Legislative Agenda

Savannah Area Chamber of Commerce & Visit Savannah 2025 Legislative Overview

Over 150 members of the Savannah Area Chamber of Commerce make up our Governmental Affairs Council. The council, facilitated by a Chairman, meets at least three times a year, as necessary, to review local, state and federal issues. When creating policy, or legislative agendas, the council makes its recommendations to the Chamber’s Executive Committee and then these matters go to the Chamber’s Board of Directors for consideration. In instances where decisions are time sensitive and will affect the membership, the Executive Committee makes decisions on behalf of the Chamber Board. Along with the Chamber’s director of governmental affairs, engaged members help advocate for the Chamber’s priorities to become enacted.

2025 Specific Legislative Priorities:

TORT REFORM

• Support changes to the civil justice system to reduce liability exposure, close legal loopholes that facilitate frivolous lawsuits and align with federal code to provide stability and competition in the insurance market for small businesses and residents.

WORKFORCE & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

• Support Governor Kemp’s recommendation for more than $500 million in grants and loans to Coastal Georgia to invest in our water/sewer infrastructure and meet the growing needs of our region.
• Support the original language in Senate Bill 12, which protects private businesses proprietary information from being subject to state open records requirements.
• Continue to support efforts to increase tourism marketing funding for Georgia as a global visitor destination.
• Support and maintain tax policies and tax incentives that solidify our spot as the best state in the country to do business.
• Support initiatives and programs such as Certified & Registered Apprenticeships, Dual Enrollment, Georgia College & Career Academies and other programs that prepare students for future careers and train a skilled workforce for the region’s current and future employers.

MILITARY SUPPORT

• Explore the continued reduction / elimination of state income tax on military retirement income, in an effort to retain and attract military retirees and their families, which will complement our region’s workforce development efforts.
• Support policies that incentivize a strong workforce that includes qualified defense personnel, veterans and military retirees in the state
• Support initiatives that ensure the security and stability of current and future defense operations in the region, including all military installations, training centers, housing and other entities supporting defense communities while expanding this essential economic driver.

TRANSPORTATION & INFRASTRUCTURE

• Support Governor Kemp’s proposal for additional investments in infrastructure statewide, including transportation and water/sewer capacity projects.
• Continue to support funding for the redesign and construction of the I-95 Airport Interchange (Exit 104).
• Support a realignment of the Chatham Area Transit Board, ensuring board membership reflects the diverse cities and communities that rely on CAT service.
• Support ongoing investments in the Port of Savannah and local freight and commuter transportation infrastructure.
• Continue to support the recommendations of the Joint Study Committee on Airport Infrastructure and Improvements to create a sustainable state funding source for Georgia’s commercial service and general aviation airports and support increased capital funding that includes additional significant air cargo handling improvements.

HOUSING

• Support legislation that expands housing options and oppose policies that increase regulations and increase cost on housing developments, decreasing availability of income-aligned housing stock in our communities.
• Support efforts to codify the purpose and operations of the Interagency Council on Homelessness (ICH) and the Chatham Savannah Authority for the Homeless (CSAH)

EDUCATION

• Support Savannah State University’s budget request for the design of student wellness spaces.
• Support capital projects at Savannah Technical College that will support their efforts to offer regional career training, allowing them to help provide a well-trained regional workforce.
• Support funding and initiatives that improve access, availability and quality of public education, including career pathways, traditional public schools, public charter schools, early childhood and Pre-K education throughout our community.

HEALTHCARE

• Support implementation of and start-up funding for a PACE (Program for All-inclusive Care for the Elderly) program in Coastal Georgia to provide the necessary support services for disadvantaged elderly and disabled persons to live successfully in their homes.