ATLANTA – State Representative Jon Burns (R-Newington), a member of the Appropriations Committee and Chairman of the Game, Fish, & Parks Committee, successfully advocated for the restoration of funds for the Sylvania Visitor Information Center.
“The Sylvania Visitor Center is not only a rich piece of history, but it also spurs economic growth in our community by providing visitors with information on area businesses,” said Rep. Burns. “I am pleased that the Appropriations Committee has preserved funding for this wonderful center.”
The Georgia Department of Economic Development proposed cutting all state funding to the Sylvania Visitors Center as part of Governor’s proposed Fiscal Year 2013 budget. However, thanks to Rep. Burns’ efforts, the House Appropriations Committee only cut the center’s state funding by 2 percent.
“Chairman Burns is an effective advocate for his district and the region as a whole,” said House Appropriations Chairman Terry England. “His counsel is valuable to me in the appropriations process.”
The Sylvania Visitor Information Center is the oldest visitor center in the state of Georgia. It assists visitors and tourists with their trips to area attractions, including Screven Motor Speedway, Tuckahoe Wildlife Management Area, the Wade Plantation, Millhaven Plantation and the Dell Goodall House.
Representative Jon Burns represents the citizens of District 157, which includes portions of Bulloch, Burke, Effingham, Jenkins, and Screven counties. He was elected into the House of Representatives in 2006 and is currently the Chairman of the Game, Fish, & Parks Committee. He also serves on the Appropriations, Agriculture and Consumer Affairs, Banks and Banking, Special Rules, and Transportation committees.
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