Representative Austin Scott

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Austin Scott has served in the Georgia House of Representatives since he was first elected at age 26. After graduating from the University of Georgia’s Terry College of Business with a degree in Risk Management, Austin opened an independent insurance brokerage in Tifton, Georgia, which he continues to operate today. He serves as Chairman of the House Governmental Affairs Committee, where he has earned a reputation for being fair and solutions oriented. Representative Scott’s seniority in the House, along with his work ethic and integrity, allowed him to secure additional appointments to the Appropriations Committee, the Rules Committee, and the Ways and Means Committee. At the age of 32, Georgia Trend recognized Austin as one of Georgia’s Brightest Stars under Age 40.

Austin’s business experience ranges from the cattle farm to the board room. He is an outspoken advocate for Georgia’s small businessmen and is committed to a pro-growth economic agenda that strengthens small businesses and benefits Georgia’s families. As a businessperson, Austin understands that limited government is the most effective form of government. He knows that in many cases it is the government and organized interests that stand between the needs of the people and innovative solutions that competitive markets provide. Representative Scott has been named a “Hero of Open Government” by the Atlanta Journal-Constitution.

Because he understands that accountability for spending can only be achieved through transparency in government budgets, Austin is committed to making Georgia’s budget the most transparent in the nation. The public should see where its money is going.

Austin is committed to avoiding conflicts of interest. He has no business relationship with the State or with any political subdivision of the State.

Austin knows that quality, affordable healthcare is a priority for all of Georgia’s citizens. Austin sponsored legislation creating the Certificate of Need Commission, which resulted in a streamlined process and improved access to healthcare for Georgia’s citizens. As the son of an orthopedic surgeon, Austin learned to appreciate the relationships between patients, physicians, pharmacists, and other professionals in the healthcare system. He has worked to remove the roadblocks to patient care. In 2006, Representative Scott was selected to serve on the State Trauma Commission, which he helped create to improve access to trauma care throughout the State. He is committed to funding the trauma network, and has sponsored legislation that would provide approximately $70 million annually to the Trauma Commission. At approximately 3 cents per day, per vehicle, Austin believes it is a worthy investment. He is a two-time recipient of the American Cancer Society’s Outstanding Legislative Leadership Award (2003, 2004), and the Georgia Association of Emergency Medical Service’s Star of Life Legislative Award (2007, 2008).

Austin’s son Wells is a fourth grade student in the Tift County Public School System. His mother and his sister teach in public schools. Austin has a very personal interest in the success of our education system. He has supported the expansion of charter schools, and supports programs of dual enrollment, which offer increased technical opportunities for students. He has always voted to protect the HOPE scholarship for the next generation. Austin understands the role and the need for faith-based and community outreach programs in shaping the lives of our students. As these organizations help resolve the social challenges that our children face, teachers can return to their true passion—educating.

Representative Scott has always been willing to take a stand. Whether you agree with him or not, his position doesn’t change when someone else asks the questions.

Austin is a member of the National Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors. He is also a graduate of The American College, a school for financial services professionals, where he obtained numerous advanced financial and insurance industry specializations, including the CLU®, ChFC®, REBC®, and RHU®. He and his wife Vivien are graduates of Leadership Georgia’s Class of 2007. He has been a lifetime member of the NRA since 1993. He has served as a Board member of the Coastal Plains Chapter of the American Red Cross. The father of a ten year old son, Wells, Austin and his wife Vivien reside in Ashburn, Georgia and are members of First Baptist Church of Tifton.