Association says state’s legal climate driving up the cost of business, hurting competitiveness
JANUARY 16, 2025
Atlanta, GA- The Georgia Retailers today called on state legislators to pass the litigation reforms proposed by Gov. Brian Kemp this session, saying runaway jury verdicts are driving up the cost of doing business more than in other states.
“Protecting businesses that act responsibly saves jobs, protects a community’s tax base and keeps insurance affordable so businesses can grow,” said Ben Cowart, vice president of government affairs for the Georgia Retailers. “Gov. Brian Kemp’s reforms will get us back on the right track and protect our status as the best state in the nation to do business.”
The American Tort Reform Foundation has ranked Georgia’s legal climate as the worst in the nation, and studies show that it’s raising costs for the average Georgia family by $5,050 per year.
“Georgia’s current premises liability laws can discourage responsible business growth and investment,” Cowart said. “Reforms are essential to strike a balance that protects individuals while fostering a fair legal environment for businesses. Georgia Retailers proudly contribute to our state’s status as No. 1 for business, and improvements to our legal climate will only strengthen our ability to create jobs and grow our economy.”
“This association represents businesses that employ hundreds of thousands of Georgians and contribute to the tax base in every county in this state. We want to make sure that every legislator hears from retailers and their employees in their districts so that together we can deliver a solution that benefits all Georgians.”
ABOUT GEORGIA RETAILERS
Georgia Retailers is the statewide trade association that champions the retail industry, representing businesses that connect directly with consumers. Retailers in Georgia play a vital role in the state’s economy, contributing $171 billion annually and supporting 1.9 million jobs—accounting for 28% of all employment across the state. Collectively, Georgia’s retailers pay more than $39 billion in wages each year and generate billions in sales tax revenue, fueling essential public services and government initiatives.
Contact: Ben Cowart ben@georgiaretail.org