Posted on

COLUMN: Walker: Week One Under the Gold Dome

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.

# # # #

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.

Posted on

Sen. Larry Walker, III Hosts Middle Georgia Listening Day with Local Leaders and Community Stakeholders

ATLANTA (December 3, 2025) — Today, Sen. Larry Walker, III (R–Perry) joined community leaders, local officials, educators and economic development partners from across Middle Georgia for a Regional Listening Day hosted by the Heart of Georgia Regional Commission. The event brought forth meaningful dialogue centered around local needs, opportunities and priorities ahead of the 2026 Legislative Session.

Joined by Representatives Matt Hatchett (R–Dublin), Butch Parrish (R–Swainsboro) and Danny Mathis (R–Cochran), Sen. Walker opened the program with remarks emphasizing the importance of direct engagement with local leaders and the role these conversations play in shaping responsive policy at the State Capitol.

“It was a great day in Middle Georgia,” said Sen. Walker. “Conversations like this fuel our work and shape real, meaningful progress for our state. Our communities face urgent challenges every day, and they deserve solutions that actually work for the people we serve. Good government starts with listening, and hearing directly from Georgians who live and breathe these issues every day keeps me inspired as we head into the next legislative session.”

Throughout the morning, the delegation met with representatives from various organizations, including Trinity Christian School, Laurens County Commission, Bleckley-Cochran Industrial Development Authority, Dublin-Laurens Development Authority, Oconee Fall Line Technical College, Eastman-Dodge Chamber of Commerce, Middle Georgia State University, and representatives from multiple county commissions and chambers of commerce. Conversations centered on workforce development, school safety, infrastructure needs, economic competitiveness and tools required to support sustained growth across Middle Georgia.

Sen. Walker also extended his appreciation to the Heart of Georgia Regional Commission for organizing the event. “I want to thank Brett Manning and his team for putting together such a productive day. Their leadership helps keep this region moving forward, and I am grateful for our partnership.”

# # # #

Sen. Larry Walker serves as Chairman of the Senate Committee on Insurance and Labor. He represents the 20th 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.

For all media inquiries, please reach out to SenatePressInquiries@senate.ga.gov.

Posted on

COLUMN: Walker: Looking Back with Gratitude & Moving Forward with Purpose

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.

# # # #

Sen. Larry Walker serves as Chairman of the Senate Committee on Insurance and Labor. He represents the 20th 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.

For all media inquiries, please reach out to SenatePressInquiries@senate.ga.gov.