Education Legislation + IVF
Today, we wrapped up our work for legislative day 37 here under the Gold Dome. It was a great week in the House as we continue championing our priorities across the finish line before Sine Die next week on April 4th.
Welcoming Terry England Back to the House
It was an honor to welcome Terry back to the House and see the miraculous progress he is making in his recovery thanks to the incredible work of the Shepherd Center.
This House is a family. The love and encouragement shown to our Chief of Staff on the floor was just a glimpse at how our members support each other during their greatest times of need. Terry England is a great friend and a fine Georgian. We’re grateful for all he has done—and continues to do—for our state.
Please join us in lifting Terry and Mrs. Cindy up in your prayers as he continues to recover.
Welcoming my friend and Chief of Staff, Terry England, back to the House floor on Thursday
We were honored to welcome Terry’s incredible team of caregivers from the Shepherd Center to the House
IVF Protections Headed to Governor Kemp’s Desk
Today, we celebrated the final passage of Representative Lehman Franklin’s bill—HB 428—which codifies access to in vitro fertilization.
Children are one of life’s greatest blessings, and we are proud to join alongside the Trump Administration in protecting the ability of families to seek assistance in bringing life into the world. I want to thank our colleagues in the Senate for their support of this measure, and Representative Franklin for bringing this bill that is incredibly personal to him—as he and his wife, Lorie, are expecting their first baby girl later this year thanks to IVF.
Their family in the House could not be more excited for them as they prepare to begin this new journey as parents, and it’s such a blessing to know that countless other families will be able to experience the same joy as Lehman and Lorie thanks to this bill.
Education Priorities Receive Senate Passage
This week, two of our House education priorities passed in the State Senate.
House Bill 307 continues to strengthen Georgia’s literacy initiatives by removing mention of outdated curricula from our code, defining dyslexia in code, and creating the Literacy Coach Coordination Committee.
House Bill 340, the Distraction-Free Education Act, bans the use of cell phones in Georgia’s K-8 classrooms, ensuring our students can focus on learning in a phone-free, distraction-free environment. This measure is now headed to the desk of Governor Kemp for signature.
Hyundai Metaplant Ribbon Cutting Ceremony
Earlier this week, members of the House joined leaders from across the nation and globe to celebrate the official opening of the Hyundai Metaplant in Bryan County.
This historic project will support the economic engine of Southeast Georgia and our entire state for generations to come, and we’re grateful for Governor Kemp’s strategic $500 million investment in our critical water infrastructure to ensure the success of our communities, citizens, and businesses alike.
Joining Governor Kemp and members of the House at the official opening of the Hyundai Metaplant
As Sine Die approaches on April 4th, please reach out to discuss the issues and policies that matter most to you.
It’s a privilege to continue serving our state and the citizens of the 159th District, and I’m grateful for your continued friendship and support.
My best,
Speaker Jon Burns