Vanessa Roussell Educational & Workforce Development Committee Laison | Dekalb County Chamber Of Commerce
Vanessa Roussell Educational & Workforce Development Committee Laison | Dekalb County Chamber Of Commerce
Legislators from across Georgia reconvened under the Gold Dome to commence the 158th session of the Georgia General Assembly. The session began with the swearing-in of all 236 legislators, including nearly two dozen new members. Speaker Jon Burns (R-Newington) was reelected as Speaker of the House, while Senator John Kennedy (R-Macon) retained his position as President Pro Tempore in the Senate.
During this ceremonial week, key events included the Georgia Chamber’s annual Eggs and Issues breakfast and Governor Brian Kemp's State of the State address. Governor Kemp outlined his legislative priorities, emphasizing tort reform. He expressed a willingness to call a special session if this issue is not addressed adequately by session's end.
Governor Kemp also introduced the Top State for Talent Act aimed at enhancing career-tech education and aligning it with high-demand careers. Additionally, he proposed measures to improve K-12 education, including increased funding for school safety, mental health support, and technical education.
A significant change proposed by Governor Kemp is an amendment to the Georgia Pathways program to extend Medicaid coverage to eligible parents and guardians. Furthermore, he plans to accelerate a state income tax cut from 5.39% to 5.19%.
Governor Kemp's budget recommendations include over $603 million for corrections resources between AFY25 and FY26, alongside substantial investments in water infrastructure and local economic development projects.
Speaker Jon Burns highlighted several legislative priorities such as tax cuts, child literacy initiatives, and medical workforce residency programs. He announced plans for a statewide energy management plan via a newly formed House Special Committee on Resource Management.
Lieutenant Governor Burt Jones introduced Senate Bill 1 or the 'Fair and Safe Athletic Opportunities Act,' focusing on sports team designations based on birth sex. His other priorities include reducing costs for small businesses and increasing access to childcare.
The second week of sessions saw most budget hearings canceled due to adverse weather conditions and a statewide State of Emergency. However, some hearings proceeded on Thursday afternoon.
This report is provided by the Regional Business Coalition of Metropolitan Atlanta (RBC), representing over 15,000 member companies throughout metro Atlanta.
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