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Taking care of all Georgia taxpayers
Jon Burns Web
Jon Burns

Friends,

Over the last week, Governor Kemp has continued to sign important legislation into law that benefits all Georgians, including the state’s annual budget.  

The budget funds programs of importance to all Georgians that are instrumental in making our state a great place to live, work, and raise a family.

Additionally, some previously signed legislation has begun to go into effect that will return hard-earned money to the pockets of Georgia taxpayers.


Georgia’s Budget

This week in Blue Ridge the Governor signed the only legislation that has to be enacted every year — House Bill 911, the state’s annual budget.  

Leading the way out of the pandemic, Georgia has maintained record low unemployment and economic growth, which has paved the way for fully funding our priorities. 


Funding Education

The budget restored pandemic cuts to education at all levels; expanded technical college programs; and gave Georgia’s teachers a $2,000 raise, fulfilling Governor Kemp’s promise to raise teacher salaries by $5,000. 


Fighting Crime

HB 911 funds growth at the Georgia State Patrol, providing for a 75-member cadet class.  

It fills gaps at the Georgia Bureau of Investigation’s medical examiner and crime lab offices, ensuring that we can clear backlogs and provide justice to Georgians. 

It provides the funding needed for the GBI to take on its new role as the state’s lead investigator of election-related fraud and criminal acts — ensuring that our elections are safe, secure, and transparent.  


Tax Refunds

There were some who argued that expanded tax revenue as a result of Georgia’s thriving economy should be kept by the state, funding expanded government. 

Governor Kemp and Republicans in the General Assembly disagreed, providing not only for House Bill 1437’s historic tax cuts signed into law last month by the Governor but also for a one-time refund of our surplus revenue to taxpayers. 

House Bill 1302, signed into law by the Governor in March, provides for tax refunds of up to $500 for every Georgia taxpayer — and those funds have begun going out to Georgia taxpayers in the last few days. 

Because every Georgia taxpayer is receiving these funds after filing his or her taxes this year, it may take several weeks for these funds to be received, but rest assured that they are on their way.  


Conclusion

As the Governor gets close to the end of the 40-day bill review process, be assured that I will continue to advocate for Georgia taxpayers. 

Properly funding state government is a careful balancing act that I and my Republican colleagues in the General Assembly take seriously every year. 

We will continue to demand that state agencies are careful stewards of your money, doing what Georgians demand of them in the most cost-effective way possible.  

Should you have ideas about legislation to streamline state government or address concerns facing District 159, remember 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.