ATLANTA — Thursday marked day 14 of the legislative session in Georgia, and it was also Macon Day at the state capitol.
Business and government leaders made their way to the state capitol from Macon early in the morning. The goal was simple: to make sure Macon is on their minds during the session.
In a conversation led by Mayor Lester Miller, lawmakers discussed education, tourism and affordable housing. Healthcare, a large industry in Central Georgia, dominated the discussion.
"There are significantly increasing discussions about alternatives to Medicaid expansion," said state Sen. John Kennedy.
Gov. Brian Kemp created a limited waiver program to help the disabled and elderly. State Rep. Dale Washburn says it hasn't worked like lawmakers hoped.
"Just a little we are not getting as many subscribers as we would like to have," he said.
State Rep. Robert Dickey says Republicans want to expand but have concerns.
"Just a little concerned about the expansion and more government to pay for more and more healthcare," Dickey said.
He and Washburn both want to make sure that there isn't too much government control over healthcare.
With a new pickleball stadium and amphitheater, a big focus in Macon is tourism. Kennedy says they help by pushing economic development across all of Georgia.
"82% of the new economic projects being brought to Georgia have been put in rural Georgia," Kennedy said.
Another big topic was affordable housing.
"Prices have gone through the roof and Macon's economy just can't afford it," State Rep. Mariam Paris shared.
Miller says with new jobs coming in, the community is desperate for affordable places for people to stay.
"The state has a surplus of our money that's one way to give it back," he said.
Rep. Washburn says he's working on a bill called the Choice Act that gives incentives to cities to create affordable housing solutions.
"It gives them choices and when they choose a certain number of things there is various tiers that are involved where they can get more funding for agreeing to do things which will make housing more affordable," he said.
Dickey said there are two ways Macon can improve to bring in more housing. The first, improving the education system. He says Macon is on the right track. He and Kennedy are working on education bills currently.
But Dickey said there is another problem.
"Crime is another problem in Bibb County, and it's really I think making people think twice about investing in housing in Bibb County. So those two things, continue improving, you'll see some more housing coming in," Dickey said.
Miller did respond to Dickey's comment and say that crime rates have been down in the county, but it is an issue they will continue to work on.
He says with billions of dollars in surplus funding, he would like to see them put money towards county mental health services. Miller also hopes to hear more about the voucher bill, and how it will impact their public school system.