Thursday, January 13th, Governor Kemp gave his fourth State of the State address covering accomplishments from last year while highlighting hopes for the next. Governor Kemp noted the progress we have made over the last few years where economic development, job growth, education, healthcare, and public safety are concerned. He also highlighted how our state handled the unprecedented impacts of the pandemic, choosing freedom over shutdowns.
Governor Kemp made clear that education, healthcare, and public safety are top agenda items for the upcoming year. The governor announced his plans to fully restore funding to our educational system, which includes an additional $2,000 a year pay raise for hardworking Georgia teachers.
Governor Kemp went on to outline his healthcare policies which include expanding our state nursing programs, a focused effort to incentivize members of the medical community to serve the less populated areas of the state and lowered healthcare costs. If the Governor's healthcare budget proposals are approved, it is estimated that this could bring 1,300 additional healthcare practitioners to our state.
Rounding off the top three policy agenda items is that of Public Safety. Government’s most important role is to ensure the safety of our citizens. Governor Kemp will continue his efforts to tackle the issue of gang violence and human trafficking through empowering and supporting our law enforcement community. He has also outlined his intent to successfully pass “Constitutional Carry” legislation aimed at preserving an individual’s 2nd Amendment Right to keep and bear arms.
