Gold Dome Update

 The last few years have been unpredictable and volatile, with much of our nation grappling with uncertain economic prospects and a negative outlook for the future. But Georgia bucked this trend. In the months following the height of the pandemic, our economy grew, and our unemployment rate decreased to 2.6% — the lowest point in recorded history.

Georgia's economic success is no fluke. It is due to consistent, steady, conservative leadership of Gov. Brian Kemp and your state government. Georgia was the first state in the nation to open back up for business following the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic. This proved to be the right decision, as businesses and consumers learned how to safely navigate the new landscape and adapt innovative strategies to maintain their livelihoods. After witnessing Georgia's ability to stay open in a safe manner, other states followed.

Due to our state's positive economic direction, we are in a privileged position to pass the surplus savings back to the taxpayer. The government does not generate its own revenue. All the funds we have at our disposal belong to the people of Georgia. So, during the 2022 legislative session of the Georgia General Assembly, we passed measures to lower the income tax from a maximum of 5.75% to a flat 5.25% and allocated approximately $1 billion to fund income tax credits of $250 or $500 (depending on your filing status) to all Georgia taxpayers.

During the 2022 Session, I had the privilege of authoring several bills focused on enhancing public safety, supporting small businesses and consumers, and providing a pathway for living organ doners to remain employed during the donation process.

On the public safety front, I sponsored legislation to include 911 dispatchers as members of the Peace Officer's Annuity and Benefit Fund. These deserving communications officers are the first to speak with those in distress and are tasked with talking them through perhaps the most traumatic event of their life.

I also sponsored the Safe and Secure Georgia Act, which is an omnibus crime bill to enhance criminal penalties for certain felony offenders by increasing the mandated prison term for those convicted of felony possession of a firearm, if the prior felony was a forcible felony. This new bill addresses venue determination for crimes committed under the Georgia Street Gang and Terrorism Prevention Act, in addition to enhancing penalties for subsequent convictions of domestic abuse and abuse against elders, minors, and disabled adults. The bill also allows judges to conduct telephone or video conference hearings as permitted by court rules, and it permits the Georgia Bureau of Investigation to assist local law enforcement agencies at the discretion of the director.

Additionally, I introduced measures to assist small businesses and their employees through the Inform Consumers Act. This bill targets organized retail criminals who sell illegitimate or fraudulent goods to unsuspecting consumers, and it would require that certain information be made available among sellers, marketplaces, and consumers to ensure that all goods purchased are authentic.

Another measure I sponsored to assist businesses and employees was the Giving the Gift of Life Act. Unfortunately, many in our state are at risk of being dropped from their insurance coverage or may face losing their job if they need to miss extensive time to donate or receive a vital organ. This bill would allow individuals to serve as a living donor without fear of being dropped from their life insurance coverage, and it would also help cover the potential loss of revenue by their employer through a tax credit.

While these are only a few of the important measures considered this year, each one has the potential to positively impact the lives of all Georgians. If you have any questions, comments, or concerns about any of the bills that were considered this session, please contact my office.