The Georgia General Assembly returned to work this week, which means that the ACCG Policy team is busy at the State Capitol. Legislators wll focus on budget hearings with state agency heads for most of next week. County officials can stay informed about what's happening on the legislative front through the Friday morning Zoom sessions and weekly Legislative Updates. Check the ACCG website for more information.

Save the Date: Registration will open soon for ACCG's Legislative Breakfast set for March 9!

Governor Brian Kemp delivered the final State of the State Address for his first term on office on Thursday. HIs primary focuses included Georgia's economic successes even through the pandemic, school funding and pay raises for teachers and school support staff, investments in healthcare, and public safety and anti-crime initiatives.

Read the full State of the State here.

Review the Amended FY2022 and FY2023 Governor's Budget Report here.

Gwinnett County and Snellville leaders broke ground this week on a new library and educational space. The new Elizabeth Williams Branch of the Gwinnett County Library System will replace the existing branch on Lenora Church Road. The county and city are jointly funding the $10.2 million project using 2017 SPLOST program dollars.

University of Georgia football fans from across the state celebrated the Dawgs National Championship win over Alabama on Monday night. Several county officials made the trip to chilly Indiana, including Pulaski County Sole Commissioner Jenna Mashburn and Union County Sole Commissioner (and ACCG Past President) Lamar Paris (pictured left). ACCG staff member Beth Brown and her daughters, Hannah (a UGA student) and Megan, also were there to help cheer the Dawgs to victory!

Name: Kari Lewallen

Program: ACCG Insurance

Position: Staff Accountant

Joined ACCG: 2021

About Kari: After growing tired of cold winters and looking for a new adventure, Kari and her son packed up their home in Ohio and moved to Hall County, Georgia in 2005. Moving to the south turned out to be a great decision and they’ve been in Georgia ever since. Her family soon followed and moved to Georgia and North Carolina to be closer. Kari’s interest in accounting led her to working in the field and she pursued a Master’s degree in accountancy from Brenau University. She plans to earn her CPA designation soon. She loves to create and craft; she’s even turned her entire basement into a craft studio. She uses her crafting skills to make homemade, personalized gifts for her family. Kari has three rescue pets, a kitten, Kiki, and two dogs, Karla and Cowboy. She enjoys spending time with her family and looks forward to meeting and spoiling a new bundle of joy (her grandson) when he’s born this April.