ATLANTA – State Representative Mack Jackson (D-Sandersville), co-chair of the House Rural Development Council, recently convened the council’s final meetings of the 2023-2024 legislative term at Georgia Southern University in Statesboro. Alongside co-chair State Representative Gerald Greene (R-Cuthbert), the council heard from agency leaders and stakeholders on issues, including workforce development in the entertainment industry, the state of optometry in rural Georgia and rural transportation and infrastructure. Following the meetings, the council convened to discuss and adopt its final recommendations for the legislative term.
“We’ve seen an urgent need to prioritize Georgia’s rural communities, especially in the wake of the devastating impact of Hurricane Helene,” said Rep. Jackson. “This council has dedicated its efforts to gathering the necessary information and resources to help restore rural Georgia to its full potential. I’m truly honored to serve alongside my colleagues as we work to address these critical issues. I am confident that the work we’ve done will lead to meaningful legislation that puts the needs of rural communities front and center. I look forward to continuing our efforts in January and want to express my sincere gratitude to House Speaker Jon Burns for appointing this council to support rural Georgia.”
During the meetings, the council heard a panel discussion on the state of workforce development in Georgia’s entertainment industry. Panelists highlighted the challenges facing the industry, especially in rural areas, and stressed the need to expand the industry into these communities. They emphasized that developing local talent could reduce the costs of transporting large production companies to rural regions, making these areas more appealing for filming. The council also heard testimony regarding the state of optometry services in Georgia, with local optometrists advocating for the establishment of eye practices in rural towns. They shared that many patients in rural counties must travel to larger metro areas for eye care, pointing to a gap in access to healthcare services in these communities.
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 also heard from experts in Georgia’s railroad industry, who highlighted the need for investment in rail infrastructure to accommodate future growth. They explained that the development of rail-served industrial parks, intermodal sites and transload facilities would ease congestion and create new economic opportunities in rural communities across Georgia.
Lastly, the council members convened to review and adopt the final report of recommendations, which summarize the council’s findings throughout the legislative term. Among the recommendations are prioritizing rural infrastructure, ensuring backup power for rural hospitals and communities—an issue brought to light by Hurricane Helene—and advancing the creation and implementation of rural maternal and infant health centers of excellence. These and other recommendations may be introduced as proposed legislation in the upcoming legislative session.
The House Rural Development Council was originally established in 2017 to collaborate with rural communities in fostering economic growth and job creation. During the 2023 legislative session, House Resolution 488 was unanimously adopted, renewing the council’s mandate for the current term.
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 Mack Jackson represents the citizens of District 128, which includes Glascock, Hancock, Warren and Washington counties, as well as portions of Baldwin and McDuffie counties. He was elected in 2008 and currently serves on the Appropriations Subcommittee on Economic Development and the Health, Public Safety and Homeland Security, Reapportionment and Redistricting, Rules, Small Business Development, State Planning & Community Affairs and Transportation committees.
###