ATLANTA – State Representative Lynn Smith (R-Newnan) was recently selected as a 2010 Legislator of the Year by the Georgia Chamber of Commerce. The Georgia Chamber of Commerce gives this award annually to members of the Georgia General Assembly who go above and beyond on behalf of the state’s business community during the legislative session.
“Being named ‘Legislator of the Year’ is an honor that only makes me even more proud to serve as the state Representative of HD 70,” said Rep. Lynn Smith. “My interest in Georgia’s water resources is what led me to run for state office and work to create a statewide water management policy. I never took on these responsibilities with the expectation of awards and accolades, but I do appreciate the recognition that these efforts are helping the state and its economy.”
During the 2010 legislative session, Rep. Smith was a key sponsor of the 2010 Water Stewardship Act. This bill takes a big step forward in meeting the state’s long-term water supply needs while emphasizing conservation measures. She also carried the Georgia Government Accountability Act, Senate Bill 148. This legislation would have given the General Assembly the ability to find greater efficiencies and cost-savings in state government had it not been vetoed by the Governor. It would have given the explicit power to the General Assembly to regularly review state regulations and determine whether existing state agencies are accomplishing their stated goals for Georgia taxpayers.
Other honorees selected for this award were Representatives Rich Golick (R-Smyrna) and Kevin Levitas (D-Atlanta), and Senators Bill Cowsert (R-Athens) and David Shafer (R-Duluth).
“We are proud to recognize these individuals, each of whom worked to ensure that despite the state’s budget challenges important issues such as transportation, education, water, taxes and health care were addressed during the 2010 legislative session,” said Haydon Stanley, Chair of the Georgia Chamber’s Government Affairs Council.
The Georgia Chamber of Commerce’s primary mission since its founding in 1915 has been advocacy on behalf of business at the state and federal level. With the leadership of the organization’s 400+ member Government Affairs Council, comprised of government affairs professionals from throughout the state, the Chamber speaks on behalf of Georgia business and industry, focusing on quality of life and economic issues critical to the state’s future.
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Representative Lynn Smith represents the citizens of House District 70, which includes portions of Coweta and Heard counties. She was elected into the House of Representatives in 1996, and is currently the Chairman of the Natural Resources and Environment Committee. She also serves on the Appropriations, Legislative & Congressional Reapportionment, and Rules Committees. For more information about Rep. Smith, please visit her official Facebook fan page at the following link: http://www.facebook.com/pages/State-Rep-Lynn-Smith-R-70/62557803511