Thankful for Much
Thankful for Much
Friends,
As we celebrate Thanksgiving with our families and loved ones in the next few days, we have much to be thankful for in Georgia.
Our coastal communities have been spared the worst of Hurricanes Nicole and Ian in recent weeks.
Georgia continues to defy the odds in the current economic environment. Thanks to the efforts of the Governor and the General Assembly, we continue to bring jobs and opportunities to the 159th District and to our state.
Our higher education system continues to provide opportunities for all Georgians to improve their lives and advance their careers beyond high school.
Personally, I have much to be thankful for as well.
I am thankful for the support the people of the 159th District showed me on election day, and I am thankful for the opportunity to continue representing my community and my home district of Effingham, Screven and Bulloch counties.
I am thankful for the trust placed in me by my colleagues in the Republican House of Representatives Caucus, who recently elected me as their nominee for Speaker of the House for the upcoming term. After much prayer, discussion with my family, and conversations with colleagues and constituents, it was an honor to accept this nomination. Since that time, Dayle and I have been incredibly humbled by the support and well wishes we have received from Georgians across the political spectrum. On January 9th the full House, Democrats and Republicans, will convene to officially elect the next Speaker of the House. Please continue to pray for us as we approach the day of that election.
I am thankful for the support of my wife Dayle and my sons and five grandchildren, who provide me with a constant source of encouragement. I will continue to rely on their support to serve you in the 159th District and in the House of Representatives as Speaker of the House in the upcoming 2023 session.
I am also thankful for the friendship and mentorship Speaker David Ralston provided me. Speaker Ralston has served the people of Ellijay and Blue Ridge for over 25 years in the House and Senate. For the past 13 years he has been elected by all members - Republicans and Democrats - to serve as Speaker of the House of Representatives in Georgia.
While Speaker Ralston recently announced he would step down from his role as Speaker due to health concerns, his sudden passing in recent days was truly heartbreaking. Georgia has lost a titan of our political world and, more importantly, I have lost a dear friend. Dayle and I are praying for David, Sheree, and their family. While Georgia will miss David’s leadership greatly, Dayle and I take solace in knowing he is now in a better place.
Conclusion
Most importantly, I am thankful to serve a loving and forgiving God. The good Lord has blessed our country, our state, and our people. May we continue to be a people who love our neighbors and treat our fellow man as we would like to be treated.
Happy Thanksgiving!
Always remember that should you have questions, comments, or concerns about issues affecting District 159, you can always reach out to me at 404.656.5052, Jon.Burns@house.ga.gov, or on Facebook at www.FB.com/JonBurnsGA.