Loading...Georgia Chamber Applauds Progress On Transportation Funding
Georgia Chamber of Commerce president George Israel today commended lawmakers for moving to address Georgia's transportation funding crisis.
"I believe we will look back on this day, this week, as an historic moment," Israel said. "Today's action by the House and Senate brings us closer to giving Georgia voters the power to approve new funding for badly needed local transportation projects."
Georgia is suffering from a multibillion-dollar transportation funding shortfall that threatens its economic prosperity and the quality of life of nearly 10 million Georgians statewide. As a member of Get Georgia Moving -- a broad coalition of more than 50 groups -- the Georgia Chamber of Commerce is working closely with lawmakers to address the shortfall this year.
On Wednesday, legislation that would let voters tackle the funding gap at the ballot box surged forward in both chambers, with the full Senate approving SR 845 by an overwhelming margin of 51 to 4 and the House Transportation Committee approving HB 1139 and HR 1226 by a vote of 20 to 5.
If the full House passes HB 1139 and HR 1226, which could happen later this week or next, lawmakers from both bodies will meet to work out a compromise.
"The Georgia Chamber of Commerce applauds the House and Senate for taking action on this serious issue," Israel said. "We look forward to working with lawmakers on a collaborative solution that will benefit all of Georgia."
