Harbin to speak on economy

The Columbia County business community will hear Thursday from state lawmakers regarding the recent Legislative session.

//

Considering the current economic slump, Columbia County Chamber of Commerce officials asked state Rep. Ben Harbin, the chairman of the House Appropriations Committee, to act as the keynote speaker for the Post-Legislative Breakfast at Savannah Rapids Pavilion.

"Finances for the state of Georgia are going to be key on everyone's minds, and that's one reason why we asked him to do it this year," said John T.Y. Smith, the chairman of the executive committee. "We wanted him to have a little more opportunity than he normally gets to talk about the economy."

Georgia's tax revenues fell 15 percent compared to last year, and the state had to make numerous cuts to compensate, Harbin said.

"I'll talk about what we did during the session and how a lot of it was dictated by the economy," he said. "Georgia is not trending up. We're not even flattening out yet. We're still trending down a little, and I'll talk about that."

Before Harbin's speech, other legislators will have the opportunity to discuss state issues. Other speakers scheduled to attend include state Sen. Bill Jackson and state Reps. Barbara Sims and Lee Anderson.

Smith expects topics of conversation to include a summary of bills that passed or failed during the Legislative session, state revenues, water management and federal stimulus funding.

After the meeting, tables will be set up to allow attendees to speak to lawmakers on their topics of concern, Smith said.

The breakfast starts at 7 a.m. with the program beginning at 7:30 a.m.

The event is free for chamber members and $20 for others.

Reservations are required and can be made by calling (706) 651-0018.

IF YOU GO

WHAT: Columbia County Chamber of Commerce Post Legislative Breakfast

WHEN: 7 a.m. Thursday

WHERE: Savannah Rapids Pavilion, 3300 Evans to Locks Road, Martinez

COST: Free for chamber members; $20 for others

INFO: (706) 651-0018