MILLEDGEVILLE, Ga. (AP) - A group of state lawmakers have approved sweeping proposals aimed at encouraging people and businesses to move to rural Georgia.
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports that the group recently voted to support income tax breaks worth up to $6,000 a year, high-speed internet lines in unconnected areas and better health care access.
The recommendations approved by the Georgia House of Representatives Rural Development Council could become a reality if enacted by the General Assembly next year.
House Speaker David Ralston said the council's initiatives are a high priority as lawmakers try to bolster rural areas of Georgia.
The efforts are focused on counties losing population and jobs to cities. Of Georgia's 159 counties, 124 of them had less than 5 percent population growth for five straight years.
