U.S. Sen. David Perdue Shares Legislative Goals, Insights With Sandy Springs Perimeter Chamber

SANDY SPRINGS, GA -- A sold-out crowd of Sandy Springs Perimeter Chamber members and guests gathered at the Westin Atlanta Perimeter North hotel this week to hear U.S. Senator David Perdue speak about current legislative initiatives in Washington and his own priorities and efforts on behalf of his constituents.

Senator Perdue, the former CEO of both Reebok and Dollar General Stores, was warmly welcomed by the audience, who applauded him as the only Fortune 500 CEO currently serving in Congress. The luncheon was sponsored by Northside Hospital.

The Republican Junior Senator and Georgia Tech graduate was introduced by Sandy Springs Mayor Rusty Paul who said Senator Purdue “cares deeply about our state and its people”. He also noted that the senator brings practical experience to Washington and knows how to” come up with practical solutions and get things done.”

Senator Purdue began his remarks by sharing that being elected to the U.S. Senate is a humbling and sobering experience. He applauded Mayor Paul and the city of Sandy Springs, calling it an example of what cities can be, noting that “government works best when people are close to it”.

While acknowledging the congressional gridlock that has frustrated lawmakers and citizens alike, the senator praised President Trump for his accomplishments so far, including nominating U.S. Supreme Court Justice Neil Gorsuch, reducing or changing over 800 business regulations, addressing illegal immigration and taking a firm stand against disproportionate payments made by NATO member countries for mutual defense. He lamented the failure of the legislature to create and pass a new affordable healthcare plan, placing blame on both democratic and republican legislators.

“We have got to work together in a bipartisan way to pass a new plan. Healthcare is personal for people. It’s personal for me. Like some of you, my wife Bonnie and I lost our healthcare plan and had to make some of the tough choices facing many others in this country”.

Sounding like the businessman he is, Senator Perdue spoke at length about the country’s debt crisis. “We take our free enterprise system for granted, but in the past eight years we’ve spent money we didn’t earn by borrowing 35% of what we spend. Our national debt has ballooned from $5.76 trillion in 2000 to its current level of $19.85 trillion. I’m not making this up. We can’t grow, cut or tax our way out of this budget situation. Secretary of Defense General James Mattis says the greatest threat to national security is our own federal debt. I believe we are at a moment of opportunity and need to use our assets to reduce the debt.”

The Senator told the crowd he believes that the biggest roadblock to legislative success is the self-interest of elected officials on both sides of the aisle in Washington. The drive to be re-elected, he says, keeps them from focusing on serving their constituents. He champions term limits for politicians so they will focus their time in office on pressing matters at hand, especially reducing spending and developing practical solutions to the debt crisis. He ended his remarks on an upbeat note, saying that while he believes Congress can do a much better job of working together across the aisle, there are bipartisan efforts happening now, especially at the committee level. “Why can’t we walk hand-in-hand, even if we don’t see eye-to-eye”?

About the Sandy Springs Perimeter Chamber

The Chamber was formed in 2008 to serve businesses in the City of Sandy Springs and the north Perimeter area. With leadership from an elected Board of Directors, and working in partnership with city government, the Chamber’s mission is to maximize the business success of its members, strengthen the competitiveness of the Sandy Springs business community and enhance economic prosperity of the area. Ongoing initiatives include workforce and economic development, business education, community service and networking opportunities for members. Tom Mahaffey is president of the Sandy Springs Perimeter Chamber. www.SSPChamber.org

Photo by Kyle Valencia, www.valenciaproductions.com