Issue Position: Economic Development & Jobs

Issue Position

During difficult economic times, one of government's most important responsibilities is to set the table for private sector growth. That requires innovative use of tax revenue, strategic investment in infrastructure (such as the Port of Savannah), and prudent support for people who are hurting due to the slowdown.

Tough times heighten the competition for good jobs. It has never been more important that Georgia be an inviting place to start and grow a business. Streamlining government can help get bureaucrats out of the way. That's a good start, but it isn't enough. We need to use public money to ensure that our assets continue to provide competitive advantages for Georgians and their businesses. We also need to become more effective in bringing foreign investment into Georgia and we need to understand that we are competing globally.

Investing is key to our competitiveness now and in the future. Georgia has fantastic colleges and research universities, is a major logistics hub for people and trade, is an agricultural powerhouse and is home to Atlanta--an international business center. These are strengths we can use to carry us forward if we think clearly and strategically, and if we invest in educating our people to compete in the global economy.

Government doesn't drive growth, but it is a necessary partner to private industry. We have some visionary leaders in our business community here in Georgia. We need people of similar vision and competence in government if we are going to make the partnership work for Georgia.

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