Sen. Golden honored by Georgia Retail Association

June 9, 2008 – State Sen. Tim Golden (D-Valdosta) was honored with a 2008 Legislative Achievement Award by the Georgia Retail Association. The presentation was made at the association’s Annual Meeting and Legislative Conference on St. Simons Island, Ga.

Golden was among seven Georgia legislators honored for their work on issues ranging from taxation to transportation. Golden is the original author of legislation creating Georgia’s sales tax holidays, which provide an annual sales boost to retailers. In the 2008 session, he authored and passed legislation creating a “Made in Georgia” initiative to promote the sale of products manufactured in the state.

Other lawmakers receiving the Legislative Achievement Award included House Majority Leader Jerry Keen (R-St. Simons Island), Rep. Donna Sheldon (R-Dacula) and Rep. Ron Stephens (R-Savannah). Also, Sen. Chip Rogers (R-Woodstock) and Rep. Larry O’Neal (R-Warner Robins) were named Legislators of the Year, and Rep. Richard Royal (R-Camilla) received the association’s Lifetime Achievement Award.

"These lawmakers have recognized the significant role that retail plays in Georgia’s economic well-being,” said Georgia Retail Association President John Heavener. ”They know that retail businesses employ one-in-five workers in the state and remit nearly 42 percent of all state revenue. Recognizing the role retail plays, the honored legislators have worked hard to reduce the regulatory burden on Georgia’s retail businesses and have advanced free-market policies that stimulate economic growth. Georgia’s retailers applaud them for their efforts."

Golden is running unopposed for his sixth term in the Senate, following eight years in the House of Representatives (1990-98). Golden 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.

Golden is chairman of the Senate Democratic Caucus and was recently appointed by Lt. Gov. Casey Cagle as co-chair of the Senate Study Committee on Manufacturing in Georgia.