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Gold Dome Update 
Highlights from the House 
Week Three
Monday, January 22, we returned to Capitol Hill to resume the 2018 legislative calendar. We have already made it through one fourth of this year’s legislative session as Thursday brought the completion of legislative day ten.  Last week, we focused on measures recommended by our various House study committees. We also worked with the Senate to pass an adjournment resolution, which maps out our remaining thirty days on Capitol Hill. As we continue to move forward, there is no shortage of committee meeting work, issue debate and Capitol day events. 
Rural Revitalization Efforts
Although Georgia’s economy has grown over the last few years, there are many rural communities in our state still suffering effects from the great recession. To revitalize the less populated areas of our state, we have focused heavily on finding ways to improve economic opportunities for our rural communities.

House Resolution 389
Last session, we adopted House Resolution 389, which established the House Rural Development Council (RDC). During the off session, members of the RDC traveled every corner of the state, making visits to rural communities to meet with local leaders, study issues specific to rural areas while exploring ways to encourage economic growth. Policy areas, such as education, infrastructure, access to health care and economic growth incentives are of major concern. In December, the RDC released reports outlining several policy recommendations in hopes of boosting economic opportunity in non-metro areas.

House Bill 735
The first of many rural development-related bills came in the form of House Bill 735 .
HB 735 would create a tax credit for short line railroad track maintenance to incentivize investment in rail infrastructure in rural Georgia. This bill will now make its way through the committee process, and I will update you as it moves through the House.


Transit
Over the last few years, we have focused largely on further development of our state’s transportation network. Georgia is not only home to the world’s busiest airport, it also plays host to the 4th largest port system in the nation. Therefore, we must ensure we have a connected, efficient transportation network.

House Resolution 848
In 2017 we passed House Resolution 848 , which established the House Commission on Transit Governance and Funding. Like the RDC, the transit commission held hearings across the state to study our transportation needs in hopes to resolve issues plaguing our current system. Improving Georgia’s infrastructure will greatly improve our economy, especially in rural areas.

Congressman Doug Collins
It was a pleasure to welcome former state representative, turned Congressman Doug Collins to the House chamber, Thursday, January 25th. Congressman Collins brought updates from our federal delegation in Washington D.C., noting that the Georgia General Assembly is a productive legislative example that Congress should follow.
National Guard Day
Last week we also celebrated National Guard Day! Several men and women of the Georgia National Guard joined us in the chamber where they were presented with House Resolution 902 . The Georgia Department of Defense provides military-ready forces to the president and disaster response forces to the governor. The department employs over 10,891 Army National Guard Soldiers, 2,746 Air National Guard Airmen, 583 State Defense Force members and over 600 state employees. Since 9/11, over 18,000 Georgia National Guard members have been deployed. It was an honor to recognize these brave individuals who serve to protect the freedoms we hold dear. 

Last week under the Gold Dome we celebrated the success of
Economic Development in our great state!
In the news...

Thank you to the Houston Home Journal for great news coverage pertaining to our district. See below articles of interest related to our region of the state,


Adjournment Calendar
We also worked with our counterparts in the Senate and adopted the final adjournment resolution, which determines our calendar for the remainder of the 2018 legislative session. Legislative Day 40, also known as Sine Die, is the final day of session and is set for Thursday, March 29th. 

Until then, we look forward to an aggressive schedule as we work towards the passage of meaningful legislation for the betterment of our great state! As always, I will continue to update you for the remaining days of session. If you have questions or concerns, please reach out to me anytime. Thank you for allowing me to serve as your voice under the Gold Dome as we continue to work towards simple, smart and effective government.

Respectfully,
Shaw Blackmon
Representative of Georgia's 146th House District
 
Representative Shaw Blackmon
District 146
Email: Shaw.Blackmon@house.ga.gov
Phone: 404-656-0177
Address: 501-E Coverdell Legislative Office Building
Atlanta, Georgia 30334


Rep. Shaw Blackmon represents District 146. He currently serves as a Deputy Whip and as a member of Appropriations, Ways & Means, Economic Development and Tourism, Special Rules, Insurance and
Governmental Affairs Committees. Shaw is also a member of the Military Affairs Working Group.