Governor Kemp Gives Third State of the State Address

January 14, 2021
Georgia Chamber of Commerce

Governor Brian Kemp addressed a joint session of the Georgia General Assembly along with other elected leaders for his third State of the State Address. He detailed the state’s response to the Covid-19 pandemic, Georgia’s economic recovery efforts, and his legislative proposals. Governor Kemp highlighted that Georgia has shown resilience in the fight against Covid-19 and has been at the forefront, nationwide, of maintaining business safely and responsibly. He discussed the importance of building a strong foundation now for future businesses and expanding the recent growth of the healthcare industry in the state.
 
With respect to his budget proposals, Governor Kemp is proposing no new tax increases, budgets cuts, or layoffs/furloughs of state employees. His budget will also include a $1,000 supplement for teachers from the CARES Act, $75 million to improve access to healthcare,
$5 million to keep 10,000 college juniors and seniors enrolled, and $1M for state tourism marketing. His legislative proposals will include a significant change in the citizen's arrest law, a personal protective equipment (PPE) tax break, and continued work toward ending human trafficking. Governor Kemp ended his message stressing the importance of leaving events of 2020 in the past and looking ahead toward the future, as well as working in a bipartisan manner for the good of Georgia.
 
Click here for the teaser leading up to State of the State
 
Click here to view the broadcast footage of Governor Kemp’s State of the State Address