GBAN Alert: Georgia Chamber Urges Voters to Say YES on July 31 to Regional Transportation Referendum

Friday, June 15, 2012

On July 31, Georgians across the state will have the opportunity to truly control their region’s economic future.  With passage of the regional transportation referendum, local communities will be able to raise funds and begin work on specific transportation projects in their area – projects selected and managed by local officials with every penny collected staying within the region.

•  The Georgia Chamber – traditionally opposed to any tax increases – believes the transportation referendum is the most effective way to ensure long-term job creation and economic investment in every part of the state. 
•  Without a reliable infrastructure system, regions will not be able to support the needs of modern-day companies– those already here in Georgia as well as those who are looking to relocate and bring jobs to the state. 
•  With the world’s busiest airport and the fastest growing port in the nation, Georgia already is in a great position to grow, but we need the right investments into our transportation system to maintain the strong positionwe have over neighboring states already moving forward with infrastructure improvements.
• July 31, simply put, is the most significant economic development venture in Georgia history.  

Voting YES on July 31 will make Georgia’s business climate more competitive, more jobs-friendly and more prosperous.

For complete information on the Connect Georgia 2012 campaign as well as specific regional information, please visit the Connect Georgia website

Deadline For New Voter Registration is July 2/Early Voting Begins July 9!

In order to be eligible to participate in your region’s July 31 transportation referendum, you must be registered to vote by Monday, July 2.  

Also, early voting begins Monday, July 9, with select precincts open to voters during the week and certain Saturdays.

The Georgia Secretary of State’s office provides provides voters an online portal for voting information:

• Click here to visit the My Voter Page and check registration status, polling locations and ballots.
• Click here if you are not registered to vote and need to submit an online application
• Click here for contact information for your local elections office to find out where early/advance locations are in your county

LEGISLATIVE NEWS

O’Neal, Golden are 2012 Georgia Chamber Legislators of the Year

The Georgia Chamber recognized three state legislators for their dedication to improving Georgia’s economic competitiveness.  House Majority Leader Larry O’Neal and State Sen. Tim Golden have been named 2012 Georgia Chamber Legislators of the Year, while State Sen. Charlie Bethel is the organization’s 2012 Freshman of the Year.

“Georgia businesses need state lawmakers who understand the role the private sector plays in creating jobs and building our economy,” said Georgia Chamber President and CEO Chris Clark.  “Leader O’Neal, Senator Golden and Senator Bethel have each proven to be true champions of the state business community through their leadership on critical legislation that will encourage growth and investment.  The Georgia Chamber is grateful for their collective efforts to strengthen Georgia’s pro-business environment and we look forward to our continued partnership.”

O’Neal, Golden and Bethel all earned “A+” grades on the Chamber’s 2012 Legislative Scorecard, both for their votes and leadership on business-friendly measures this past session and the 2011 session.