ATLANTA – State Representative Gerald Greene (R-Cuthbert), co-chair of the House Rural Development Council, recently convened the council’s final meetings for the 2023-2024 legislative term. The meetings, held at Georgia Southern University in Statesboro and co-chaired by State Representative Mack Jackson (D-Sandersville), featured testimony from agency leaders and stakeholders focused on rural issues, including workforce development in the entertainment industry, the state of optometry in Georgia and rural transportation and infrastructure. The council also reviewed and adopted final legislative recommendations outlined in its report.
“I am incredibly proud of the work the House Rural Development Council has accomplished during this legislative term,” said Rep. Greene. “Rural Georgia has faced significant challenges, particularly following Hurricane Helene. Addressing these issues, along with many other challenges faced by rural Georgians, has been our top priority, and I’m grateful to Speaker Jon Burns for appointing this council to lead the effort. The insights we’ve gained and the recommendations we’ve developed are a testament to the collaboration and dedication of everyone involved. I look forward to translating our findings into legislation that could improve the lives and well-being of all rural Georgians.”
During the meetings, the council heard a panel discussion on the current status of workforce development in Georgia’s entertainment industry. Panelists outlined challenges facing the industry, particularly in rural areas, and emphasized the importance of expanding the industry into these communities. They stressed the need for enhanced workforce development statewide, noting that increasing local talent could lower the costs associated with transporting large production companies to rural regions, making these areas more attractive for filming. Additionally, members of the council heard testimony on the state of optometry services in Georgia, with local optometrists urging consideration of opening eye practices in rural towns. They reported that many patients in rural counties must travel to larger metro areas for eye care, highlighting a gap in access to rural health services.
The council was also greeted by House Speaker Jon Burns (R-Newington), who addressed members to highlight the importance of prioritizing disaster relief and recovery for rural communities impacted by Hurricane Helene. He also discussed the need to streamline Georgia’s infrastructure to boost workforce development in rural areas, stressing that improving transportation and connectivity is critical for attracting new businesses and expanding opportunities in these communities. The council then heard from experts in Georgia’s railroad industry, who underscored the need for investment in rail infrastructure to support future development. They explained that developing rail-served industrial parks, intermodal sites and transload facilities would help alleviate congestion and open new economic opportunities in Georgia’s rural communities.
Finally, the council members came together to discuss and adopt the final report of recommendations, which reflect the council’s findings over the legislative term. Among the proposed recommendations are prioritizing rural infrastructure, providing backup power to rural hospitals and their communities—an issue highlighted by Hurricane Helene—and focusing on the development and implementation of rural maternal and infant health centers of excellence. These recommendations, among others, may be introduced as proposed legislation in the upcoming legislative session.
Established in 2017, the House Rural Development Council was created to work with rural communities on strategies aimed at fostering economic growth and job creation. In the 2023 legislative session, the council was reauthorized for the current term following the unanimous adoption of House Resolution 488.
More information about the House Rural Development Council may be found here: https://www.legis.ga.gov/other-committees/house/2024/rural-development-council-2024
Representative Gerald Greene represents the citizens of District 154, which includes Baker, Calhoun, Clay, Early, Miller, Quitman, Randolph and Seminole counties, as well as portions of Dougherty County. He was elected to the House of Representatives in 1982 and currently serves as Chairman of the State Properties Committee and Vice Chairman of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Economic Development. He also serves on the Economic Development & Tourism, Public Safety and Homeland Security, Retirement, Rules, Special Rules and Urban Affairs committees.
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