Gov. Deal Highlights State’s Economic Bright Spots

The governor touted the state’s improvements such as increasing revenue, a declining unemployment rate, and maintaining a triple-A bond rating during the recession. On top of all of that, the governor cited the Tax Foundation, which says Georgia has the lowest taxes per capita of any state.

“That means that we are using the money that the taxpayers give us wisely,” he said. “I think we have to be careful as to any modifications that we make so that we don’t lose the stability of being able to do the important things that government is rightfully expected to do.”  

Afterwards, Gov. Deal acknowledged the state’s manufacturing sector suffered during the recession. However, he said, it’s recovering and will be a key industry going forward.

“I think the elimination of the sales tax on energy for manufacturing is a great incentive for that to continue,” Deal said. “I do think that we will continue to see additional manufacturing jobs come to the state of Georgia. And my goal is to make us a place where that is a desirable thing to have happen.”

The governor’s office said this week state revenues have grown 5.4 percent over the last year.

*WABE is a media sponsor of the UGA Terry Business School’s Economic Outlook luncheon.