(NASHVILLE) — The Tennessee General Assembly has approved a measure sponsored by State Representative Ron Gant (R-Rossville) designed to spur rural job growth.
House Bill 1914 paves the way for economic development in rural cities and towns across our state by allowing local governments to decide whether they want to reinvest surplus monies that currently reside in municipal gas utility accounts into a community or economic development initiative spearheaded by a local chamber of commerce.
The measure further reduces red tape and bureaucracy by promoting partnerships between local government and business so that they can work together to identify new opportunities to promote rural Tennessee communities in efforts to make them desirable destinations for future employers.
While statewide unemployment remains near the lowest rates ever recorded in Tennessee’s 222-year history, Representative Gant knows there is an ongoing need for more high-quality jobs in his community.
Gant believes House Bill 1914 is an important step in the creation of these types of jobs that will benefit residents of District 94.
“Over the past two years, I have prioritized job growth and economic opportunity in our communities, and I am pleased that House Bill 1914 adds another resource to promote business-friendly environments,” said Representative Gant. “I will continue to fight for more resources so that our cities and towns have the tools they need to succeed when it comes to job creation.”
“This initiative gives Dyersburg a new tool to use as we work to attract new employers looking to expand their operations to Tennessee,” said Dyersburg Mayor John Holden. “I am grateful to Representative Gant and his House colleagues for their efforts on this important legislation, and I look forward to partnering with him in order to address our future needs.”
“This development is tremendous news for our town,” said Selmer Mayor John Smith. “I am excited about the possibilities this legislation creates as it relates to new jobs, and I thank Representative Gant for fighting to ensure its passage.”
“Our community and our region is prepared for the next wave of high quality jobs heading to Tennessee, and House Bill 1914 gives us another resource to help sell our community to new employers,” said Somerville Mayor Ronnie Neill. “I appreciate Representative Gant’s leadership on this important issue, and I know our citizens will benefit tremendously from this bill’s passage.”
Over the last several years, the efforts of Representative Gant and House Republicans have led to the creation of more than 400,000 net new private sector jobs in cities and towns across Tennessee.
House Bill 1914 now heads to Governor Haslam’s desk where it is expected to be signed into law. For more information, please click here.
Ron Gant serves as Assistant Majority Floor Leader. He is also a member of the House Health Committee and the House Calendar and Rules Committee, as well as the House Insurance & Banking Sub and Full Committees. Gant lives in Rossville and represents House District 94, which includes Fayette, McNairy, and part of Hardeman County. He can be reached by email at: rep.ron.gant@capitol.tn.gov or by calling (615) 741-6890.
