Visiting with District 159 Leaders in Atlanta
Friends,
Last week at the Capitol we undertook some of our most important work of the session, passing the first of two funding bills we consider every session - the only legislation we must pass every year.
This important effort required me to work with leaders from around our state, addressing the needs of Georgians from around our state.
Important provisions in this funding legislation included school security grants designed to make our schools safer; funds for technology, safety, and security projects to make our prisons more secure; and funds to improve security at 48 domestic violence shelters around our state, including one time funds to replace a decrease in federal funds.
While these statewide projects will benefit our region as well, we also addressed needs specific to the 159th District and South Georgia.
Much of the growth in our part of Georgia is regional in scale. For instance, the Hyundai plant coming to Bryan County is the result of a partnership between Effingham, Bulloch, Chatham, and Bryan Counties.
Projects like this bring thousands of direct and indirect jobs - but they can of course put strain on our infrastructure. That’s one of the reasons I was glad to see the House create a Rural Workforce Housing Fund. This effort is intended to assist counties like those in the 159th District that are seeing massive population growth. Grants and other programs will assist in some of the infrastructure needs we face in the future, expediting these projects in partnership with private sector efforts to bring housing to our communities.
It is important to emphasize that your support at the ballot box will never be taken for granted, and your visits to the Capitol bring great reminders of the important issues at home. As always, I enjoyed spending time with folks from the 159th District last week as they visited the Capitol in Atlanta.
Visitors from Effingham County were in Atlanta from January 29th through January 31st for the annual Effingham Day at the Capitol. During their visit I was humbled to receive the Award of Excellence from the Effingham County Board of Commissioners. A special thanks to the Effingham County Chamber of Commerce for organizing another successful event.
On February 2nd, I was able to spend time with Leadership Bulloch participants during their annual visit to the Capitol. This great program is designed to encourage a new generation of Bulloch County leaders, and I always enjoy meeting and visiting with its participants in Atlanta and in Bulloch County over the course of their time in the program.
Our House and Senate Effingham and Bulloch delegations as well as members from around our state were able to visit with these 159th District community leaders, hearing how the issues we are dealing with in Atlanta impact you at home.
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.