ATLANTA – State Representative Jimmy Pruett (R-Eastman) was recently appointed to serve as Vice Chair on the National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL) Labor and Economic Development Committee by House Speaker David Ralston (R-Blue Ridge). Rep. Pruett will serve a two year term running through 2014.
“I’d like to thank Speaker Ralston and the National Committee for having confidence in me and giving me the opportunity to serve on a national level. It is a true honor,” said Rep. Pruett. “The NCSL’s Labor and Economic Development Committee is focused on state and national issues that center around areas that are big concerns for all of us in America today – employment and trade. As Vice Chairman of the national committee, I will have the opportunity to facilitate meetings and discussions with representatives and senators from all 50 states. Our assignment will be to create and facilitate the implementation of policies that will affect the economic development of the United States as a whole, including international trade policy.”
The Labor and Economic Development Committee is one of NCSL’s 12 standing committees. These standing committees serve an important role in representing state interests in Washington, D.C. They also facilitate policy innovation among the state and territorial legislatures. In addition, the committees provide a unique forum for the discussion of major issues facing the states, which allows legislators to learn from the experiences of other states.
“I will get to meet with men and women from other states, and see what they are doing to promote job growth in their states, which will allow me to bring ideas back to Georgia that could assist us in helping to grow Georgia,” added Rep. Pruett.
According to NCSL, its Labor and Economic Development Committee handles state and federal issues related to labor, employment, workforce and economic development, international trade and cultural affairs. The committee also educates Congress and federal agencies about state concerns related to federal actions that impact the states.
“In essence, this appointment will give me a chance to be an active voice for the state of Georgia on an influential national committee,” said Rep. Pruett.
In addition to his position on the NCSL committee, Rep. Pruett also serves as Vice Chairman of Economic Development & Tourism Committee for the Georgia House of Representatives. Like his responsibilities at the national level with NCSL, Rep. Pruett’s position on this House committee requires him to oversee issues that affect economic development, business, trade, and tourism throughout the state of Georgia.
“Serving on the state Economic Development and Tourism Committee for six years, with two years as Vice Chairman, has allowed me to see exactly what type of resources are available to help Georgia. This hands-on experience in Georgia will be a guiding influence on the work we will do on the national level,” added Rep. Pruett.
NCSL is a bipartisan organization that serves legislators and staffs from the nation’s 50 states. It provides research, technical assistance and opportunities for policymakers to exchange ideas on the most pressing state issues and is an effective and respected advocate for the interests of the states in the American federal system.
Representative Jimmy Pruett represents the citizens of District 144, which includes Bleckley, Dodge, and Wilcox counties and portions of Ben Hill and Pulaski counties. He was elected into the House of Representatives in 2006 and served as one of Governor Perdue’s Floor Leaders. He currently serves on the Appropriations; Children & Youth; Economic Development & Tourism; Game, Fish and Parks; and Industrial Relations committees.
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