Notes from the Georgia State Senate
By STATE SEN. CHIP PEARSON

Among the nearly 250 bills and resolutions that received final passage in the 2008 session were several important measures that will boost our state's already thriving economic development sector. As chairman of the Senate Economic Development Committee, I am proud of the work we accomplished in 2008 to support economic development and tourism in Georgia. This week, I'd like to discuss some of the major economic development initiatives we approved this year.

Tourism Development Act

House Bill 1129 is legislation that promotes the creation and expansion of tourism attractions in Georgia, which ultimately will create new jobs. Under this bill, approved companies will be granted a tax refund on the sales generated at the tourism attraction. HB 1129 is the culmination of two years of work by several senators, representatives and officials from the Department of Economic Development. It was a privilege to carry this legislation in the Senate, and I hope to see Governor Perdue sign the bill into law very soon.

A good year for manufacturers

Manufacturing is a vital part of our state's economy. Nearly 10,000 manufacturing facilities are located in Georgia, providing jobs for approximately 450,000 Georgians. I am happy to report that during the 2008 legislative session, the General Assembly has passed some key pieces of legislation designed to give Georgia a boost in our economy, thus keeping jobs in our state. Most importantly, HB 272 has passed this year. If signed by Gov. Perdue, the bill will cap the state sales tax on rising energy costs for manufacturers. Other southeastern states offer this type of exemption in an effort to keep manufacturing facilities thriving, while Georgia currently does not. Because of market conditions, global competition and the rapidly increasing cost of energy, it is challenging for Georgia manufacturers to expand or even maintain their operations in our state. HB 272 is a key step in reversing the trend of plant closures that we've seen in recent years.

Senate Bill 359 is a bipartisan initiative that also passed, creating the "Made in Georgia" campaign. I was a co-sponsor of this bipartisan measure, which will increase international awareness of the role of manufacturing in our state. If the bill is signed by the Governor, a "Made in Georgia" logo will be designed for use as a stamp of certification on products that are manufactured in Georgia by Georgia citizens.

Bringing moviemakers to Georgia

Georgia has a great filmmaking history. Though it's nothing like Hollywood, the list of classic films that have been made in our state is quite impressive. Beginning with Gone with the Wind in 1939, Georgia's natural beauty and geography has served as the backdrop for several awardwinning films, including Driving Miss Daisy, Forrest Gump and the Civil War epic Glory.

About ten years ago, Georgia ranked third in the nation behind California and New York in the number of movie and television productions with 21. Fast-forward to 2008 and Georgia has literally fallen of the chart with only eight projects scheduled. Lawmakers aim to change this trend through the passage of HB 1100. The bill applies a 20 percent tax credit for film, TV and other production in all Georgia counties. Additionally, the legislation provides another 10 percent credit if films display a Georgia logo in the final credits. In other words, for a film, television, music video or video game production company to get the maximum tax credit, they must place in their final product an identifiable Georgia promotion. We cannot begin to calculate the value that this will bring to our state in the form of entertainment tourism.

I am pleased that we were able to pass significant economic development initiatives in 2008. Tourism continues to drive our state's economy, and I think we will only see further growth in the years to come. As always, please contact me in my office on the issues that are affecting you and your area.

Please feel free to contact Sen. Chip Pearson at his office in Atlanta at 404.656.9221 or by email at chip.pearson@senate. ga.gov.