 99% of all businesses in Georgia. As of 2019, Georgia ranks #1 for our small business climate.
  • Georgia plays host to 800+ aerospace companies which include major manufacturing, research and development, transportation services, and cyber security operations.
  • Agriculture is Georgia’s largest economic driver as our state has over 9 million acres of operating farmland. Still known as the “Peach State,” we actually lead the nation in production of chickens, peanuts, pecans, blueberries, and rye.
  • Tourism is a $66.2 billion industry for the state, driving significant business growth and increased revenue for companies operating in Georgia.
  • Fort Gordon, located in the Augusta area, is the U.S. Army’s national cyber headquarters. As Atlanta is ranked 7th in the nation for cyber security positions, our capital city has also earned the nickname “the Silicon Valley of the South.” A survey released by CB Richard Ellis reported that between 2013 and 2018, Atlanta added nearly 32,000 tech jobs.
  • Georgia is a national leader in advanced manufacturing, outpacing the U.S in 10-year GDP growth in the manufacture of products including machinery, electrical equipment & components, and fabricated metals. This results in a $61.1 billion output, and an abundant workforce of approximately 270,000 production workers.
  • The film and television industries in Georgia generated $9.5 billion in 2018, but the economic impacts extend much further. Countless jobs are created in the combined entertainment business, from electricians and lighting to stage construction and real estate.

As we prepare for the 2020 legislative session, we will continue to research ways to promote economic and industry growth in every region of the state as we contend with the economic uncertainty ahead. Governor Kemp has called for more responsible state spending as we make the same decisions about state government that you make around your kitchen table every day about your own budget. Considering the uncertainty, state leadership has instituted various committees to proactively research ways in which we can ensure our economic health remains intact.

The House Rural Development Committee, which concentrates efforts on the less populated regions, as well as, the House working group on Economic Development are just a couple of examples of how we are serving our citizens to keep Georgia growth constant. At the executive branch of state government, Governor Kemp has executed the Georgians First Commission which is a group tasked to review state regulations, policies, and procedures to streamline government, remove inefficiencies, and secure Georgia’s place as the top state for small business in the country. All committee, working group and commission meetings are open to the public and I encourage you to follow our progress.

Relevant News

Interested in keeping track of Georgia's progress?
Check out the helpful links below. 
 

Be on the lookout for future monthly updates covering issues important to our great state and her citizens. As always, if you need anything at all, please reach out anytime. Thank you for allowing me the humble honor of serving our community under the Gold Dome. We look forward to the coming days where we continue our efforts for strong for simple, smart and effective government.

Respectfully,
Shaw Blackmon
Representative of Georgia's 146th House District

Contact:
478-918-7477
 
Representative Shaw Blackmon
District 146
Phone: 404-463-
Address: 401-K State Capitol
Atlanta, Georgia 30334


Rep. Shaw Blackmon represents District 146. He currently serves as a member of Economic Development & Tourism,Governmental Affairs, Insurance, Juvenile Justice, Rules, Small Business Development, Special Rules, and Ways & Means Committees. He serves as Chair of the Transportation Committee on Appropriations and also as House Appointee to the Joint Defense Commission.