Honoring our former First Lady

This week, we will pause to celebrate the life and legacy of Mrs. Rosalynn Carter.  Her passing is a tremendous loss – for her family, for our state, and for our nation.  

The Plains-native was the devoted wife of former Governor and President Jimmy Carter for more than 77 years and served alongside him as both First Lady of the State of Georgia and First Lady of the United States of America.

Mrs. Carter was a tireless champion for those struggling with mental health issues – both while in the White House and later through her decades of work with the Carter Center.  She cared deeply about those who needed help.

May God bless her beloved husband, President Carter, as well as their family and friends in this time of sorrow.

Special Session Beginning Wednesday

On Wednesday, November 29, we will convene a Special Session of the Georgia General Assembly as called by the Governor to deal with a federal court ruling on redistricting.  

The General Assembly must meet and adopt new legislative and congressional maps prior to December 8th or the judge will enact maps of his own design and choosing.

Georgia is not alone in this fight as several other states have had their maps overturned in court under similar circumstances.  Regardless of how maps are drawn this time, I am sure litigation will continue for many years to come.  This is just the reality of our redistricting process these days.

Saving on gas prices

Since October, Governor Kemp has, with support of the General Assembly, suspended the state taxes on motor fuels – gas and diesel – purchased in the State of Georgia.  This suspension has helped Georgia families and businesses in a time when the Biden Administration is doing nothing to lower prices or curtail inflation.  

I’m proud that through responsible, conservative budgeting, Georgia has been able to pass this savings along to our citizens.  As a result, Georgians enjoy some of the lowest average fuel prices in the nation according to AAA.  

During this special session of the General Assembly, we will ratify Governor Kemp’s actions as required by state law.  

When the General Assembly convenes for our normal 2024 legislative session in January, we will continue to see how we can lower the tax burden on businesses and families while keeping Georgia competitive in economic development and job creation.