Ga. Municipal Association honors South Georgia lawmakers
Published 1:00 pm Thursday, September 6, 2018
- Georgia Municipal Association Governmental Relations Associate Joel Wiggins, middle, presents the Champion of Georgia Cities Award to state Rep. Jay Powell, left, and state Rep. Sam Watson, right, in Moultrie Tuesday.
MOULTRIE, Ga. – State Rep. Jay Powell, R-Camilla, and state Rep. Sam Watson, R-Moultrie, received a 2018 “Champion of Georgia’s Cities Award” from the Georgia Municipal Association (GMA).
The award, which is given at the end of every two-year legislative term to state legislators who actively support major GMA initiatives and goals, was presented to them Tuesday evening at the Moultrie City Council meeting.
GMA recognized Powell for his leadership on several pieces of legislation including House Bill 61, HB 329 and HB 811.
HB 61 enacts state sales tax on online purchases.
HB 329 lowered the state income tax rate in response to changes in federal income tax law.
HB 811 authorizes the Department of Revenue to share information with other agencies to identify noncompliant taxpayers.
All three were sponsored by Powell along with other lawmakers.
“In addition to these bills that were passed, we greatly appreciate Chairman Powell’s work and leadership on preventing detrimental telecom and right-of-way legislation from reaching the governor’s desk,” said GMA Governmental Relations Associate Joel Wiggins.
GMA also recognized Watson for his leadership and defending home rule, which was illustrated through several issues including HB 886.
HB 886, which both Watson and Powell sponsored alongside other lawmakers, authorizes cooperation between the Department of Revenue and the Department of Agriculture in administering the tax exemption for agricultural equipment.
“We greatly appreciate Representatives Powell and Watson’s strong support for city government and their willingness to listen to our issues and concerns,” said GMA Executive Director Larry Hanson. “Due to their strong leadership, the citizens of all of Georgia’s cities will benefit.”
Between them, Powell and Watson represent all of Colquitt County as well as all or part of four other counties.
Based in Atlanta, GMA is a voluntary, non-profit organization that provides legislative advocacy, educational, employee benefit and consulting services to its 521 member cities.
