State Representative Penny Houston (R-Nashville) was recently appointed to serve as a member of the Special Committee on Economic Growth by Speaker David Ralston (R-Blue Ridge). The Special Committee on Economic Growth will solicit input on potential new industries in Georgia.

“I am grateful that Speaker Ralston appointed me to serve on this important special committee to enhance economic growth across our state,” said Rep. Houston. “It is crucial that we continue to seek innovative legislative solutions that will bolster our state’s economy and bring new industries to Georgia and to our local communities.”

The Special Committee on Economic Growth will look at industries which may wish to enter the State of Georgia and would require legislation creating a new regulatory framework. State revenue collected from such new industries could be used to fund specific programs like education, healthcare or infrastructure needs.

The special committee will be led by three House chairmen who will serve as co-chairs of the special committee: Rep. Brett Harrell (R-Snellville), Chairman of the Ways & Means Committee; Rep. Alan Powell (R-Hartwell), Chairman of the Regulated Industries Committee; and Rep. Ron Stephens (R-Savannah), Chairman of the Economic Development & Tourism Committee. The other members of the special committee include State Representatives Shaw Blackmon (R-Bonaire), J. Collins (R-Villa Rica), Ginny Ehrhart (R-Marietta), Matthew Gambill (R-Cartersville), Chuck Martin (R-Alpharetta), Miriam Paris (D-Macon), Steven Sainz (R-Woodbine), Michael Smith (D-Marietta), Dale Washburn (R-Macon), Al Williams (D-Midway) and Rick Williams (R-Milledgeville).