GOP lawmakers tout legislation success ahead of November election

SAVANNAH, Ga. (WTOC) - As election season heats up, two state GOP lawmakers were in Savannah to tout recent successes under the gold dome.

State Representative Jesse Petrea and State Senator Ben Watson spoke to the Chatham Area Republican Women organization at a luncheon Wednesday at the Savannah Country Club.

The lawmakers highlighted several accomplishments this year at the Georgia statehouse, including boosting the local shrimping industry by exposing imported shrimp.

“Not only are they getting all-time high prices for Georgia shrimp, they can’t get enough of them,” said Representative Petrea. “They can’t catch enough now.”

Petrea also highlighted a bill that addressed abandoned vessels, and he discussed his research on the Georgia timber industry.

Senator Watson touted how Georgia continues to see a reduction in the state income tax and how Georgia taxpayers saw tax rebates over the last four years.

Watson also discussed growth in Savannah-Chatham County. He says lawmakers in Atlanta understand the need to make sure public infrastructure is safe along the coast.

“As you know, I-95 and I-16, the governor put in the budget $500 million to pave the emergency lanes on I-95 from Bryan County all the way up to South Carolina,” said Senator Watson.

He says plans also call for safety upgrades along I-16 from the I-95 interchange to Statesboro.

Both Republicans lawmakers have upcoming elections in November. Petrea will defend his District 166 House seat against Democrat Pat Daley. Watson will defend his District One Senate seat against Democrat Corey Foreman.