Georgia has been ranked the number one state in the nation to do business for six years in a row, and Georgia lawmakers say they want to make it seven. That’s part of the task of a Senate Study Committee designed to look at ways to cut regulations and financial burdens on state’s businesses.
The Study Committee on Reducing Georgia’s Cost of Doing Business was created by Senate Resolution 433, and will be chaired by Sen. John Wilkinson. (R-Toccoa) — one of the co-sponsors. The Resolution states that “Georgia must continue to be at the forefront in creating a business friendly environment.”
The Resolution goes on to say, “the rising costs of goods and services threaten families, small and large businesses, economic development, and all Georgia consumers; and WHEREAS, Georgia has some of the highest auto insurance rates in the nation, which not only hurts individuals, but any industry that has extensive fleet and commercial vehicle operations; and WHEREAS, rural healthcare providers face an ongoing financial crisis, threatening access to all patients in their communities; and WHEREAS, healthcare costs continue to increase due in part to the practice of defensive medicine; and WHEREAS, Georgia ranks 40th in the state lawsuit climate report published by the Institute for Legal Reform; and WHEREAS, the General Assembly needs to fully review and study the issue of Georgia’s legal climate and its impact on the cost of doing business and performing healthcare services in Georgia.”
“I am honored to be chosen to chair this study committee and look forward to researching ways to help reduce regulatory and financial burdens on our state’s businesses,” said Sen. Wilkinson, following the appointment by Lt. Governor Geoff Duncan. “Ensuring our state’s business-friendly climate helps encourage growth in both small businesses and large corporations and is vital to our continued economic success. I look forward to working with stakeholders and members of this committee to help us sustain our bright future for business.”
The Senate Study Committee on Reducing Georgia’s Cost of Doing Business will meet across the state in the next several months. Below is a tentative schedule of the meetings, which will all begin at 10 a.m. Additional details on the location will be available on the Senate website in the next few weeks:
Meeting 1: Thursday, August 29 at the Georgia State Capitol
Meeting 2: Thursday, September 26 in Perry.
Meeting 3: Monday, October 21 in Savannah.
Meeting 4: Tuesday, November 19 at Young Harris, Georgia
The Study Committee will be comprised of 15 members who are tasked with reviewing the current legal climate and other areas that impact the cost of doing business in Georgia. The study committee will report its findings before or on December 1, 2019.
