South Georgia Tour + Agriculture Relief Funding
I have had a busy week traveling across South Georgia, meeting with our House members and constituents, and continuing to seek relief for Georgia’s farmers, producers, businesses, and citizens impacted by Hurricane Helene.
Check out some of this week’s highlights below:
South Georgia Tour
Georgia’s House members are hard at work sharing our message and meeting with constituents in every corner of the state. I joined several members in South Georgia this week as they shared the measures we’ve passed to lower taxes, bolster public safety, invest in healthcare, and increase opportunity for every Georgian.
We’re looking forward to continuing that work in 2025, and advancing an agenda that keeps Georgia the best place to live, work, raise a family—and have a little fun.
On Monday, I met with Representatives Shaw Blackmon, Robert Dickey, Noel Williams, Bethany Ballard, Dale Washburn, and Danny Mathis. It was an honor to be joined by Chancellor Sonny Perdue and United States Congressman Austin Scott.
Attending a reception in honor of Representatives Blackmon, Dickey, Williams, Ballard, Washburn and Mathis with Congressman Austin Scott and Chancellor Sonny Perdue in Kathleen
On Tuesday morning, I joined Representatives Vance Smith and Carmen Rice in Columbus to meet with their local leaders and citizens to discuss the policies and issues that have led to historic growth in the Columbus area and across the state.
Attending a reception in honor of Representatives Smith and Rice in Columbus
It was also great to join Representatives Gerald Greene, Bill Yearta, Mike Cheokas, and Joe Campbell for a reception at Hays Liquid Transport in Camilla, Georgia. We’re proud of the work we’ve done to support small businesses like Hays Liquid Transport across the state, and we’re excited to continue championing policies that keep Georgia the Number One Place for Business.
Touring Hays Liquid Transport’s manufacturing facility in Camilla, Georgia
Georgia’s rural communities are the lifeblood of our state and our economy. It was great to be with Representatives John LaHood, Darlene Taylor, Chas Cannon, and Jaclyn Ford in Moultrie to share the measures we’ve taken in the House to champion rural Georgia. From supporting agriculture, lowering taxes, bolstering small businesses, and encouraging economic development efforts—the House is committed to ensuring the wellbeing of rural communities in every corner of the state.
Attending a reception for Representatives John LaHood, Darlene Taylor, Chas Cannon, and Jaclyn Ford in Moultrie
Agriculture Commissioner Tyler Harper has been a dedicated advocate for Georgia’s farmers, producers, and agriculture families in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene. We’re grateful for his leadership, and look forward to continue working alongside him to provide every available asset and resource to help our agriculture industry recover. It was great to join him on Tuesday night for a reception where we met with local representatives, leaders, and farmers across the state to discuss the measures we’ve taken to advocate for support from the federal government, and the statewide initiatives we’re pursuing to support our state’s Number One Industry.
Attending a reception for Agriculture Commissioner Tyler Harper with fellow House members and state leaders
Neighbors Helping Neighbors
Earlier this week, Representatives Rick Jasperse, Derrick McCollum, Lauren McDonald, and Brent Cox joined Israeli Consul General Anat Sultan-Dadon to support our neighbors in North Carolina with hurricane relief.
They visited several North Carolina communities that had been devastated by the storm to provide disaster relief equipment and supplies to local sheriffs offices, charities, and the North Carolina National Guard.
I’m grateful for the dedication of our state officials who have put their lives on hold to support our neighbors throughout the Southeast, and who continue to work alongside us to coordinate resources for our communities here in Georgia. I am also thankful for Consul Sultan-Dadon who has been a great partner and friend as our state begins to rebuild—even as Israel faces tragedy of its own.
Together, we’ll continue to recover until our communities are whole again.
Georgia Representatives Rick Jasperse, Brent Cox, Derrick McCollum, and Lauren McDonald delivering supplies to the North Carolina National Guard
One of the box trailers headed to communities in North Carolina with supplies provided by local charities and the Israeli Consulate General
Some of the destruction from Hurricane Helene in Waynesville, North Carolina
New Relief Resources Announced for Georgia’s Agriculture Industry
On Friday morning, new measures were approved to provide critical relief for Georgia’s agriculture industry in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene. The Georgia State Financing and Investment Commission (GSFIC) approved a proposal redirecting $100 million in defeasance proceeds to the Georgia Development Authority (GDA) to provide financial support to Georgia farmers and timber producers.
Of the $100 million, $75 million will be provided to disaster relief loans for Georgia’s agriculture industry, and $25 million will provide support for timber related clean-up efforts and debris removal.
The GDA board will meet on Monday morning to vote on the proposal. Additional details regarding the application process for these funds is forthcoming.
Judging AeroDynamic Aviation’s Chili Cookoff
On Thursday, I joined AeroDynamic Aviation, Inc. and the Effingham County Industrial Development Authority for their Second Annual Employee Chili Cookout. The competition was close, but congratulations to the winners:
First place: April Long
Second place: Brandy Glisson
Third place: Anita Smith
People's Choice: Cody Thames
Thank you to AeroDynamic Aviation’s CEO, Chris Burnsed, for inviting us to participate.
Judging AeroDynamic Aviation’s Second Annual Chili Cookoff with Effingham County Sheriff Jimmy McDuffie, Commissioner Jamie DeLoach and Georgia State Trooper Joshua Janufka
Happy Halloween
Dayle and I hope everyone across the state had a fun, safe, and happy Halloween on Thursday night. Please stay safe and enjoy your time with your families as Halloween celebrations continue throughout the weekend.
Dayle and I trick-or-treating with our granddaughters and their friend Mary Grace on Thursday night
Remember, Friday, November 1st is the last day to cast your ballot early this election cycle. Election Day is quickly approaching on November 5th, and polls will be open from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. You can find your voting precinct by visiting mvp.sps.ga.gov. Have a great weekend!
My best,
Speaker Jon Burns