Friends,

Since I was first elected to public office I’ve always been clear. 

I believe that the tax dollars you send to Atlanta don’t belong to the state, they belong to you. 

It is our job in state government to spend that money as we would our own — carefully considering each expenditure, and only spending on the proper functions of government. 

For example, recently Governor Kemp announced grant programs that address some of those core functions of government, including public safety, law enforcement, and education. 

Importantly, the use of these funds will be administered not by bureaucrats in Atlanta, but by local government leaders in our communities that are better able to identify needs. 

And in recent years Republicans have addressed many healthcare needs of Georgians through programs, addressing healthcare issues including maternal mortality and the needs of the poorest among us, while designing our programs to be a hand up — not a hand out. 

We have sought to require the able-bodied to work, volunteer, or be in school to receive benefits; requirements that the Biden administration forbade us from implementing. 

At the same time, many seek to provide government benefits to those who could work but choose not to — using taxpayer funds to buy votes. 

Just in recent weeks, liberal candidates have proposed over $800 million per year in new programs and expenditures; programs that they won’t be able to fund long-term without increasing taxes. 

As liberals receive glowing media coverage in Atlanta for these types of announcements, Republicans around our state are continuing the hard work of governing by prioritizing expenditures, doing more with less, and returning leftover funds to you.  

Whether through the income tax cuts we passed this last session, or the continued gas tax holiday supported by Governor Kemp and Speaker Ralston, we will continue to get these excess funds back where they belong — in your pocket. 

Conclusion

I will always be honored by the trust you have put in me to represent you in Atlanta, serving as a steward of your hard-earned dollars. 

I promise to continue to work to keep more of those dollars in your pocket, not at the state capitol in Atlanta.  

Always remember that should you have questions, comments, or concerns about issues affecting District 159, you can always reach out to me at  (404.656.5052), email, or engage on Facebook. 

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.