34th Legislative Biennial + Effingham Eggs and Issues

With the legislative session quickly approaching in January, the House has been hard at work meeting with constituents across the state and gathering to discuss our priorities for 2025.

This week, I joined a host of our state’s elected officials including Governor Brian Kemp, Lieutenant Governor Burt Jones, and members of the House and Senate in Athens for the University of Georgia’s 34th Legislative Biennial. We welcomed our newly elected members and discussed the issues we’ll address to continue championing a better quality of life for Georgians and their families.

Check out some more highlights from this week below:

Attending the 34th Legislative Biennial

Every two years, the University of Georgia’s Carl Vinson Institute of Government hosts legislators, policy experts, and government affairs professionals in Athens to provide newly elected members with legislative training opportunities and to discuss the issues most critical to Georgia’s continued success.

We heard from leaders in healthcare, education, economic development, and several other key areas that the House will address in the upcoming 2025 Legislative Session.

This tradition is always an incredible time of fellowship and reflection as we prepare for a new legislative biennial and gain valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities facing our state.

Thank you to President Jere Morehead and the entire University of Georgia staff for putting together a great program and working alongside us to continue moving our state forward.

Speaking at the House Majority Caucus Meeting at the 34th Legislative Biennial

Introducing Chancellor Sonny Perdue to deliver an address on the state of The University System of Georgia

Pictured with Georgia Agriculture Commissioner Tyler Harper

Effingham County Eggs and Issues Legislative Breakfast

I was proud to join Senator Billy Hickman, Representative Bill Hitchens, and business and community leaders for the Effingham County Chamber of Commerce’s Eggs and Issues Legislative Breakfast.

Georgia has witnessed unprecedented economic growth and development in recent years, with new and existing businesses bringing historic investments and thousands of job opportunities to every corner of our state—but especially to Southeast Georgia where our infrastructure, workforce, and education programs are truly the envy of the nation.

From our ports in Savannah and Brunswick, highway systems, higher education opportunities, and healthcare institutions—our communities are reaping the benefits of decades of strategic, conservative leadership that has laid the groundwork for the success we’re experiencing throughout Georgia.

During the upcoming legislative session, the House will continue to champion our state’s unparalleled business climate by pursuing further income tax reductions, addressing issues in our legal system, ensuring Georgia’s students are receiving a quality education, and bolstering our healthcare workforce to provide our citizens with access to the care that is critical to our quality of life.

I greatly appreciate the support of the Effingham County Chamber of Commerce and the friendship of the 159th District as the House continues our work on behalf of the people of our great state.

Speaking to community and business leaders at the Effingham County Chamber’s Eggs and Issues Breakfast

Celebrating Georgia’s Law Enforcement Officers

There’s no doubt that the Georgia Department of Public Safety trains and employs the finest law enforcement officers in the nation. Dayle and I were excited to join DPS for their annual holiday party on Thursday to honor and recognize the employees who have dedicated twenty years or more of service to protecting and defending their fellow Georgians.

It is because of the dedication and sacrifices of our heroes in uniform that we will have peace of mind—knowing that our homes and communities are safe as we gather with our families and loved ones this holiday season.

Honoring Colonel William Hitchens for over twenty years of dedicated service to the Georgia Department of Public Safety alongside Dayle, Angie Hitchens, Governor Brian Kemp, and First Lady Marty Kemp

Happy Birthday to the United States National Guard

Happy 388th birthday to the oldest branch of our armed forces! Since 1636, the United States National Guard has maintained its commitment to be Always Ready, Always There.

I was proud to serve in the National Guard for six years, and I’m grateful for all my fellow Guardsmen who have courageously stood ready to protect and defend our nation.

Thank you to everyone who has reached out to offer their support and recommendations for the priorities of the Georgia House. We’re looking forward to getting back to work on your behalf during the 2025 session, and we hope to hear from each of you soon.

My best,
Speaker Jon Burns