SJB Newsletter 4.1
“Great things come from three things: commitment, hard work, and strong finishes.” That is certainly true of this past week, where the Georgia House completed its work and adjourned sine die after the 40-day legislative session. I can firmly say that we did accomplish great things for the people of District 159 and our entire state because of the steadfast commitment, tireless work, and strong finish from all 180 of our members in the Georgia House.
Working together, we were able to cut the state income tax and cap property taxes for homeowners; Fully fund our public education, boost teacher pay by another $2500 and invest in our Pre-K education system; strengthen public safety by combatting illegal immigration, eliminating cash bail for certain offenses and holding district attorneys accountable; expanding access to healthcare by streamlining hospital regulations, investing in mental health and support maternal and infant healthcare; and strengthening election security by requiring visible watermarks on paper ballots, expanding audits and working toward eliminating QR codes on ballots. These are just a few of the priorities from this session that received final passage, and you can view the full list below. Many of these policies will have a lasting, generational impact on Georgians across our state, and they would not have been possible without members of the General Assembly, their staff, and support from folks across our state.
Even still, there’s no rest for the weary. After finishing up in Atlanta on Friday, I was back in the district on Saturday for the annual Screven County Livestock Festival Parade. I greatly enjoyed running into so many terrific constituents, friends, colleagues and organizations out in support. Saturday marked the 73rd annual parade, and we had beautiful weather for it. You can view a few of the photos from the event below.
Myself with Grand Marshall Lindy Sheppard, Senator Max Burns, and Sylvania Mayor Preston Dees
Taking the side by side out in style at the parade!
Below you will also find a few of my favorite photos from Day 40 of the Legislative Session. Thank you for all for your outreach, support, and feedback over these past few months. I am confident that we have improved the lives of every Georgian across our state and continued to make our state the best place to live, work and raise a family for generations to come.
Majority Leader Chuck Efstration making the motion to adjourn Sine Die
Thanking Appropriations Chairman Matt Hatchett on his hard work this session
Welcoming my friend and our 83rd Governor Brian Kemp to the House Chamber
Having a laugh with my partner in crime and best friend Dayle near the end of Day 40
My Best,
Speaker Jon Burns
House Priorities Passed
Cutting Taxes & Boosting our Economy
HB 1015 – Lowering State Income Tax
HB 1021 – Increasing Child Tax Deduction
HB 1019 – Doubling Homestead Exemption to $4,000
HB 1022 – Statewide Property Tax Cap
HB 581 – Enabling Legislation for Property Tax Cap
Investing in Education & Creating More Opportunities for Students
HB 916 – Budget fully funds QBE, includes $2500 teacher pay raise and $45,000 per school for safety resource officers
SB 233 – Georgia Promise Scholarship Act
HB 353 – COAM Regulation + Pre-K Funding
Strengthening Public Safety & Keeping Georgia Communities Safe
SB 92 – Prosecuting Attorneys Qualifications Commission
HB 1105 – Combatting Illegal Immigration
HB 30 – Defining and Combatting Antisemitism
HB 1017 – The Georgia Squatter Act
SB 63 – Eliminating Cash Bail for Certain Offenses
HB 500 – Increased Penalties for Police Car Arson
Strengthening Election Integrity + Transparency
HB 974 – Visible watermarks on paper ballots, optical character recognition and expanded risk limiting audits
HB 189 – Eliminating QR Codes on Ballots
Expanding Access to Quality Healthcare
HB 1339 – Increasing Access to Healthcare with Certificate of Need modernization
SB 455 – Mental Health Step Therapy
HB 1046 – Maternal & Infant Health Commission
SB 395 – Expanding Access to Opioid Antagonists
SB 373– Expedites Therapist Licensure
Empowering Children, Parents & Families
HB 1010 – Increasing Paid Parental Leave
HB 218 – Legal Protections for Elderly and Disabled
HB 1341 – White Shrimp Official State Crustacean