Friends,

Monday, Jan.10 marked the beginning of the 2022 legislative session and my 17th year of service to you and the great state of Georgia. A very early 8:30 a.m. start time began the day as many members started their journey to Indianapolis to watch our University of Georgia Bulldogs bring home a national championship trophy.

Gov. Kemp outlined his legislative agenda and reported on the status of Georgia when he presented the “State of the State” address  Thursday. 

During the governor’s speech, we learned of the governor’s priorities for our state and the direction we need to take concerning budgetary issues. Historically, the week of the Martin Luther King Jr. holiday is spent on budgetary meetings at the Capitol.

Our State Capitol is open to the public daily but the House Chamber admittance protocol is limited to members, staff, and essential personnel. The COVID-19 virus continues to impact our state government, but we must make every reasonable effort to continue operations.

Closer to home we lost three prominent citizens last week. Effingham County lost long-time beloved recreation director and retired teacher, Clarence Morgan. He was committed to the youth of Effingham County and by his work impacted the lives of countless young people. Screven County lost a champion for the betterment of our area and the entire state when Bobby Smith died unexpectedly Saturday. 

Bobby was a dear friend who served his fellow man in many different capacities. Bobby served as Chairman of the Board of Directors for Oglethorpe Power Company and chairman of the Screven County Industrial Development Authority. 

Screven County also lost a long-time friend and retired school administrator, Dr. Al Freeland. 

My prayers go out to the families of these three fine men. 

Our world was made a better place by their work.

We are only at the start of the legislative session and year. I hope to keep you updated on things that are happening in Atlanta and at home.

As always, if you have any feedback, please do not hesitate to call (404) 656-5052, email (Jon.Burns@house.ga.gov), or engage on Facebook (www.facebook.com/JonBurnsGA). 

If you would like to receive email updates, please visit my website to sign up for my newsletter or email me.

Jon Burns represents District 159 in the Georgia General Assembly, where he serves as the House majority leader.