Staying Grounded During a Busy Week at the Capitol
Friends,
Over the last week, our legislative session at the Capitol really began to pick up the pace, with a full agenda of floor sessions, committee meetings, the welcoming of special guests, and the Governor’s annual State of the State address.
Taking advantage of an opportunity afforded to all members of the legislature, I welcomed my pastor Jay Williams, of Mizpah Church as chaplain of the day for the House of Representatives. Pastor Williams shared a grounding message for our House - that no matter how challenging the issues are that we deal with, there is a power greater than ourselves that we should look to for guidance.
After Pastor Williams’ remarks that morning, we were blessed to be joined by Jane Marrero, wife of President Kyle Marrero of my alma mater Georgia Southern University, who blessed us with her musical talents, and the bald eagle Freedom - a mascot and ambassador for Georgia Southern who spends his days at Georgia Southern’s Center for Wildlife Education and was joined by the Center’s Executive Director Steve Hein.
On the same day, we were privileged to be able to celebrate Georgia’s great diversity, joining with one of our newest Republican House members Soo Hong of Lawrenceville to recognize Korean American Day at the Capitol. Georgia’s Korean community has increased 95% over the last decade to over 100,000 proud Georgians, and many job opportunities benefiting all Georgians through economic partnerships that have brought Korean employers to all corners of our state.
Later in the week, the House convened a joint session with Lieutenant Governor Burt Jones and the Senate to welcome Governor Kemp for the annual State of the State address. Governor Kemp highlighted plans that we look forward to working with him on here in the House - an additional $2,000 raise for teachers, full funding of the state’s HOPE scholarship, efforts to encourage Georgians to enter high need fields like teaching and healthcare, the importance of affordable housing as part of our workforce development efforts, and work to keep us safe from criminal gangs.
Early in the week, whether through Pastor Williams’ message or at the annual Faith and Freedom Legislative Luncheon, my colleagues and I were reminded to stay guided by a higher power in serving our constituents.
Later in the week on National Guard Day at the capitol, we were reminded of the men and women from around the state that are willing to put their lives on the line to keep Georgians safe. Whether on overseas deployments, or here at home assisting in natural disaster cleanup or keeping Georgia safe for peaceful protests by protecting us from threats of violence.
Remarks from Chaplain Leland Jones and Brigadier General John Gentry, as well as the presence in the gallery of Guardsmen from around Georgia gave us all the chance to remember that men and women from every district in this state serve us honorably in the Guard - and deserve our eternal thanks, today and every day.
Of course, while leaders like these keep us safe, we should always remember educators at home that take care of Georgia’s students day in and day out. Educator’s like Effingham County’s own Jackie Brown-Pinkney who has been named the national School Social Worker of the Year. Jackie’s dedication to the students of Effingham County and the service she provides them every day make her truly deserving of this award. I hope you are as proud as I am of the great work of Jackie and all of our educators in the 159th District!
Remember that should you have questions about my work as your Representative or as Speaker of the House, you can always reach out to me at 404.656.5020, Jon.Burns@house.ga.gov, or on Facebook at www.FB.com/JonBurnsGA. If you wish to sign up for my weekly emailed newsletter, visit https://www.friendsofjonburns.com/home to sign up.