Issue Position: Jobs & Economy

Issue Position

Georgia is currently ranked near the top for our regulatory environment, and that's a great start, but it's not nearly enough, not by a long shot. That's because we have one of the highest unemployment rates in the nation and are near the bottom in quality of life rankings.

The thing is, business isn't just about regulation, or about owners. It's about everyone, including employees. And if capitalism is going to work, it's got to work for all of us.

Economic growth doesn't happen when businesses have cash; it happens when regular folks have enough money in their pockets to buy cars and homes, pay rent, get clothes for their kids, and do everything else that drives our economy.

Currently Georgia is tied for the lowest minimum wage in the nation, and that figure is directly linked to our unemployment rate. Some think that lower wages mean businesses can hire more workers, but the opposite is true -- low pay means less spending, which means less business, which means fewer workers are needed, even at poverty wages.

To keep Georgia from being left behind in the 21st century economy, we're going to need a highly educated work force and the kind of quality of life that modern, high-paying companies demand.

No state can maintain sub-poverty wages for millions of workers, slash public services, and have a stable low-crime society at the same time. If we force working people into poverty, then fail to provide for their basic needs, none of us will have the life we truly want for ourselves and our kids.

As a businessman, I understand that solid companies locate and grow where the government has its act together -- where policies favor an even playing field, a pleasant life, public safety, and skilled workers. That's why I support reversing the spiral by improving education, providing support for training, and raising the minimum wage.

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