Paulding Reservoir Becomes a Reality With State Funding

Posted on August 15, 2012 by admin

The Paulding County Legislative Delegation is proud to announce that Governor Deal is dedicating funding locally to the much needed Richland Creek Water Reservoir project in Paulding County.

The local delegation — which consists of Senator Bill Heath, Senator Bill Hamrick , Representative Howard Maxwell, and Representative Paulette Braddock — has worked closely with the Governor’s Office, the Georgia Environmental Finance Authority (GEFA) and the Georgia Department of Community Affairs (DCA) to receive the necessary funding to build the Richland Creek Water Reservoir locally. This project is critical to solving the water shortage in the County and in the state.

According to Senator Heath, “This one of the most important infrastructure projects in West Georgia and exactly the kind of quality project our state government should be supporting. The Richland Creek project will protect the water resources of all the citizens of Paulding County and lessen our dependence on Cobb County for our water. I look forward to assisting in the required permitting process and helping to secure water for Paulding’s future needs.”

And here is what Representative Maxwell has to say about the states contribution to the project, “I’m excited the Governor recognized that our project is one of the most viable water reservoirs to provide water to our state. I’m glad we could secure the Governor’s interest to move this project forward. We have a great delegation that works well together and I’m proud of the other Senators and Representatives in this district that worked with the local county officials on the effort to move this project forward in a big way.”

Representative Paulette Braddock states, “This project has been in the works for many years with our local leaders and I’m grateful to the Governor for helping Paulding County move forward with the funding of this much needed project. This will help our economic development efforts tremendously to continue attracting companies and new jobs for Paulding County residents. Economic Development is an area that I have put a great deal of focus into, working with our local and state officials and economic development folks, and I’m glad we were one of the first to be funded under the Governor’s Water Supply Program (GWSP).”

Paulding County was approved for a 40-year loan of $29,100,000 to construct a 305-acre pumped-storage reservoir on Richland Creek in northern Paulding County, with an intake on the Etowah River used to fill the reservoir. Paulding County is designing the reservoir with a projected yield of 35 MGD. The total cost of the reservoir project is $86,400,000, with the county providing $57,300,000 in funding. Paulding County will pay zero percent interest for the first three years of construction; 1 percent for the remainder of construction, accrued and capitalized; and 1.82 percent during the repayment period once construction is complete. The county will not be charged a closing fee.

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Paulette Braddock (R-HD19) Wins StudentsFirst Endorsement

Posted on July 27, 2012 by admin

Paulette Braddock (R-HD19), Georgia State Representative from Paulding County, has been endorsed by Georgia Parents and Teachers for Putting StudentsFirst, the Georgia arm of StudentsFirst, a nationwide, bipartisan grassroots movement that works to focus the U.S. education system on what’s best for students. Legislators achieving the endorsement were evaluated based upon their responses to a questionnaire on education policies and, if incumbents, their record of support for common sense education reform efforts.

In the announcement, StudentsFirst said, “In her time in the House, Rep. Braddock has helped the cause of education reform by voting for HR 1162 (constitutional amendment authorizing charter schools), SB 184 (ending “last in, first out” layoff policies), and SB 410 (creating performance-based public ratings for schools). However, Rep. Braddock’s opponents in the primary prioritize the wishes of the education status quo instead of putting the interests of students first.”

Rep. Braddock said, “My position on education matters is very clear. When our students rank #26 in math and science when measured against other countries, our educational systems are failing. Our children will have to compete for jobs in the future in a global economy, against students whose education has better prepared them. Parents are ready for more educational choices that fit their children so they can succeed at learning. This will help our students in the future compete for jobs in a global marketplace. Teachers also want to be free of government paperwork and red tape that prohibit them from spending their time in the classroom teaching. The system is broken and StudentsFirst does a great job in shedding light on the problems we face in our schools all across America. I am very proud to been endorsed by this movement, which defends the interests of children in public education and pursues transformative reform.”

StudentsFirst is a bipartisan grassroots movement of more than 1 million members nationwide, working to focus our education system on what’s best for students, supporting common-sense reforms that help make sure all students have great schools and great teachers. Launched by former Washington D.C. Public Schools Chancellor Michelle Rhee in December 2010, StudentsFirst has successfully helped pass more than 70 student-centered policies in 17 states, and our movement continues to grow.

Rep. Braddock, Paulding County’s first female legislator, represents the citizens of District 19 in Paulding County. She was elected to the House of Representatives in 2010 and currently serves on the Children & Youth Committee, the Economic Development & Tourism Committee, and on the Special Committee on Small Business Deve

Paulette Braddock (R-HD19) Provides Job Growth Update

Posted on July 25, 2012 by admin

Paulette Braddock (R-HD19), Georgia House Representative from Paulding County, pointed today to new evidence that legislative actions continue to have a positive impact on bringing job growth to Georgia. The evidence came in the form of Governor Nathan Deal’s recent announcement that Interroll, the world’s leading supplier of conveyer systems and components, will locate its North American manufacturing plant, showroom facility and technology center in Paulding County. The company, based in Switzerland, plans to initially create 70 jobs and invest $10 million in the new, 93,000 square-foot operation.

“In the legislature, we have successfully taken steps to reduce taxes on manufacturing and on citizens, and to streamline government red tape,” said Braddock. “I have worked with Governor Deal on his Competitiveness Initiative and on the Small Business & Job Creation committee’s “Red Tape Watch” to identify areas where Georgia can reduce burdensome regulations on small business to improve the business climate in our state. Here in Paulding County, local leaders have created an ‘opportunity zone’ to attract businesses. Interroll’s announcement proves that these steps are working. Companies continue to move here and bring jobs with them. It’s a very exciting time for Paulding County and Georgia.”

On her website, Rep. Braddock provides a list of companies that have moved to Georgia in the last year alone.

Paulette Rakestraw Braddock (R-HD19) Endorsed by Georgia Carry

Posted on July 23, 2012 by admin

Georgia State Representative Paulette Rakestraw Braddock (R-HD19), Georgia State Representative from Paulding County learned this week of her endorsement for the July 31 Republican primary by Georgia Carry, the leader in the fight to reclaim and expand citizens’ right to bear arms. In a letter to Rep. Braddock announcing the endorsement, Georgia Carry Executive Director Jerry Henry cited her “continued support of the Second Amendment, dedication to protecting our individual right to self defense and dedication to restoring our rights as originally enumerated in the bill of rights of the U.S. Constitution.”

In a statement responding to the endorsement, Rep. Braddock said, “I am honored to have been recognized by Georgia Carry, an organization that shares my views on protecting our second amendment rights. In my first session in the House, I co-sponsored a couple of key pieces of solid pro-gun legislation that unfortunately didn’t make it to the floor for a vote. I intend to continue working with the Georgia Carry and other like-minded organizations to make sure that our Second Amendment rights can withstand the constant attacks by the liberal left. I am proud to consistently support Georgia Carry with pro-gun legislation.”

With more than 6000 members, Georgia Carry is an information clearinghouse for Georgia Firearms License issues and news. It is Georgia’s no-compromise voice for gun owners.

Rep. Braddock represents the citizens of District 19 in Paulding County. She was elected to the Georgia House of Representatives in 2010 and currently serves on the Children & Youth Committee, the Economic Development & Tourism Committee, and on the Special Committee on Small Business Development and Job Creation.

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Paulette Rakestraw Braddock (R-HD19) Earns Award from American Conservative Union

Posted on July 22, 2012 by admin

Paulette Rakestraw Braddock (R-HD19), Georgia State Representative from Paulding County, has earned the American Conservative Union’s (ACU) “ACU Conservative” award. The award recognizes Rep. Braddock’s voting record in support of legislation reflecting conservative principles during the 2012 legislative session. The ACU recently released its inaugural rankings of the Georgia General Assembly, which include scores for state House and Senate members based upon their votes on legislation the ACU deemed important to conservative principles.

“As a consistent, common-sense conservative, I am proud to uphold the conservative principles that the vast majority of my constituents sent me here to represent. This award reflects and validates my conservative voting record and I am proud to have received this most high honor,” said Rep. Braddock.

For 2012, the ACU tracked a wide range of issues before the General Assembly to determine which issues and votes served as a clear litmus test for a representative’s conservative principles. According to the ACU, this includes support for a constitutionally limited government, individual liberty, free markets, a strong national defense and traditional values.

This is the first year the Georgia General Assembly was rated by the ACU. In 2011, the ACU expanded its annual Ratings of Congress to include ratings of state legislators in Florida, Nevada, North Carolina, Ohio, and Virginia. This year, the ACU further expanded its rating program to state legislators in 15 additional states.

“I am proud to present the inaugural Georgia ACU awards to those conservative state legislators who continue to fight for fiscal responsibility, the rights of the unborn and the Second Amendment,” said Al Cardenas, Chairman of the American Conservative Union.

Founded in 1964, the American Conservative Union represents the views of Americans who are concerned with economic growth through lower taxes and reduced government spending and the issues of liberty, personal responsibility, traditional values and national security.

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Rep. Paulette Rakestraw Braddock (R-HD19) Endorsed by Small Business

Posted on July 21, 2012 by admin

Paulette Rakestraw Braddock (R-HD19), Georgia House Representative from Paulding County, has been endorsed by The National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB), Georgia’s leading small-business association, in the House Republican primary on July 31.

The endorsement was made by NFIB/Georgia SAFE (Save America’s Free Enterprise) Trust, which is composed exclusively of NFIB members.

“Representative Braddock understands the challenges facing Georgia’s small, family businesses and is the clear choice in the race for the 19th House District,” said Kyle Jackson, state director of NFIB/Georgia. “We believe Paulette Braddock will continue to take a fiscally responsible approach to managing state government and support legislation that helps our small businesses grow and create jobs and puts the state back on the pathway to success.”

Said Rep. Braddock, “It’s a real honor to receive this endorsement from NFIB. As a member of the Special Committee on Small Business Development and Job Creation, much of my energy in my first term in the House was devoted to creating an environment conducive to job growth in the small business sector. I am definitely supportive of the NFIB business-growth initiatives.”

The NFIB/Georgia SAFE Trust’s endorsement is critical to the Braddock campaign. Small business owners and their employees vote in high numbers and are known for actively recruiting friends, family members and acquaintances to go to the polls. NFIB has pledged it will activate its grassroots network on behalf of the campaign. NFIB’s political support is based on the candidates’ positions and records on small business issues.

NFIB is the nation’s leading small business association, with offices in Washington, D.C. and all 50 state capitals. Founded in 1943 as a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization, NFIB gives small- and independent-business owners a voice in shaping the public policy issues that affect their business. NFIB’s powerful network of grassroots activists sends its views directly to state and federal lawmakers through our unique member-only ballot, thus playing a critical role in supporting America’s free enterprise system. NFIB’s mission is to promote and protect the right of our members to own, operate and grow their businesses. More information about NFIB is available online at www.NFIB.com/newsroom.

Rep. Paulette Rakestraw Braddock (R-HD19) Endorsed by NRA

Posted on July 19, 2012 by admin

Georgia State Representative Paulette Rakestraw Braddock (R-HD19) has been endorsed by the National Rifle Association (NRA) with an “A+” rating. The NRA defines qualifications for an “A+” rating as “A solidly pro-gun candidate that has sponsored pro-gun legislation. A candidate who has supported NRA positions on key votes in elective office or a candidate with a demonstrated record of support on Second Amendment issues.”

In a statement, Rep. Braddock said, “I am honored to have earned the NRA endorsement. In my first session I co-sponsored a couple of key pieces of solid pro-gun legislation that unfortunately didn’t make it to the floor for a vote. I intend to continue working with the NRA to make sure that our Second Amendment rights can withstand the constant attacks by the liberal left. I am proud to consistently support the NRA with pro-gun legislation.”

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Rep. Paulette Braddock Scores A+ with Americans for Prosperity

Posted on July 15, 2012 by admin

ATLANTA — State Representative Paulette Braddock (R-HD19) has been graded A+ on the 2011-2012 Legislator Score Card produced by Americans for Prosperity (AFP), the grassroots, public policy advocacy group.

AFP is a national organization of leaders who engage citizens in support of limited government and free markets on the local, state, and federal levels. The scorecard grades all Georgia state and federal legislators on how they voted on key legislation important to conservatives. Rep. Braddock’s A+ rating reflects a numerical score of 100% and is the highest grade given by the organization.

Rep. Braddock said, “Americans for Prosperity supports the things I believe in — like tax reform and limited government spending and removing barriers to entrepreneurship in the private sector. The organization performs a great service in keeping citizens informed in the fight to eliminate government waste and fraud. I am proud of the votes I cast to get the A+ rating and grateful to AFP for tracking and shedding light on these important issues.”

Rep. Paulette Braddock Wins Newt Gingrich Endorsement

Posted on July 6, 2012 by admin

ATLANTA — Former Speaker of the House Newt Gingrich today announced his endorsement of State Representative Paulette Braddock (R-Hiram). The announcement came as Braddock is ramping up her campaign for the Republican primary election on July 31.

Gingrich said, “I urge District 19 voters to come out strongly for Paulette Braddock in this important race. She is a tea party conservative who already has a strong track record of supporting conservative values, with consistent votes for personal responsibility and against bigger government and more bureaucracy. Since she has taken office, Paulette cut taxes across the board for Georgians, protected the senior tax exemption, and helped bring jobs home to Paulding County with business-friendly legislation and tax initiatives. I’ve worked closely with Paulette and know that she has kept her promises to bring prosperity back to Paulding. There is no question in my mind that she is the right choice to represent District 19.”

Braddock, who is Paulding County’s first female legislator, was elected to the Georgia House for her first term in 2010. Known for her consistent, common-sense approach to conservative values, she is pro-jobs, pro-tax reform, pro-life, and pro-gun rights.

Rep. Braddock represents the citizens of District 19 in Paulding County. She was elected to the House of Representatives in 2010 and currently serves on the Children & Youth Committee, the Economic Development & Tourism Committee, and on the Special Committee on Small Business Development and Job Creation.

Rep. Paulette Braddock Scores A+ on Georgia Chamber Legislative Scorecard

Posted on July 5, 2012 by admin

ATLANTA — GA State Representative Paulette Braddock is one of the few representatives to have been graded A+ on the 2012 Legislative Scorecard produced by the Georgia Chamber of Commerce. This is the second consecutive year that Rep. Braddock has scored an A or A+, which is the highest grade given by the Chamber.

The scorecard provides an overall grade on how House and Senate members voted during the 2011 and 2012 legislative sessions on business-friendly measures. The Chamber identifies pieces of legislation critical to the business community and scores in these policy areas: education, business and industry, judiciary, and economic development.

Rep. Braddock said, “I believe in tax reform and in creating an environment in Georgia that fosters entrepreneurship and attracts companies that can provide jobs to Georgians while being profitable. I am proud of the votes I cast to on these important issues and salute the Chamber for diligently reporting lawmaker activity to our citizens.”