WAYCROSS — The area’s representatives in the Georgia House touched on a variety of topics last week during the annual Waycross-Ware County Chamber of Commerce Legislative Luncheon.
Addressing a gathering of an audience of 100plus, James Burchett and John Corbett, spoke about accomplishments of the 2026 General Assembly and hopes for 2027 at the REA Building in the Historic Railway Depot. Both Republicans represent parts of Ware County while Corbett also serves all of Brantley County.
The area’s senators, Mike Hodges of Dist. 3 and Russ Goodman of Dist. 8 sent apologies for missing the event. The two were called to a meeting of the senate’s GOP caucus by Rick Jackson, the GOP’s candidate for Governor, to plan campaign events leading to the General Election, November 3.
Burchett conveyed the apologies of the senators.
“Since Russ isn’t here we should get out on time,” Burchett quipped.
Both Burchett and Goodman said they were elated with the dollars the state was able to return to taxpayers, cut from their bills or invest in services to help their lives in the past year. It remains a goal looking ahead to the 2027 session in January.
“We returned more than $12 billion back to taxpayers,” said Corbett, who represents Dist. 174 and was at the luncheon on his birthday. “We’ve cut the state tax from six percent to 3.99. It’s been lowered four times since 2018.”
Burchett, who represents Dist. 176 and serves as Majority Whip, added: “I’m proud we’ve been able to stay fiscally conservative while investing in rural Georgia.”
That investment has ranged from improved health care facilities and services as well as infrastructure and improved educational opportunities to enhance the available workforce to better positioning the area for economic development.
Burchett said among the keys to luring business is a “cohesive message” from all stakeholders that defines the area as attractive to investment. He cited the Douglas-Coffee County portion of his district as an example.
Burchett said among the keys to luring business is a “cohesive message” from all stakeholders that defines the area as attractive to investment. He cited the Douglas-Coffee County portion of his district as an example.
“We can control that,” he said. “You’re never going to agree on everything, but when it comes to the public message to others, it needs to be a unanimous voice so you’re defining who you are and what you are, not others. That’s a big difference-maker in those (communities) that grow and those that don’t.
“Being a place that looks like it’s functioning correctly makes a difference to those who might be interested in you.”
Corbett stressed the effort to draw business shouldn’t be limited to just large industry. New smaller operations should be a target as well as expanding what’s already operating when possible.
“Instead of one large (development), go after 10 smaller ones that could generate the same dollars,” he said. “Agriculture in the state is more than a $100 billion industry. If you increase that just 10 percent, that’s $100 million.”
Both lawmakers told those gathered the sooner they know about the area’s needs, the better plan they can formulate in the statehouse for appropriate legislation to bring about desired change.
“If you come to us with something in January, we’re already behind the eight ball,” Burchett said, adding the delegation needs information suspporting any request, not just the idea. “It’s highly unlikely something could get passed.”
They also said their job is not just to pass legislation, but see that bad bills don’t make it out of committee for a vote or to the other chamber, let alone the governor’s desk. That, too, they said is a cooperative effort.
“If you see something coming that’s going to affect you that’s bad in a bill, we need to know,” Corbett said. “The most important thing we do is kill bad legislation.”
Rubenbauer asked the lawmakers what they hoped to be able to convey to the group at next year’s luncheon. Both agreed it would be legislation that continued to make Georgia a safe, affordable and prosperous place to live in across all ages and demographics.
“I hope we can continue to pass good policy where Georgia remains the best place (in the country) to live,” Corbett said. “I want my two grandkids to enjoy the same opportunities I’ve had for their futures.”
Comments