The Economic Development Policy Committee of the Valdosta-Lowndes Chamber of Commerce wrapped up its 2021-2022 year on May 18 at the Barber House.

Featured guests include State Representative John LaHood (R-175), State Senator Russ Goodman (R-8), and Senate President Pro-Tem Butch Miller (R-49). The committee was briefed on the 2022 legislative session and how several legislative initiatives fared.

A key budget provision handled in the House by Representative LaHood and in the Senate by Senator Goodman was the allocation of $900,000 for the expansion and renovation of the Mae Wisenbaker McMullen Southside Library Branch of the South Georgia Regional Library System.

LaHood addressed the need to remove barriers that prevent licensed technicians and health care providers from practicing in Georgia when they move here from other states. This issue particularly affects military spouses and the Chamber has made the removal of these barriers a top legislative priority in recent years.

LaHood also suggested that easing the regulatory burdens associated with the nursing profession would help ease the critical nursing shortage in Georgia.

Goodman played a pivotal role in getting legislation passed and signed into law that protects farmers and encourages growth in the agricultural sector, Georgia’s top industry.