| As you may have heard, in late May I had the privilege of joining Governor Kemp, Speaker Burns and some of our states key economic development representatives in Israel on a mission to tell Georgia’s story abroad. Our mission was clear: Show one of our country’s strongest allies why Georgia is the best place to live, work and raise a family. Our economic development mission chartered a comprehensive itinerary including tours of world-class cyber security centers at Ben-Gurion University, in-person meetings and discussions with Prime Minister Netanyahu, President Herzog, and strategic discussions with many Georgia Companies in headquartered the region. Our trip also included a visit to Yad Vashem, the Jewish people’s memorial to the Holocaust, meetings with Israeli business leaders at locations such as the Mount of Olives, Nazareth, and Tel Aviv.  During my time on the ground, it became apparent that Israel is among the nations leading the world with significant developments in its robust technological, military and intelligence industries. Similarly, Georgia has been working to do the same at the Georgia Cyber Center in Augusta. Due to the hard work and visionary leadership of our state leaders, Georgia is uniquely positioned to maintain our cybersecurity leadership role not just nationally but globally. I look forward to working with my colleagues in the legislature to ensure our continued excellence in this growing field and I am excited to bring these experiences to the table during the 2024 legislative session. Along with leading the way in cyber security, Israel is also home to roughly 8 Georgia companies headquartered within its borders and 21 Israeli companies have operations in our state. Georgia currently exports $280 million in goods and services to Israel and Israeli companies employ more than 1000 Georgians statewide. America has always treasured its diplomatic ties with the nation of Israel. It is imperative that our state leadership continues to nurture and recruit opportunities for economic development. It was a privilege to share Georgia’s story with Israel’s top diplomats and begin a conversation about how our nations can work together to recruit opportunity for our state throughout multiple sectors of our economy. I appreciate Governor Kemp for the invitation to join him on this key diplomatic endeavor and I look forward to seeing the Georgia Senate continue lead the way in courting economic opportunity for our state. In the District: Thank you to the Greater Macon Chamber of Commerce for allowing me to participate in the “Good Morning Macon” Legislative Breakfast. I enjoyed sitting alongside members of the Macon-Bibb delegation as we discussed the problems facing our state, and a re-cap of the 2023 Legislative Session. I was excited to share my legislative update with business and community leaders from throughout Middle Georgia. Thank you to Greater Macon Chamber President Jessica Walden for hosting such a fantastic event. I look forward to being with you again very soon.  Announcement of ARPA Funding in Middle Georgia: Last week, Governor Kemp notified me that his administration has awarded $225 million for 142 qualified grant projects across our state with an aim to improve parks, recreation facilities, sidewalks and food access in communities disproportionately impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. I am excited to report that many middle Georgia projects in our district will be recipients of this necessary funding. This funding includes $1.3 million for improvements to Macon’s Linear Park, $1.4 million to provide access to healthy food opportunities for Silvertown neighborhoods in Thomason, more than $700,000 to extend the South Peach Park Walking Trail in Peach County. It is my hope that those who enjoy our beautiful recreational facilities will do so for years to come because of these improvements. Announcement of Community Public Safety Awards for Middle Georgia: Governor Brian Kemp announced additional grant awards totaling more than $83.5 million for 118 qualified projects that improve community-level public safety measures and address law enforcement staffing challenges that arose during the COVID-19 pandemic. The program funds will be allotted to supplement local law enforcement staffing, support violent crime reduction or community violence intervention programming, and invest in technology and equipment to address and respond to the rise in community violence across the state. This funding will affect many projects in Middle Georgia that will have ripple effects across the state including $85,800 to the Georgia Public Safety Training Center for development and implementation of trainings, both live and online, and development of safety resource manuals for Violent Crime Reduction Programs. An additional $980,760 to the Georgia Public Safety Training Center for supplies and equipment for the development and implementation of trainings, both live and online, and development of safety resource manuals and 817,050.30 to the Monroe County Commissioner’s Office and Monroe County Sheriff’s Office for the use of camera devices to deter gun violence and solve crimes. I am proud work alongside Governor Kemp to ensure the implementation of these programs to reduce violent crime across Georgia and expand our recreational opportunities. I am very thankful for Governor and his staff for securing this grant funding for the people of Georgia’s 18th State Senate district. It is my hope that both of these grant awards in public safety and recreational development continue to improve the lives of Middle Georgians. Congratulations to our 2023 High School Graduates!  I look forward to seeing all that you accomplish. If I can ever be of any assistance to you in your future endeavors, please don’t hesitate to reach out to my office using the contact information below. As always, it is an honor to serve Georgia’s 18th Senate District, and my door is always open. Sen. John F. Kennedy serves as the President Pro Tempore of the Georgia State Senate. He represents the 18th Senate District which includes Upson, Monroe, Peach, Crawford, and portions of Bibb and Houston Counties. He enjoys and appreciates hearing from his constituents and can be reached at 404.656.6578 |