POOLER, Ga. (WSAV) – A Georgia lawmaker is being recognized by Goodwill Industries International with a national award for his work in Washington, D.C.
District 1 Congressman Earl “Buddy” Carter is being named a 2019 National Policymaker Leader Award recipient. The honor recognizes elected officials who have demonstrated support for Goodwill’s public policy and legislative agenda.
160 sections of the organization across the country nominate members of Congress for their efforts and Carter is one of the winners.
He accepted the award at Goodwill’s G-Force manufacturing facility in Pooler as the employees there looked on.
Michael Winckler, President & CEO of Goodwill Southeast Georgia, says it was a privilege to nominate Carter, but it’s no surprise he is being recognized.
“His legislative record and support in jobs creation and job training programs speaks to his commitment to this community and helping individuals in help,” Winckler said. “Goodwill helps those individuals rise out of poverty and become self-sustaining citizens in our community.”
Carter has toured Goodwill operations and talked with their workforce on Sallie Mood, the Job Connection Center, AbilityOne, and G-Force Manufacturing, where he was presented a plaque.
The congressman says he’s humbled by the honor, but he believes Goodwill’s programs give people what they need to change their lives for the better.
“That’s what we want. We want to help people…to have people have the hand up,” Carter said. “This is not a hand out here, you know, there’s so many programs we have in the federal government that are nothing more than handouts, this is a hand up here.”
He is one of just eleven members of the House of Representatives to received Goodwill’s National Policymaker Leader Award this year.