Sen. Dean Burke named “Chamber Champion”, receives A+ score from Georgia Chamber
Published 2:57 pm Friday, May 4, 2018
The Georgia Chamber of Commerce recently made the announcement that Senator Dean Burke (R – Bainbridge) scored an “A+” on their legislative scorecard for his support of the Chamber’s top legislative priorities during the 2017-2018 Legislative Session. Additionally, Sen. Burke was recognized as a Chamber Champion.
“I want to thank the Chamber for recognizing me with this score and designation,” said Sen. Burke. “It was an honor to support their legislative priorities and to carry two pieces of legislation in the Senate which both address the needs of rural Georgia. Although we made significant progress this year, our work on behalf of rural Georgia and citizens across the state is not over. I look forward to working with the Chamber to support our businesses, bring them to rural Georgia and continue our economic success as a state.”
The chamber assigns grades based on a legislator’s support of the Chamber’s 12 legislative priorities which focus on issues important to the business community such as economic development, education, health care and employment, among others. In addition to voting favorably for all 12 pieces of legislation, Sen. Burke carried two pieces of the legislation in the Senate — House Bill 769 and HB 73.
Under HB 769, a new Rural Health System Innovation Center will be created. Additionally, this legislation includes the establishment of “micro-hospitals,” addresses grant programs for physicians who practice in underserved areas of Georgia and increases the value of the tax credit to 100 percent related to contributions to rural hospital organizations. HB 769 is currently awaiting the governor’s signature. HB 73 addresses tax incentives for those who invest and create jobs in downtown centers in rural Georgia. This legislation went into effect on May 8, 2017, the day the governor signed it into law.