Ginn: Week Two 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 47^th 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.

May 30, 2024

Sen. Frank Ginn Appointed to Serve on Senate Advancing Forest Innovation in Georgia Study Committee

ATLANTA (May 30, 2024) – Georgia State Senator Frank Ginn (R–Danielsville) has been appointed to serve on the Senate Advancing Forest Innovation in Georgia Study Committee, in accordance with Senate Resolution 786. The committee – aimed at fortifying Georgia’s leadership in the forestry, timber and forest products industries – will also include Senate President Pro Tempore and Committee Chairman John F. Kennedy (R–Macon), Senate Majority Leader Steve Gooch (R–Dahlonega), Sen. Russ Goodman (R–Cogdell), Sen. Larry Walker III (R–Perry), and Sen. Sonya Halpern (D–Atlanta).

February 6, 2024

Ginn: Weeks Three & Four Under the Gold Dome

By: Sen. Frank Ginn (R–Athens)

Four weeks have elapsed, marking the completion of one-quarter of the 2024 Legislative Session. While I find encouragement in the progress made by the state legislature, it’s essential to remain mindful that a substantial workload still lies ahead, impacting both Georgians and the constituents of the 47th District.

I proudly presented Senate Bill 435, titled the “Infrastructure and Community Development Act,” to my Senate colleagues. The bill swiftly found its way to the Senate Committee on Regulated Industries and Utilities. My confidence in this bill stems from several factors. First, it promotes community development statewide, and second, it enjoys bipartisan support. I eagerly anticipate continuing my leadership role in the efforts to advance infrastructure initiatives throughout our state.

Additionally, I introduced Senate Resolution 533. This legislation addresses critical concerns related to community development, economic growth and local governance, all of which directly affect our constituents and the overall well-being of our state. It empowers citizens to actively engage in legislative efforts that shape the future of their communities and the state.

During our fourth week, I had the honor of joining Governor Brian P. Kemp and fellow members of the Georgia General Assembly for the signing of House Bill 30. This legislation, championed by President Pro Tempore John F. Kennedy, represents a significant step forward in providing essential protections for Georgia’s Jewish community. By officially defining antisemitism for purposes including hate crime prosecution and discrimination cases, this bipartisan effort demonstrates the state’s unwavering support for its Jewish population, particularly in the face of a troubling surge in antisemitism nationwide. After three years of dedicated work, it is time for Georgians to celebrate this landmark legislative victory.

I look forward to the continued progress that we, as a district, will make over the next legislative week. With legislation both in committee and prepared for a vote on the Senate floor, I am confident that the 47th Senate District will continue to reap the benefits of this legislative body’s hard work.

Lastly, I would like to thank the Jackson County Leadership Group for visiting me at the Capitol. It was my privilege to recognize all 24 group members in the Senate chamber. There is absolutely nothing more important than recognizing this state’s future leaders.

With that in mind, I want to invite students between the ages of 12 and 18 to serve as a Capitol Page. I encourage any students interested in the legislative process who want to spend a day at our Capitol to apply for our program using the link: https://www.legis.ga.gov/senate/staffing.

Please never hesitate to contact my office regarding any legislative matter. I look forward to assisting you as the 2024 Legislative Session continues.

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Sen. Frank Ginn serves as Chairman of the Senate Committee on State and Local Governmental Operations. He represents the 47th Senate District which includes Madison County and portions of Barrow, Clarke, and Jackson Count. He can be reached at 404.656.4700 or by email at frank.ginn@senate.ga.gov

September 28, 2023

Joint Study Committee on Service Delivery Strategy to Hold Second Meeting

ATLANTA (September 28, 2023) | On Tuesday, October 3, 2023, the Joint Study Committee on Service Delivery Strategy, Co-Chaired by Senator Frank Ginn (R – Athens) and Representative John LaHood (R – Valdosta) will conduct its second meeting at 1:00 p.m. at the Lowndes County Judicial & Administrative Complex.