Sen. Murphy, Rep. Hamilton Given High Grades by Chamber

State Sen. Jack Murphy, R-Cumming, and Rep. Mark Hamilton, R-Cumming, have received the highest ranking given on the Georgia Chamber’s Legislative Scorecard. The Chamber’s legislative scorecard recognizes legislators that supported strong business initiatives during the 2013 legislative session.

Rep. Geoff Duncan, R-Cumming, received a C+ ranking for voting against two pieces of legislation: HB 318, which will extend state tax credits on ‘angel investments’ for two additional years for individuals who make qualified investments into Georgia’s high-tech companies; and SB 24, which allows the Georgia Department of Community Health to fill a shortfall in the state Medicaid program. He voted for the other eight pieces of legislation on the chamber's scorecard.

“I would like to thank the Georgia Chamber for acknowledging my commitment to supporting pro-business policy initiatives that spur private-sector job growth,” said Sen. Murphy.

Throughout the 2013 Georgia General Assembly session, legislators addressed a number of issues important to the state’s business community. Legislation enhancing Georgia's competitiveness through education, economic development, business and industry, and judiciary reform were designated as scorecard issues by the Georgia Chamber Government Affairs Council and are included in this year's legislative scorecard. Each legislator’s grade, given by the Georgia Chamber, reflects an assessment of his or her support for business community priorities.

“What is clear from this year’s scorecard is that lawmakers – both Democrat and Republican – are taking private-sector growth seriously. They realize how important these issues are to the state and to their constituents and that we must take action to encourage investment and job creation,” said Georgia Chamber President and CEO Chris Clark.