Hope and Enthusiasm for 2013 - Words from Governor Deal in MAD Winter'13
The following is an article from Georgia Governor Nathan Deal from the Winter 2013 Making a Difference magazine.
Hope and Enthusiasm for 2013
Governor Nathan Deal
To Georgia's Disability Community,
The start of each New Year is a great source of hope and enthusiasm for all of us, as we look forward and consider the possibilities of the future. The Capitol is already filled with excitement as Georgia's newly elected state senators and representatives prepare for the 2013 legislative session that opened on Monday, January 14. And of course, I join all of you in looking forward to the 15th Annual Disability Day, where disability issues take center stage on the steps of the Georgia State Capitol.
With the start of a new year and a new legislative session, the reality of Georgia's economy and budget concerns continues to be a challenge, and in all likelihood, will hamper meaningful expansion and improvements in our State's services. As Governor, it is incumbent upon me to manage the resources of the State and to do all that I can to provide appropriate supports, while assuring fairness in the budget decisions that affect so many of Georgia's citizens.
In spite of the anticipated budget difficulties, Georgia is expected to continue its slow growth. We have already started seeing improvements in the economy – particularly in residential construction and rising home prices. Additionally, in the coming year, employment is expected to grow as much as 1.4%, and more importantly, Georgia's economic growth is even expected to outpace the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) on the national level.
Those of us involved in Georgia's disability community know that real employment opportunities remain a top priority for our entire State. Fortunately, the State continues to attract investments from the automotive industry and recently announced new manufacturing investments by Caterpillar and Baxter International.
Attracting great employers and new employment opportunities to our State brings benefits to everyone. My administration continues to focus on the "Employment First" approach for people with disabilities and strives to attract companies that use "people first thinking" and concentrate on people's abilities and the value that they can bring to a company as an individual.
In closing, please know that my administration is looking forward to the upcoming legislative session and encourages each and every one of you to participate in the legislative process. As a community, we must all work together and advocate for a better quality of life for people with disabilities and all Georgians.
I hope you can attend Disability Day at the Capitol on Thursday, February 21 and that my schedule will allow me to join you once again.
Wishing all of you a happy and prosperous New Year!
Nathan Deal, Governor of Georgia
