Author: Emily Leonard

There’s a certain clarity that comes at the end of the year, especially a year like 2025. As families across Georgia sit down to stretch their paychecks and figure out how to make Christmas special despite rising costs, it’s impossible not to feel the weight of the moment we’re living in. Washington may be content with runaway spending and unstable leadership, but here in Georgia, we’re determined to chart a different course.

Representing the people of Middle Georgia comes with a responsibility I don’t take lightly. While debating legislation and casting votes are part of the job, the real work happens in the conversations at kitchen tables, local businesses, farm shops and church pews. This year, you’ve told me what’s working, what’s not and what you expect from your state leaders.

Over the last twelve months, Senate Republicans stayed focused on conservative, commonsense policies that strengthen our workforce, improve school safety and protect consumers from practices that drive up the cost of living. In a year when every dollar matters, we delivered meaningful tax relief and upheld Georgia’s long-standing commitment to responsible budgeting. Our investments in education, public safety and health care, while lowering taxes, aren’t abstract accomplishments. They’re making a difference in real homes and real communities.

Our law enforcement officers and first responders are better equipped to keep our schools secure. Farmers and agribusiness owners have more protection for the tools they rely on to feed our state. Small businesses are getting relief from lawsuit abuse that has driven up insurance premiums. Families are keeping more of their hard-earned money due to our income tax reduction.

As proud as I am of what we’ve done, I’m even more mindful of the challenges ahead. Rural health care remains a challenge. Workforce shortages continue to burden small towns and local economies. Affordable housing is slipping further out of reach for too many young families. Agriculture, the backbone of our economy, continues to need long-term, strategic support to remain competitive in a rapidly changing world.

In the upcoming legislative session, my priorities remain in advancing policies that help Georgians thrive, strengthening the industries that drive our state and pushing back against personal agendas that threaten to make life harder for working families. Before we talk about new programs or new spending, we must first ask whether we are protecting taxpayers and preserving the values that built this state.

As the Christmas season arrives, I hope you’re able to find time for rest, gratitude, and the people who matter most in your life. I remain deeply thankful for your trust and your willingness to stay engaged in the work happening under the Gold Dome. If my office can ever help you, whether you have an idea for legislation or need assistance navigating a state agency, please don’t hesitate to reach out. We work for you year-round.

I wish you and your family a joyful Christmas and a hopeful, prosperous New Year. I look forward to all we will accomplish together in 2026.

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Sen. Larry Walker serves as Chairman of the Senate Committee on Insurance and Labor. He represents the 20^th Senate District, which includes Bleckley, Dodge, Dooly, Laurens, Treutlen, Pulaski and Wilcox counties, as well as a portion of Houston County.  He may be reached by phone at (404) 656-0095 or by email at Larry.Walker@senate.ga.gov.

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