Leesa Hagan

As a small business owner, I understand the importance of making sure Georgia remains the #1 state in which to do business and bring more jobs and economic opportunity to our community.

The main reason I first ran for office was to do everything I could to make sure young people had the opportunity to stay in their hometown or come back to it after college to live their lives and raise their families. We all want our children and grandchildren to have that choice. However, because of lack of affordable home ownership options, good-paying jobs, and less-than-adequate access to quality healthcare, many of them don’t have the option. By passing good, common sense policy at the state level that supports local efforts to encourage business growth and entrepreneurship and to develop appropriate housing for the workforce, we can improve the situation in rural Georgia.

Law and order is vital for thriving communities and Georgia families. When our citizens are afraid for their lives and property because of criminal activity, they cannot prosper. Our first responders and law enforcement officers are the heroes that show up to ensure our safety. They deserve our support, fair pay, and public policy that enables them to do their jobs efficiently and as safely as possible. 

I believe in being tough on those who intentionally do harm to others and their property. Rioting and looting is a selfish act and is not peaceful protesting. Gang activity cannot be tolerated, particularly when it targets young or disabled people. Georgia law should strongly discourage criminal activity. 

As a former classroom teacher and homeschooler of my own children for a few years, I know how important a quality education is for our children and the future of our state and country. While I am in favor of parents being empowered to make educational choices for their kids, I know we can pass school choice legislation while also fully funding and supporting our public schools. The two are not mutually exclusive.

Agriculture is Georgia’s #1 industry. Georgia is the nation’s top producer of forestry products. In House district 156, ag and forestry are of vital importance. Let’s not forget that if we have food to eat, clothes to wear, and a place to live, we should thank our growers! 

We must never forget that taxes are the people’s money. I am proud to support lowering income tax rates on hard-working Georgia citizens.

Georgia has the tenth highest share of active duty military personnel per 100,000 residents in the nation.  It’s important to ensure we continue to maintain a welcoming environment for those men and women who protect our freedoms and their families.