ATLANTA — The Georgia Capitol buzzed with activity Monday as lawmakers, lobbyists, and protesters arrived for the first day of the annual legislative session, a particularly important one given the upcoming elections.
Senators and representatives – many are also running for higher office – unveiled ambitious plans. They’re looking at tax cuts, a cellphone ban in high schools, and affordability – all issues voters will consider later this year.
Over the next three months, the General Assembly will pass hundreds of bills, including the state budget. Last year, Governor Kemp signed a $37.7 billion budget and 350 bills into law.
“We’re going to focus on what matters to Georgians: the cost of living, public safety, and education,” said Senate President pro Tempore Larry Walker III, a Republican from Perry.
Tax cuts are shaping up to be a major point of debate. Senate Republicans, led by Lt. Gov. Burt Jones, wont to eventually eliminate the state income tax. But House Speaker Jon Burns and his supporters prefer property tax relief.
Democrats are prioritizing affordability.“Everything we do will come back to affordability,” said Minority Leader carolyn Hugley, a Democrat from Columbus. “We want Georgians to thrive. I hope we can pass a balanced budget and go home, but I expect a lot of challenges along the way.”
Lawmakers will also tackle other key issues, like legalizing sports gambling, replacing Georgia’s voting machines, and improving healthcare in rural areas.
“I’m looking forward to this session. We’re going to get a lot done,” said House Speaker Jon Burns during a press conference last week.
Outside the capitol, protestors voiced their support for civil rights, marijuana access, and gun safety. Inside, lobbyists worked to influence legislators.
Republicans hold majorities in both chambers, but Democrats have gained ground recently, winning two seats on the Public Service Commission in November.The House is currently 99 Republicans to 180 total seats, with two Democratic seats open. In the Senate, Republicans hold a 32-23 advantage, with one seat vacant due to Senator John F. Kennedy’s run for lieutenant governor.
We won’t know which bills pass or fail until April 2nd,when the 40-business day session ends and lawmakers throw confetti.Then, Governor Kemp will decide which bills to sign or veto before the May primaries and November general election, where every seat in the General Assembly and statewide office is up for grabs.
This story is available through a news partnership with Capitol Beat, an initiative of the Georgia Press Educational Foundation.
