Page 25 - Georgia Forestry - Issue 4 - Fall 2022

in economic impact, with over 180,000 jobs. Each one of these statistics represents how this industry supports our families being able to put food on the table and create a better future for the next generation.
Since Governor Kemp appointed me in 2019, one of my highest priorities
has been to drive down the high cost
of commercial insurance products, especially trucking insurance. The outrageous prices of some policies are making it extremely difficult for smaller timber farms to move their products to market. I have worked with our state legislature to remove barriers and protect trucking companies through common sense regulations that do
not overburden the forestry industry. Our agency is diligently working
to bring new trucking insurance companies to the market, which will drive competition and help lower costs. Our team is currently working with a company to relocate their home office right here in Georgia, further expanding the options in our local market.
In my second term, I will work with the insurance companies and create connectivity with the Georgia National Guard to provide safety credits on policies
for recently retired military drivers to drive the large trucks. These men and women have served our country and are experts in safety. Through increased competition, safety improvements and potential tort reform, we can drive costs down to help grow the forestry sector and continue Georgia’s tradition of being the #1 state in the nation for forestry.
JANICE LAWS ROBINSON
Democrat for Insurance & Safety Fire Commissioner
The benefits of working forests being a renewable source for things that we use daily, such as lumber, paper and energy,
provide a better consistent option than continuing to remove forests to create impervious surfaces. This is also important to me because of the additional benefits that the working forest provides, like filtering water and carbon emissions, which positively impacts our overall health.
As the Insurance & Safety Fire Commissioner, I will work directly
with the State Forester of the Georgia Forestry Commission to ensure my office establishes or improves the mutual aid agreement for fire prevention and investigations, along with any other support that we are able to provide. My policies would also reflect a wildfire disaster recovery plan that will address insurance claims processing.
Finally, my policy will propose to establish property-owner insurance incentive programs for forestry service personnel to acknowledge skills and ability to prevent property loss, as
well as decrease financial burden with elevated insurance premiums.
JOHN CASEY IS A STRATEGIC COMMUNICATIONS CONSULTANT WITH A PRIMARY FOCUS ON JOURNALISM, POLITICS AND PUBLIC POLICY.
Serving the Forest Products Industry of Alabama, Georgia, Mississippi and Tennessee Since 1968
Logging, Saw Mills, Lumber Mills, Molding and Manufacturing.
From the Forest to the Finished Product we have you covered for all your Insurance Needs
251.471.6255 or 800.249.2358
WWW.SBIUINS.COM
Timberland & Hunting Clubs
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