Recapping a Successful Special Session
Last Thursday, we adjourned the 2023 Special Session after adopting new state House, Senate and Congressional district maps in compliance with the federal court order. Governor Brian Kemp signed these new maps into law shortly thereafter.
The maps now go to the federal court for its review. A further hearing is scheduled for December 20th, so we should have some guidance on the court’s further orders in the near future.
During special session, we also ratified the Governor’s suspension of motor fuel taxes over the last three months as required by law. This suspension saved Georgia families and businesses hundreds of millions of dollars and kept our gas prices among the lowest in the nation. Despite crippling inflation brought on by Washington’s inaction, Georgia has kept our people and our economy moving.
The Georgia House of Representatives also adopted two resolutions – one in support of Israel against Hamas terrorists, the other in support of law enforcement and the long overdue construction of a new public safety training center in Atlanta. While supporting Israel and law enforcement may seem like fundamental American values, several Democratic party members either abstained or voted against these measures. While members are free to vote their conscience, I find it unfortunate that we find ourselves having to debate such common-sense measures.
Unless otherwise ordered by the federal court in the redistricting case, the General Assembly will next convene for the 2024 regular session in January.
Fanning the Flames of Hope at the State Capitol
Last week, I had the honor of attending the first annual Flame of Hope awards ceremony sponsored by the Georgia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities. During the ceremony, 15 honorees were recognized from a nomination pool totaling more than 150. Of the 15, 7 were given the Flame of Hope award – recognizing the highest commitment to selfless service and belief in DBHDD’s mission to serve those with mental health or behavioral issues. Eight more were awarded Champion of Hope certificates.
Effingham County’s own Miss Ella Marchese was the inspiration for the award and was personally nominated as a Flame of Hope Award winner by DBHDD Commissioner and former House member Kevin Tanner. For those who have not met Ella, she is a remarkable young lady with Down Syndrome who passionately advocates for individuals like herself. My heartfelt congratulations and thanks to Ella and her family for representing our community so well at the State Capitol.
Continuing Georgia’s Work to Cut Taxes
Last week, I was proud to join Governor Brian Kemp, Lt. Governor Burt Jones, and many Republican state legislators in announcing our collective commitment to further lowering Georgia’s income tax rate. While we already have a plan in place to reduce our state income tax to below 5% by the end of the decade, we will accelerate that plan to reduce it to 5.39% through legislation in January.
While Georgia has one of the nation’s lowest total per capita tax rates, we remain committed to doing all we can to reduce the tax burden on Georgia businesses and families. Tax dollars belong to tax payers – not the government. Through conservative budgeting and long-term planning, Georgia remains one of the most fiscally sound states in the country. And we plan to pass the savings on to Georgians next session.