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The House of Representatives has gotten off to a busy and productive start since convening January 8 for the 2024 legislative session. Our first order of business included re-electing Speaker Jon Burns and Speaker Pro-Tempore Jan Jones to continue leading the House, as well as setting our legislative calendar. The General Assembly will meet for 40 legislative days as required by law, and we will conclude on “Sine Die,” which falls on March 29 this year.
Gov. Brian Kemp addressed a joint session of the House and Senate, as well as other statewide elected officers, dignitaries, and members of the public to outline his key priorities this session, focusing on tax cuts, education funding, healthcare and public safety. We look forward to working with him on these key issues:
Tax Reform:
- We will work with Gov. Kemp on proposed tax cuts, reducing the state income tax to 5.39 percent starting this year.
- This tax cut is estimated to save Georgia taxpayers approximately $3 billion over the next decade, making it the largest tax cut in state history.
We also joined Speaker Burns this week in unveiling a package of bills that, combined, would save Georgians hundreds of millions of dollars in taxes. In addition to continuing our work on income tax cuts, we announced property and child tax breaks, including:
- Raising the state income tax deduction for children from $3,000 a year to $4,000 a year
- Doubling the standard state homestead exemption on property from $2,000 to $4,000 a year.
- These two provisions amount to $250 million a year in savings for Georgians.
As Chairman of the House Ways and Means Committee, we will continue working diligently with members and staff to ensure passage of these critical bills and return more of your hard-earned money back to you and your family.
Public Safety:
- A top priority for Gov. Kemp and the General Assembly is ensuring the financial support and resources needed for the law enforcement community.
- This includes a $3,000 pay raise for State Patrol officers, correctional officers, and other state law enforcement agencies.
- We are also prioritizing school safety, with a permanent appropriation of $104 million in the state budget for safety improvements in schools, allowing individual discretion based on specific needs.
Healthcare:
- Continuing to build upon the House’s work to lower healthcare costs, incentivize a healthcare workforce, and increase access, Gov. Kemp proposed a total increase of $205 million for the Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities (DBHDD) and other entities addressing mental health.
- This brings our state to a historic investment of $1.6 billion in mental health care, due to achievements like the Mental Health Parity Act and other recently implemented programs.
State Workforce Enhancements
- Gov. Kemp and the General Assembly are increasing retention and recruitment efforts within state government by proposing a four percent pay increase for all state employees and teachers.
- This includes a proposed. $500 million to support the state retiree fund, demonstrating a commitment to state workers' financial well-being.
As we continue working on the state budget, education improvements and other important policies, please stay tuned for legislative news and announcements. We will be working diligently on behalf of your family, our district and the state to create and implement simple, smart and effective laws. We hope you will take the opportunity to sign up here if you've not already done so.
Thank you for the honor of allowing us to serve as your voice under the Gold Dome, as we work towards SIMPLE, SMART, AND EFFECTIVE government. May God bless you and may He continue to bless the great state of Georgia.
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