Sen. Golden’s ‘Made in Georgia’ program becomes law                     

May 15, 2008 – Legislation authored by state Sen. Tim Golden (D-Valdosta), establishing a “Made in Georgia” program to promote the sale of products manufactured in Georgia, was signed into law Wednesday by Governor Sonny Perdue.

“The enactment of Senate Bill 359 will increase the awareness of the significant role of manufacturing in our state,” Golden said. “It is also intended to raise the profile of Georgia’s manufacturing impact on people, plants and products. I am very pleased that Governor Perdue recognized this important legislation and signed it into law.”

Under the new law, a “Made in Georgia” campaign logo will be created for use as a stamp of certification on products that are manufactured in Georgia and by Georgians. Retailers will also be encouraged to use the logo in their marketing of “Made in Georgia” products.

Other pro-manufacturing legislation signed into law includes HB 237, which provides a sales tax exemption for machinery and parts used in the manufacturing process, and HB 272, which places a cap on the state sales tax on spiking energy costs to manufacturers.

“Our state’s economic future is directly tied to the success of our manufacturing industry,” said Golden.  A long time advocate of both bills, Golden concluded, “We must continue doing all we can to help boost the companies that are providing jobs and putting food on the tables of so many Georgia families.”

Also, the economy of District 8 and other rural areas of the state will benefit from the signing of HB 1273, which will expand employment opportunities by offering a $3,500 job tax credit for qualifying businesses in designated “opportunity zones” in Georgia.

Golden also said he is pleased with the signing of HB 948, which renews Georgia’s sales tax holidays for back-to-school purchases (July 31-Aug. 3) and energy efficient products (Oct. 2-5). Golden was author of the original sales tax holiday legislation that was first passed in 2002.

Golden, who is running unopposed for his sixth term in the Senate, is secretary of the powerful Senate Appropriations Committee, which is responsible for the state budget, and is a senior member of the influential Senate Finance Committee, which handles tax-related legislation. He also serves on the Higher Education, Insurance & Labor and Government Oversight committees and is chairman of the Senate Democratic Caucus.