The Importance of Gold Dome Relations

With the General Assembly gaveling in the 2019 session, all eyes have turned toward the Gold Dome for issues ranging from education to broadband.  During the 40-day session, lawmakers will hear from thousands of people, each person representing a different agenda or special interest.

Are you in touch with your state representatives on important issues?  Or better yet, does your legislative delegation even know who you are?

The old saying is true: “Economic Development is all about Relationships,” and in politics, relationships play a big part in the realm of legislation.  If you’ve already formed personal relationships with your representatives and senators, you have a unique opportunity to influence legislation.

First thing first: if you don’t already know your state representatives and state senators, make it a top priority to meet with them during the 2019 session.  Not only do your elected officials vote on important legislation, but they can influence matters that are important to your community.  State elected officials oversee issues ranging from roads to community health, and they can make your job a lot easier if you ask for their help. 

Second, schedule time after the 2019 session to get to know your representatives and senators.  If you already have a good relationship with your state elected officials, be sure to keep in touch with them and nurture that connection.  Use that time to learn who they are, as well as build common goals for your community.  By building a cooperative partnership, you can create a plan to advance your community forward.

Finally, take time to learn the legislative process and see how you can help your elected officials do their job.  Hundreds of pieces of legislation wind their way through the committee process, and thankfully, GEDA employs Cornerstone Government Affairs to track bills that are important to our field.  However, there may be bills that impact your specific community, so keep your eyes on the Georgia General Assembly website and keep your state and local elected officials in the loop.

Politics is a participatory sport, and our state representatives and senators count on their constituents to guide their decision.  Economic developers are in a unique position to offer information that is valuable to our elected officials, and your perspective could impact the laws which govern all Georgians.