Georgia Gubernatorial Candidate Discusses Economic Policies
Rick Jackson, a Republican contender in the upcoming Georgia gubernatorial race, recently highlighted the financial benefits he has gained from current tariffs and tax cuts. The policies, however, have reportedly placed financial strain on many working-class citizens.
Jackson, who is the founder and CEO of Jackson Healthcare, a medical staffing firm located in Alpharetta, began his campaign last month. During a meet-and-greet session in Thomasville on March 6, a voter inquired about his perspective on the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBB), a Republican-supported initiative that aims to cut $1 trillion from Medicaid. This cut primarily serves to finance tax breaks for affluent individuals and large corporations.
“We extended the tax deductions, which are good,” Jackson remarked. “If [Trump] hadn’t passed it—I’ll be honest with you—I’d be paying 40% more in taxes right now. I’d rather that money go to nonprofits than the federal government, so I like that part.”
Jackson’s suggestion that reduced taxes on the wealthy could lead to increased charitable donations is not supported by data. Studies, including a 2008 report by the National Bureau of Economic Research, found no significant correlation between the two. Further analysis by the Tax Policy Center in 2024 showed decreased charitable contributions following similar tax breaks from the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act.
The OBBB is expected to leave approximately 150,000 Georgians without Medicaid coverage. This could also threaten healthcare providers reliant on Medicaid reimbursements. An example of the law’s impact is the closure of a rural hospital’s labor and delivery unit in Lavonia last year, as reported by the Georgia Recorder.
Jimmy Lewis, CEO of HomeTown Health, noted, “Over a period of the last five to 10 years, we’ve closed somewhere in the vicinity of 14 baby delivery systems. It puts the community in an extremely adverse situation, both from a health care standpoint and from an economic development standpoint.”
During the same March 6 event, Jackson also commented on the favorable impact of President Donald Trump’s tariffs on his stock investments. He stated, “The stock market went down last April when Trump announced [tariffs]. I went and bought options on the day that happened because I knew that was crazy and made an 80% return in four weeks.”
Tariffs, acting as a tax on imports, have contributed to increased costs for essentials such as food, clothing, and vehicles. These price hikes have been worsened by inflation. According to the Joint Economic Committee, living expenses in Georgia have risen by nearly $1,200 annually.
Jackson is competing to succeed retiring Governor Brian Kemp and will contend with Lieutenant Governor Burt Jones and Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger in the May 19 primary.
