Jon Burns, Speaker of the House | Official U.S. House headshot
Jon Burns, Speaker of the House | Official U.S. House headshot
State Representative Gerald Greene, co-chair of the House Rural Development Council, has concluded the council's final meetings for the 2023-2024 legislative term. The sessions took place at Georgia Southern University in Statesboro and were co-chaired by State Representative Mack Jackson. Discussions included workforce development in the entertainment industry, optometry services in rural areas, and rural transportation and infrastructure. The council also adopted its final legislative recommendations.
Representative Greene expressed pride in the council's work, stating: "Rural Georgia has faced significant challenges, particularly following Hurricane Helene. Addressing these issues...has been our top priority." He credited Speaker Jon Burns for appointing the council and looked forward to transforming their findings into legislation to benefit rural Georgians.
The meetings featured a panel on workforce development in Georgia's entertainment sector. Panelists highlighted challenges specific to rural areas and stressed expanding local talent pools to attract filming opportunities. Additionally, local optometrists advocated for establishing eye care practices in rural towns due to patients having to travel long distances for services.
House Speaker Jon Burns addressed the council, emphasizing disaster relief for communities affected by Hurricane Helene and improving infrastructure to enhance workforce development. Experts from Georgia's railroad industry discussed investing in rail infrastructure as a means of economic growth.
The council finalized its report with recommendations such as prioritizing rural infrastructure improvements, ensuring backup power for hospitals post-Hurricane Helene, and developing maternal and infant health centers of excellence. These suggestions may be introduced as legislation in future sessions.
The House Rural Development Council was established in 2017 to support economic growth strategies in rural areas. It was reauthorized during the 2023 session through House Resolution 488.
Further details about the council can be accessed at https://www.legis.ga.gov/other-committees/house/2024/rural-development-council-2024
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