If you read my newsletter last week, you’ll know that we are currently in the middle of August recess, which means I am dedicating all my time to meeting with constituents and better educating myself on the issues that matter most to you.
This week, I had the honor and privilege of speaking with the Georgia Forestry Association, a group that advocates “for working forests in Georgia… to promote a healthy business and political climate for forest landowners, forest product manufacturers and forest-based businesses.” Georgia is the number one forestry state in the nation, making up an important part of our economy, so it’s crucial we ensure that these hardworking forest owners have the tools and resources they need to succeed.
Unfortunately, that’s not the case right now – at least, not when you look at the federal tax code. Timber typically takes 20 to 80 years to yield profit for the forester, so this is a long-term investment. If a catastrophic weather event occurs (we get those from time to time down here in the south) and the trees are impacted, it can be extremely difficult to recover. When it comes to forest growth, there’s no “quick fix” to a catastrophic loss.
Now, weather concerns aren’t unique to foresters. If you’ve grown anything, from a home garden to a large commercial farm, you know that the hardest part can be working with mother nature. But unlike flowers or blueberries, losing a crop doesn’t make for just a bad season; it can ruin an entire generation of work.
That’s where the tax code comes in. Earlier this year, I introduced the Disaster Reforestation Act, which will ensure timber farming is a viable way of life, protecting both jobs and the environment. Here’s how it works: if a timber farmer experiences a catastrophic loss, the value of the destroyed timber can be written off on the landowners’ tax return. This will reduce their tax burden, freeing up money and resources so that it is less expensive to replant and rebuild. The only requirement is that the trees are replanted, ensuring that forestlands remain forestlands.
In other words, this bill would make sure that timber farmers aren’t paying high taxes on the value of trees that are no longer usable.
I’m proud that this bill has bipartisan support and has been cosponsored by three committee chairs, representing the Energy and Commerce Committee, Natural Resources Committee, and Armed Services Committee. I’m confident that we will see progress on this bill in the 118th Congress. You can learn more about it here.
Georgia is a forestry state, and we’re working hard to keep it that way! |
In this week's edition of Buddy's Briefing, we're talking about exciting developments in nuclear energy right here in Georgia. |
This Congress, I've taken on the role of Vice Chair of the Communications and Technology Subcommittee of Energy and Commerce. As I've dived into the world of tech policy, one thing quickly became very obvious: there are a ton of complicated, opaque words out there that make it hard to understand how all of this stuff actually works.
That's why I'm launching Tech Talk Tuesdays, which are weekly one-minute videos breaking down a concept in tech policy in the simplest terms possible. Take a look and let me know what topics you'd like to see next! |
Monday, July 31, 2023: Yesterday, I was honored to join the Georgia Forestry Association (GFA) at their Annual Conference and Forestry Expo held at the Jekyll Island Convention Center in Glynn County. GFA is comprised of more than 1500 foresters, contractors, and service providers who use their expertise to help maximize timber investment. Georgia is the leader in annual timber harvest volume, exporter of forest products, seedling production for reforestation and wood harvested for pine production and pine pulpwood production, making our state the # 1 forestry state in the nation.
I’m in our Savannah District office this morning and, after a virtual meeting with the congressional excellence program, I join in on our all-staff conference call. Next, I take photos with our outgoing summer interns who will be leaving this week. We try and utilize as many interns as possible in Washington and our Savannah and Brunswick District offices. This summer we were fortunate to have four interns in our Savannah office- Lilly Osterloah and Ben Barlow from the University of South Carolina, Matt Kenter, a graduate student at Appalachian State University, and Maddie Dadura from Tulane University. In Brunswick, we had Spencer Sullivan from the University of Georgia, Maya Groover from Shaw University, Lekhan Patel from Mercer University, and Trent Wright from the Coastal College of Georgia. If you are interested in intern opportunities in any of our offices or know of someone who is, please contact one of our offices.
Next, members of our staff from Savannah and Brunswick join 5 of our interns as we all volunteer at America’s Second Harvest of Coastal Georgia, a locally inspired, volunteer-driven nonprofit food bank and community partnering organization. With locations in Savannah and Brunswick, America’s Second Harvest is one of our office’s favorite volunteering sites as it serves as the food safety net for tens of thousands of children, senior citizens, low-income families, and people with disabilities who are at risk for hunger throughout Coastal Georgia. Working together and under the supervision of Executive Director Mary Jane Crouch and her excellent staff, we were able to pack 426 boxes of much-needed pantry items for donation.
Afterwards, I host our staff and interns to an appreciation lunch at the 5 Spot Midtown restaurant in Savannah. |
Carter, staff with Executive Director Mary Jane Crouch |
Thursday, August 3, 2023: On Tuesday morning I joined my good friend Scott Ryfun on Straight Talk radio as we discussed news of the day. I’m back on the radio this morning as I join Scott Rhino and company on Morning XTRA in Atlanta as we discuss goings on in Washington.
Afterwards, I visit the Savannah Care Center in midtown Savannah and meet with their new Executive Director, Nella Maxwell. For over 32 years, the Savannah Care Center has provided support for women and men facing unplanned pregnancy decisions.
Next, I head to our Savannah District office where I record this week’s edition of Buddy’s Briefing and afterwards meet with representatives from Inovio Pharmaceuticals, a biotechnology company focusing on developing and commercializing DNA medicines to treat and protect people from infectious diseases and cancer.
Later, I have a call with the National Guard Bureau to discuss the Combat Readiness Training Center (CRTC) in Savannah. Working in a bipartisan manner with other members of the Georgia Congressional Delegation, we have been able to retain funding to keep the CRTC in Savannah open. However, we continue to seek permanent funding for this vital military operation.
Next, I have a call with fellow congressional colleagues to discuss the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) study of the impact of Pharmacy Benefit Managers (PBMs) on prescription drug prices. Afterwards, I meet with representatives from the Georgia Academy of Family Physicians to discuss their legislative priorities before having a radio interview with Austin Rhodes in Augusta.
Next, I am honored to virtually address the Executive Committee of the National Community Oncology Dispensing Association (NCODA) and bring them up to date on health care policies being discussed in Washington. |
Carter with Savannah Care Center Executive Director Nella Maxwell |
Friday, August 4, 2023: I’m headed to downtown Savannah this morning, and during the drive, I join in on our all-staff conference call. Once downtown, I attend the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Savannah District Change of Command from Colonel Joseph Geary to Colonel Ronald Sturgeon, which is hosted by Brigadier General Daniel Hibner, Commander South Atlantic Division. The Corps of Engineers plays a vital role in development in our district and we are appreciative of their fine work.
Afterwards, I head over a couple of blocks to St. Vincent’s Academy where I volunteer as they are hosting a food packing event for those in need. Later, I head to our Savannah District office where I meet with representatives from Georgia Center for Oncology Research and Education (CORE) to discuss the lack of patient access to oncologists in rural Georgia.
Next, I meet with two kidney patient advocates who are concerned with federal funding for kidney donors and recipients before meeting with my good friend Donna Camacho and her team of Alzheimer’s advocates. Donna is one of the strongest advocates, not only for Alzheimer’s, but for any issue that I have ever known.
Afterwards, I head to Legacy at Savannah Quarters where I wish a belated happy birthday to World War II veteran Sid Nudelman, who recently celebrated his 100th birthday. At the age of 19, Sid fought in the Battle of the Bulge and D-Day in Normandy. A few years ago, I had the opportunity to travel to Normandy during the 75th anniversary of D-Day and I shared with Sid my pictures from that trip. It was an honor to meet this true American hero and wish him a Happy Birthday. |
Carter at Army Corps of Engineers Change of Command Ceremony |
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