Georgia Governor Brian Kemp signed a slew of legislative bills into law Tuesday afternoon. Most of the nine pieces of legislation were aimed at strengthening the state’s agriculture industry and rural communities.
“We will continue to celebrate incredible successes of growing industries that we have in aerospace and advanced manufacturing, logistics, and more, but agriculture is by far still the largest contributor to our state’s economic input,” Kemp said.
The Governor cited a recent report by the University of Georgia focusing on the financial impact the industry has.
“The latest report from the UGA College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences found food and fiber production contributed $83.6 billion to our economy, supporting over 320,000 jobs across the state."
Kemp also touted his economic efforts in the state.
“Setting economic development records for three straight years, and as the Speaker mentioned, the number one state for business 10 years in a row,” according to Kemp.
He pointed out most of Georgia’s new jobs were located around the state.
“The great thing is, the vast majority of the jobs and the vast majority of the investment have been located outside the metro Atlanta counties, creating opportunities for Georgians to succeed no matter their zip code or what neighborhood they’re in.”
The package also included legislation addressing career burnout among healthcare professionals, and targets those who distribute fentanyl-laced medications or controlled substances.
Kemp was joined by Lt. Governor Burt Jones, House Speaker Jon Burns, members of the General Assembly and other state and local leaders at the signing ceremony in Valdosta.
