Right from the outset, Senate Republicans laid out ambitious objectives for the 2024 Legislative Session: reducing income taxes, bolstering pay for Georgia’s educators, expanding school choice, spearheading meaningful immigration reform, and putting forward resources to keep our communities safe. These accomplishments, among others, stand as a testament to our unwavering commitment to the welfare of Georgians during another year under the Gold Dome.

In 2024, we doubled down on putting money back into the pockets of hardworking Georgians and secured an additional $2 billion in tax relief for taxpayers and homeowners. Spearheaded by Governor Brian Kemp, the Legislature approved an additional income tax cut, dropping Georgia’s income tax rate to 5.39%. For property owners, the General Assembly approved HB 581, limiting increases on property taxes to 3% year to year and updated the property evaluation assessment process across the state. With the passage of HB 581, we hope to continue to lower cost and eliminate confusion in Georgia’s property tax code.

Furthermore, Georgia’s recently passed FY 2025 Budget includes a 4% pay increase for qualified educators and assistant educators in Pre-K roles. With this additional raise, Georgia educators are now the highest paid in the southeastern United States. Moreover, I am thrilled to announce that we have doubled down on our commitment to expand the highly effective “Leader In Me” program which has shown tremendous success in Bibb County and throughout middle Georgia.  In the FY 24 Amended Budget, the General Assembly appropriated an additional $10 million to continue to change the lives of students in even more communities across the state. I want to thank the Georgia Department of Education and Superintendent Richard Woods for their unwavering support of this program. I am excited to see how many lives will be transformed by this groundbreaking curriculum that will positively impact students inside and outside of the classroom.

Additionally, the General Assembly passed Senate Bill 233 giving parents and children options to alternative educational opportunities for qualified students. “The Georgia Promise Scholarship Act,” provides a choice to students enrolled in underperforming schools by offering a state-funded scholarship to assist parents in enrolling their children into a qualified educational alternative. This groundbreaking legislation paves a clear path for educational success and school choice for Georgia families.

Public safety is paramount for Georgia's present and future success. This year, as the federal government faltered, the Georgia Senate took decisive action to stem the dangerous tide of illegal immigration. The crisis at our southern border has metastasized into a nationwide epidemic, with fentanyl-laced drugs and dangerous criminals infiltrating at an alarming rate. While the federal government grapples with this pressing issue, Georgia legislators have stepped up, passing legislation to protect our citizens. HB 301 empowers residents to file suit against local governments that enact sanctuary city policies. Additionally, HB 1105 mandates local law enforcement cooperate with federal authorities in enforcing immigration laws. I am confident that our state will continue to confront the illegal immigration crisis head-on and we stand ready to collaborate with the federal government once they engage in good faith efforts to protect our communities.

In essence, the 2024 Legislative Session was marked by significant achievements that will undoubtedly fortify Georgia for generations to come. It is an honor to serve the 18^th Senate District, and I remain dedicated to serving you in the months leading up to Georgia’s next Legislative Session.