Newsletter 2/16/24
We are halfway through February, and it has been another busy and productive week at the Capitol.
This week, I was proud to name Representative Butch Parrish as the new House Rules Chairman. Chairman Parrish has done an exceptional job representing his district, fighting for our rural communities, and championing policies that lift up every Georgia family—including most recently with his work to improve healthcare across our state. Through his integrity, hard work, compassion, and dedication to the interests of our state, he will also carry on the indelible legacy of Chairman Richard Smith—and I am confident that Chairman Parrish will serve the Georgia House and the people of our great state extremely well in this new role.
On the legislative front, the House was able to pass some significant legislation this week that will improve the lives of Georgians across the state.
HB 977—Creating Risk-Limiting Election Audits to better secure our elections
HB 1033—Utility Worker Protection Act
HB 1037—Creating a Maternal Mortality Commission to continue addressing an important healthcare crisis in our state.
HR1019—Supporting Border Security by empowering Governor Kemp to send additional resources to the southern border
HB1010—Increasing Paid Parental Leave for state employees from 3 weeks to 6 weeks.
On Tuesday, I had the privilege of speaking to a packed house at the Georgia Farm Bureau luncheon and thanked them for their hard work and dedication to advocating for our state’s farmers and producers who support our state’s number one industry. I also enjoyed stopping by the Kia reception and thanked them for their continued investment as one of our state’s leading job creators and manufacturers.
On Thursday, I had the opportunity to share some of our legislative priorities and updates on session with Richard Elliott of WSB-TV in Atlanta. From tax cuts to healthcare and holding District Attorneys across our state accountable, we covered a lot of ground. You can view the full interview HERE or check out our social media pages for that and more.
And speaking of social media, make sure you’re following along with us on Facebook and Twitter at JonBurnsGA. You can see our recent photos, updates, and news articles that we post throughout the week!
Thank you all for your continued support and friendship—and as always, please don’t hesitate to reach out with anything we can be helpful with.
Best,
Speaker Jon Burns
Press conference with Governor Kemp, Lieutenant Governor Jones and House and Senate members to discuss border security and supporting Governor’s decision to send National Guard members to southern border. (Photo Credit House Media Services)
Joined by Pro Tem Jan Jones and House Republicans, announcing increasing paid parental leave for state employees from 3 weeks to 6 weeks. (Photo Credit House Media Services)
Catching up with Effingham County constituents at Georgia Farm Bureau Day