Friday, March 7, 2008

Georgia YRs Support Sunday Sales

Georgia is one of only three states in the nation, and the only state in the South, that continues to prohibit the sale of alcohol on Sunday. For the second session in a row, State Senator Seth Harp (R-Midland) has introduced legislation that would allow Georgians to vote in their county to determine if they wanted to allow alcohol sales on Sunday.

“It’s beyond me why a person can go into Applebee’s on a Sunday and order a bunch of beers before driving home, but can’t go to Kroger and get some to drink in their own home where the likelihood is they won’t be on the road afterwards endangering themselves and other Georgia citizens,” said GFYRC Chairman Jason Shepherd.

The legislation has received broad support:

“SB 137 is sound economic policy and is across the board consistent with the Jeffersonian principles upon which ALEC is based.” The American Legislative Exchange Council (ALEC)

“This gulf between talk of less government restriction on personal freedom and the reality of government control, is evident in public comments by the Republican Senate leadership, the lieutenant governor and Governor Sonny Perdue, refusing to even allow formal consideration of referenda on Sunday sales of alcoholic beverages in grocery and convenience stores.” Former Congressman Bob Barr

“Letting people take control of their own lives is one of the hallmarks of a free society. Lawmakers should agree. Giving local control to local people is a good rule of thumb in most cases - especially this one, because beer and wine consumption is a personal choice.” The Savannah Morning News

The Resolution, written by Dave Helmick, Chairman of the Muscogee County YR Club, was passed at the GFYRC State Convention last year. While the bill number has changed, the purpose of the legislation has not and the GFYRC stands by its Resolution.

You can find out more about how to encourage self determination for Sunday Sales by visiting www.GeorgiaYR.org and clicking on the information about supporting Sunday sales.

GFYRC Endorses McCain for President

The Georgia Federation of Young Republican Clubs officially endorsed McCain’s presidential bid on Thursday as the nominee was about to arrive in Atlanta for a fundraiser.

“It is time to bring Republicans together to support our nominee,” said GFYRC Chairman Jason Shepherd, who served on the Executive Committee for Governor Mike Huckabee’s campaign in Georgia.

As YRs are prohibited by their rules from endorsing during the primary process, the action was made as a symbolic showing of support from a group of GOP leaders who were involved in every presidential campaign.

"As Young Republicans, our desire is to lead by example," said GFYRC National Committeeman Clint Murphy, a member McCain’s Advisory Committee. "Now is the time to come together as a political party and focus on winning the White House for John McCain and the Republican Party."