Official Press Releases
By: Sen. Mike Hodges (R–Brunswick)
Crossover Day is almost here, which means the pace under the Gold Dome has intensified as we work to move Senate legislation to the House before the March 6 deadline. These final days before Crossover are always long, but they are focused on advancing the priorities you’ve sent us to Atlanta to accomplish.
Continue reading “COLUMN: Hodges: Week Seven Under the Gold Dome”By: Sen. Mike Hodges (R–Brunswick)
Crossover Day is quickly approaching, and the Senate is 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 responsible path toward further reductions. That progress didn’t happen 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.
Continue reading “COLUMN: Hodges: Weeks Four & Five Under the Gold Dome”We are now well into the 2026 Legislative Session, and the work under the Gold Dome is moving quickly. Even with winter weather trying to slow things down, the Senate stayed on track and focused on delivering results for Georgians.
Continue reading “COLUMN: Hodges: Weeks Two & Three Under the Gold Dome”As the 2026 Legislative Session moves into its second week, the General Assembly is turning its full attention to its most important responsibility: passing a balanced, thoughtful budget that spends taxpayer dollars wisely.
Budget hearings began on Tuesday, January 20, when the Senate and House Appropriations Committees met jointly to hear budget requests from various departments and agencies. These hearings continued through Thursday, but the work doesn’t stop there. In the coming weeks, I’ll be serving on Appropriations Subcommittees on Agriculture and Natural Resources and Transportation. We will further discuss these recommendations and make our own suggestions. Passing a balanced budget is not only our constitutional duty as legislators, but it’s also imperative in creating a responsible government that serves its people.
One of the most impactful budget proposals this legislative session is Governor Brian Kemp’s plan to rebate more than $1 billion in income taxes, giving single filers $250 and joint filers up to $500 in additional savings. Affordability is one of our top priorities this legislative session, and providing tax relief through rebates and income tax cuts is an important first step toward strengthening our economy. These tangible policy decisions are just a further reminder that Senate Republicans’ overarching ideology of fiscal conservatism is to thank for positioning our economy as one of the best in the nation, despite reckless federal economic policy during the Biden Administration.
Gov. Kemp’s proposed budget also outlines numerous higher education investments, including those for the University System of Georgia and, more specifically, the University of Georgia. The faculty, staff and students of UGA make up a significant portion of our district (Go DAWGS!), and as an alumnus myself, I will always support investments in our state’s flagship university. Investments in our education system are often the first step to building an educated workforce and a stronger economy.
The Governor is recommending $9.5 million in formula funding for essential startup costs for the UGA School of Medicine, as well as $5.6 million for the design of a UGA School of Nursing facility. The proposal also includes over $34 million to support the ongoing modernization of Science and Ag Hill. The project promotes continued growth in STEM education and research, two fields that are growing in our workforce. Gov. Kemp has also allocated more than $31 million to food and farm operations. This is a critical industry in Northeast Georgia, and I’ll be working throughout the legislative session to secure this funding.
As the legislative session begins, I would like to invite students ages 12 to 18 to serve as Senate Pages. This highly informative program allows students to participate in the legislative process at our State Capitol for one day during the legislative session. Interested students may apply for the program by contacting my administrative assistant or me at my office via email. (Frank.Ginn@senate.ga.gov.)
Please don’t hesitate to contact my office regarding any legislative matter as we begin another productive legislative session. I hope you and your family enjoy a successful 2026!
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Sen. Frank Ginn represents the 47th Senate District which includes Madison County and portions of Barrow, Clarke, and Jackson County. He can be reached at (404) 656-4700 or by email at frank.ginn@senate.ga.gov.
For all media inquiries, please reach out to SenatePressInquiries@senate.ga.gov.
By: Sen. Larry Walker III (R–Perry)
The 2026 Legislative Session is officially underway, and after our first full week under the Gold Dome, the Georgia Senate has hit the ground running. While I remain proud to represent Middle Georgia and the 20th Senate District, this year I am also mindful of a broader responsibility to help lead the Senate in a way that serves every corner of our state.
I am deeply humbled to serve as President Pro Tempore of the Georgia Senate. The trust my colleagues have placed in me is not taken lightly. The role of Pro Tempore isn’t about titles, it’s about keeping the Senate focused and results-oriented. I’ll be continuing to work on the issues that matter most to Georgians through my service on the Senate Committees on Appropriations, Rules, Insurance and Labor, and Agriculture and Consumer Affairs. This is where the real work of governing happens.
This week, I had the opportunity to introduce our Senate Majority Caucus priorities for the session, an agenda centered on reigniting the American Dream across Georgia. That mission matters now more than ever. Families are feeling squeezed by higher prices and economic uncertainty. Senate Republicans are focused on practical solutions that help people keep more of what they earn, afford a home and build a stable future.
That starts with lowering the cost of living. We will continue working to cut income and property taxes, while advancing reforms that reduce unnecessary red tape and lower housing costs. When government lives within its means, families can do the same.
Our priorities also reflect a commitment to long-term strength. We will continue investing in public safety, infrastructure, and protecting Georgia’s natural resources, which are assets that support economic growth and quality of life in every region of the state. We’re also serious about preparing the next generation. Strong investments in education, literacy and childcare made possible by conservative financial stewardship keep our communities strong for years to come.
Governor Brian P. Kemp reinforced that vision in his final State of the State Address, outlining a responsible agenda focused on tax relief, education and workforce development. Investments to keep postsecondary institutions affordable are opening doors for students from all backgrounds, while significant investments in healthcare education and medical residencies will strengthen access to care across Georgia, including in Middle Georgia. Governor Kemp’s steady leadership has helped keep Georgia the best state in the nation to do business, and the Senate will work to build on that success.
Affordability is not an abstract policy debate; it’s whether families can pay their bills and still plan for the future. Senate Republicans understand that, and we remain committed to policies that respect hard work, reward responsibility, and keep government accountable.
It remains an honor to serve you under the Gold Dome. As President Pro Tempore, I will continue working with colleagues on both sides of the aisle to deliver results for Georgians and keep our state on a path of opportunity, stability and growth. As always, I encourage you to reach out to my office with your questions, concerns, or ideas.
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Sen. Larry Walker III serves as President Pro Tempore of the Senate. He represents the 20th Senate District, which includes Bleckley, Dodge, Dooly, Laurens, Pulaski, Treutlen 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.
For all media inquiries, please reach out to SenatePressInquiries@senate.ga.gov.