News Archive

February 24, 2019 | FREE Health & Safety Training

You read that correctly! Central Georgia Technical College will offer FREE Forklift Safety classes to qualified businesses needing to get their forklift drivers certified. Space is very limited and you will need to put in your request as soon as possible to secure your spot. For additional information, see the attached flyer or call our office at 478-825-3826.

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February 18, 2019 | Legislative Update 2019 - Week #5

Noteworthy Items:

The General Assembly met last week Monday – Friday for Legislative Days 12-16. Session was in full swing. Notably, HB23, one of the bills allowing EMCs to provide broadband services, passed the House by a unanimous vote on Monday. It has been read in the Senate and referred to Regulated Industries and Utilities, where hearings have begun.
Healthcare continues to be a prominent topic this session:
- Last week, Governor Kemp revealed SB 106, “The Patients First Act.” This legislation would allow the state to apply for innovative Medicaid waivers from the federal government. Although it is too early to determine exactly what the waiver would include, priority would be given to low-income adults who are currently uninsured.
- We also saw two bills, HB 198 and SB74, introduced to repeal the Certificate of Need (CON) process. These bills are very broad in scope. There were two hearings on the legislation with strong points of view both for and against the proposals expressed from the healthcare community and others.
The House also started working on the budget for FY 2020, beginning with holding hearings.
- Commissioner Nunn and Commissioner Wilson spoke to the House Appropriations Subcommittee for Economic Development about the their FY20 budget.
- For DCA, certain one-funding was removed, like funding included during the special legislative session for disaster assistance.
- Commissioner Nunn also highlighted the work DCA is doing on broadband mapping per legislation that was passed last session. DCA is also creating a framework to deploy funds if Georgia is given federal funding for rural broadband initiatives.
- For GDEcD, Commissioner Wilson noted a reduction in one-time funds for Civil War Heritage Trails markers ($25,000) and an $800,000 reduction in funds for the Year of Music in Georgia marketing campaign.
Governor Kemp announced his 18 appointments to the Georgians First Commission, a task force created by Executive Order on the Governor’s first day in office. The Commission is charged with reviewing state regulations, policies, and procedures to streamline government, remove inefficiencies, and secure Georgia’s place as the top state for small business in the country. The members are:
- Cade Joiner (Brookhaven, GA) – Owner, Shred X * Co-Chair
- James Whitley (Athens, GA) – Founder & COO, Landmark Properties *Co Chair
- Debbie Alford (Atlanta, GA) – Former Commissioner of GA Lottery
- Bobby Banks (Oakwood, GA) – Chief Administrative Officer, CBT Inc.
- Natasha Bell (Atlanta, GA) – Partner, 360 Venture Law, LLP
- Christie Cannon Cole (Albany, GA) – Marketing Manager, Flint Equipment Company
- Michael Collins (Jackson, GA) – President, Collins Trucking Company, Inc.
- Rick Desai (Buford, GA) – Founder, Vanitywala.com
- Sam Holmes (Atlanta, GA) – Vice Chairman, CB Richard Ellis, Inc.
- Mark Horn (Macon, GA) – COO, EBM
- Ruel Joyner (Savannah, GA) – Owner, 24e Design Company
- Vickie Moreland (Tucker, GA) – CFO, Moreland Altobelli
- Alec Poitevent (Bainbridge, GA) – Chairman & President, Southeastern Minerals, Inc.
- David Renz (Dalton, GA) – President, Southern Lubes & Fuels
- T. Dallas Smith (Atlanta, GA) – Owner, T. Dallas Smith & Co.
- Trey Taylor (Valdosta, GA) – CEO, Taylor Insurance Services
- Brad Usry (Augusta, GA) – President, Fat Man’s Hospitality Group
- C.B. Yadav (Kingsland, GA) – President & CEO, Gope Management Co.
The General Assembly will be in session this week Tuesday through Friday for Legislative Days 17-20

If you become aware of legislation you would like Cornerstone to follow, please let us know!

House Bill Tracker

HB 2 – Constitutional Carry
Bill Sponsor: Rep Matt Gurtler
Bill Status: Introduced 11/16/18 (prefiled); Referred to Public Safety and Homeland Security Committee
Summary: A bill to allow anyone in Georgia who is legally allowed to own a gun to carry it without paying for a state-issued license. Currently, Georgia gun owners must pay to register with the state and pass a background check before being issued a license to carry a gun in public.

HB 22 – Statutory Authority for Broadband: Telephone Cooperatives
Bill Sponsor: Rep. Penny Houston
Bill Status: Introduced 1/17/19; Referred to Economic Development & Tourism Committee & favorably reported
Summary: To specifically authorize telephone cooperatives & their affiliates to provide broadband services (aka “statutory authority”)

HB 23 – Statutory Authority for Broadband: EMCs
Bill Sponsor: Rep. Penny Houston
Bill Status: Introduced 1/17/19; Passed out of House Rules 2/8/19; Passed on House Floor by a vote of 169 Yea and 0 Nay
Summary: To specifically authorize Electric Membership Corporations (EMCs) & their affiliates to provide broadband services (aka “statutory authority”)

HB 24 – Governance of State & Local Boards, Authorities, & Commissions
Bill Sponsor: Rep. Vernon Jones
Bill Status: Introduced 1/17/19; Referred to Government Affairs Committee and favorably reported on 2/13/19.
Summary: To require that all members of state and local boards, authorities, commissions, and similar entities in this state shall be appointed by an elected official or officials of the state or a political subdivision of the state.

HB 30 – Amended FY19 Appropriations
Bill Sponsor: Speaker Ralston
Bill Status: Introduced 1/17/19
Summary: Amended FY2019 Appropriations; Passed on the House Floor by a vote of 166 Yea and 8 Nay

HB 31 – FY20 Appropriations
Bill Sponsor: Speaker Ralston
Bill Status: Introduced 1/17/19
Summary: FY2020 Appropriations

HB 34 – Development Authority Board of Directors Requirements & Removal
Bill Sponsor: Rep. Rhonda Burnough
Bill Status: Introduced 1/17/19; House Committee on Government Affairs
Summary: To allow development authority boards of directors to be comprised of residents OR licensed business owners paying ad valorem taxes on real or personal property within the county or municipal corporation for which the authority is created (expanding it beyond current law requirement of taxpaying residents). It would also give the city or county governing authority the power to remove a director for cause (which would include but not be limited to, neglect of duties, incompetence, failure to meet residency requirements, or unethical/dishonorable conduct likely to deceive, defraud, or harm the public, county or municipality) or with 30 days written notice provided a public hearing is followed no less than 30 days from the date of written notice.

HB 41 – Expanded Film/Gaming Production Tax Credit for Veterans Employed
Bill Sponsor: Rep. Pam Dickerson
Bill Status: Introduced 1/17/19: Referred Ways and Means Committee
Summary: To provide for an additional income tax credit for film, gaming, video, or digital production in Georgia for productions that employ veterans.

HB 126 – GeorgiaBest Employability Skills Training Program
Bill Sponsor: Rep. Randy Nix
Bill Status: Introduced 2/5/19. Referred to Committee on Industry & Labor. Favorably reported out of committee on 2/13/19.
Summary: To establish at the Ga Dept. of Labor the “GeorgiaBest” program, an employability and skills training curriculum.

HB 184 – Small Cell Wireless
Bill Sponsor: Rep. Brett Harrell
Bill Status: Introduced 2/7/19. Referred to Economic Development & Tourism Committee. Favorably reported out of committee on 2/12/19. Passed by House 2/14/19.
Summary: To encourage small cell wireless deployment through the colocation of new equipment on already-existing infrastructure.

HB 224 – Investment Tax Credit
Bill Sponsor: Rep. Bruce Williamson
Bill Status: Introduced 2/8/19. Referred to Ways & Means Committee.
Summary: Investment tax credit for new purchases and acquisitions would be earnable for mining and mining facilities and would allowed to be used against payroll withholding, with limitations.

HB 244 – EMCs to Comply with Poll Rate Requirements
Bill Sponsor: Rep. Stephens
Bill Status: Introduced 2/11/19; referred to House Committee of Economic Development and Tourism
Summary: To amended Georgia Code to relating to corporate purposes and powers of electric membership corporations, so as to require electric membership corporations to comply with certain requirements in determining the rates for attachments to utility poles by communications service providers

HB 254 – Film & Gaming Tax Credits
Bill Sponsor: Rep. Trey Rhodes
Bill Status: Introduced 2/11/19. Referred to Ways & Means Committee.
Summary: To increase the amount of income tax credits allowed per year for film, gaming, video, or digital production.

HB 315 – Local Government Contracting
Bill Sponsor: Rep. Mark Newton
Bill Status: Introduced 2/14/19
Summary: A bill to create greater transparency in the local procurement process by requiring disclosures of certain consultants and relationships.

HR 6 – Term Limits
Bill Sponsor: Rep. Caldwell
Bill Status: Introduced 1/30/19; referred to House Rules Committee
Summary: Constitutional amendment to provide that no member of the Georgia House or Senate can serve more than 4 consecutive terms before being required to be out of office for a full term.

HR 37 – Commission on Freight & Logistics
Bill Sponsor: Rep. Kevin Tanner
Bill Status: Introduced 1/28/19
Summary: A resolution creating the Georgia Commission on Freight & Logistics.

HR 48 – GA Coastal Tourism
Bill Sponsor: Rep. Gilliard
Bill Status: Introduced 1/30/19; referred to Natural Resources Committee
Summary: A resolution supporting GA’s coastal tourism and fisheries and opposing seismic testing and oil and gas drilling activities off of Georgia’s coast.

HR 72 – World’s Largest Start-Up Competition
Bill Sponsor: Rep. Dar’shun Kendrick
Bill Status: Introduced 1/29/10. Referred to Economic Development & Tourism Committee. Favorably reported out of committee on 2/12/19.
Summary: A resolution encouraging Georgia to host the world’s largest start-up pitch competition.

Senate Bill Tracker

SB 2 – EMC Broadband Statutory Authority
Bill Sponsor: Sen. Gooch
Bill Status: Introduced 1/16/19; Referred to Regulated Industries Committee
Summary: To specifically authorize Electric Membership Corporations (EMCs) & their affiliates to provide broadband services (aka “statutory authority”)

SB 17 – Telephone Cooperatives Broadband Statutory Authority
Bill Sponsor: Sen. Gooch
Bill Status: Introduced 1/16/19; Referred to Regulated Industries Committee and favorably reported
Summary: To specifically authorize telephone cooperatives & their affiliates to provide broadband services (aka “statutory authority”)

SB20 – Banking Improvement Zones
Bill Sponsor: Sen. Rhett
Bill Status: Introduced 1/16/19. Referred to Banking & Financial Institutions Committee and favorably reported
Summary: A bill to establish “banking improvement zones” to encourage opening of banks in areas underserved by banks.

SB 45 – Rural Georgia Jobs & Growth Act
Bill Sponsor: Sen. Beach
Bill Status: Introduced 2/5/19. Referred to Economic Development Committee.
Summary: A bill to provide for pari-mutuel horse racing at a limited number of equestrian centers and to create the Georgia Horse Racing Commission.

SB 87 – Toombs County Development Authority
Bill Sponsor: Sen. Tillery
Bill Status: Introduced 2/12/19
Summary: A bill dealing with the membership of the Toombs County Development Authority

SB 110 – Statewide Business Court
Bill Sponsor: Sen. Stone
Bill Status: Introduced 2/14/19.
Summary: Legislation to create a statewide business court.

SR 55 – Equal Rights Amendment
Bill Sponsor: Sen. Orrock
Bill Status: Introduced 1/30/19. Referred to Judiciary Committee and favorably reported
Bill Summary: Ratify 1972 Equal Rights Amendment as passed by Congress to prohibit discrimination on the basis of gender.

SR 84 – Constitutional Amendment for Horse Racing
Bill Sponsor: Sen. Beach
Bill Status: Introduced 2/6/19. Referred to Economic Development & Tourism Committee.
Summary: A resolution proposing a constitutional amendment to authorize the General Assembly to provide by law for pari-mutuel betting on horse racing.

Glossary of Terms:

Effective - The bill has been signed into law by the Governor and will go into effect the date stated.
Recommitted -  A parliamentary motion to reassign a bill which has been in one committee to the same or a different committee.
Second Read -  In the House, second reading occurs automatically on the legislative day following the bill's introduction. In the Senate, second reading occurs on the legislative day after a bill is reported from standing committee, except that after the 35th day of the session, second reading occurs on the day a bill is reported from committee.
Conference Committee -  A special committee consisting of three members from each house appointed by the presiding officers to seek a compromise when the two houses have passed different versions of the same bill and insist on their respective positions.
Pre-filed - A bill that is filed before the beginning of the legislative session
Withdrawn - A bill is removed from consideration
Referred - Placed into committee

To find your law makers click here.
To view the GEDA Public Policy Agenda for 2019 click here.

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February 12, 2019 | “Solarize Middle Georgia” Workshop and Information Session – Thursday, February 28th

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: Wade Yoder

TUESDAY, February 12, 2019 PHONE: (478) 955-1999

admin@solarizemidga.com

“Solarize Middle Georgia” Workshop and Information Session – Thursday, February 28th

PEACH COUNTY — Middle Georgia residents will soon have a new option to power their homes and businesses. The coalition for Solarize Middle Georgia is holding a workshop and information session in Byron, GA on Thursday, February 28th from 6:00pm – 7:30pm. The workshop will take place at the Byron Convention & Visitors Bureau, 311 Highway 49N, Suite 230 Byron, GA 31008.

Residents of Peach County, including Byron and Fort Valley, along with Houston County cities including Centerville and Perry are all invited to attend. Solarize Middle Georgia runs for six months, through April 30, 2019.

Solarize Middle Georgia is a public awareness campaign to learn about solar opportunities that didn’t exist until recently. This includes an opportunity for a free solar assessment on your home or business, and a way to

potentially save money on your utility bills. There is absolutely no financial obligation or requirement to purchase a solar system. Should a family or business decide to go solar, what Solarize Middle Georgia offers is bulk-

purchasing power, in addition to the 30% federal tax credit, that will begin to phase out after 2019. The bulk-purchase model offers residents additional savings over those who install outside of the solarize program.

Solarize Middle Georgia is the first Solarize campaign in Georgia to span an entire region, including eleven counties, and 31 municipalities surrounding Macon and Warner Robins. Prior campaigns have reached out to one

city and/or one city and county.

“These modules that work in silence converting sun into free usable energy really excite me! It’s definitely a win-win in how it can both lower our utility bills, while at the same time enabling every home to be good stewards of our environment,” according to Wade Yoder, County Commissioner for Peach County. Mr. Yoder makes a recommendation, “With the prices of solar components coming down, (even if you’re not ready to do it now) it would be a good thing to at least have a future ‘solar strategy’ for your home or business. Solarize Middle

Georgia is an excellent opportunity for both residential and commercial consumers to participate in solar power. I strongly urge everyone who has any interest in solar power to come to the Byron CVB on Thursday, February 28th and listen to the presentation.”

Ray Clark, Senior Advisor to the elected officials of the Middle Georgia Clean Air Coalition (MGCAC) adds, “Solarize Middle Georgia is an important partner to MGCAC. While counties and municipalities in the coalition make significant contributions to improving air quality in the region, Solarize Middle Georgia is unique in that it offers every single household in Middle Georgia an opportunity to play a role in reducing air pollution.

Georgia ranks 10th in the nation for installed solar capacity but most of the energy we use in our homes still comes from coal, gas and nuclear power plants. Community Solarize programs are working to change that. Prior Solarize programs include Tybee Island, Savannah, Athens, Decatur/DeKalb, Dunwoody, Atlanta, Carroll-Carrollton, and Newton-Morgan. Over half of the rooftop solar capacity in Georgia has been generated through Solarize programs. Solarize campaigns are supported by the U. S. Department of Energy.

Additional public meetings, workshops and lunch and learn opportunities will be held throughout the campaign. The schedule of meetings and workshops is being developed and will be publicized at the Solarize Middle Georgia

website: https://bit.ly/2CxutBo and through social & traditional media channels.

Creative Solar USA, Inc. (Creative Solar), based in Kennesaw, Georgia was selected to be the solar installer by the Solarize coalition, including the Middle Georgia Clean Air Coalition. Founded in 2008, Creative Solar is a turn-key provider of solar power and related energy management services for the residential and commercial sectors. Creative Solar begins with a feasibility assessment and ends with interconnection to the grid. Creative Solar was the chosen residential installer for Solarize Decatur-DeKalb, Atlanta and Carrollton-Carroll. Creative Solar has completed over 400 residential installations totaling almost 2,900 KW (2.9 MW), and 47 commercial installations totaling over 6,500 KW (6.5 MW) with more being installed daily.

The coalition for Solarize Middle Georgia includes the Middle Georgia Clean Air Coalition (MGCAC), Jones County, Georgia, Environment Georgia, Georgia Interfaith Power and Light, U.S. Green Building Council and Solar Crowdsource.

Additional partners or “Ambassadors” for Solarize Middle Georgia include Keep Macon-Bibb Beautiful, NewTown Macon, Altamaha Riverkeeper, Redeeming Hope Center, a ministry of Awakening Fires Church (Macon), Georgia House of Representative Patty Bentley (Dist. 139), The Eatonton-Putnam Chamber of Commerce, the Forsyth-Monroe County Chamber of Commerce, the Greater Macon Chamber of Commerce, the awkinsville – Pulaski County Chamber of Commerce, The Milledgeville-Baldwin County Chamber of Commerce, Perry Area Chamber of Commerce, Roberta- Crawford County Chamber of Commerce and Twiggs County Development Authority and the Twiggs County Chamber of Commerce.

Solarize Middle Georgia: https://bit.ly/2CxutBo

Solarize Active Campaigns: https://bit.ly/2OdA1mK

Solarize Inactive Campaigns: https://bit.ly/2NBZXLL

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February 10, 2019 | Legislative Update 2019 - Week #4

Noteworthy Items:

The General Assembly met Tuesday through Friday last week for Legislative Days 8-11. The Super Bowl interrupted the flow but last week saw a number of bills starting to work through the committee process. HB 23, also known as the EMC Broadband bill, passed out of the House Rules Committee on Friday after having been sent back to the House Economic Development Committee for minor changes. HB 23 will be on the floor for a full vote in the House at the beginning of this week.
Last week the General Assembly passed its Adjournment Resolution for the 2019 Session, officially setting the remainder of the calendar for legislative days 12 – 40(see below). Notable dates include day 28, Crossover Day, which is the deadline for legislation to pass from one chamber to the other in order to be eligible for final passage in 2019 and day 40, also know as Sine Die, which will be on April 2^nd.
The FY ’19 amended budget, also known as the ‘little budget’, passed the House last week. The bill, HB 30, provides for changes in appropriations for the state government. Notable changes include $10 million allocated for loans for agri-businesses affected by Hurricane Michael, $8 million in insurance for damaged state assets, $54 million for Medicaid and the Indigent Care Trust Fund, $35 million for Forestland Protection Act grants, and $491,000 in initial funding for the Atlanta-region Transit Link (ATL) Authority.
The House voted on HR 1 to name the new state judicial building after former Governor Nathan Deal. It will be called the Nathan Deal Judicial Center and will house the Georgia Supreme Court and the Georgia Court of Appeals. The Senate is next to consider the resolution.
The General Assembly with be in session Monday-Friday next week for legislative days 12-16.

If you become aware of legislation you would like Cornerstone to follow, please let us know!

Legislative Calendar

2019 regular calendar during the period of Monday, February 11, 2019 through simultaneous adjournment Sine Die on Tuesday, April 2, 2019.

Monday, February 11 – legislative day 12
Tuesday, February 12 – legislative day 13
Wednesday, February 13 – legislative day 14
Thursday, February 14 – legislative day 15
Friday, February 15 – legislative day 16

Tuesday, February 19 – legislative day 17
Wednesday, February 20 – legislative day 18
Thursday, February 21 – legislative day 19
Friday, February 22 – legislative day 20

Monday, February 25 – legislative day 21
Tuesday, February 26 – legislative day 22
Wednesday, February 27 – legislative day 23
Thursday, February 28 – legislative day 24
Friday, March 1 – legislative day 25

Monday, March 4 – legislative day 26
Tuesday, March 5 – legislative day 27
Thursday, March 7 – legislative day 28 (Crossover Day)
Friday, March 8 – legislative day 29

Monday, March 11 – legislative day 30
Tuesday, March 12 – committee work day
Wednesday, March 13 – legislative day 31
Thursday, March 14 – legislative day 32

Monday, March 18 – legislative day 33
Tuesday, March 19 – committee work day
Wednesday, March 20 – committee work day
Thursday, March 21 – legislative day 34
Friday, March 22 – legislative day 35

Monday, March 25 – legislative day 36
Tuesday, March 26 – legislative day 37
Wednesday, March 27 – committee work day
Thursday, March 28 – legislative day 38
Friday, March 29 – legislative day 39
(Sine Die)
Tuesday, April 2 – legislative day 40

House Bill Tracker

HB 2 – Constitutional Carry
Bill Sponsor: Rep Matt Gurtler
Bill Status: Introduced 11/16/18 (prefiled); Referred to Public Safety and Homeland Security Committee
Summary: A bill to allow anyone in Georgia who is legally allowed to own a gun to carry it without paying for a state-issued license. Currently, Georgia gun owners must pay to register with the state and pass a background check before being issued a license to carry a gun in public.

HB 22 – Statutory Authority for Broadband: Telephone Cooperatives
Bill Sponsor: Rep. Penny Houston
Bill Status: Introduced 1/17/19; Passed out of Economic Development and Tourism 1/29/19
Summary: To specifically authorize telephone cooperatives & their affiliates to provide broadband services (aka “statutory authority”)

HB 23 – Statutory Authority for Broadband: EMCs
Bill Sponsor: Rep. Penny Houston
Bill Status: Introduced 1/17/19; Passed out of House Rules 2/8/19
Summary: To specifically authorize Electric Membership Corporations (EMCs) & their affiliates to provide broadband services (aka “statutory authority”)

HB 24 – Governance of State & Local Boards, Authorities, & Commissions
Bill Sponsor: Rep. Vernon Jones
Bill Status: Introduced 1/17/1; Referred to Government Affairs Committee
Summary: To require that all members of state and local boards, authorities, commissions, and similar entities in this state shall be appointed by an elected official or officials of the state or a political subdivision of the state.

HB 30 – Amended FY19 Appropriations
Bill Sponsor: Speaker Ralston
Bill Status: Introduced 1/17/19, Passed House 2/8/19
Summary: Amended FY2019 Appropriations

HB 31 – FY20 Appropriations
Bill Sponsor: Speaker Ralston
Bill Status: Introduced 1/17/19
Summary: FY2020 Appropriations

HB 34 – Development Authority Board of Directors Requirements & Removal
Bill Sponsor: Rep. Rhonda Burnough
Bill Status: Introduced 1/17/19; House Committee on Government Affairs
Summary: To allow development authority boards of directors to be comprised of residents OR licensed business owners paying ad valorem taxes on real or personal property within the county or municipal corporation for which the authority is created (expanding it beyond current law requirement of taxpaying residents). It would also give the city or county governing authority the power to remove a director for cause (which would include but not be limited to, neglect of duties, incompetence, failure to meet residency requirements, or unethical/dishonorable conduct likely to deceive, defraud, or harm the public, county or municipality) or with 30 days written notice provided a public hearing is followed no less than 30 days from the date of written notice.

HB 41 – Expanded Film/Gaming Production Tax Credit for Veterans Employed
Bill Sponsor: Rep. Pam Dickerson
Bill Status: Introduced 1/17/19: Referred Ways and Means Committee
Summary: To provide for an additional income tax credit for film, gaming, video, or digital production in Georgia for productions that employ veterans.

HB 53 – Freedom of Religious Speech in Public Schools
Bill Sponsor: Rep. Carpenter
Bill Status: Introduced 1/28/19. Referred to Education Committee
Summary: Provides protections for students and faculty in using freedom of religious speech in public schools

HB 105 – Income Tax Exemptions for Disaster Relief Participants
Bill Sponsor: Rep. Watson
Bill Status: Introduced 1/30/19. Referred to Ways and Means Committee
Summary: Taxpayers who received payments from disaster relief or assistance programs would have these payments exempt from state income taxes

HB 114 – State Sales Tax Exemptions for Qualified Job Training Organizations
Bill Sponsor: Rep. H. Clark
Bill Status: Introduced 1/30/19. Referred to Ways and Means Committee
Summary: Removes the sunset provision for these exemptions

HB 126 – Creation of the ‘GeorgiaBest’ Program
Bill Sponsor: Rep. Nix
Bill Status: Introduced 2/5/19. Referred to Industry and Labor Committee
Summary: Establishes the ‘GeorgiaBest’ program, a business employability skills training program intended to assist the state existing and emerging workforce in developing employer-identified skills needed to be successful in the workplace.

HR 6 – Term Limits
Bill Sponsor: Rep. Caldwell
Bill Status: Introduced 1/30/19; referred to House Rules Committee
Summary: Constitutional amendment to provide that no member of the Georgia House or Senate can serve more than 4 consecutive terms before being required to be out of office for a full term.

HR 48 – GA Coastal Tourism
Bill Sponsor: Re. Gilliard
Bill Status: Introduced 1/30/19; referred to Natural Resources Committee
Summary: A resolution supporting GA’s coastal tourism and fisheries and opposing seismic testing and oil and gas drilling activities off of Georgia’s coast.

Senate Bill Tracker

SB 2 – EMC Broadband Statutory Authority
Bill Sponsor: Sen. Gooch
Bill Status: Introduced 1/16/19; Referred to Regulated Industries Committee
Summary: To specifically authorize Electric Membership Corporations (EMCs) & their affiliates to provide broadband services (aka “statutory authority”)

SB 17 – Telephone Cooperatives Broadband Statutory Authority
Bill Sponsor: Sen. Gooch
Bill Status: Introduced 1/16/19; Referred to Regulated Industries Committee
Summary: To specifically authorize telephone cooperatives & their affiliates to provide broadband services (aka “statutory authority”)

SB 20 – Banking Improvement Zones
Bill Sponsor: Sen. Rhett
Bill Status: Introduced 1/16/19. Referred to Banking & Financial Institutions Committee
Summary: A bill to establish “banking improvement zones” to encourage opening of banks in areas underserved by banks.

SB 41 – Refundable Earned Income Tax Credit
Bill Sponsor: Sen. Parent
Bill Status: Introduced 1/30/19. Referred to Finance Committee
Summary: Provides for an earned income tax credit equal to 10 percent of the federal tax credit allowed under Section 32 of the Internal Revenue Code

SB 45 – Rural Georgia Jobs and Growth Act
Bill Sponsor: Sen. Beach
Bill Status: Introduced 1/30/19
Summary: Legalizes pari-mutuel horse racing in Georgia a limited number of licensed equestrian centers

SB 66- Streamling Wireless Facilities and Antennas Act
Bill Sponsor: Sen. Gooch
Bill Status: Introduced 2/6/19. Referred to Regulated Industries and Utilities Committee
Bill Summary: This legislation streamlines the process for the deployment of wireless broadband in the public right of way.

SR 55 – Equal Rights Amendment
Bill Sponsor: Sen. Orrock
Bill Status: Introduced 1/30/19. Referred to Judiciary Committee
Bill Summary: Ratify 1972 Equal Rights Amendment as passed by Congress to prohibit discrimination on the basis of gender.

Glossary of Terms:

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February 3, 2019 | Legislative Update 2019 - Week #3

Noteworthy Items:

The General Assembly met this week Monday-Wednesday for Legislative Days 5-7. However, due to anticipate winter weather, Governor Kemp closed state government for Tuesday, January 29, and that legislative day was abbreviated. The closure also impacted GEDA’s annual day at the Capitol, which was, unfortunately, also cancelled.
It was a relatively slow legislative week as committees had their first meetings and got organized. However, HB 22 and HB 23 did see movement as it was voted out of the House Economic Development Committee.
Budget hearings continued last week with a focus on the AFY19 budget. Both the Department of Community Affairs (DCA) and the Department of Economic Development presented on their AFY19 budgets to the House Economic Development Appropriations Subcommittee.
Early last week, Sen. Orrock introduced SR 55, a proposal to ratify the Equal Rights Amendment (ERA) in Georgia. This is an amendment to the U.S. Constitution that discrimination on the basis of gender would be prohibited. Congress approved this amendment to the constitution in 1972, and 38 states must ratify it for it to become effective. The deadline for ratification passed in 1982. However, 37 states have ratified the amendment (though some have since passed resolutions withdrawing their decisions to ratify). There is an effort to make Georgia the 38^th state to ratify and then have Congress remove the expired ratification deadline. We expect this to be a topic of conversation in the General Assembly.
The General Assembly will be in session Tuesday-Friday this week for legislative days 8-11.

If you become aware of legislation you would like Cornerstone to follow, please let us know!

House Bill Tracker

HB 2 – Constitutional Carry
Bill Sponsor: Rep Matt Gurtler
Bill Status: Introduced 11/16/18 (prefiled)
Summary: A bill to allow anyone in Georgia who is legally allowed to own a gun to carry it without paying for a state-issued license. Currently, Georgia gun owners must pay to register with the state and pass a background check before being issued a license to carry a gun in public.

HB 22 – Statutory Authority for Broadband: Telephone Cooperatives
Bill Sponsor: Rep. Penny Houston
Bill Status: Introduced 1/17/19; Referred to Economic Development & Tourism Committee
Summary: To specifically authorize telephone cooperatives & their affiliates to provide broadband services (aka “statutory authority”)

HB 23 – Statutory Authority for Broadband: EMCs
Bill Sponsor: Rep. Penny Houston
Bill Status: Introduced 1/17/19; Referred to Economic Development & Tourism Committee
Summary: To specifically authorize Electric Membership Corporations (EMCs) & their affiliates to provide broadband services (aka “statutory authority”)

HB 24 – Governance of State & Local Boards, Authorities, & Commissions
Bill Sponsor: Rep. Vernon Jones
Bill Status: Introduced 1/17/19
Summary: To require that all members of state and local boards, authorities, commissions, and similar entities in this state shall be appointed by an elected official or officials of the state or a political subdivision of the state.

HB 30 – Amended FY19 Appropriations
Bill Sponsor: Speaker Ralston
Bill Status: Introduced 1/17/19;
Summary: Amended FY2019 Appropriations

HB 31 – FY20 Appropriations
Bill Sponsor: Speaker Ralston
Bill Status: Introduced 1/17/19
Summary: FY2020 Appropriations

HB 34 – Development Authority Board of Directors Requirements & Removal
Bill Sponsor: Rep. Rhonda Burnough
Bill Status: Introduced 1/17/19
Summary: To allow development authority boards of directors to be comprised of residents OR licensed business owners paying ad valorem taxes on real or personal property within the county or municipal corporation for which the authority is created (expanding it beyond current law requirement of taxpaying residents). It would also give the city or county governing authority the power to remove a director for cause (which would include but not be limited to, neglect of duties, incompetence, failure to meet residency requirements, or unethical/dishonorable conduct likely to deceive, defraud, or harm the public, county or municipality) or with 30 days written notice provided a public hearing is followed no less than 30 days from the date of written notice.

HB 41 – Expanded Film/Gaming Production Tax Credit for Veterans Employed
Bill Sponsor: Rep. Pam Dickerson
Bill Status: Introduced 1/17/19
Summary: To provide for an additional income tax credit for film, gaming, video, or digital production in Georgia for productions that employ veterans.

HR 6 – Term Limits
Bill Sponsor: Rep. Caldwell
Bill Status: Introduced 1/30/19; referred to House Rules Committee
Summary: Constitutional amendment to provide that no member of the Georgia House or Senate can serve more than 4 consecutive terms before being required to be out of office for a full term.

HR 48 – GA Coastal Tourism
Bill Sponsor: Re. Gilliard
Bill Status: Introduced 1/30/19; referred to Natural Resources Committee
Summary: A resolution supporting GA’s coastal tourism and fisheries and opposing seismic testing and oil and gas drilling activities off of Georgia’s coast.

Senate Bill Tracker

Glossary of Terms:

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January 24, 2019 | Legislative Update 2019 - Week #2

Noteworthy Items:

The General Assembly was not in session this week but the House & Senate Appropriations Committee held joint budget hearings to review the amended fiscal year 2019 (AFY19) and fiscal year 2020 (FY20) budget proposals. Some highlights are as follows:

The total budget is $27.5 billion (not counting federal funds)
In his FY20 budget request, Governor Kemp asked for $418 million to provide teachers a $3,000 permanent pay raise. He termed this a down payment on the $5,000 pay raise he promised during his campaign. He also requested funding for a 2% merit increase for state employees ($120 million).
In the AFY19 budget, Governor Kemp requested $69 million in one-time funds for school safety grants, where each K-12 school in the state will receive a $30,000 grant to address school safety issues, as determined by the local districts.
In the AFY19 budget, Governor Kemp requested $8.4 million in additional funding for the APEX Program to focus on mental health in Georgia high schools. Mental health professionals will engage with struggling students and help provide the resources needed to prevent potential disruptive and aggressive behavior.
Governor Kemp requested $500,000 in initial funds to form a gang task force within the GBI. This group will work with local District Attorneys and law enforcement to stop and dismantle street gangs.
Governor Kemp included $1 million in the Department of Community Health’s budget to pursue state flexibility options for Georgia’s Medicaid program that increases choices, improves quality, encourages innovation, and grows access to affordable healthcare across GA.

The General Assembly will be in session Monday-Wednesday next week for legislative days 5-7.

GEDA looks forward to hosting it’s annual Day at the Capitol on Tuesday, January 29, from 9 am – 1 pm!

If you become aware of legislation you would like Cornerstone to follow, please let us know!

House Bill Tracker

HR 40 – Woody Woodside Retirement Resolution
Bill Sponsor: Rep. Don Hogan
Bill Status: Adopted
Summary: Resolution honoring Woody Woodside and commending him on his retirement after many years of service to our state. Adopted.

HB 2 – Constitutional Carry
Bill Sponsor: Rep Matt Gurtler
Bill Status: Introduced 11/16/18 (prefiled)
Summary: A bill to allow anyone in Georgia who is legally allowed to own a gun to carry it without paying for a state-issued license. Currently, Georgia gun owners must pay to register with the state and pass a background check before being issued a license to carry a gun in public.

HB 22 – Statutory Authority for Broadband: Telephone Cooperatives
Bill Sponsor: Rep. Penny Houston
Bill Status: Introduced 1/17/19; Referred to Economic Development & Tourism Committee
Summary: To specifically authorize telephone cooperatives & their affiliates to provide broadband services (aka “statutory authority”)

HB 23 – Statutory Authority for Broadband: EMCs
Bill Sponsor: Rep. Penny Houston
Bill Status: Introduced 1/17/19; Referred to Economic Development & Tourism Committee
Summary: To specifically authorize Electric Membership Corporations (EMCs) & their affiliates to provide broadband services (aka “statutory authority”)

HB 24 – Governance of State & Local Boards, Authorities, & Commissions
Bill Sponsor: Rep. Vernon Jones
Bill Status: Introduced 1/17/19
Summary: To require that all members of state and local boards, authorities, commissions, and similar entities in this state shall be appointed by an elected official or officials of the state or a political subdivision of the state.

HB 30 – Amended FY19 Appropriations
Bill Sponsor: Speaker Ralston
Bill Status: Introduced 1/17/19;
Summary: Amended FY2019 Appropriations

HB 31 – FY20 Appropriations
Bill Sponsor: Speaker Ralston
Bill Status: Introduced 1/17/19
Summary: FY2020 Appropriations

HB 34 – Development Authority Board of Directors Requirements & Removal
Bill Sponsor: Rep. Rhonda Burnough
Bill Status: Introduced 1/17/19
Summary: To allow development authority boards of directors to be comprised of residents OR licensed business owners paying ad valorem taxes on real or personal property within the county or municipal corporation for which the authority is created (expanding it beyond current law requirement of taxpaying residents). It would also give the city or county governing authority the power to remove a director for cause (which would include but not be limited to, neglect of duties, incompetence, failure to meet residency requirements, or unethical/dishonorable conduct likely to deceive, defraud, or harm the public, county or municipality) or with 30 days written notice provided a public hearing is followed no less than 30 days from the date of written notice.

HB 41 – Expanded Film/Gaming Production Tax Credit for Veterans Employed
Bill Sponsor: Rep. Pam Dickerson
Bill Status: Introduced 1/17/19
Summary: To provide for an additional income tax credit for film, gaming, video, or digital production in Georgia for productions that employ veterans.

Senate Bill Tracker

Glossary of Terms:

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January 21, 2019 | Legislative Update 2019 - Week #1

Noteworthy Items:

The General Assembly gaveled in on January 14, 2019 at 10 am. Governor Kemp and all the constitutionally elected officers were sworn in at 2 pm the same afternoon in front of a record-breaking crowd at McCamish Pavilion on Georgia Tech’s campus.

In Governor Kemp’s inaugural address, he spoke of Georgia as being known for its low tax environment, being a logistics hub, the Hollywood of the South, and soon-to-be known as the cyber capital of the world. He spoke of wanting to build on the accomplishments of Governors Perdue and Deal by cutting taxes and red tape, fully funding education, and ensuring a strong workforce pipeline. He mentioned having a vision for a safer, stronger Georgia. Kemp acknowledged challenges our state faces: small businesses feel like we are still in the 20^th century, mental health needs, opioid abuse, gang activity and sex trafficking, and 63% of third graders not being able to read on grade level. Echoing the words of his beloved former coach, Coach Henderson, whose life motto was “It Can Be Done,” Kemp vowed to tackle these and other issues, including infrastructure in Atlanta and to ensure that high speed internet is available across rural Georgia. He also promised to work with the General Assembly to ensure that families in Georgia have access to quality healthcare and education systems regardless of their zip code. Finally, he vowed to work hard every day for ALL Georgians, not just those who voted for him.

On Wednesday, January 16, the Georgia Chamber of Commerce hosted their annual “Eggs & Issues” breakfast at the Georgia World Congress Center. Attendees had the chance to hear from Governor Kemp, Lt. Governor Duncan, and Speaker Ralston. Notably, during the speeches:

Governor Kemp plans to provide funding for each school system to address school safety, as well as provide funding for mental health counselors in our schools;
Governor Kemp plans to push for a historic pay raise for teachers;
Speaker Ralston predicts school security, rural development, and transit to be the focus of the House this session;
Speaker Ralston announced several special committees and commissions:
- Georgia Commission on Freight & Logistics to be led by Representative Tanner
- Special Committee on Access to Quality Healthcare to be led by Representatives Richard Smith and Sharon Cooper;
- House Working Group on Creative Arts & Entertainment led by Representative Matt Dollar.

On Thursday, January 17, Governor Kemp delivered his “State of the State” address in the House Chamber, where he outlined his plans to boost teacher pay, invest in school safety, and keep Georgia on the path to economic prosperity.

Committee Leadership:

As the General Assembly gavels in, committees are selecting new leadership. We are seeing some changes in committee leadership from last session. All committees are listed below with their respective chairs. Committees likely to be most relevant to GEDA issues are bolded.

House Committees:

Agriculture & Consumer Affairs – Rep. Tom McCall
Appropriations – Rep. Terry England
Banks & Banking – Rep. Greg Morris
Budget & Fiscal Affairs Oversight – Rep. Lee Hawkins
Code Revision – Rep. Timothy Barr
Defense & Veterans Affairs – Rep. Heath Clark
Economic Development & Tourism – Rep. Ron Stephens
Education – Rep. Rick Jasperse
Energy, Utilities & Telecommunications – Rep. Don Parsons
Ethics – Rep. Randy Nix
Game, Fish & Parks – Rep. Trey Rhodes
Governmental Affairs – Rep. Ed Rynders
Health & Human Services – Rep. Sharon Cooper
Higher Education – Rep. Chuck Martin
Human Relations & Aging – Rep. Jesse Petrea
Industry & Labor – Rep. Bill Werkheiser
Information & Audits – Rep. Darlene Taylor
Insurance – Rep. Richard Smith
Interstate Cooperation – Rep. David Clark
Intragovernmental Coordination – Rep. Jan Tankersley
Judiciary – Rep. Barry Fleming
Judiciary (Non-Civil) – Rep. Chuck Efstration
Juvenile Justice – Rep. Mandi Ballinger
Legislative & Congressional Reapportionment – Rep. Eddie Lumsden
MARTOC – Rep. Deborah Silcox
Motor Vehicles – Rep. John Corbett
Natural Resources & Environment – Rep. Lynn Smith
Public Safety & Homeland Security – Rep. Bill Hitchens
Regulated Industries – Rep. Alan Powell
Retirement – Rep. Tommy Benton
Rules – Rep. Jay Powell
Science & Technology – Rep. Ed Setzler
Small Business Development – Rep. Wes Cantrell
Special Rules – Rep. Dave Belton
State Planning & Community Affairs – Rep. Jimmy Pruett
State Properties – Rep. Gerald Greene
Transportation – Rep. Kevin Tanner
Ways & Means – Rep. Brett Harrell

Chairmen of the subcommittees of Appropriations are as follows:

Economic Development – Rep. Penny Houston
Education – Rep. Robert Dickey
General Government – Rep. Sam Watson
Health – Rep. Butch Parrish
Higher Education – Rep. David Knight
Human Resources – Rep. Katie Dempsey
Public Safety – Rep. Andy Welch
Transportation & Infrastructure – Rep. Shaw Blackmon

Senate Committees:
Please note new appointments have been notated in italics

Agriculture and Consumer Affairs Committee: Chairman Sen. John Wilkinson (R – Toccoa) and Vice-Chairman Sen. Lee Anderson (R – Grovetown)
Appropriations Committee: Chairman Sen. Jack Hill (R – Reidsville) and Vice-Chairman Sen. Blake Tillery (R – Vidalia)
Banking and Financial Institutions Committee: Chairman Sen. William Ligon (R – Brunswick) and Vice-Chairman Sen. John F. Kennedy (R – Macon)
Economic Development and Tourism Committee: Chairman Sen. Frank Ginn (R – Danielsville) and Vice-Chairman Sen. Matt Brass (R – Newnan)
Education and Youth Committee: Chairman Sen. P.K. Martin (R – Lawrenceville) and Vice-Chairman Sen. John Wilkinson (R – Toccoa)
Ethics Committee: Chairman Sen. Kay Kirkpatrick (R – Marietta) and Vice-Chairman Sen. William Ligon (R – Brunswick)
Finance Committee: Chairman Sen. Chuck Hufstetler (R – Rome) and Vice-Chairman Sen. John Albers (R – Roswell)
Government Oversight Committee: Chairman Sen. Bill Heath (R – Bremen) and Vice-Chairman Sen. Marty Harbin (R – Tyrone)
Health and Human Services Committee: Chairman Sen. Ben Watson (R – Savannah) and Vice-Chairman Sen. Dean Burke (R – Bainbridge)
Higher Education Committee: Chairman Sen. Lindsey Tippins (R – Marietta) and Vice-Chairman Sen. Brian Strickland (R – McDonough)
Insurance and Labor Committee: Chairman Sen. Burt Jones (R – Jackson) and Vice-Chairman Sen. P.K. Martin (R – Lawrenceville)
Interstate Cooperation Committee: Chairman Sen. Donzella James (D – Atlanta) and Vice-Chairman Sen. Freddie Powell Sims (D – Dawson)
Judiciary Committee: Chairman Sen. Jesse Stone (R – Waynesboro) and Vice-Chairman Sen. Bill Cowsert (R – Athens)
Natural Resources and the Environment Committee: Chairman Sen. Tyler Harper (R – Ocilla) and Vice-Chairman Sen. Bill Heath (R – Bremen)
Public Safety Committee: Chairman Sen. John Albers (R – Roswell) and Vice-Chairman Sen. Tyler Harper (R – Ocilla)
Reapportionment and Redistricting Committee: Chairman Sen. Matt Brass (R – Newnan) and Vice-Chairman Sen. William Ligon (R – Brunswick)
Regulated Industries and Utilities Committee: Chairman Sen. Bill Cowsert (R – Athens) and Vice-Chairman Sen. Matt Brass (R – Newnan)
Retirement Committee: Chairman Sen. Ellis Black (R – Valdosta) and Vice-Chairman Sen. Chuck Hufstetler (R – Rome)
Rules Committee: Chairman Sen. Jeff Mullis (R – Chickamauga) and Vice-Chairman Sen. Jack Hill (R – Reidsville)
Science and Technology Committee: Chairman Sen. Renee Unterman (R – Buford) and Vice-Chairman Sen. Greg Dolezal (R – Cumming)
Special Judiciary Committee: Chairman Sen. Jen Jordan (D – Atlanta) and Vice-Chairman Sen. Donzella James (D – Atlanta)
State and Local Governmental Operations Committee: Chairman Sen. Greg Kirk (R – Americus) and Vice-Chairman Sen. Chuck Payne (R – Dalton)
State Institutions and Property Committee: Chairman Sen. Ed Harbison (D – Columbus) and Vice-Chairman Sen. Blake Tillery (R – Vidalia)
Transportation Committee: Chairman Sen. Brandon Beach (R – Alpharetta) and Vice- Chairman Sen. Steve Gooch (R – Dahlonega)
Urban Affairs Committee: Chairman Sen. Lester Jackson (D – Savannah) and Vice-Chairman Sen. Steve Henson (D – Stone Mountain)
Veterans, Military and Homeland Security: Chairman Sen. Bruce Thompson (R – White) and Vice-Chairman Sen. Ed Harbison (D – Columbus)

Calendar:

The House and Senate put forward the calendar for the remainder of January. It is as follows:

January 14 = Convene
January 15 = Legislative Day 2
January 16 = Legislative Day 3
January 17 = Legislative Day 4
January 22-24 = Budget Hearings (aka Budget Week)
January 28 = Legislative Day 5
January 29 = Legislative Day 6
January 30 = Legislative Day 7
February 5 = Legislative Day 8
February 6 = Legislative Day 9
February 7 = Legislative Day 10
February 8 = Legislative Day 11

GEDA Legislative Event:

Tuesday, January 29th, 2019
Georgia State Capitol
206 Washington Street Southwest
Atlanta, GA 30334
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Program

The program will include:

9-10 Legislative Leaders Briefing, 450 CAP
10-11 Photo with the Governor, CAP, North-wing, 2^nd floor
11-1 Lunch, 230 CAP, South-wing, 2^nd floor
More details will be forthcoming soon.

Glossary of Terms:

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January 9, 2019 | New Georgia Economy 2019

Georgia’s economy is drastically changing. It’s offering us incredible new opportunities along with new risks. To take advantage of that and to help our state, our businesses, and government prepare for the next decade, The Georgia Chamber is excited to launch its 2019-2020 Strategic Plan — New Georgia Economy.

In the New Georgia Economy, the Georgia Chamber will strategically focus on: entrepreneurship and innovation; talent and leadership; global commerce and competitiveness; big data and security; physical infrastructure and assets; and advanced corporate and university research and development. Our job at the Georgia Chamber must be to provide coordinated leadership to help our members, communities and the state to capitalize on emerging trends and to mitigate risks that will arrive.

This new plan reaffirms our commitment to statewide prosperity and a brighter future by embracing change and innovation in every economic sector in every corner of Georgia. You can learn more about The New Georgia Economy below or by downloading a copy for yourself.

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December 17, 2018 | President issues executive order streamlining federal funds for opportunity zones

On December 12, President Trump signed an executive order aimed at revitalizing economically-distressed communities. The directive, titled the “Executive Order on Establishing the White House Opportunity and Revitalization Council,” builds off a provision in the Tax Cut and Jobs Act (P.L. 115-97) that created tax incentives for investment in areas designated as “opportunity zones” by the U.S. Department of the Treasury.

The executive order supplements the tax bill provision by establishing the White House Opportunity and Revitalization Council, which will streamline resources across 13 different federal agencies for opportunity zones, including grant funding, loan guarantees for investors and infrastructure spending. The council will be led by U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development Secretary Ben Carson and convene state, local and tribal stakeholders to coordinate economic development strategies for opportunity zones.

The announcement follows the October 2018 release by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) of proposed regulations that would provide guidance on opportunity zones. Guidance is intended to help investors and local governments determine the types of economic development eligible for opportunity zone investments and provide additional information on tax incentives for investors. To help shape this guidance, the IRS is seeking public comments on the proposed regulations, and counties are encouraged to submit comments by the December 28, 2018 deadline.

As of December 2018, the U.S. Treasury Department has identified a total of 8,761 opportunity zones across all 50 states, the District of Columbia and five U.S. territories. Each area will retain that designation through 2028. Many counties contain areas that qualified for opportunity zone status and are eligible for targeted investment. The complete list of designated Opportunity Zones is available at Opportunity Zones Resources.

If your county has a designated zone(s) and you are in the process of working to secure investments, have information or best practices to share, please contact NACo staff members Daria Daniel and Jack Peterson at ddaniel@naco.organd jpeterson@naco.org.

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December 11, 2018 | White House Will Launch Multi-Agency Council Focused on Opportunity Zones

President Trump signed an executive order Wednesday to launch a 13-agency council that will focus on directing existing federal resources toward areas eligible for the Opportunity Zones program.

The economic development initiative, created by last year's massive federal tax overhaul, is meant to lure investment to distressed census tracts by providing investors sizable tax breaks on capital gains.

"This council will coordinate efforts across the entire federal government to deliver jobs, investment and growth to the communities that need it the most," Trump said during an event at the White House where he signed the directive.

"For decades, job growth and investment have been concentrated in a few major metropolitan areas. This has created a geographic disparity," added the president, who built support during his election campaign in parts of the country wracked by economic declines.

Housing and Urban Development Secretary Ben Carson will chair the new panel—the White House Opportunity and Revitalization Council.

Ja'Ron Smith, special assistant to the president for legislative affairs said during a call with reporters on Wednesday morning that the council will engage with state and local government officials. The order specifically calls for it to do so.

"That’s the most important part of what the executive order is doing," he said. "It’s showing federal leadership on how we plan to work with state and local leaders to ensure the success of Opportunity Zones."

Wednesday's announcement follows a critical report by the Associated Press on Tuesday about how the president's daughter Ivanka Trump, and her husband, Jared Kushner, who both serve as White House advisers, have investments that could benefit from the program.

Ivanka Trump appeared at the White House event where the president signed the executive order.

Trump was planning to travel to Baltimore for Wednesday's announcement but cancelled that trip earlier this week.

Among the matters the council is supposed to evaluate is whether and how agencies can prioritize support for Opportunity Zones in their grants, financing, and other assistance.

The executive order also calls for a number of reports.

It says that 210 days from today, in July of 2019, the council is to submit to the president a list of recommended changes to federal laws, regulations, policies and programs, that would encourage public and private investment in distressed areas, including the zones.

Within one year, the panel is supposed to offer suggestions for changes at the federal level to help state, local and tribal governments better "identify, use, and administer" federal resources in Opportunity Zones and other struggling communities.

Additionally, Trump's order instructs the council to look at what data, metrics and methods can be used to measure the effectiveness of public and private investments in the zones.

Departments that will be part of the group include: HUD, Treasury, Justice, Interior, Agriculture, Commerce, Labor, Health and Human Services, Transportation, Energy, Education, the Environmental Protection Agency and the Small Business Administration.

A senior administration official on the call with Smith said that the White House had already identified over 150 different actions they're considering taking to help streamline and target various programs related to the council's planned work.

Apart from the council, the official said there are no discussions taking place for now about expanding the number of census tracts that are designated as "zones," or extending the program's timeline.

There are currently about 8,700 zones eligible for investment from special funds that are getting established under the program.

Pastor Donte Hickman, of Southern Baptist Church in Baltimore, is involved in community development work taking place in that city and was one of those on hand at the White House event.

Baltimore, he said, was prepared to be a "demonstration project" for a national urban revitalization strategy. "We have the plan, we have the property, we have the people, we have the professional expertise and we have the prospectus," Hickman added.

This story has been updated with additional comments and further details about the executive order.

Source: Route Fifty - Bill Lucia, Senior Reporter

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