Crossover Day is quickly approaching, and we’re working diligently to send strong, conservative solutions over to the House that deliver real results for you and your family. 

It’s never been more important to let Georgians keep more of what they earn. When Republicans first took control of state government in 2002, Georgia’s income tax rate stood at 6%, where it had remained for more than three decades under Democratic leadership. Since then, through years of disciplined, conservative budgeting, we have reduced that rate to 5.19% and put our state on a path toward further reductions. 

I’ve served in the Senate for more than ten years, and can attest that this progress has not happened by accident. It happened because we made tough decisions, prioritized taxpayers and kept our state on a solid financial footing, even through COVID and historic inflation.

Now we’re taking a bold next step.

Senate Bills 476 and 477 represent a historic shift in Georgia’s tax policy. SB 476 eliminates the state income tax on the first $50,000 earned by individual taxpayers and the first $100,000 earned by married couples filing jointly. That means over half of Georgia taxpayers would pay zero state income tax. We are accomplishing this by responsibly reviewing and modernizing tax credits issued over the years while preserving Georgia’s competitive, pro-business climate. Supporting job creators remains important, but our first responsibility is to the families who work hard and keep our communities strong.

SB 477 ensures we stay on that path by reducing the income tax rate by a full percentage point over the next three years. This pushes us towards permanent, structural tax relief. When the government claims too much of your income, it limits your freedom. We believe Georgia families are best positioned to decide how to spend their own money, whether that’s on groceries, childcare, school supplies or a mortgage payment.

While Democrats choose to focus on expanding government programs, we are focused on expanding opportunity for every Georgian. Our state’s strong financial position allows us to return money to the people who earn it while still investing in core services and maintaining one of the nation's strongest economies.

Education also remains one of our top priorities. Senate Bill 150 extends the program allowing retired teachers to return to the classroom, helping school systems hire experienced educators when they are needed most. Our students deserve stability and quality instruction, and this legislation will open a door for proven teachers to continue serving Georgia families.

We are also standing firm in protecting Georgia’s children from harm. HB 54 safeguards minors from irreversible medical procedures related to gender transition and prevents taxpayer dollars from funding these procedures in state institutions. Our responsibility is to protect our children and ensure that state resources are directed toward urgent medical needs, not cosmetic procedures for criminals.

In addition to supporting our Majority Caucus priorities, I’m also sponsoring Senate Bill 409, otherwise known as the “Insurers’ Use of Aerial or Satellite Images Act.” This legislation protects homeowners from being falsely charged by insurance companies that use outdated and inaccurate imagery to identify alleged property issues. It also provides a 60-day correction period and the opportunity for homeowners to submit an appeal to the company. 

This legislation will give working families additional time to address alleged issues identified by insurance companies. Many homeowners lack the financial flexibility to quickly raise large sums of money from insurance companies to address these issues. We are requiring Georgians to keep their homes up to date, and it’s only right to require that insurance companies do the same with their imagery. This is how we protect Georgia homeowners from inaccurate, unexpected rate increases or policy cancellations. Senate Bill 409 passed favorably out of committee and now awaits consideration by the full Senate body.

In other news, I welcomed Perry Youth Leaders to the Capitol this week. I enjoyed sharing Georgia’s legislative process with our state’s next generation of leaders, and it was a pleasure to see young people witness state government up close. 

Your voice matters. Please continue reaching out with your thoughts, concerns and ideas. It is an honor to serve you, and I hope to see you under the gold dome this session.