Rep. Terry Rogers (R – Clarkesville) represents Georgia House District 10 which includes Habersham and White Counties.
It’s hard to believe, but the 2017 Legislative Session is starting next week.
On January 9th we will be sworn in, and than immediately get to work. This year Session will be a little different as there is an administration change in Washington D.C., and the states will be looking at the federal government to see the changes they are making and to watch how it will affect us on the state level. We won’t waste anytime however, as we will still have plenty to do!
Budget
The budget is always the top priority each legislative session, and that will be no different this year. The budget always originates in the House and is the only piece of legislation that we are required to pass under the State Constitution. As a member of the House Appropriations Committee, I am actively involved in the process and I take it very seriously. Throughout the budget process I’m continually looking for ways to cut wasteful spending, and for opportunities to grow jobs and stimulate the economy in our area. Last year I was pleased to help obtain money for new facilities at North Georgia Technical College, and this year there’s a good possibility of obtaining funds for a tourism and recreation project in White County which could benefit all of us in Northeast Georgia. I’ll keep you posted as we move through the process.
Healthcare
Looking beyond the budget, I believe that we will likely see legislation dealing with education reform, and also changes necessary in our healthcare system. This is especially important to us in our area, as we all know the problems rural hospitals are facing. At this point, no bills have been pre-filed directly related to healthcare, but I’m certain it will be discussed as it’s a growing concern the entire state is facing. One important component is how the federal government will handle the restructuring of Obamacare and the role the states will play. When our legislation is introduced, I look forward to reviewing the details thoroughly as the bill makes its way through the committee process. It’s a complex problem, and one that doesn’t have any easy solutions.
Economic Development
As a Floor Leader for Governor Deal, I will likely carry a number of bills through the House this session. However, my focus is, and will continue to be on legislation that promotes economic development and job creation in our area, as well as throughout the state of Georgia. Our state has the distinction of being named the #1 place to do business in the nation for the fourth straight year, and it is crucial that we continue to push initiatives that will keep Georgia on top. Legislation similar to the Georgia Small Business Act, which I introduced in 2015 and was signed into law by Governor Deal, is a perfect example of the type of common-sense, pro-business legislation that our state and area needs to continue to thrive economically.
Share your thoughts & opinions
As always, my main focus is on constituent service. If you have a situation that we can help with, please don’t hesitate to contact us. We may not always be able to get the answer you want, but we will do everything we can to resolve your situation. It’s going to be a very fast paced legislative session, and I hope you will get in touch if there’s a bill you’re particularly interested in. Please reach out to me and share your thoughts and opinions as we move throughout the session. I can be reached by email at [email protected], or by phone locally at 706-754-0706 or in Atlanta at 404-651-7737. Thank you for giving me the opportunity to represent you.
About the author: Rep. Terry Rogers (R-Clarkesville) represents Georgia House District 10 which includes Habersham and White Counties. He was first elected to office in 2011. Rep. Rogers currently serves as Vice Chairman of the Georgia House Economic Development and Tourism Committee as well as of the State Planning and Community Affairs Committee. He is a member of the Appropriations, Defense and Veteran Affairs, Rules, Regulated Industries and Human Relations and Aging Committees of the Georgia House. Rogers also represents Governor Nathan Deal as a House Representative to the Legislative Fiscal Affairs Oversight Committee and House Speaker David Ralston on the Georgia World Congress Center Oversight committee. Rogers is an Administration Floor Leader for Governor Deal.
