ATLANTA— House Speaker David Ralston (R-Blue Ridge) today announced the appointment of state Representative Ben Harbin (R-Evans) to serve on the National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL) Labor and Economic Development Committee. As the presiding officer of the Georgia House of Representatives, Speaker Ralston is charged with selecting members to represent Georgia within NCSL.
“I am honored that Speaker David Ralston appointed me to the Labor and Economic Development Committee for NCSL,” said Rep. Harbin. “I hope to best represent the citizens of Georgia and my fellow legislators while serving on this committee.”
According to NCSL, the Labor and Economic Development Committee covers state and federal issues related to labor, employment, workforce and economic development, international trade and cultural affairs. The committee educates Congress and federal agencies about state concerns related to federal actions that impact the states, based on policy positions adopted by the states through NCSL’s policy process. In addition, the Committee serves as a forum for legislators and legislative staff to learn and share information regarding policy options being considered in other states.
The Labor and Economic Development Committee reviews many different issues, including Consumer Affairs, Minimum Wage, Social Security, and Unemployment Compensation.
Additional issues the committee reviews includes Arts and Culture, Adult Education, Community Revitalization, Davis Bacon Act, Economic Development, Employment, Employment Training, Family Medical Leave Act, Growth Management, Historic Preservation, Housing, International Trade, Labor, Libraries, Life-long Learning, Pensions, Public Employees Retirement, Right-to-Work Laws, School-to-Work Transition, State Minimum Wage, Travel and Tourism, Unemployment, Unions, Urban Renewal, Violence-Workplace, Workers Compensation, Workforce Development, and Workplace Discrimination.
The appointment is for a two-year term concurrent with Rep. Harbin’s service as a member of the Georgia House of Representatives.
NCSL is a bipartisan organization that serves legislators and staff from the nation’s 50 states. It provides research, technical assistance and opportunities for policymakers to exchange ideas on the most pressing state issues.
For more information about NCSL and its Labor and Economic Development Committee, please click here.
Representative Ben Harbin represents the citizens of District 122, which includes portions of Columbia County. He was elected into the House of Representatives in 1994, and currently serves as the Vice Chairman of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Health. He also serves on the Energy; Utilities & Telecommunications; Insurance; and Ways & Means committees.
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