Supporting Georgia's Law Enforcement + May 21st Primary Elections
Speaking with WTOC 11 about the House’s 2024 legislative victories
It’s been a great week celebrating the House’s accomplishments to champion education, expand access to healthcare and increase public safety initiatives!
I was glad to speak with WTOC in Savannah about these policies and how they will benefit every Georgian–regardless of zip code. From school choice to state law enforcement pay raises, the House prioritized measures that will make our state the best place to live, work and raise a family! You can listen to the full interview HERE.
I am excited to announce that earlier today, I appointed Janelle King to the State Elections Board. Over the past few years, the Georgia House has prioritized strengthening the integrity and security of our elections. From securing ballot drop boxes and requiring identification for absentee ballots to removing QR codes and adding visible watermarks to paper ballots, we have made significant improvements to the election process here in Georgia. Janelle will be a tremendous asset as an independent thinker and impartial arbiter who will put principle above politics and ensure transparency and accountability in our elections, and I look forward to her work on behalf of the people of Georgia.
I also want to thank Edward Lindsey for his dedicated service and contributions to our state during his time on the board, and wish him well in his future endeavors.
Monday marked the beginning of National Police Week, and our caucus honored Georgia’s law enforcement officers by reiterating our dedication to equipping them with the resources and training they need to save lives—including their own. These heroes are there for us in our times of need and are always ready to answer the call to defend our families and communities. We owe them our gratitude today and every day.
I’m proud of our victories in the 2024 session to support our men and women in uniform including:
Providing $50 million for $3,000 raises for state law enforcement officers – building on the raises the House advanced last year.
Expanding the list of criminal offenses that require bail to make sure criminals show back up for court.
Passing prosecutor oversight so that citizens have somewhere to turn when prosecutors aren’t enforcing the law.
Creating a definition for antisemitism to enhance criminal penalties for crimes motivated by anti-Jewish bias.
Increasing penalties for “swatting,” false reporting of criminal activity that leads to SWAT arriving at victims' homes, and toughened penalties for drive-by shootings and burning of a police vehicle.
Passing measures to combat human trafficking and child abuse through data sharing and protecting the confidentiality of victims.
Providing protections for property owners by putting an end to squatters and penalizing false lease documentation.
Ensuring sheriffs report illegal aliens in jails to ICE and require compliance with ICE detainer requests and passed a resolution to support Gov. Kemp’s efforts to take state-level action, including sending additional Georgia National Guard to the border.
Georgia’s students are some of the best and brightest in the nation, and on Tuesday, I had the pleasure of celebrating the achievements of honors students from Screven County High School. These are just two of the many honor graduates who were recognized for their outstanding grades and high scores on the SAT exam.
There’s no doubt they have been equipped to accomplish great things, and I’m excited to see what the future has in store for them.
This weekend, we will celebrate Armed Forces Day in honor of our active duty service members in all six branches of the United States military. I hope you will join me and Dayle in thanking them for their selfless dedication to the defense of our freedom and praying for their safety while they serve across the globe and here at home.
Don’t forget that Election Day is quickly approaching on May 21st. If you haven’t already, make sure you have plans to get out and cast your ballot this Tuesday!
There is an incredibly important Georgia Supreme Court race this election cycle, and now more than ever, it’s vital that we have Justices on the bench who will uphold the Constitution and defend the rule of law throughout the state! I’m proud to have endorsed Justice Andrew Pinson who has a proven track record of protecting our Georgia values!
I want to thank each of you for your continued support as we work to strengthen and expand our majority ahead of November. We need everyone on board this election season to help spread the conservative message throughout the state. For more information about how you can join us in our efforts, visit the Georgia House Republican Caucus website HERE.
I always appreciate the opportunity to speak with Georgians about the policies and issues that matter most. I hope to see you across the state soon!
My Best,
Speaker Jon Burns