Noteworthy Items:
The General Assembly gaveled in on January 14, 2019 at 10 am. Governor Kemp and all the constitutionally elected officers were sworn in at 2 pm the same afternoon in front of a record-breaking crowd at McCamish Pavilion on Georgia Tech’s campus.
In Governor Kemp’s inaugural address, he spoke of Georgia as being known for its low tax environment, being a logistics hub, the Hollywood of the South, and soon-to-be known as the cyber capital of the world. He spoke of wanting to build on the accomplishments of Governors Perdue and Deal by cutting taxes and red tape, fully funding education, and ensuring a strong workforce pipeline. He mentioned having a vision for a safer, stronger Georgia. Kemp acknowledged challenges our state faces: small businesses feel like we are still in the 20th century, mental health needs, opioid abuse, gang activity and sex trafficking, and 63% of third graders not being able to read on grade level. Echoing the words of his beloved former coach, Coach Henderson, whose life motto was “It Can Be Done,” Kemp vowed to tackle these and other issues, including infrastructure in Atlanta and to ensure that high speed internet is available across rural Georgia. He also promised to work with the General Assembly to ensure that families in Georgia have access to quality healthcare and education systems regardless of their zip code. Finally, he vowed to work hard every day for ALL Georgians, not just those who voted for him.
On Wednesday, January 16, the Georgia Chamber of Commerce hosted their annual “Eggs & Issues” breakfast at the Georgia World Congress Center. Attendees had the chance to hear from Governor Kemp, Lt. Governor Duncan, and Speaker Ralston. Notably, during the speeches:
- Governor Kemp plans to provide funding for each school system to address school safety, as well as provide funding for mental health counselors in our schools;
- Governor Kemp plans to push for a historic pay raise for teachers;
- Speaker Ralston predicts school security, rural development, and transit to be the focus of the House this session;
- Speaker Ralston announced several special committees and commissions:
- Georgia Commission on Freight & Logistics to be led by Representative Tanner
- Special Committee on Access to Quality Healthcare to be led by Representatives Richard Smith and Sharon Cooper;
- House Working Group on Creative Arts & Entertainment led by Representative Matt Dollar.
On Thursday, January 17, Governor Kemp delivered his “State of the State” address in the House Chamber, where he outlined his plans to boost teacher pay, invest in school safety, and keep Georgia on the path to economic prosperity.
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