Mark P. Williams - Georgia State House District 178

Press Releases

Williams receives state housing award

State Rep. Mark Williams, left, receives the 2007 GAHRA Legislative Advocacy Award from Mark Watson, executive director of the Jesup Housing Authority and chairman of the GAHRA Legislative Committee.

State Rep. Mark Williams of Jesup has received a statewide award for his work on public-housing legislation.

The Georgia Association of Housing and Redevelopment Authorities recognized Williams with its 2007 Legislative Advocacy Award at the GAHRA Annual Conference in Atlanta.

GAHRA supported Williams on his introduction of House Bill 327, which would have enabled the 188 public housing authorities in the state of Georgia to recoup uncollected debt through state income-tax refunds.

The bill passed both the Georgia House of Representatives and the Senate by nearly unanimous votes but was then vetoed by Gov. Sonny Perdue.

Mark Watson, executive director of the Jesup Housing Authority and chairman of the GAHRA Legislative Committee, said, “Mark’s authorship of this bill was the right thing for the taxpaying citizens of this state. He should be commended by the taxpayers of this state and his district for his wise stewardship of tax dollars.

“His leadership on this legislation and the countless hours he spent getting the first bill he authored through the legislative process is indicative of his watchdog approach to issues that involve tax dollars. The money that would have been collected through this legislation would have helped improve the financial condition of the 188 public housing authorities in the state of Georgia.

“GAHRA appreciates the hard work by Rep. Williams and looks forward to working with him in the future.”