While part of Georgia’s economy is scheduled to reopen Friday, business and policy leaders say the state needs to take action to secure long-term stability.

Buzz Brockway, vice president of public policy for the Georgia Center for Opportunity (GCO) – an independent nonprofit think tank – said state officials should involve business leaders and local organizations in the reopening process. Chris Clark, CEO of the Georgia Chamber of Commerce, said lawmakers need to instill policies to protect businesses until the economy is stabilized…

In its proposal for reopening the economy, GCO said lawmakers should consider forming coalitions with other states. For example, Georgia could coordinate reopening areas of South Carolina that are close to the Port of Savannah. Many people work at the port and live across the Savannah River in South Carolina, GCO said.

“No recovery plan is without risk, but we must weigh the risk and rely on health and business professionals to do so,” GCO President and CEO Randy Hicks said. “Now is the time for everyone to come together to explore solutions that protect our neighborhoods and respond to community needs.”

While part of Georgia’s economy is scheduled to reopen Friday, business and policy leaders say the state needs to take action to secure long-term stability.

Buzz Brockway, vice president of public policy for the Georgia Center for Opportunity (GCO) – an independent nonprofit think tank – said state officials should involve business leaders and local organizations in the reopening process. Chris Clark, CEO of the Georgia Chamber of Commerce, said lawmakers need to instill policies to protect businesses until the economy is stabilized…

In its proposal for reopening the economy, GCO said lawmakers should consider forming coalitions with other states. For example, Georgia could coordinate reopening areas of South Carolina that are close to the Port of Savannah. Many people work at the port and live across the Savannah River in South Carolina, GCO said.

“No recovery plan is without risk, but we must weigh the risk and rely on health and business professionals to do so,” GCO President and CEO Randy Hicks said. “Now is the time for everyone to come together to explore solutions that protect our neighborhoods and respond to community needs.”

Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp’s decision to reopen some of the state’s businesses as soon as Friday amid the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic drew strong reactions.

Even Kemp did not hold back in speaking his mind: “I don’t give a damn about politics right now.”

Kemp announced Monday gyms, fitness centers, bowling alleys, body art studios, barbers, cosmetologists, nail technicians and beauty schools are among the businesses that will be able to open Friday.

Theaters, private social clubs and dine-in restaurants will be able to reopen April 27 with some restrictions…

Georgia Center for Opportunity Vice President of Public Policy Buzz Brockway: “We applaud Gov. Kemp for laying the groundwork today for the reopening of Georgia’s economy in a way that protects health and safety.”