The Greater Vidalia® Chamber hosted its annual Legislative Lunch on Thursday, January 8, 2026, at Lyons First Baptist Church, providing local business and community leaders the opportunity to hear directly from state legislators on key issues impacting the region and the state of Georgia.
The program featured remarks and discussion from State House Representative Leesa Hagan and State Senator Blake Tillery, who shared legislative updates and priorities for the upcoming session while engaging attendees in meaningful dialogue on critical policy matters.
During the event, Representative Hagan and Senator Tillery addressed several topics of importance to both businesses and families, including property tax reform, noting ongoing efforts to provide relief while maintaining essential funding for local governments and services. The legislators discussed initiatives aimed at improving access to healthcare, particularly in rural communities, emphasizing the importance of sustaining local providers, attracting residency options, and expanding access to care across the region. Senator Tillery presented a plan to completely eliminate the income tax for 2/3 of all working Georgians while reducing the tax burden for everyone else.
Another key focus of the discussion was homeownership affordability, with both speakers highlighting challenges facing first-time homebuyers and working families. They outlined legislative approaches designed to reduce barriers to homeownership and support long-term community growth. Additionally, the legislators reaffirmed their commitment to continuing to tackle Georgia’s literacy crisis, recognizing early childhood and adult literacy as foundational to workforce development and economic success.
“The Legislative Lunch is an important opportunity for our members to hear firsthand from those shaping policy at the state level,” said Debbie Evans, EVP of the Greater Vidalia® Chamber and advocacy staff lead. “We appreciate Representative Hagan and Senator Tillery for taking the time to share insights and listen to the concerns of our business community.”
The Greater Vidalia® Chamber thanks all attendees for their participation and Lyons First Baptist Church for hosting the event. The Chamber also appreciates the sponsors who marketed their business at the Legislative Luncheon. Presenting Sponsor- Memorial Health Meadows Hospital; Gold Sponsor- Georgia Power Plant Edwin I. Hatch; and Silver Sponsors- Altamaha EMC/Fiber, Handy Andy and McLendon Enterprises. The Chamber remains committed to fostering dialogue between elected officials and the local business community to support informed advocacy and regional economic development.
