ATLANTA – The Georgia House of Representatives today passed House Bill 264 in a vote of 155 to 3, showing tremendous bipartisan support for the measure. Introduced by State Representative Amy Carter (R-Valdosta), this legislation allows for a more cohesive economic development approach to developing the arts and tourism in Georgia.
“Art, in all its various forms, is a vital part of our state’s rich heritage and culture,” said Rep. Carter. “We should respect Georgia’s artistic traditions and promote our state’s art and artists to the best of our abilities. This legislation allows us to do that by putting that responsibility in the hands of the department responsible for promoting and developing the state as a whole. As a result, the arts will be promoted more successfully in Georgia communities.”
Specifically, HB 265 would transfer all matters related to the Georgia Council for the Arts from the Office of Planning and Budget to the Department of Economic Development. Under this transfer of authority, the Department of Economic Development would become responsible for carrying out state programs that encourage participation in and recognition of the arts in communities throughout Georgia.
This legislating gives the Department of Economic Development powers to establish an overall policy for grant awards, evaluations, and programs recommended by the Council for the Arts. It also enables the Department to hold hearings, establish agreements, and carry out any acts necessary to promote the arts in Georgia. Further, the Department would be able to request assistance and data pertaining to the arts from other departments or agencies of the state. Finally, the Department would be charged with accepting and expending any federal funds for the arts on behalf of the state of Georgia.
For more information on HB 264, please click here.
Representative Amy Carter represents the citizens of District 175, which includes portions of Lowndes County. She was elected into the House of Representatives in 2006, and serves as one of Governor Deal’s House Floor Leaders. She is currently the Secretary of Higher Education Committee and serves as a member of the Appropriations and Education committees as well as the Small Business Development and Job Creation Committee.
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