As Charlie noted in his post on the supplemental budget there was a lone “no” vote from freshman Representative Matt Gurtler (R-Clayton). In the Representative’s own words in explaining his vote his constituents Gurtler stated:
Fundamentally I believe that government has no business meddling in the private sector, via subsidies. Governments sole purpose is to protect life, liberty, and property. That’s it. The 2017 Amended budget is considered the “small budget” at $606 million, and while the budget has some great things in there such as the pay raises for our State Troopers, of which I’m very happy to see happen! However, there was $86.5 million of subsidies I found particularly egregious. And while I understand there are times for compromises, I believe some one had to take a stand.
The money in question was $86.5 million out a total supplemental of $606 million. $36.5 million for Regional Economic Business Assistance (REBA) and Georgia ONE. The remaining $50 million is for Cyber Range, a public private partnership.
Constituent comments on Rep. Gurtler’s Facebook page are universally favorable as of this posting.