The Georgia Utility Contractors Association Inc. (GUCA) awarded its 2009 Golden Shovel Legislative Service Award to Lt. Gov. Casey Cagle.

Born in Hall County — a seventh generation resident — Cagle graduated from Johnson High School and attended Gainesville College and Georgia Southern University. After purchasing his first small business at 20, he went on to become a leader in the banking and real estate industries of northeast Georgia. Cagle was first elected to the state Senate in 1994, where he served 12 successful and productive years representing the 49th District.

During his time in the Senate, Cagle was a staunch supporter of lowering taxes and protecting private property rights, as well as a passionate advocate for protecting Georgia’s families. He served as chairman of the finance committee and on several other key committees, including the influential appropriations, banking and financial institutions, higher education, and natural resources committees.

On Nov. 7, 2006, Cagle made history by becoming the first Republican ever elected to the state’s second highest office. As Georgia’s 11th lieutenant governor, Cagle is committed to creating an environment in which Georgia’s citizens and businesses can prosper. Likewise, Cagle is working to create a pro-jobs culture throughout state government and an education system which focuses on the needs of the individual child, according to GUCA.

In his first year as lt. governor, Cagle championed the Charter Systems Act, landmark legislation, which allows entire school systems to convert to charter status. He also has been a driving force behind the state’s career academy initiative, a collaborative partnership between schools and technical colleges, which provides a career technical education path for Georgia’s high school students.

As lt. governor, Cagle was instrumental in the passage of HB 318. His support helped the industry in having legislation which provides much needed relief, in these difficult economic times, in the form of a heavy equipment tax exemption allowing up to $100,000 of tax relief per company in 2010, according to GUCA.

Cagle serves as vice chair of the One Georgia Authority, vice chair of the Georgia State Finance and Investment Commission, and on the executive committee of the Republican Lt. Governor’s Association. He also has been named a member of the Aspen-Rodel Fellowship for Public Leadership for 2007.

For more information, visit www.guca.com.

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