State legislators will discuss pending issues at breakfast

Thursday, state officials will share their expectations for the next session of the General Assembly with Columbia County business leaders.

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The annual Pre-Legislative Breakfast, hosted by the Columbia County Chamber of Commerce, starts at 7 a.m. at Savannah Rapids Pavilion.

State Sen. Bill Jackson and State Reps. Ben Harbin, Lee Anderson and Barbara Sims likely will attend the breakfast meeting to discuss such issues as the state budget, water, transportation and more, said Tammy Shepherd, the chamber's vice president of business development.

The main speaker for the meeting will be Vance Smith, a member of the state Department of Transportation's board of directors.

"For us, transportation is a big issue with having one of the largest highway infrastructure improvements that has just been completed," Shepherd said, referring to construction work at Interstate 20 and Bobby Jones Expressway.

Those with specific questions for Smith should e-mail them in advance to info@columbia countychamber.com.

"We want them in advance so we can check for duplications and single out the ones that are of the most interest to the members attending to make sure we don't run out of time," Shepherd said.

Though each lawmaker isn't expected to speak at the meeting, tables will be set up for attendees to speak with the legislators following the breakfast.

"We feel like it's a benefit of your membership to have that face time with your legislators," Shepherd said.

Those wishing to attend the breakfast should respond to Lauren M. Smith at lauren@ columbiacountychamber.com by noon Wednesday.

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