Friends,

On Jan. 14, the General Assembly convened for the 2019 Legislative Session and inaugurated our 83rd governor, Brian Kemp, as well as our other constitutional officers.

In his inaugural address, Kemp outlined an optimistic vision for Georgia’s future that acknowledged the hard work of Govs. Sonny Perdue and Nathan Deal, and the many opportunities that lie ahead for his administration. 

Kemp signaled his commitment to putting results ahead of rhetoric and making Georgia a leader in cyber technology, logistics, small business development and combatting the diseases of despair that arise from drug abuse and mental illness. In short, his message was clear: no matter the challenges we face as a state, it can be conquered.

On Jan. 17 in his State of the State Address to a joint session of the House and Senate, Kemp reiterated his bold, unifying vision for Georgia and called for a number of important state investments. Echoing his campaign promises, the governor called for a $3,000 permanent salary increase for Georgia’s teachers. Further, he outlined a $69 million school security proposal that would provide $30,000 to every school in Georgia for security improvements.

In addition, the governor called for $500,000 to establish a Gang Task Force within the Georgia Bureau of Investigation. These proposals demonstrate plainly Kemp’s commitment to the safety and well-being of every Georgia child and family, and I look forward to supporting these important initiatives.

I know I speak for Speaker David Ralston and all of my House Republican colleagues when I say I am excited about the work ahead. The House will continue to lead on the challenging issues facing our state and seek common-sense, bipartisan solutions that maintain Georgia’s status as the best state in which to live, work and raise a family. Working in conjunction with Kemp, we will pursue an aggressive agenda that addresses school safety, access to quality, affordable health care, rural broadband service, as well as transportation mobility across our state.

Specifically, we will push for improved statewide coordination of school security resources as well as standardized training for school resource officers, the loosening of anti-competitive health care regulations that stifle accessible care, expanded broadband service options that leverage existing utility providers, and a rural transit network that helps move skilled labor to regional job centers. To echo the governor, while these issues may seem overwhelming, I know it can be done.

As we work hard in the days ahead to strengthen Georgia families and businesses, please do not hesitate to call (404.656.5052), e-mail (Jon.Burns@House.Ga.Gov) or engage on Facebook (www.FB.com/JonBurnsGA) with your feedback. It is an honor to represent you in the General Assembly and I look forward to seeing you soon.

Jon Burns represents District 159 in the Georgia General Assembly where he serves as the House Majority Leader.