Super Bowl LXII + Community Hospitals

It has been another great week serving the citizens of Georgia and meeting with constituents across the state. From joining in on the Super Bowl LXII announcement to discussing healthcare expansion with Georgia’s community hospitals—this week has been full of exciting and productive conversations about the future of our state. Check out some of the highlights below:  

Super Bowl LXII is Coming to Atlanta

On Tuesday, I was thrilled to join executives from the NFL, our economic development partners, and members of the General Assembly as they announced that Super Bowl LXII will be hosted in Atlanta.

I always say that Georgia is the best place to live, work, raise a family, and have a little fun—and Tuesday’s announcement confirmed that the biggest players on the biggest stages in sports come to Georgia to play.

This is an incredible opportunity for us to continue showcasing our state’s world-class venues and ‘Number One’ business environment, and we’re looking forward to hosting the Super Bowl in 2028.

Speaking at the NFL’s 2028 Super Bowl Announcement Press Conference

Gathered with NFL executives, economic development leaders, and members of the General Assembly to Announce Super Bowl LXII will be coming to Atlanta

Meeting with the Georgia Alliance of Community Hospitals

On Thursday, I joined the Georgia Alliance of Community Hospitals at their annual conference in Greensboro to discuss our success in increasing access to quality, affordable healthcare for Georgians in some of our most underserved communities, and thank them for their tireless work to support victims of Hurricane Helene across Southeast Georgia.

Last session, the House passed legislation to expand access to care in rural Georgia, invest in medical education programs, and protect our healthcare providers. We’re grateful for the partnership of GACH in passing those measures, and look forward to our continued collaboration as we seek to improve healthcare outcomes across the state.

I was honored to receive the GACH Legislator of the Year Award from this group of dedicated physicians and hospital executives, and appreciate their years of friendship and support of the members of the Georgia House.

Speaking at the Georgia Alliance of Community Hospitals’ Annual Conference

Receiving GACH’s Legislator of the Year Award

Hurricane Helene Relief in Coffee County

Last week, members of the General Assembly and volunteers from every corner of the state gathered in Coffee County to support members of the community who were severely impacted by Hurricane Helene.

All told, with volunteer efforts and contributions from Rotary Clubs in Forsyth County and invaluable help from Coffee County Schools Superintendent Morris Leis, Director of School Nutrition Dawn Lewis and her team, and local suppliers and volunteers, meals were provided to over 5000 people including residents who lost their homes or are still dealing with power outages, area first responders, and many of the school nutrition staff who volunteered to serve despite dealing with damage and ongoing power outages at home.

Thank you to Representative Lauren McDonald, Representative James Burchett, Senator Steve Gooch, and all the incredible volunteers who came together to support this community in need. Your continued dedication to providing relief to your fellow Georgians is greatly appreciated.

Serving meals alongside Representative James Burchett, Representative Lauren McDonald, Senator Steve Gooch and Coffee County Schools Nutrition Staff

Georgia Implements Phase 1 of Disaster SNAP in Bryan, Chatham, Effingham, Liberty, and Long Counties

D-SNAP provides temporary food assistance in the form of a one-time payment to low-to-moderate income households who lost income or sustained property damage following a disaster. To qualify for D-SNAP, Georgians must:

  • Live or work in one of the counties declared by FEMA for Individual and Public Assistance at the time of the disaster

  • Not currently receive food assistance through the regular SNAP program

  • Have suffered a disaster-related loss to property or income, including incurring expenses related to the disaster

  • Provide proof of identity for the head of household and authorized representative (if applicable)

  • Meet financial eligibility requirements

The pre-registration form for D-SNAP can be found online at gateway.ga.gov. Please see the list of D-SNAP sites below:

Hurricane Helene Mental Health Resources

As Georgians continue to recover from Hurricane Helene, we remain committed to supporting our communities as they rebuild and ensuring the emotional well-being of our citizens and first responders.

Remember, the Georgia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities and the 988 Lifeline are here to help.

Mental health resources are available through DBHDD and the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline

How You Can Help

Our staff has been working with members of the General Assembly in heavily impacted areas to compile a list of local charities that are on the ground assisting victims of Hurricane Helene. If you are interested in supporting relief efforts, please see the contact information and links for the organizations listed at the web address below.

georgiahurricane.com

It’s always a privilege to meet with you and discuss the issues that matter most to our  families and communities. I hope to see you across the state soon. Have a great weekend.

My best,
Speaker Jon Burns

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$1 Billion Returning to Georgia Taxpayers + South Georgia Events

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Hurricane Helene Recovery + Georgia Pre-K Week