{"id":57,"date":"2024-01-11T20:12:00","date_gmt":"2024-01-11T20:12:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/adntesting.online\/chambersledger\/2024\/01\/11\/governor-brian-p-kemps-2024-state-of-the-state-address\/"},"modified":"2024-10-07T20:47:49","modified_gmt":"2024-10-07T20:47:49","slug":"governor-brian-p-kemps-2024-state-of-the-state-address","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/adntesting.online\/chambersledger\/2024\/01\/11\/governor-brian-p-kemps-2024-state-of-the-state-address\/","title":{"rendered":"Governor Brian P. Kemp&#8217;s 2024 State of the State Address"},"content":{"rendered":"<p style=\"box-sizing: border-box; color: #38424b; font-family: Montserrat, &quot;Open Sans&quot;, Corbel, Arial, sans-serif; letter-spacing: 0.32px; line-height: 1.625; margin: 0px;\"><span style=\"box-sizing: border-box; color: var(--text-color); margin: 0px;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><br \/><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"box-sizing: border-box; color: #38424b; font-family: Montserrat, &quot;Open Sans&quot;, Corbel, Arial, sans-serif; letter-spacing: 0.32px; line-height: 1.625; margin: 0px;\"><span style=\"box-sizing: border-box; color: var(--text-color); margin: 0px;\"><\/span><\/p>\n<div style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/b\/R29vZ2xl\/AVvXsEhinI0cvjM84LRQCRgonj1PW6HHa9rfi_rM6ws5mKMj5qsKzpcWhHB3PNFfheFX9n3IsxEYyYbpZPTokokgHmr-r8R4yKBeXMDQ5Qy4chZRO5L5He7Zemk7esusrBfVo42eFOSDAu8LItqrdkpKx4j2NsAHfKnGMpbnM2DT56rK9R-Un56F6nG1xGtmMd4n\/s1250\/kemp.jpg\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"><img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" border=\"0\" data-original-height=\"1250\" data-original-width=\"1000\" height=\"534\" src=\"https:\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/b\/R29vZ2xl\/AVvXsEhinI0cvjM84LRQCRgonj1PW6HHa9rfi_rM6ws5mKMj5qsKzpcWhHB3PNFfheFX9n3IsxEYyYbpZPTokokgHmr-r8R4yKBeXMDQ5Qy4chZRO5L5He7Zemk7esusrBfVo42eFOSDAu8LItqrdkpKx4j2NsAHfKnGMpbnM2DT56rK9R-Un56F6nG1xGtmMd4n\/w426-h534\/kemp.jpg\" width=\"426\" \/><\/a><\/div>\n<p><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><br \/><\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"box-sizing: border-box; color: #38424b; font-family: Montserrat, &quot;Open Sans&quot;, Corbel, Arial, sans-serif; letter-spacing: 0.32px; line-height: 1.625; margin: 0px;\"><span style=\"box-sizing: border-box; color: var(--text-color); margin: 0px;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\">Georgia Lt. Governor Jones, Speaker Burns, President Pro Tem Kennedy, Speaker Pro Tem Jones, members of the General Assembly, Constitutional Officers, members of the Public Service Commission, Mayor Dickens, members of the judiciary, members of the consular corps, and my fellow Georgians:<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"box-sizing: border-box; color: #38424b; font-family: Montserrat, &quot;Open Sans&quot;, Corbel, Arial, sans-serif; letter-spacing: 0.32px; line-height: 1.625; margin-block-start: 1em; margin: 0px;\"><span style=\"box-sizing: border-box; color: var(--text-color); margin: 0px;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\">Later this year, the people of this state will once again fulfill their civic duty, they will choose who occupies these seats of service, and they will determine what course America takes in the years to come.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"box-sizing: border-box; color: #38424b; font-family: Montserrat, &quot;Open Sans&quot;, Corbel, Arial, sans-serif; letter-spacing: 0.32px; line-height: 1.625; margin-block-start: 1em; margin: 0px;\"><span style=\"box-sizing: border-box; color: var(--text-color); margin: 0px;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\">As they have in years past, when they go to the ballot box, they\u2019ll see a stark difference between Georgia and our nation\u2019s capital.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"box-sizing: border-box; color: #38424b; font-family: Montserrat, &quot;Open Sans&quot;, Corbel, Arial, sans-serif; letter-spacing: 0.32px; line-height: 1.625; margin-block-start: 1em; margin: 0px;\"><span style=\"box-sizing: border-box; color: var(--text-color); margin: 0px;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\">They will see what we\u2019ve achieved together on the state level to make Georgia an even greater place to live, work, and raise a family, and they\u2019ll see the hardships Washington D.C. has brought into every home and placed on every kitchen table across our state.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"box-sizing: border-box; color: #38424b; font-family: Montserrat, &quot;Open Sans&quot;, Corbel, Arial, sans-serif; letter-spacing: 0.32px; line-height: 1.625; margin-block-start: 1em; margin: 0px;\"><span style=\"box-sizing: border-box; color: var(--text-color); margin: 0px;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\">Congress has become synonymous with runaway spending, bloated budgets, job-killing regulations, gridlock and partisanship, and elected representatives in both parties who are more interested in getting famous on cable news than delivering results for the American people.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"box-sizing: border-box; color: #38424b; font-family: Montserrat, &quot;Open Sans&quot;, Corbel, Arial, sans-serif; letter-spacing: 0.32px; line-height: 1.625; margin-block-start: 1em; margin: 0px;\"><span style=\"box-sizing: border-box; color: var(--text-color); margin: 0px;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\">All the while across the nation, over 60 percent of households are living paycheck to paycheck.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"box-sizing: border-box; color: #38424b; font-family: Montserrat, &quot;Open Sans&quot;, Corbel, Arial, sans-serif; letter-spacing: 0.32px; line-height: 1.625; margin-block-start: 1em; margin: 0px;\"><span style=\"box-sizing: border-box; color: var(--text-color); margin: 0px;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\">Over 8.4 million Americans are working two jobs to make ends meet.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"box-sizing: border-box; color: #38424b; font-family: Montserrat, &quot;Open Sans&quot;, Corbel, Arial, sans-serif; letter-spacing: 0.32px; line-height: 1.625; margin-block-start: 1em; margin: 0px;\"><span style=\"box-sizing: border-box; color: var(--text-color); margin: 0px;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\">Mortgage rates remain at highs not seen in a generation.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"box-sizing: border-box; color: #38424b; font-family: Montserrat, &quot;Open Sans&quot;, Corbel, Arial, sans-serif; letter-spacing: 0.32px; line-height: 1.625; margin-block-start: 1em; margin: 0px;\"><span style=\"box-sizing: border-box; color: var(--text-color); margin: 0px;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\">And while the rate of inflation may have fallen, high prices on everything from groceries to rent have not.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"box-sizing: border-box; color: #38424b; font-family: Montserrat, &quot;Open Sans&quot;, Corbel, Arial, sans-serif; letter-spacing: 0.32px; line-height: 1.625; margin-block-start: 1em; margin: 0px;\"><span style=\"box-sizing: border-box; color: var(--text-color); margin: 0px;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\">In fact, it costs Americans over 11,000 dollars more per year to maintain the same quality of life they had just a few short years ago. &nbsp;<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"box-sizing: border-box; color: #38424b; font-family: Montserrat, &quot;Open Sans&quot;, Corbel, Arial, sans-serif; letter-spacing: 0.32px; line-height: 1.625; margin-block-start: 1em; margin: 0px;\"><span style=\"box-sizing: border-box; color: var(--text-color); margin: 0px;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\">For the hardworking men and women of this country, paying 11,000 dollars more a year is not a choice between the luxuries of life.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"box-sizing: border-box; color: #38424b; font-family: Montserrat, &quot;Open Sans&quot;, Corbel, Arial, sans-serif; letter-spacing: 0.32px; line-height: 1.625; margin-block-start: 1em; margin: 0px;\"><span style=\"box-sizing: border-box; color: var(--text-color); margin: 0px;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\">For too many people, that\u2019s a decision between putting food on the table for their family, making your car payment, buying clothes for their kids, or going further into debt.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"box-sizing: border-box; color: #38424b; font-family: Montserrat, &quot;Open Sans&quot;, Corbel, Arial, sans-serif; letter-spacing: 0.32px; line-height: 1.625; margin-block-start: 1em; margin: 0px;\"><span style=\"box-sizing: border-box; color: var(--text-color); margin: 0px;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\">For a recent graduate, it\u2019s about whether you can afford to get your own place and pay off student loans.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"box-sizing: border-box; color: #38424b; font-family: Montserrat, &quot;Open Sans&quot;, Corbel, Arial, sans-serif; letter-spacing: 0.32px; line-height: 1.625; margin-block-start: 1em; margin: 0px;\"><span style=\"box-sizing: border-box; color: var(--text-color); margin: 0px;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\">For a single mom, it\u2019s a decision about taking that new job in a career that pays better, but it doesn\u2019t offer affordable childcare.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"box-sizing: border-box; color: #38424b; font-family: Montserrat, &quot;Open Sans&quot;, Corbel, Arial, sans-serif; letter-spacing: 0.32px; line-height: 1.625; margin-block-start: 1em; margin: 0px;\"><span style=\"box-sizing: border-box; color: var(--text-color); margin: 0px;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\">For a family of four, can they make ends meet when saving for their kids\u2019 college and paying their mortgage?<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"box-sizing: border-box; color: #38424b; font-family: Montserrat, &quot;Open Sans&quot;, Corbel, Arial, sans-serif; letter-spacing: 0.32px; line-height: 1.625; margin-block-start: 1em; margin: 0px;\"><span style=\"box-sizing: border-box; color: var(--text-color); margin: 0px;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\">And for our seniors, are they able to stretch a fixed income to meet their basic needs?<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"box-sizing: border-box; color: #38424b; font-family: Montserrat, &quot;Open Sans&quot;, Corbel, Arial, sans-serif; letter-spacing: 0.32px; line-height: 1.625; margin-block-start: 1em; margin: 0px;\"><span style=\"box-sizing: border-box; color: var(--text-color); margin: 0px;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\">These are the people that Washington D.C has left behind. Because for every challenge our nation faces, the federal response is to spend more, regulate more, tax more, and come up with yet another government program meant to cure every ill.<span style=\"box-sizing: border-box; color: var(--text-color); font-weight: 640; margin: 0px;\"><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"box-sizing: border-box; color: #38424b; font-family: Montserrat, &quot;Open Sans&quot;, Corbel, Arial, sans-serif; letter-spacing: 0.32px; line-height: 1.625; margin-block-start: 1em; margin: 0px;\"><span style=\"box-sizing: border-box; color: var(--text-color); margin: 0px;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\">Instead of empowering hardworking Americans to innovate, create, and seek greater prosperity, their answer is more government.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"box-sizing: border-box; color: #38424b; font-family: Montserrat, &quot;Open Sans&quot;, Corbel, Arial, sans-serif; letter-spacing: 0.32px; line-height: 1.625; margin-block-start: 1em; margin: 0px;\"><span style=\"box-sizing: border-box; color: var(--text-color); margin: 0px;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\">But here in Georgia, we\u2019ve chosen a different path.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"box-sizing: border-box; color: #38424b; font-family: Montserrat, &quot;Open Sans&quot;, Corbel, Arial, sans-serif; letter-spacing: 0.32px; line-height: 1.625; margin-block-start: 1em; margin: 0px;\"><span style=\"box-sizing: border-box; color: var(--text-color); margin: 0px;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\">Because we realize that the success of our state does not rely on the actions of government, but on the prosperity of our people.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"box-sizing: border-box; color: #38424b; font-family: Montserrat, &quot;Open Sans&quot;, Corbel, Arial, sans-serif; letter-spacing: 0.32px; line-height: 1.625; margin-block-start: 1em; margin: 0px;\"><span style=\"box-sizing: border-box; color: var(--text-color); margin: 0px;\"><span style=\"box-sizing: border-box; color: var(--text-color); margin: 0px;\"><span style=\"box-sizing: border-box; color: var(--text-color); margin: 0px;\"><a name=\"_Hlk155798763\" style=\"box-sizing: border-box; color: var(--link-color-default); font-weight: 600; hyphens: none; line-height: 1.625; margin: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; text-decoration-color: var(--swatch-functional-link-accent); text-decoration-skip-ink: auto; transition: color 0.2s ease 0s; word-break: break-word;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\">Washington D.C forgot a long time ago that it\u2019s not the brilliance of politicians or the good intentions of a new program that make our nation great.<\/span><\/a><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"box-sizing: border-box; color: #38424b; font-family: Montserrat, &quot;Open Sans&quot;, Corbel, Arial, sans-serif; letter-spacing: 0.32px; line-height: 1.625; margin-block-start: 1em; margin: 0px;\"><span style=\"box-sizing: border-box; color: var(--text-color); margin: 0px;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\">It\u2019s the resolve, ingenuity, and character of the American people.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"box-sizing: border-box; color: #38424b; font-family: Montserrat, &quot;Open Sans&quot;, Corbel, Arial, sans-serif; letter-spacing: 0.32px; line-height: 1.625; margin-block-start: 1em; margin: 0px;\"><span style=\"box-sizing: border-box; color: var(--text-color); margin: 0px;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\">Those were the hardworking Georgians we heard from on the campaign trail.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"box-sizing: border-box; color: #38424b; font-family: Montserrat, &quot;Open Sans&quot;, Corbel, Arial, sans-serif; letter-spacing: 0.32px; line-height: 1.625; margin-block-start: 1em; margin: 0px;\"><span style=\"box-sizing: border-box; color: var(--text-color); margin: 0px;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\">As a family, we heard their stories, their struggles, and their hopes for a brighter future.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"box-sizing: border-box; color: #38424b; font-family: Montserrat, &quot;Open Sans&quot;, Corbel, Arial, sans-serif; letter-spacing: 0.32px; line-height: 1.625; margin-block-start: 1em; margin: 0px;\"><span style=\"box-sizing: border-box; color: var(--text-color); margin: 0px;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\">And as you all know, that was truly a family affair. And I want to thank Marty, Jarrett, Lucy, and Amy Porter for being there every step of the way \u2013 including today!<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"box-sizing: border-box; color: #38424b; font-family: Montserrat, &quot;Open Sans&quot;, Corbel, Arial, sans-serif; letter-spacing: 0.32px; line-height: 1.625; margin-block-start: 1em; margin: 0px;\"><span style=\"box-sizing: border-box; color: var(--text-color); margin: 0px;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\">My commitment to the people of our state was simple. I promised to put hardworking Georgians first, fund our priorities as a state like education, public safety, and healthcare, but also keep government efficient, responsible, and accountable.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"box-sizing: border-box; color: #38424b; font-family: Montserrat, &quot;Open Sans&quot;, Corbel, Arial, sans-serif; letter-spacing: 0.32px; line-height: 1.625; margin-block-start: 1em; margin: 0px;\"><span style=\"box-sizing: border-box; color: var(--text-color); margin: 0px;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\">The federal government may have abandoned those principles, but here in Georgia, thanks to the partnership between my administration and the General Assembly, we\u2019ve delivered real results for the people of our state, ahead of schedule and under budget. &nbsp;<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"box-sizing: border-box; color: #38424b; font-family: Montserrat, &quot;Open Sans&quot;, Corbel, Arial, sans-serif; letter-spacing: 0.32px; line-height: 1.625; margin-block-start: 1em; margin: 0px;\"><span style=\"box-sizing: border-box; color: var(--text-color); margin: 0px;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\">Thanks to a strong economy and conservative fiscal management of state revenues, we\u2019ve provided nearly 5 billion dollars of direct relief to taxpayers in tax refunds, gas tax suspensions, homestead tax exemptions, and more.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"box-sizing: border-box; color: #38424b; font-family: Montserrat, &quot;Open Sans&quot;, Corbel, Arial, sans-serif; letter-spacing: 0.32px; line-height: 1.625; margin-block-start: 1em; margin: 0px;\"><span style=\"box-sizing: border-box; color: var(--text-color); margin: 0px;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\">Despite unprecedented challenges, we have maintained a Triple-A bond rating while celebrating the creation of more than 171,000 new jobs and roughly 74.5 billion dollars of investment in every corner of the Peach State over the last 5 years!<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"box-sizing: border-box; color: #38424b; font-family: Montserrat, &quot;Open Sans&quot;, Corbel, Arial, sans-serif; letter-spacing: 0.32px; line-height: 1.625; margin-block-start: 1em; margin: 0px;\"><span style=\"box-sizing: border-box; color: var(--text-color); margin: 0px;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\">And unlike a lot of blue states, these are private sector jobs \u2013 not growing the ranks of government!<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"box-sizing: border-box; color: #38424b; font-family: Montserrat, &quot;Open Sans&quot;, Corbel, Arial, sans-serif; letter-spacing: 0.32px; line-height: 1.625; margin-block-start: 1em; margin: 0px;\"><span style=\"box-sizing: border-box; color: var(--text-color); margin: 0px;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\">And we\u2019re not done yet.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"box-sizing: border-box; color: #38424b; font-family: Montserrat, &quot;Open Sans&quot;, Corbel, Arial, sans-serif; letter-spacing: 0.32px; line-height: 1.625; margin-block-start: 1em; margin: 0px;\"><span style=\"box-sizing: border-box; color: var(--text-color); margin: 0px;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\">Last month, I joined Lt. Governor Jones, Speaker Burns, and others to announce our plan to speed up implementation of the largest tax cut in state history.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"box-sizing: border-box; color: #38424b; font-family: Montserrat, &quot;Open Sans&quot;, Corbel, Arial, sans-serif; letter-spacing: 0.32px; line-height: 1.625; margin-block-start: 1em; margin: 0px;\"><span style=\"box-sizing: border-box; color: var(--text-color); margin: 0px;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\">With your support, I look forward to signing legislation that decreases our state income tax to 5.39 percent starting this year.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"box-sizing: border-box; color: #38424b; font-family: Montserrat, &quot;Open Sans&quot;, Corbel, Arial, sans-serif; letter-spacing: 0.32px; line-height: 1.625; margin-block-start: 1em; margin: 0px;\"><span style=\"box-sizing: border-box; color: var(--text-color); margin: 0px;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\">That represents savings of 3 billion dollars for Georgia taxpayers over the next ten years.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"box-sizing: border-box; color: #38424b; font-family: Montserrat, &quot;Open Sans&quot;, Corbel, Arial, sans-serif; letter-spacing: 0.32px; line-height: 1.625; margin-block-start: 1em; margin: 0px;\"><span style=\"box-sizing: border-box; color: var(--text-color); margin: 0px;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\">Mr. Speaker and Lt. Governor, while President Biden hires tens of thousands of new IRS agents, my vote is we just keep cutting taxes here in Georgia!<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"box-sizing: border-box; color: #38424b; font-family: Montserrat, &quot;Open Sans&quot;, Corbel, Arial, sans-serif; letter-spacing: 0.32px; line-height: 1.625; margin-block-start: 1em; margin: 0px;\"><span style=\"box-sizing: border-box; color: var(--text-color); margin: 0px;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\">The path Georgia has taken over the last five years has led to record job growth, historic investment in communities from Bainbridge to Blue Ridge, 5 billion dollars in tax relief, and enough funds saved to operate state government for months in an emergency, not days.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"box-sizing: border-box; color: #38424b; font-family: Montserrat, &quot;Open Sans&quot;, Corbel, Arial, sans-serif; letter-spacing: 0.32px; line-height: 1.625; margin-block-start: 1em; margin: 0px;\"><span style=\"box-sizing: border-box; color: var(--text-color); margin: 0px;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\">That\u2019s the choice before Georgians this November, and I feel confident they\u2019ll vote to keep Georgia moving in the right direction once again.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"box-sizing: border-box; color: #38424b; font-family: Montserrat, &quot;Open Sans&quot;, Corbel, Arial, sans-serif; letter-spacing: 0.32px; line-height: 1.625; margin-block-start: 1em; margin: 0px;\"><span style=\"box-sizing: border-box; color: var(--text-color); margin: 0px;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\">So, to answer the question, the state of our state is strong, growing, and prosperous because we trust our citizens more than we trust the government.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"box-sizing: border-box; color: #38424b; font-family: Montserrat, &quot;Open Sans&quot;, Corbel, Arial, sans-serif; letter-spacing: 0.32px; line-height: 1.625; margin-block-start: 1em; margin: 0px;\"><span style=\"box-sizing: border-box; color: var(--text-color); margin: 0px;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\">Georgia is succeeding because we\u2019ve charted our own path, rejected the failed policies of Washington D.C, and worked together to put our citizens first.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"box-sizing: border-box; color: #38424b; font-family: Montserrat, &quot;Open Sans&quot;, Corbel, Arial, sans-serif; letter-spacing: 0.32px; line-height: 1.625; margin-block-start: 1em; margin: 0px;\"><span style=\"box-sizing: border-box; color: var(--text-color); margin: 0px;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\">But I believe the worst thing we could do is call it a day and coast through what is certain to be a contentious election year.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"box-sizing: border-box; color: #38424b; font-family: Montserrat, &quot;Open Sans&quot;, Corbel, Arial, sans-serif; letter-spacing: 0.32px; line-height: 1.625; margin-block-start: 1em; margin: 0px;\"><span style=\"box-sizing: border-box; color: var(--text-color); margin: 0px;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\">We have accomplished so much over the last five years \u2013 despite unprecedented times and challenges \u2013 because we haven\u2019t gotten distracted from doing the job we were all sent here to do.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"box-sizing: border-box; color: #38424b; font-family: Montserrat, &quot;Open Sans&quot;, Corbel, Arial, sans-serif; letter-spacing: 0.32px; line-height: 1.625; margin-block-start: 1em; margin: 0px;\"><span style=\"box-sizing: border-box; color: var(--text-color); margin: 0px;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\">Like I mentioned four years ago in my second state of the state address, we stayed true to the example of Nehemiah, committed to our great work, and now we\u2019re seeing the results.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"box-sizing: border-box; color: #38424b; font-family: Montserrat, &quot;Open Sans&quot;, Corbel, Arial, sans-serif; letter-spacing: 0.32px; line-height: 1.625; margin-block-start: 1em; margin: 0px;\"><span style=\"box-sizing: border-box; color: var(--text-color); margin: 0px;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\">It\u2019s no secret that Georgia is growing. As the top state for business for a record ten years in a row, new jobs are headed our way on a daily basis, existing businesses are looking to expand, and companies all over the world look to the Peach State to locate their next headquarters.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"box-sizing: border-box; color: #38424b; font-family: Montserrat, &quot;Open Sans&quot;, Corbel, Arial, sans-serif; letter-spacing: 0.32px; line-height: 1.625; margin-block-start: 1em; margin: 0px;\"><span style=\"box-sizing: border-box; color: var(--text-color); margin: 0px;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\">But with growth comes the need for more trained workers to fill these good-paying jobs in a rapidly changing labor environment.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"box-sizing: border-box; color: #38424b; font-family: Montserrat, &quot;Open Sans&quot;, Corbel, Arial, sans-serif; letter-spacing: 0.32px; line-height: 1.625; margin-block-start: 1em; margin: 0px;\"><span style=\"box-sizing: border-box; color: var(--text-color); margin: 0px;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\">That\u2019s why I was proud to unveil the Georgia MATCH program at last year\u2019s Workforce Summit.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"box-sizing: border-box; color: #38424b; font-family: Montserrat, &quot;Open Sans&quot;, Corbel, Arial, sans-serif; letter-spacing: 0.32px; line-height: 1.625; margin-block-start: 1em; margin: 0px;\"><span style=\"box-sizing: border-box; color: var(--text-color); margin: 0px;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\">The largest direct college admissions program in the nation, Georgia MATCH is already doing an incredible job linking the upcoming generation with the school that meets their needs.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"box-sizing: border-box; color: #38424b; font-family: Montserrat, &quot;Open Sans&quot;, Corbel, Arial, sans-serif; letter-spacing: 0.32px; line-height: 1.625; margin-block-start: 1em; margin: 0px;\"><span style=\"box-sizing: border-box; color: var(--text-color); margin: 0px;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\">As of today, over 10,000 students have already \u201cmet their match,\u201d and we will keep working to reach every high school senior in Georgia, so that they know there is a higher education path open to them right here in the Peach State, no matter their circumstances.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"box-sizing: border-box; color: #38424b; font-family: Montserrat, &quot;Open Sans&quot;, Corbel, Arial, sans-serif; letter-spacing: 0.32px; line-height: 1.625; margin-block-start: 1em; margin: 0px;\"><span style=\"box-sizing: border-box; color: var(--text-color); margin: 0px;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\">Speaking of education, my amended 2024 budget and fiscal year 2025 budget proposals double down on our continued and historic support of K thru 12 education. with 1.4 billion dollars in additional funds allocated for a total of 12.8 billion dollars.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"box-sizing: border-box; color: #38424b; font-family: Montserrat, &quot;Open Sans&quot;, Corbel, Arial, sans-serif; letter-spacing: 0.32px; line-height: 1.625; margin-block-start: 1em; margin: 0px;\"><span style=\"box-sizing: border-box; color: var(--text-color); margin: 0px;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\">Republicans and Democrats alike have supported this record investment in our students, and I want to take a moment and thank all of you for that strong, bipartisan achievement.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"box-sizing: border-box; color: #38424b; font-family: Montserrat, &quot;Open Sans&quot;, Corbel, Arial, sans-serif; letter-spacing: 0.32px; line-height: 1.625; margin-block-start: 1em; margin: 0px;\"><span style=\"box-sizing: border-box; color: var(--text-color); margin: 0px;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\">It\u2019s also important for us to remember that increased funding does not always guarantee greater success.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"box-sizing: border-box; color: #38424b; font-family: Montserrat, &quot;Open Sans&quot;, Corbel, Arial, sans-serif; letter-spacing: 0.32px; line-height: 1.625; margin-block-start: 1em; margin: 0px;\"><span style=\"box-sizing: border-box; color: var(--text-color); margin: 0px;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\">As a small business owner for almost forty years now, I believe \u2013 like many of you \u2013 that competition and the free market drive innovation and, at the end of the day, result in a better product for the consumer.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"box-sizing: border-box; color: #38424b; font-family: Montserrat, &quot;Open Sans&quot;, Corbel, Arial, sans-serif; letter-spacing: 0.32px; line-height: 1.625; margin-block-start: 1em; margin: 0px;\"><span style=\"box-sizing: border-box; color: var(--text-color); margin: 0px;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\">When it comes to education, the same principles hold true.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"box-sizing: border-box; color: #38424b; font-family: Montserrat, &quot;Open Sans&quot;, Corbel, Arial, sans-serif; letter-spacing: 0.32px; line-height: 1.625; margin-block-start: 1em; margin: 0px;\"><span style=\"box-sizing: border-box; color: var(--text-color); margin: 0px;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\">Over the last few years, there has been a great deal of debate around different proposals to expand options for students and families when it comes to finding the education that best fits their individual needs.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"box-sizing: border-box; color: #38424b; font-family: Montserrat, &quot;Open Sans&quot;, Corbel, Arial, sans-serif; letter-spacing: 0.32px; line-height: 1.625; margin-block-start: 1em; margin: 0px;\"><span style=\"box-sizing: border-box; color: var(--text-color); margin: 0px;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\">Many members in both chambers have worked hard on this important issue and I want to thank and applaud them for their efforts.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"box-sizing: border-box; color: #38424b; font-family: Montserrat, &quot;Open Sans&quot;, Corbel, Arial, sans-serif; letter-spacing: 0.32px; line-height: 1.625; margin-block-start: 1em; margin: 0px;\"><span style=\"box-sizing: border-box; color: var(--text-color); margin: 0px;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\">Some prefer the term school choice or educational freedom, some call them vouchers.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"box-sizing: border-box; color: #38424b; font-family: Montserrat, &quot;Open Sans&quot;, Corbel, Arial, sans-serif; letter-spacing: 0.32px; line-height: 1.625; margin-block-start: 1em; margin: 0px;\"><span style=\"box-sizing: border-box; color: var(--text-color); margin: 0px;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\">In my opinion, what each of those terms or slogans fail to mention is the child. At the end of the day, our first and foremost consideration should be the future of that student.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"box-sizing: border-box; color: #38424b; font-family: Montserrat, &quot;Open Sans&quot;, Corbel, Arial, sans-serif; letter-spacing: 0.32px; line-height: 1.625; margin-block-start: 1em; margin: 0px;\"><span style=\"box-sizing: border-box; color: var(--text-color); margin: 0px;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\">Our job is not to decide for each family, but to support them in making the best choice for their child.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"box-sizing: border-box; color: #38424b; font-family: Montserrat, &quot;Open Sans&quot;, Corbel, Arial, sans-serif; letter-spacing: 0.32px; line-height: 1.625; margin-block-start: 1em; margin: 0px;\"><span style=\"box-sizing: border-box; color: var(--text-color); margin: 0px;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\">This week, as we begin the second year of another biennial of the General Assembly, I believe we have run out of \u201cnext years.\u201d<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"box-sizing: border-box; color: #38424b; font-family: Montserrat, &quot;Open Sans&quot;, Corbel, Arial, sans-serif; letter-spacing: 0.32px; line-height: 1.625; margin-block-start: 1em; margin: 0px;\"><span style=\"box-sizing: border-box; color: var(--text-color); margin: 0px;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\">I firmly believe we can take an all-of-the-above approach to education\u2026 whether it\u2019s public, private, homeschooling, charter, or otherwise.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"box-sizing: border-box; color: #38424b; font-family: Montserrat, &quot;Open Sans&quot;, Corbel, Arial, sans-serif; letter-spacing: 0.32px; line-height: 1.625; margin-block-start: 1em; margin: 0px;\"><span style=\"box-sizing: border-box; color: var(--text-color); margin: 0px;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\">It is time for all parties to get around a table and agree on the best path forward to provide our kids the best educational opportunities we can \u2013 because that\u2019s what we were elected to do.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"box-sizing: border-box; color: #38424b; font-family: Montserrat, &quot;Open Sans&quot;, Corbel, Arial, sans-serif; letter-spacing: 0.32px; line-height: 1.625; margin-block-start: 1em; margin: 0px;\"><span style=\"box-sizing: border-box; color: var(--text-color); margin: 0px;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\">To that end, my office and I look forward to working with the members and leadership of both chambers to get a bill passed and signed into law this session.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"box-sizing: border-box; color: #38424b; font-family: Montserrat, &quot;Open Sans&quot;, Corbel, Arial, sans-serif; letter-spacing: 0.32px; line-height: 1.625; margin-block-start: 1em; margin: 0px;\"><span style=\"box-sizing: border-box; color: var(--text-color); margin: 0px;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\">Finally, our students and teachers deserve to have a safe learning environment, no matter their zip code.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"box-sizing: border-box; color: #38424b; font-family: Montserrat, &quot;Open Sans&quot;, Corbel, Arial, sans-serif; letter-spacing: 0.32px; line-height: 1.625; margin-block-start: 1em; margin: 0px;\"><span style=\"box-sizing: border-box; color: var(--text-color); margin: 0px;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\">Since I took office, I have had the opportunity to hold more than 30 roundtable discussions with educators and superintendents from all over this state. We heard frequently that our schools were in need of additional resources to enhance this security.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"box-sizing: border-box; color: #38424b; font-family: Montserrat, &quot;Open Sans&quot;, Corbel, Arial, sans-serif; letter-spacing: 0.32px; line-height: 1.625; margin-block-start: 1em; margin: 0px;\"><span style=\"box-sizing: border-box; color: var(--text-color); margin: 0px;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\">That is why since 2019, we have provided more than 185 million dollars to all of our schools to help ensure the safety and well-being of our students and teachers.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"box-sizing: border-box; color: #38424b; font-family: Montserrat, &quot;Open Sans&quot;, Corbel, Arial, sans-serif; letter-spacing: 0.32px; line-height: 1.625; margin-block-start: 1em; margin: 0px;\"><span style=\"box-sizing: border-box; color: var(--text-color); margin: 0px;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\">This year, I am proposing we continue those efforts by making school security funding permanent. In my budget proposal, I have included a request for 104 million dollars that will go directly to school districts for school safety enhancements.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"box-sizing: border-box; color: #38424b; font-family: Montserrat, &quot;Open Sans&quot;, Corbel, Arial, sans-serif; letter-spacing: 0.32px; line-height: 1.625; margin-block-start: 1em; margin: 0px;\"><span style=\"box-sizing: border-box; color: var(--text-color); margin: 0px;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\">Schools will determine how best to use this money, whether for personnel like school resource officers or for physical and technology improvements that make our places of learning more secure.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"box-sizing: border-box; color: #38424b; font-family: Montserrat, &quot;Open Sans&quot;, Corbel, Arial, sans-serif; letter-spacing: 0.32px; line-height: 1.625; margin-block-start: 1em; margin: 0px;\"><span style=\"box-sizing: border-box; color: var(--text-color); margin: 0px;\"><span style=\"box-sizing: border-box; color: var(--text-color); margin: 0px;\"><span style=\"box-sizing: border-box; color: var(--text-color); margin: 0px;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><span style=\"box-sizing: border-box; color: var(--text-color); margin: 0px;\"><span style=\"box-sizing: border-box; color: var(--text-color); margin: 0px;\"><span style=\"box-sizing: border-box; color: var(--text-color); margin: 0px;\">This investment is more significant because it will enable schools and administrators to&nbsp;<\/span><\/span><\/span><span style=\"box-sizing: border-box; color: var(--text-color); margin: 0px;\"><span style=\"box-sizing: border-box; color: var(--text-color); margin: 0px;\"><span style=\"box-sizing: border-box; color: var(--text-color); margin: 0px;\">plan accordingly, knowing that this money is headed their way for this specific purpose.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"box-sizing: border-box; color: #38424b; font-family: Montserrat, &quot;Open Sans&quot;, Corbel, Arial, sans-serif; letter-spacing: 0.32px; line-height: 1.625; margin-block-start: 1em; margin: 0px;\"><span style=\"box-sizing: border-box; color: var(--text-color); margin: 0px;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\">I hope to see strong bipartisan support for this budget item to keep our kids and our schools safe.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"box-sizing: border-box; color: #38424b; font-family: Montserrat, &quot;Open Sans&quot;, Corbel, Arial, sans-serif; letter-spacing: 0.32px; line-height: 1.625; margin-block-start: 1em; margin: 0px;\"><span style=\"box-sizing: border-box; color: var(--text-color); margin: 0px;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\">Since being sworn in as your 83rd governor, a top priority of my administration has been ensuring the safety and security of our communities.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"box-sizing: border-box; color: #38424b; font-family: Montserrat, &quot;Open Sans&quot;, Corbel, Arial, sans-serif; letter-spacing: 0.32px; line-height: 1.625; margin-block-start: 1em; margin: 0px;\"><span style=\"box-sizing: border-box; color: var(--text-color); margin: 0px;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\">There\u2019s no doubt we have made great progress. From the GBI\u2019s Anti-Gang Taskforce and HEAT Unit, and the Department of Public Safety\u2019s Crime Suppression Unit, to the First Lady\u2019s GRACE Commission, the Attorney General\u2019s Human Trafficking Prosecution Unit, and the school security measures I just mentioned, we have not wavered in our commitment to strengthening public safety.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"box-sizing: border-box; color: #38424b; font-family: Montserrat, &quot;Open Sans&quot;, Corbel, Arial, sans-serif; letter-spacing: 0.32px; line-height: 1.625; margin-block-start: 1em; margin: 0px;\"><span style=\"box-sizing: border-box; color: var(--text-color); margin: 0px;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\">But the state can\u2019t do it alone. Thankfully, over the last two years, we have had strong partners at the local level who have worked alongside state law enforcement to make our capital city safer.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"box-sizing: border-box; color: #38424b; font-family: Montserrat, &quot;Open Sans&quot;, Corbel, Arial, sans-serif; letter-spacing: 0.32px; line-height: 1.625; margin-block-start: 1em; margin: 0px;\"><span style=\"box-sizing: border-box; color: var(--text-color); margin: 0px;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\">Two of those gentlemen are here with us today, and I want to take a moment to thank Mayor Dickens and Chief Schierbaum for their partnership.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"box-sizing: border-box; color: #38424b; font-family: Montserrat, &quot;Open Sans&quot;, Corbel, Arial, sans-serif; letter-spacing: 0.32px; line-height: 1.625; margin-block-start: 1em; margin: 0px;\"><span style=\"box-sizing: border-box; color: var(--text-color); margin: 0px;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\">While the mayor and I come from different political parties and don\u2019t agree on everything, we do agree on the importance of reducing crime and keeping our citizens safe.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"box-sizing: border-box; color: #38424b; font-family: Montserrat, &quot;Open Sans&quot;, Corbel, Arial, sans-serif; letter-spacing: 0.32px; line-height: 1.625; margin-block-start: 1em; margin: 0px;\"><span style=\"box-sizing: border-box; color: var(--text-color); margin: 0px;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\">Bipartisan majorities of both chambers, the mayor, and myself all agree on the critical need for the completion of the Atlanta Public Safety Training Center.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"box-sizing: border-box; color: #38424b; font-family: Montserrat, &quot;Open Sans&quot;, Corbel, Arial, sans-serif; letter-spacing: 0.32px; line-height: 1.625; margin-block-start: 1em; margin: 0px;\"><span style=\"box-sizing: border-box; color: var(--text-color); margin: 0px;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\">This facility will provide our law enforcement officers, firefighters and additional first responders the critical tools, knowledge, and skills needed to keep themselves and our communities safe.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"box-sizing: border-box; color: #38424b; font-family: Montserrat, &quot;Open Sans&quot;, Corbel, Arial, sans-serif; letter-spacing: 0.32px; line-height: 1.625; margin-block-start: 1em; margin: 0px;\"><span style=\"box-sizing: border-box; color: var(--text-color); margin: 0px;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\">One of our brave public safety officers is here with us this morning.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"box-sizing: border-box; color: #38424b; font-family: Montserrat, &quot;Open Sans&quot;, Corbel, Arial, sans-serif; letter-spacing: 0.32px; line-height: 1.625; margin-block-start: 1em; margin: 0px;\"><span style=\"box-sizing: border-box; color: var(--text-color); margin: 0px;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\">Exactly a year ago this week, this dedicated trooper was shot and severely wounded near the site of the future training center.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"box-sizing: border-box; color: #38424b; font-family: Montserrat, &quot;Open Sans&quot;, Corbel, Arial, sans-serif; letter-spacing: 0.32px; line-height: 1.625; margin-block-start: 1em; margin: 0px;\"><span style=\"box-sizing: border-box; color: var(--text-color); margin: 0px;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\">He spent weeks in the hospital fighting for his life, he endured multiple surgeries, and spent the better part of this year in recovery while his family stood strong beside him.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"box-sizing: border-box; color: #38424b; font-family: Montserrat, &quot;Open Sans&quot;, Corbel, Arial, sans-serif; letter-spacing: 0.32px; line-height: 1.625; margin-block-start: 1em; margin: 0px;\"><span style=\"box-sizing: border-box; color: var(--text-color); margin: 0px;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\">Marty and I were honored to spend time with him while he was in the hospital, and I was honored when he gave me one of my most prized possessions: his SWAT challenge coin bearing his badge number.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"box-sizing: border-box; color: #38424b; font-family: Montserrat, &quot;Open Sans&quot;, Corbel, Arial, sans-serif; letter-spacing: 0.32px; line-height: 1.625; margin-block-start: 1em; margin: 0px;\"><span style=\"box-sizing: border-box; color: var(--text-color); margin: 0px;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\">He had that coin on him when he was shot that horrible day, and it is a constant reminder of the price paid by men and women like him all over this state who keep our children, our homes, our businesses, and our streets safe.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"box-sizing: border-box; color: #38424b; font-family: Montserrat, &quot;Open Sans&quot;, Corbel, Arial, sans-serif; letter-spacing: 0.32px; line-height: 1.625; margin-block-start: 1em; margin: 0px;\"><span style=\"box-sizing: border-box; color: var(--text-color); margin: 0px;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\">Trooper First Class Jerry Parrish, will you please stand with your wife Kelli and let us thank you for your great service<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"box-sizing: border-box; color: #38424b; font-family: Montserrat, &quot;Open Sans&quot;, Corbel, Arial, sans-serif; letter-spacing: 0.32px; line-height: 1.625; margin-block-start: 1em; margin: 0px;\"><span style=\"box-sizing: border-box; color: var(--text-color); margin: 0px;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\">Thank you to the entire Parrish family for your service, your bravery, and the sacrifices you\u2019ve made over the past year for us.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"box-sizing: border-box; color: #38424b; font-family: Montserrat, &quot;Open Sans&quot;, Corbel, Arial, sans-serif; letter-spacing: 0.32px; line-height: 1.625; margin-block-start: 1em; margin: 0px;\"><span style=\"box-sizing: border-box; color: var(--text-color); margin: 0px;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\">We\u2019re also joined in the gallery by some brave men who rendered life-saving aid to Trooper Parrish on site and who helped get him to safety.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"box-sizing: border-box; color: #38424b; font-family: Montserrat, &quot;Open Sans&quot;, Corbel, Arial, sans-serif; letter-spacing: 0.32px; line-height: 1.625; margin-block-start: 1em; margin: 0px;\"><span style=\"box-sizing: border-box; color: var(--text-color); margin: 0px;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\">They represent some of our very finest from both the Department of Public Safety and the Department of Natural Resources. Will you all please stand and let us thank you for your inspiring actions?<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"box-sizing: border-box; color: #38424b; font-family: Montserrat, &quot;Open Sans&quot;, Corbel, Arial, sans-serif; letter-spacing: 0.32px; line-height: 1.625; margin-block-start: 1em; margin: 0px;\"><span style=\"box-sizing: border-box; color: var(--text-color); margin: 0px;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\">I don\u2019t claim to speak for anyone else in this chamber today, but this decision is very simple for me and my family.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"box-sizing: border-box; color: #38424b; font-family: Montserrat, &quot;Open Sans&quot;, Corbel, Arial, sans-serif; letter-spacing: 0.32px; line-height: 1.625; margin-block-start: 1em; margin: 0px;\"><span style=\"box-sizing: border-box; color: var(--text-color); margin: 0px;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\">As long as I\u2019m your governor, there will be no gray area or political double talk:<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"box-sizing: border-box; color: #38424b; font-family: Montserrat, &quot;Open Sans&quot;, Corbel, Arial, sans-serif; letter-spacing: 0.32px; line-height: 1.625; margin-block-start: 1em; margin: 0px;\"><span style=\"box-sizing: border-box; color: var(--text-color); margin: 0px;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\">We support our law enforcement officers.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"box-sizing: border-box; color: #38424b; font-family: Montserrat, &quot;Open Sans&quot;, Corbel, Arial, sans-serif; letter-spacing: 0.32px; line-height: 1.625; margin-block-start: 1em; margin: 0px;\"><span style=\"box-sizing: border-box; color: var(--text-color); margin: 0px;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\">We support our firefighters and first responders.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"box-sizing: border-box; color: #38424b; font-family: Montserrat, &quot;Open Sans&quot;, Corbel, Arial, sans-serif; letter-spacing: 0.32px; line-height: 1.625; margin-block-start: 1em; margin: 0px;\"><span style=\"box-sizing: border-box; color: var(--text-color); margin: 0px;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\">And the Atlanta Public Safety Training Center should be built \u2013 period!<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"box-sizing: border-box; color: #38424b; font-family: Montserrat, &quot;Open Sans&quot;, Corbel, Arial, sans-serif; letter-spacing: 0.32px; line-height: 1.625; margin-block-start: 1em; margin: 0px;\"><span style=\"box-sizing: border-box; color: var(--text-color); margin: 0px;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\">Article I, Section I, Paragraph II of the Georgia Constitution states: \u201cProtection to person and property is the paramount duty of government and shall be impartial and complete.\u201d<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"box-sizing: border-box; color: #38424b; font-family: Montserrat, &quot;Open Sans&quot;, Corbel, Arial, sans-serif; letter-spacing: 0.32px; line-height: 1.625; margin-block-start: 1em; margin: 0px;\"><span style=\"box-sizing: border-box; color: var(--text-color); margin: 0px;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\">To fulfill that paramount duty, we must do more than show our support for law enforcement in words. We have to show it through action.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"box-sizing: border-box; color: #38424b; font-family: Montserrat, &quot;Open Sans&quot;, Corbel, Arial, sans-serif; letter-spacing: 0.32px; line-height: 1.625; margin-block-start: 1em; margin: 0px;\"><span style=\"box-sizing: border-box; color: var(--text-color); margin: 0px;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\">That is why last year, thanks to the work of the General Assembly, I was proud to sign a budget that included a 6,000-dollar pay raise for state law enforcement officers. That pay raise was a recognition of the contributions these brave men and women make as they put their lives on the line, day in and day out.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"box-sizing: border-box; color: #38424b; font-family: Montserrat, &quot;Open Sans&quot;, Corbel, Arial, sans-serif; letter-spacing: 0.32px; line-height: 1.625; margin-block-start: 1em; margin: 0px;\"><span style=\"box-sizing: border-box; color: var(--text-color); margin: 0px;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\">And this year I look forward to working with each of you to, once again, provide another pay raise for state law enforcement.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"box-sizing: border-box; color: #38424b; font-family: Montserrat, &quot;Open Sans&quot;, Corbel, Arial, sans-serif; letter-spacing: 0.32px; line-height: 1.625; margin-block-start: 1em; margin: 0px;\"><span style=\"box-sizing: border-box; color: var(--text-color); margin: 0px;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\">Within my budget proposal are pay increases of an additional 3,000 dollars for State Patrol officers like Trooper Parrish, as well as our correctional officers and other state law enforcement agencies.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"box-sizing: border-box; color: #38424b; font-family: Montserrat, &quot;Open Sans&quot;, Corbel, Arial, sans-serif; letter-spacing: 0.32px; line-height: 1.625; margin-block-start: 1em; margin: 0px;\"><span style=\"box-sizing: border-box; color: var(--text-color); margin: 0px;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\">These investments will not only serve as a renewal of our commitment to these law enforcement officers, but will also support our ongoing recruitment and retention efforts.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"box-sizing: border-box; color: #38424b; font-family: Montserrat, &quot;Open Sans&quot;, Corbel, Arial, sans-serif; letter-spacing: 0.32px; line-height: 1.625; margin-block-start: 1em; margin: 0px;\"><span style=\"box-sizing: border-box; color: var(--text-color); margin: 0px;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\">I\u2019m also urging the General Assembly to complete what we started last year and give final passage to the peace officer loan repayment program.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"box-sizing: border-box; color: #38424b; font-family: Montserrat, &quot;Open Sans&quot;, Corbel, Arial, sans-serif; letter-spacing: 0.32px; line-height: 1.625; margin-block-start: 1em; margin: 0px;\"><span style=\"box-sizing: border-box; color: var(--text-color); margin: 0px;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\">Because despite what some may say, we need more police officers, not fewer.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"box-sizing: border-box; color: #38424b; font-family: Montserrat, &quot;Open Sans&quot;, Corbel, Arial, sans-serif; letter-spacing: 0.32px; line-height: 1.625; margin-block-start: 1em; margin: 0px;\"><span style=\"box-sizing: border-box; color: var(--text-color); margin: 0px;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\">This year we will also be continuing our efforts to combat human trafficking in our state, thanks to the leadership of the greatest First Lady in the country, Marty Kemp!<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"box-sizing: border-box; color: #38424b; font-family: Montserrat, &quot;Open Sans&quot;, Corbel, Arial, sans-serif; letter-spacing: 0.32px; line-height: 1.625; margin-block-start: 1em; margin: 0px;\"><span style=\"box-sizing: border-box; color: var(--text-color); margin: 0px;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\">Thanks to her work, and that of the GRACE Commission and members of both chambers, Georgia has gone from being known as a human trafficking destination to being known as the leader in going after traffickers and supporting victims.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"box-sizing: border-box; color: #38424b; font-family: Montserrat, &quot;Open Sans&quot;, Corbel, Arial, sans-serif; letter-spacing: 0.32px; line-height: 1.625; margin-block-start: 1em; margin: 0px;\"><span style=\"box-sizing: border-box; color: var(--text-color); margin: 0px;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\">Under the First Lady\u2019s leadership, and with overwhelming support from both chambers, we have passed and signed into law 8 pieces of legislation that go after those who work in this evil enterprise while also supporting the victims.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"box-sizing: border-box; color: #38424b; font-family: Montserrat, &quot;Open Sans&quot;, Corbel, Arial, sans-serif; letter-spacing: 0.32px; line-height: 1.625; margin-block-start: 1em; margin: 0px;\"><span style=\"box-sizing: border-box; color: var(--text-color); margin: 0px;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\">Our efforts have enabled the GBI\u2019s HEAT unit to investigate 369 cases of human trafficking since its creation and for Attorney General Carr\u2019s Human Trafficking Prosecution unit to secure 32 convictions while assisting in the rescue of over 129 victims since it launched.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"box-sizing: border-box; color: #38424b; font-family: Montserrat, &quot;Open Sans&quot;, Corbel, Arial, sans-serif; letter-spacing: 0.32px; line-height: 1.625; margin-block-start: 1em; margin: 0px;\"><span style=\"box-sizing: border-box; color: var(--text-color); margin: 0px;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\">But we still have work to do, and Marty and I are both looking forward to working with each of you this session to keep up this fight.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"box-sizing: border-box; color: #38424b; font-family: Montserrat, &quot;Open Sans&quot;, Corbel, Arial, sans-serif; letter-spacing: 0.32px; line-height: 1.625; margin-block-start: 1em; margin: 0px;\"><span style=\"box-sizing: border-box; color: var(--text-color); margin: 0px;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\">Five years into my administration, when it comes to healthcare, we have made enormous strides in lowering costs, expanding access, and incentivizing more healthcare providers to give care.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"box-sizing: border-box; color: #38424b; font-family: Montserrat, &quot;Open Sans&quot;, Corbel, Arial, sans-serif; letter-spacing: 0.32px; line-height: 1.625; margin-block-start: 1em; margin: 0px;\"><span style=\"box-sizing: border-box; color: var(--text-color); margin: 0px;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\">We began this work with the passage of the Patients First Act in 2019, and since then, we\u2019ve seen strong results.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"box-sizing: border-box; color: #38424b; font-family: Montserrat, &quot;Open Sans&quot;, Corbel, Arial, sans-serif; letter-spacing: 0.32px; line-height: 1.625; margin-block-start: 1em; margin: 0px;\"><span style=\"box-sizing: border-box; color: var(--text-color); margin: 0px;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\">In 2019, no counties in Georgia had more than 2 health insurance carriers. Today, 87 percent of Georgia counties have three or more carriers.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"box-sizing: border-box; color: #38424b; font-family: Montserrat, &quot;Open Sans&quot;, Corbel, Arial, sans-serif; letter-spacing: 0.32px; line-height: 1.625; margin-block-start: 1em; margin: 0px;\"><span style=\"box-sizing: border-box; color: var(--text-color); margin: 0px;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\">And thanks to Georgia Access and the reinsurance program, enrollment in the private sector exchange over the past five years has grown from just under 460,000 to over 1.2 million Georgians.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"box-sizing: border-box; color: #38424b; font-family: Montserrat, &quot;Open Sans&quot;, Corbel, Arial, sans-serif; letter-spacing: 0.32px; line-height: 1.625; margin-block-start: 1em; margin: 0px;\"><span style=\"box-sizing: border-box; color: var(--text-color); margin: 0px;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\">Georgia Access is also saving hardworking families more and more in their wallets.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"box-sizing: border-box; color: #38424b; font-family: Montserrat, &quot;Open Sans&quot;, Corbel, Arial, sans-serif; letter-spacing: 0.32px; line-height: 1.625; margin-block-start: 1em; margin: 0px;\"><span style=\"box-sizing: border-box; color: var(--text-color); margin: 0px;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\">In all, we\u2019ve reduced premiums by an average of 11 percent across the state. That represents an average annual premium reduction of almost 929 million dollars a year.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"box-sizing: border-box; color: #38424b; font-family: Montserrat, &quot;Open Sans&quot;, Corbel, Arial, sans-serif; letter-spacing: 0.32px; line-height: 1.625; margin-block-start: 1em; margin: 0px;\"><span style=\"box-sizing: border-box; color: var(--text-color); margin: 0px;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\">In rural counties, where premium prices were the least affordable when I took office, Georgia Access has reduced premiums by an average of 29 percent.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"box-sizing: border-box; color: #38424b; font-family: Montserrat, &quot;Open Sans&quot;, Corbel, Arial, sans-serif; letter-spacing: 0.32px; line-height: 1.625; margin-block-start: 1em; margin: 0px;\"><span style=\"box-sizing: border-box; color: var(--text-color); margin: 0px;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\">While some in the media refuse to acknowledge this significant progress, we\u2019ll continue to support policies that work for Georgians \u2013 not political narratives.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"box-sizing: border-box; color: #38424b; font-family: Montserrat, &quot;Open Sans&quot;, Corbel, Arial, sans-serif; letter-spacing: 0.32px; line-height: 1.625; margin-block-start: 1em; margin: 0px;\"><span style=\"box-sizing: border-box; color: var(--text-color); margin: 0px;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\">Because the fact is that for individuals and families struggling to make ends meet, lower insurance costs and more choices lead to better care that they can actually afford.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"box-sizing: border-box; color: #38424b; font-family: Montserrat, &quot;Open Sans&quot;, Corbel, Arial, sans-serif; letter-spacing: 0.32px; line-height: 1.625; margin-block-start: 1em; margin: 0px;\"><span style=\"box-sizing: border-box; color: var(--text-color); margin: 0px;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\">And because we have made sound policy choices, budgeted conservatively, and prioritize innovation and efficiency, we\u2019re able to make other important investments in the health and wellbeing of hardworking Georgians.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"box-sizing: border-box; color: #38424b; font-family: Montserrat, &quot;Open Sans&quot;, Corbel, Arial, sans-serif; letter-spacing: 0.32px; line-height: 1.625; margin-block-start: 1em; margin: 0px;\"><span style=\"box-sizing: border-box; color: var(--text-color); margin: 0px;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\">That includes our efforts in mental health.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"box-sizing: border-box; color: #38424b; font-family: Montserrat, &quot;Open Sans&quot;, Corbel, Arial, sans-serif; letter-spacing: 0.32px; line-height: 1.625; margin-block-start: 1em; margin: 0px;\"><span style=\"box-sizing: border-box; color: var(--text-color); margin: 0px;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\">Two years ago, I was proud to sign into law the Mental Health Parity Act, a fitting capstone to the late Speaker David Ralston\u2019s years of service in this chamber, and one that leaves a lasting legacy.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"box-sizing: border-box; color: #38424b; font-family: Montserrat, &quot;Open Sans&quot;, Corbel, Arial, sans-serif; letter-spacing: 0.32px; line-height: 1.625; margin-block-start: 1em; margin: 0px;\"><span style=\"box-sizing: border-box; color: var(--text-color); margin: 0px;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\">One of the most visible examples of that legacy was the 9-8-8 crisis hotline campaign, conducted by the Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities last year.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"box-sizing: border-box; color: #38424b; font-family: Montserrat, &quot;Open Sans&quot;, Corbel, Arial, sans-serif; letter-spacing: 0.32px; line-height: 1.625; margin-block-start: 1em; margin: 0px;\"><span style=\"box-sizing: border-box; color: var(--text-color); margin: 0px;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\">Thanks to Commissioner Kevin Tanner and his team, more Georgians than ever before are accessing services and the help they need to turn their lives around for the better.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"box-sizing: border-box; color: #38424b; font-family: Montserrat, &quot;Open Sans&quot;, Corbel, Arial, sans-serif; letter-spacing: 0.32px; line-height: 1.625; margin-block-start: 1em; margin: 0px;\"><span style=\"box-sizing: border-box; color: var(--text-color); margin: 0px;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\">To enhance this program further, my budget proposals call for a total increase of 205 million dollars for DBHDD and other entities that address mental health.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"box-sizing: border-box; color: #38424b; font-family: Montserrat, &quot;Open Sans&quot;, Corbel, Arial, sans-serif; letter-spacing: 0.32px; line-height: 1.625; margin-block-start: 1em; margin: 0px;\"><span style=\"box-sizing: border-box; color: var(--text-color); margin: 0px;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\">This new funding will enable DBHDD to expand services for those struggling with mental illness, it will increase the number of crisis beds throughout the state, it will further crisis intervention resources in all communities, and improve the quality of mental health services overall.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"box-sizing: border-box; color: #38424b; font-family: Montserrat, &quot;Open Sans&quot;, Corbel, Arial, sans-serif; letter-spacing: 0.32px; line-height: 1.625; margin-block-start: 1em; margin: 0px;\"><span style=\"box-sizing: border-box; color: var(--text-color); margin: 0px;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\">Once passed, we will be spending 1.6 billion dollars on mental health &#8211; more than ever before.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"box-sizing: border-box; color: #38424b; font-family: Montserrat, &quot;Open Sans&quot;, Corbel, Arial, sans-serif; letter-spacing: 0.32px; line-height: 1.625; margin-block-start: 1em; margin: 0px;\"><span style=\"box-sizing: border-box; color: var(--text-color); margin: 0px;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\">I\u2019m proud of what these and other agencies are doing to help their fellow Georgians and to keep us the best state to live, work, and raise a family.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"box-sizing: border-box; color: #38424b; font-family: Montserrat, &quot;Open Sans&quot;, Corbel, Arial, sans-serif; letter-spacing: 0.32px; line-height: 1.625; margin-block-start: 1em; margin: 0px;\"><span style=\"box-sizing: border-box; color: var(--text-color); margin: 0px;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\">As we speak, all across Georgia, there are men and women working hard to keep our neighborhoods safe, attract new jobs and industries to communities in need, teaching a whole generation that will one day occupy these roles, and much more.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"box-sizing: border-box; color: #38424b; font-family: Montserrat, &quot;Open Sans&quot;, Corbel, Arial, sans-serif; letter-spacing: 0.32px; line-height: 1.625; margin-block-start: 1em; margin: 0px;\"><span style=\"box-sizing: border-box; color: var(--text-color); margin: 0px;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\">They have remained committed and hardworking during unprecedented challenges over the last five years and I\u2019m proud of everything they have accomplished for our citizens.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"box-sizing: border-box; color: #38424b; font-family: Montserrat, &quot;Open Sans&quot;, Corbel, Arial, sans-serif; letter-spacing: 0.32px; line-height: 1.625; margin-block-start: 1em; margin: 0px;\"><span style=\"box-sizing: border-box; color: var(--text-color); margin: 0px;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\">It\u2019s no secret that most state government jobs pay less than private sector opportunities in the same line of work. But many of our employees do it because they feel a sense of public service and they want our state to succeed.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"box-sizing: border-box; color: #38424b; font-family: Montserrat, &quot;Open Sans&quot;, Corbel, Arial, sans-serif; letter-spacing: 0.32px; line-height: 1.625; margin-block-start: 1em; margin: 0px;\"><span style=\"box-sizing: border-box; color: var(--text-color); margin: 0px;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\">But for state government to stay efficient and stay ahead of Georgia\u2019s continued growth, we must be able to attract and then retain employees who perform vitally important jobs.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"box-sizing: border-box; color: #38424b; font-family: Montserrat, &quot;Open Sans&quot;, Corbel, Arial, sans-serif; letter-spacing: 0.32px; line-height: 1.625; margin-block-start: 1em; margin: 0px;\"><span style=\"box-sizing: border-box; color: var(--text-color); margin: 0px;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\">That\u2019s why my budget proposal provides a pay increase for all state employees, including our teachers.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"box-sizing: border-box; color: #38424b; font-family: Montserrat, &quot;Open Sans&quot;, Corbel, Arial, sans-serif; letter-spacing: 0.32px; line-height: 1.625; margin-block-start: 1em; margin: 0px;\"><span style=\"box-sizing: border-box; color: var(--text-color); margin: 0px;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\">This will build on the historic raises we\u2019ve provided for educators over recent years and will increase every state worker\u2019s pay by 4 percent.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"box-sizing: border-box; color: #38424b; font-family: Montserrat, &quot;Open Sans&quot;, Corbel, Arial, sans-serif; letter-spacing: 0.32px; line-height: 1.625; margin-block-start: 1em; margin: 0px;\"><span style=\"box-sizing: border-box; color: var(--text-color); margin: 0px;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\">My proposal also rewards those who gave decades of their lives and careers to serving others by allocating 500 million dollars to shore up our state retiree fund, ensuring our state keeps its promises to our retirees and stays on solid financial footing.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"box-sizing: border-box; color: #38424b; font-family: Montserrat, &quot;Open Sans&quot;, Corbel, Arial, sans-serif; letter-spacing: 0.32px; line-height: 1.625; margin-block-start: 1em; margin: 0px;\"><span style=\"box-sizing: border-box; color: var(--text-color); margin: 0px;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\">Instead of expanding the size and scope of government, we\u2019re putting state dollars to work in targeted, efficient ways to recruit, retain, and thank employees in vital roles from corrections officers to case workers.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"box-sizing: border-box; color: #38424b; font-family: Montserrat, &quot;Open Sans&quot;, Corbel, Arial, sans-serif; letter-spacing: 0.32px; line-height: 1.625; margin-block-start: 1em; margin: 0px;\"><span style=\"box-sizing: border-box; color: var(--text-color); margin: 0px;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\">By doing so, we\u2019re continuing our efforts to wisely use every penny taxpayers send us, from state agency personnel, to our schools, public safety, and the healthcare marketplace.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"box-sizing: border-box; color: #38424b; font-family: Montserrat, &quot;Open Sans&quot;, Corbel, Arial, sans-serif; letter-spacing: 0.32px; line-height: 1.625; margin-block-start: 1em; margin: 0px;\"><span style=\"box-sizing: border-box; color: var(--text-color); margin: 0px;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\">As we look across America, there is no doubt we are at a crossroads.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"box-sizing: border-box; color: #38424b; font-family: Montserrat, &quot;Open Sans&quot;, Corbel, Arial, sans-serif; letter-spacing: 0.32px; line-height: 1.625; margin-block-start: 1em; margin: 0px;\"><span style=\"box-sizing: border-box; color: var(--text-color); margin: 0px;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\">From crushing inflation and dysfunction in Washington, to the crisis at our southern border and unrest overseas, these are indeed trying times.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"box-sizing: border-box; color: #38424b; font-family: Montserrat, &quot;Open Sans&quot;, Corbel, Arial, sans-serif; letter-spacing: 0.32px; line-height: 1.625; margin-block-start: 1em; margin: 0px;\"><span style=\"box-sizing: border-box; color: var(--text-color); margin: 0px;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\">But I believe we have an opportunity here in Georgia, an opportunity to highlight a different path.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"box-sizing: border-box; color: #38424b; font-family: Montserrat, &quot;Open Sans&quot;, Corbel, Arial, sans-serif; letter-spacing: 0.32px; line-height: 1.625; margin-block-start: 1em; margin: 0px;\"><span style=\"box-sizing: border-box; color: var(--text-color); margin: 0px;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\">One of the brilliant principles of America\u2019s founding is the role of the states, for them to be the laboratories of democracy, to protect the liberties and freedoms of their citizens, and to carry out the will of the people.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"box-sizing: border-box; color: #38424b; font-family: Montserrat, &quot;Open Sans&quot;, Corbel, Arial, sans-serif; letter-spacing: 0.32px; line-height: 1.625; margin-block-start: 1em; margin: 0px;\"><span style=\"box-sizing: border-box; color: var(--text-color); margin: 0px;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\">Our founders didn\u2019t believe the states should always look to the federal government for answers, and judging by the current comparison, I don\u2019t think we would have much to learn. &nbsp;<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"box-sizing: border-box; color: #38424b; font-family: Montserrat, &quot;Open Sans&quot;, Corbel, Arial, sans-serif; letter-spacing: 0.32px; line-height: 1.625; margin-block-start: 1em; margin: 0px;\"><span style=\"box-sizing: border-box; color: var(--text-color); margin: 0px;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\">In Georgia, we balance our budget and spend less than we take in.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"box-sizing: border-box; color: #38424b; font-family: Montserrat, &quot;Open Sans&quot;, Corbel, Arial, sans-serif; letter-spacing: 0.32px; line-height: 1.625; margin-block-start: 1em; margin: 0px;\"><span style=\"box-sizing: border-box; color: var(--text-color); margin: 0px;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\">We cut taxes instead of raising them.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"box-sizing: border-box; color: #38424b; font-family: Montserrat, &quot;Open Sans&quot;, Corbel, Arial, sans-serif; letter-spacing: 0.32px; line-height: 1.625; margin-block-start: 1em; margin: 0px;\"><span style=\"box-sizing: border-box; color: var(--text-color); margin: 0px;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\">We return money back to the taxpayers rather than justifying new government programs.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"box-sizing: border-box; color: #38424b; font-family: Montserrat, &quot;Open Sans&quot;, Corbel, Arial, sans-serif; letter-spacing: 0.32px; line-height: 1.625; margin-block-start: 1em; margin: 0px;\"><span style=\"box-sizing: border-box; color: var(--text-color); margin: 0px;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\">We back the blue, crack down on violent crime and gangs, and put the safety of our communities ahead of partisan political agendas.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"box-sizing: border-box; color: #38424b; font-family: Montserrat, &quot;Open Sans&quot;, Corbel, Arial, sans-serif; letter-spacing: 0.32px; line-height: 1.625; margin-block-start: 1em; margin: 0px;\"><span style=\"box-sizing: border-box; color: var(--text-color); margin: 0px;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\">We celebrate the free market, instead of using the heavy hand of government.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"box-sizing: border-box; color: #38424b; font-family: Montserrat, &quot;Open Sans&quot;, Corbel, Arial, sans-serif; letter-spacing: 0.32px; line-height: 1.625; margin-block-start: 1em; margin: 0px;\"><span style=\"box-sizing: border-box; color: var(--text-color); margin: 0px;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\">We work together across party lines on more issues than not.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"box-sizing: border-box; color: #38424b; font-family: Montserrat, &quot;Open Sans&quot;, Corbel, Arial, sans-serif; letter-spacing: 0.32px; line-height: 1.625; margin-block-start: 1em; margin: 0px;\"><span style=\"box-sizing: border-box; color: var(--text-color); margin: 0px;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\">And most importantly, we put our people first.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"box-sizing: border-box; color: #38424b; font-family: Montserrat, &quot;Open Sans&quot;, Corbel, Arial, sans-serif; letter-spacing: 0.32px; line-height: 1.625; margin-block-start: 1em; margin: 0px;\"><span style=\"box-sizing: border-box; color: var(--text-color); margin: 0px;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\">In an election year, I don\u2019t expect us all to agree on every issue. Every district represented under this Gold Dome is different and sends each of you here with a unique set of issues to address.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"box-sizing: border-box; color: #38424b; font-family: Montserrat, &quot;Open Sans&quot;, Corbel, Arial, sans-serif; letter-spacing: 0.32px; line-height: 1.625; margin-block-start: 1em; margin: 0px;\"><span style=\"box-sizing: border-box; color: var(--text-color); margin: 0px;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\">Over the next 36 legislative days, there will be passionate debate, there will be disagreements, there will be tough votes, there will be long nights, and maybe even some short tempers.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"box-sizing: border-box; color: #38424b; font-family: Montserrat, &quot;Open Sans&quot;, Corbel, Arial, sans-serif; letter-spacing: 0.32px; line-height: 1.625; margin-block-start: 1em; margin: 0px;\"><span style=\"box-sizing: border-box; color: var(--text-color); margin: 0px;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\">But in the middle of all that, I ask that we also remember Georgia is different for a reason.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"box-sizing: border-box; color: #38424b; font-family: Montserrat, &quot;Open Sans&quot;, Corbel, Arial, sans-serif; letter-spacing: 0.32px; line-height: 1.625; margin-block-start: 1em; margin: 0px;\"><span style=\"box-sizing: border-box; color: var(--text-color); margin: 0px;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\">That our success is not an accident, but the result of a resilient people who elected their leaders to keep state government efficient, responsive, and accountable.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"box-sizing: border-box; color: #38424b; font-family: Montserrat, &quot;Open Sans&quot;, Corbel, Arial, sans-serif; letter-spacing: 0.32px; line-height: 1.625; margin-block-start: 1em; margin: 0px;\"><span style=\"box-sizing: border-box; color: var(--text-color); margin: 0px;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\">In Georgia, we believe the American Dream will always provide our people greater prosperity than the government ever could.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"box-sizing: border-box; color: #38424b; font-family: Montserrat, &quot;Open Sans&quot;, Corbel, Arial, sans-serif; letter-spacing: 0.32px; line-height: 1.625; margin-block-start: 1em; margin: 0px;\"><span style=\"box-sizing: border-box; color: var(--text-color); margin: 0px;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\">The state of our state is strong, growing, and full of opportunity.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"box-sizing: border-box; color: #38424b; font-family: Montserrat, &quot;Open Sans&quot;, Corbel, Arial, sans-serif; letter-spacing: 0.32px; line-height: 1.625; margin-block-start: 1em; margin: 0px;\"><span style=\"box-sizing: border-box; color: var(--text-color); margin: 0px;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\">Let\u2019s use this session to keep it that way!<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"box-sizing: border-box; color: #38424b; font-family: Montserrat, &quot;Open Sans&quot;, Corbel, Arial, sans-serif; letter-spacing: 0.32px; line-height: 1.625; margin-block-start: 1em; margin: 0px;\"><span style=\"box-sizing: border-box; color: var(--text-color); margin: 0px;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\">Thank you all, may God Bless you, and may God Bless the great state of Georgia!<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Georgia Lt. Governor Jones, Speaker Burns, President Pro Tem Kennedy, Speaker Pro Tem Jones, members of the General Assembly, Constitutional Officers, members of the Public Service Commission, Mayor Dickens, members of the judiciary, members of the consular corps, and my fellow Georgians: Later this year, the people of this state will once again fulfill their [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"give_campaign_id":0,"footnotes":""},"categories":[3],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-57","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-breaking-news"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/adntesting.online\/chambersledger\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/57","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/adntesting.online\/chambersledger\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/adntesting.online\/chambersledger\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/adntesting.online\/chambersledger\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/adntesting.online\/chambersledger\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=57"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/adntesting.online\/chambersledger\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/57\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":208,"href":"https:\/\/adntesting.online\/chambersledger\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/57\/revisions\/208"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/adntesting.online\/chambersledger\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=57"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/adntesting.online\/chambersledger\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=57"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/adntesting.online\/chambersledger\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=57"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}