SW Georgia News

State Representative Gerald Greene (R-Cuthbert) recently chaired the concluding meeting of the House Rural Development Council at the Georgia State Capitol. The session focused on pressing issues such as healthcare access, property rights, and downtown revitalization efforts. The council's primary objective was to formulate a legislative agenda to address these rural challenges in the forthcoming session.

According to a press release by the Georgia General Assembly, Greene expressed his satisfaction with the council's progress. "Over the last several months, the House Rural Development Council had the opportunity to meet with numerous stakeholders and experts across the state in an effort to continue to prioritize the needs of those who call Georgia’s rural communities their home," he said. "It was a pleasure to work alongside my fellow legislators, and I am proud of what this council was able to accomplish and look forward to presenting our findings through legislation in January."

The same press release from the Georgia General Assembly revealed that during its deliberations, the House Rural Development Council centered its discussions on rural concerns such as Medicaid and pharmaceutical access, property rights, and rural economic growth. Voices for Georgia’s Children underscored a decline in Medicaid coverage due to redetermination processes during these discussions. Leaders from this organization proposed solutions for improving healthcare continuity. The Georgia Heirs Property Law Center highlighted how heirs’ property impacts rural housing and advocated for increased support for specialized legal services. Meanwhile, The Georgia Downtown Association recommended modifications to the Georgia Department of Community Affairs' (DCA) Rural Zone Program to rejuvenate historic downtowns and address housing shortages. Additionally, the American Pharmacy Cooperative emphasized how crucial independent rural pharmacies are in providing healthcare access.

As per another press release by the Georgia General Assembly, it is noteworthy that the House Rural Development Council was instituted in 2017 with a focus on fostering economic growth and job creation within Georgia's rural communities.

In another update from a press release by the Georgia General Assembly, it is noted that Greene, who has been in office since 1982, represents District 154. This district encompasses several counties including Baker, Calhoun, Clay, Early, Miller, Quitman, Randolph, Seminole, and parts of Dougherty County. Greene chairs the State Properties Committee and serves as Vice Chair on the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Economic Development. He is also actively involved in numerous legislative committees.