Georgia REALTORS(R) Support Regional Transportation Referendum

ATLANTA, April 9, 2012 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The Georgia Association of REALTORS® (GAR) has voiced its support in favor of the Regional Transportation Referendum, also referred to as the 2012 TSPLOST (Transportation Special Purpose Local-Option Sales Tax).

"Georgia is facing a transportation funding crisis that, if allowed to continue, will result in significant losses in jobs and economic development opportunities across the state," said Bill Boatman, 2012 GAR President. "Investing in critical transportation infrastructure projects equals more economic opportunity and a better quality of life for Georgia, which reverberates through every sector of our economy, including real estate."

According to the Atlanta Regional Commission, the TSPLOST will generate over $19 billion in direct investment into the state's economy and create more than 200,000 jobs in Georgia over the next 30 years, many of which will be mid- to high-paying jobs.

 "The TSPLOST referendum presents a tremendous opportunity for Georgia," adds Michael Faulkner, GAR's District 4 Regional Director. "Good infrastructure attracts companies, which in turn produce jobs. A bustling job market will give Georgia a stronghold as a state that attracts dynamic, profitable companies, which will keep our economy and our housing market on the uptick."

GAR's national counterpart, the National Association of REALTORS®, recently approved a $500,000.00 investment through the REALTORS® Issues Mobilization Fund to complement the significant resources allocated by the Georgia REALTORS® Issues Action Committee in support of the TSPLOST referendum. GAR's REALTORS® Issues Action Committee has also earmarked $120,000.00 of its funds for TSPLOST. GAR joins other organizations such as the Georgia Chamber of Commerce, the Metro Atlanta Chamber of Commerce, Georgia Power, and AT&T who support the TSPLOST initiative. The vote for this initiative takes place July 31.

The Georgia Association of REALTORS^® is a voluntary professional association of approximately 26,000 licensed real estate brokers and salespersons engaged in all aspects of the real estate business throughout Georgia.  GAR is the leading advocate for the real estate industry in Georgia, committed to protecting private property rights and free enterprise, maintaining ethical and professional standards, and enhancing the public's awareness and confidence in REALTORS^®.