Lt. Governor Casey Cagle joined Senator Ben Watson, Chairman of the Veterans, Military, and Homeland Security Committee, in introducing SB 395 to create the Georgia Joint Defense Commission.

The JDC will bring together our state leaders at all levels, including regional representatives from all eight of Georgia’s military installations, under a common goal of protecting, strengthening, and advancing Georgia’s many military installations.

“Our state has a long and rich military history for which we are very proud. With nearly 90,000 active duty and reservists, and more than 700,000 veterans, we place tremendous value on supporting our nation’s heroes,” said Lt. Governor Casey Cagle. “It’s important we bolster our state’s military installations by taking every step possible to create hubs of economic innovation across our state. Creating Georgia’s Joint Defense Commission will ensure that our state’s $20 billion defense industry continues to support our reputation of military excellence.”

Georgia’s Joint Defense Commission will be charged with coordinating a state-wide effort to promote greater collaboration between federal and state elected officials, military leaders, and our communities to better enhance our overall military footprint.

The Commission will also work to address any future Federal Base Realignment and Closure decisions, bringing all of Georgia’s assets forward to ensure that local municipalities, our state, and America’s national defense are strengthened.

“Georgia has a strong tradition of military excellence and success. The members of the Joint Defense Commission will help preserve and enrich Georgia’s eight major military installations. I look forward to the many accomplishments and forward-looking progress this committee will make in sustaining and advancing our military resources,” added Senator Ben Watson.