Two More Ballot Questions
Friends,
As everyone in Georgia knows, we’re in the middle of election season. I’m sure just like me you’ve been seeing ads on TV and social media, signs on street corners and in your neighbors’ yards, and news coverage of every move by Governor Kemp and other statewide candidates.
I understand the wall to wall coverage can be frustrating for some - but it’s an important reminder of your important role in the election process.
Importantly, here in Georgia you have an additional job at the ballot box that doesn’t always get the press coverage our statewide races do.
The State Legislature passed several measures that cannot go into effect without your vote at the ballot box. While I supported each one of these measures, I believe that your role in the Constitutionally defined process is as important as mine, and I encourage you to do your own research and ask questions to ensure your familiarity with these measures.
Two of those measures are Constitutional amendments. Just as the United States Constitution is our most important guiding document nationally, the Georgia Constitution governs us here in Georgia.
These measures both address issues that have arisen in recent years that surely weren’t intended by our Constitution’s drafters - so the legislature made use of the process for amendment, which requires your input and they will be on our ballot in November.
SR 134 was passed by the House by a vote of 169 - 0 and the Senate by a vote of 51 - 1, and addresses a loophole in the state Constitution that required that state officials under indictment for crimes committed in office continue to be paid until conviction.
This measure would amend the Constitution to suspend the salary for any statewide elected official, state Representative, or state Senator who is indicted for a felony dealing with the office he or she holds.
This important measure would prevent those who commit crimes in office from benefiting from their state salaries, while including provisions to restore withheld salaries for those who are exonerated.
HR 594, passed by the House by a vote of 150 - 0 and the Senate by a vote of 33 - 19, would amend the Constitution to allow local governments to grant property tax relief for properties damaged or destroyed in a disaster. Under current Georgia law, property taxes are still payable on damaged or destroyed properties. This measure was designed to allow local governments the flexibility to relieve the burdens faced by residents as they rebuild their property
Conclusion
Your constitutionally protected role in making these constitutional changes is as important as mine, and I encourage you to take it seriously. It’s an important civic duty, and an opportunity to educate the young people of the 159th District in the concrete ways they have input in the governance of our state.
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.