CLUB FOR GROWTH ANNOUNCES GEORGIA DEFENDER OF ECONOMIC FREEDOM AWARDS

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WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Club for Growth today announced Defender of Economic Freedom awards for 5 Georgia state legislators — 4 House Members and 1 State Senator — whose voting record distinguished them as champions of economic liberty for their high score on the Club for Growth Foundation’s 2020 Georgia State Legislative Scorecard.

Watch David McIntosh joins the Erick Erickson show to discuss the release of the 2020 Georgia scorecard:

Elected officials who, on the Foundation’s scorecard, score 90% or better in a given calendar year and maintain lifetime scores of 90% or better are recognized by the Club for Growth as Defenders of Economic Freedom. Republican State House legislators Matt Gurtler (98%), Colton Moore (93%), Philip Singleton (93%) and Scot Turner (90%) were all named Defenders of Economic Freedom. In the State Senate, Greg Dolezal (92%) received the award. Reps. Gurtler, Moore and Turner were all recipients of the award in 2019 as well.

“”The 2020 legislative session in Georgia was a mixed bag for taxpayers.  Republicans in both chambers should have been on the same page in order to pass lower taxes, less regulation, and advance other pro-growth policies.  While they were able to claim a few victories on parental choice in education and healthcare freedom, they were hostile to taxpayers by supporting higher taxes and more regulation on businesses,” said Club for Growth President David McIntosh.

“With clear majorities in both chambers, the GOP should have a unifying message of economic freedom and limited government.  There are more than a few Democrats who appear willing to support them on some of those issues.  Instead, politicians in Atlanta – in both parties – are too deferential to special interests and their own re-election.  This needs to stop.”

“The Foundation looked at a number of important free-market votes in the Georgia legislature on issues including taxes, subsidies, regulations, licensing, and expanding education choice. A handful of Republican state senators and representatives actively advance economic freedom while the majority of Georgia legislators have a middle-of-the-road record on issues of economic freedom.”

Key Takeaways on Georgia’s 2020 Scorecard:

Georgia Senate

  • Average Republican Score: 60%
  • Average Democrat Score: 50%
  • Highest Rated Republican: Sen. Greg Dolezal (SD-27), 92%
  • Lowest Rated Republican: Sen. John Wilkinson (SD-50), 41%
  • Highest Rated Democrat: Multiple senators, 60%
  • Lowest Rated Democrat: Sen. Valencia Seay (SD-34), 23%

Georgia House

  • Average Republican Score: 48%
  • Average Democrat Score: 46%
  • Highest Rated Republican: Rep. Matt Gurtler (HD-08), 98%
  • Lowest Rated Republican: Rep. Jon Burns (HD-159), 30%
  • Highest Rated Democrats: Rep. Karla Drenner (HD-85), 73%
  • Lowest Rated Democrat: Rep. Calvin Smyre (HD-135), 25%

The Club for Growth Foundation’s Georgia legislative scorecard is like scorecards that the Foundation previously released for Florida, Virginia, Missouri, New Mexico, Iowa, Tennessee, and Texas as part of its new state legislative vote study initiative. The Club for Growth Foundation is a 501(c)(3) organization focused on educating the public about the value of free markets, pro-growth policies, and economic prosperity.