State Representative Shaw Blackmon (R-Bonaire) recently received a 2017 Association of County Commissioners of Georgia (ACCG) Legislative Service Award. ACCG, Georgia’s county association, recognized Rep. Blackmon for his work on House Bill 340 during the 2017 legislative session.

“Thank you, ACCG, for this significant recognition,” said Rep. Blackmon. “It was an honor to carry legislation that levels the playing field for all Georgians through the House during the 2017 session, and I was especially proud to see HB 340 signed into law this past May. I’m grateful for ACCG’s diligent efforts on behalf of Georgia’s county governments, and I look forward to continuing our work to better the lives of all our state’s citizens in the upcoming legislative session.”

Rep. Blackmon was recognized by ACCG for sponsoring House Bill 340, which provided for the comprehensive revision of the distribution of state and local Title Ad Valorem Tax (TAVT) proceeds, as well as amendments to the TAVT law to close loopholes that allow for gaming of the TAVT system. While the final version of that bill did not include the proposed changes to the TAVT distribution formula, Representative Blackmon worked to address these issues.

Each year, ACCG presents Legislative Service Awards to recognize Georgia House and Senate members who work towards fulfilling ACCG’s mission of advancing Georgia’s county governments. The annual awards have gained recognition among elected and appointed officials as a prestigious way to acknowledge Georgia lawmakers for exemplary leadership.

“The ACCG Legislative Service Awards honor those who understand the importance of county governments and use their position to make Georgia a better place by purposefully improving the lives of citizens,” said Dave Wills, ACCG Interim Executive Director. “They are a reflection of what true government collaboration looks like.”

ACCG is Georgia’s county association and works on behalf of county officials and their communities by providing public policy and legislative advocacy, leadership development, civic and community engagement initiatives, insurance and retirement programs that specialize in local government needs and other cost-saving programs.  Formed in 1914 when county officials came together to help fund the state’s first highway department, ACCG today serves as a catalyst for advancing Georgia’s counties.  

For more information on ACCG, please click here.