Honoring Our Veterans and Women and Men of Law Enforcement

Fellow Georgians,

Sunday, February 28, was a beautiful afternoon to celebrate the twentieth anniversary of our Veterans Park in Effingham County.  A large crowd attended and remained socially-distanced.  Ruth Lee, Major Danny Burgstiner, Reverend Delmons White, General Claude Kicklighter, Col. Lamar Crosby, Nathan Dickey, and Mose Mock participated in the program.  I was thankful to present a special House Resolution at the event.

The legislative session is in full swing. House Bill 286, sponsored by Representative Houston Gaines, showcases our commitment to law enforcement’s brave women and men. HB 286 prohibits local governments from decreasing law enforcement budgets by more than 5% in almost all circumstances. As the “Defund the Police” movement continues to spread across the country, we must show our support for law enforcement.

House Bill 307, sponsored by Chairman Sharon Cooper, authorizes Georgia healthcare providers to supply medical services via telehealth. Advances in technology now allow Georgians to access healthcare from home, work, or school. Increasing access to healthcare for all Georgians, no matter where they live, remains a priority for the House Republican Caucus.

House Bill 43, sponsored by Representative Wes Cantrell, allows Georgia drivers to disclose a physical or mental condition that may cause difficulties for the driver when communicating with public safety personnel. This bill would allow law enforcement to be better prepared when interacting with a driver who may have problems communicating, ensuring the safety of all involved.

I was proud to co-sponsor House Resolution 119 with Speaker David Ralston, Chairman Bill Hitchens, Chairman Ron Stephens, Chairman Jesse Petrea, and Representative Carl Gilliard. HR 119 renames a bridge on State Route 307 the Senator Johnny Isakson Bridge. The bridge crosses over a portion of the Georgia Ports Authority Mega Rail Site in Chatham County - a suitable tribute to Senator Isakson, a champion of the Port of Savannah and its statewide impact on economic development. Senator Isakson served our state for twenty years in Washington DC and spent time in Atlanta as a State Representative and State Senator. 

Finally, we passed House Bill 338, sponsored by Representative Buddy DeLoach, expanding which veterans are entitled to veterans’ driver’s licenses. Any Georgian who served in the active military, naval, or air service and was discharged or released under conditions that were not dishonorable will be eligible for a veteran’s license. Honoring our veterans for their service with a special driver’s license is a small show of support for those who were willing to risk their lives to protect our nation, and I was proud to vote for this measure.

As I have mentioned, if you have questions or concerns about Georgia’s elections, please email Elections@FriendsofJonBurns.com, and I will forward your comments to our House’s election committee. As we move forward in the 2021 Session, please do not hesitate to call (404.656.5052), e-mail (Jon.Burns@house.ga.gov), or participate on Facebook (www.FB.com/JonBurnsGA). If you would like to receive my weekly newsletter, please visit www.FriendsofJonBurns.com to sign up! It is an honor to represent you in the General Assembly.

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