Keeping the Main Thing the Main Thing

Keeping the Main Thing the Main Thing

Governor Perdue’s agenda to focus on education, transportation, and economic development

            ATLANTA, GA – Governor Sonny Perdue spoke today to the annual Eggs and Issues breakfast sponsored by the Georgia Chamber of Commerce, previewing some of the priorities of his upcoming budget – continuing to improve education and meeting the needs of a growing and prosperous state.

            Governor Perdue noted the Georgia’s increasing graduation rates during his administration and challenged each local community to set and meet local graduation goals and look for innovative ways to encourage improved performance.  As an example, he pointed to Senator Tommie Williams who donated $1,000 to Montgomery County High School to establish a “perfect attendance” lottery.

            “In the year 2020, next year’s Kindergarten class will be seniors in high school.  And I want to see 100 percent of that class walk across the stage in front of friends and family with diploma in hand,” said Governor Sonny Perdue.  “That is our challenge.  That is our call to action.”

Governor Perdue also noted that the state’s growth has created infrastructure and transportation needs.  To meet those needs the Governor announced that this year’s budget asks for $2.3 billion for transportation – double the spending from the Governor’s first budget.  The budget also includes record spending for Paving the Way Home and continues to fund Fast Forward.

             In addition, Governor Perdue introduced a new international initiative Global Georgia.  He said that his new budget would invest an additional $5.1 million to help open the door to the world for Georgia companies.  Already more than 10,000 Georgia companies export, and almost 75 percent of Georgia’s counties have companies involved in international trade.  Total exports from Georgia across the globe increased by $5.9 billion in 5 years.  Under Governor Perdue’s initiative Georgia will add new international offices in China and India, bringing the total number of international offices to 12.

            “I have a long-term vision for Georgia,” said Governor Perdue.  “Improving our schools, our roads, developing our international presence – we must view these challenges as opportunities to make a long-lasting improvement in our state.”