It was good to be back under the Gold Dome on January 12 as the 2026 session officially began. Serving the people of Georgia’s 30th House District remains a serious responsibility, but I also believe it should be done with respect, teamwork, and a little good humor. As a former Marine and firefighter, I value discipline and preparation. At the same time, I value listening. This update shares what we’ve already accomplished and what lies ahead, starting with the tone that set the session in motion and moving into the governor’s State of the State message.
A Strong Start to the 2026 Session
The first day of session set a positive tone. To begin, the House welcomed a special performance by Miss Georgia 2025, Audrey Kittila. She played a beautiful violin version of “Georgia on My Mind.” It reminded all of us why serving this state matters. If you’d like to see the video, you will find it here.
After that, we recognized months of work that happened while we were away. During the interim, crews restored and renovated the House Chamber. The Georgia Building Authority led the project, and the results speak for themselves.
The renovation honored Georgia history while adding modern updates. For example, the carpet came from Dalton. The gold accents came from Dahlonega. Those details matter because they reflect pride in our state.
Even better, the project finished under budget and ahead of schedule. That kind of work deserves recognition. On a lighter note, I have a personal favorite update. We now have USB ports at our desks. As a firefighter, I spent enough time crawling around old buildings, so I’m thankful I no longer have to crawl under my desk looking for an outlet!
Soon after, the House adopted the calendar for the full session. Sine Die is scheduled for April 2. With that schedule set, we can plan hearings, votes, and visits from folks back home. If you plan to visit Atlanta this spring, I hope you stop by and see the chamber in person.
State of the State: What the Governor Shared
Later in the week, members of the House and Senate gathered for the governor’s final State of the State address. Each year, this speech gives us a clear look at priorities for the months ahead. This year’s State of the State focused on easing costs for families while continuing to support safety, education, and jobs.
Governor Kemp began by reviewing Georgia’s finances. Since 2021, the state has delivered nearly $9.7 billion in tax relief. That includes income tax savings, fuel tax suspensions, and property tax relief. These steps matter, especially as families face higher prices.
Next, he announced a proposed one-time tax rebate. Single filers could see about $250. Married couples could see up to $500. He also shared plans to lower the income tax rate from 5.19 percent to 4.99 percent. Together, these steps respond to real concerns we hear back home.
The State of the State address also highlighted state employees. The governor praised their work and proposed a one-time $2,000 pay supplement. This includes teachers and public safety officers. As someone who has worn a uniform, I respect that recognition.
The governor also spoke about job growth. Over the past seven years, Georgia has added more than 219,000 jobs. Many of those jobs landed outside metro Atlanta. That matters to communities like ours in the 30th District.
Education played a major role in the State of the State message as well. Since taking office, the governor has supported school safety grants and teacher pay raises. Teacher salaries have risen by $9,500 during his tenure. That is a significant change of about 25%..
He also addressed health care access. Since first taking office, Georgia has added hundreds of residency positions. More positions mean more doctors, especially in non-metro areas. Communities cannot grow without health care access, and this step helps address that challenge.
Public safety closed out a major part of the State of the State address. The governor proposed improved retirement options for law enforcement officers. He also discussed efforts to fight human trafficking and gang violence. These efforts include stronger laws and expanded task forces.
Overall, the State of the State gave us a clear roadmap. Those proposals will guide much of our work this session. If you’d like to see his full State address, you will find it here.
Budget Week and What Comes Next
Now that the session is underway, much of our early work focuses on the budget. This week is often called budget week. During this time, agency leaders present their funding requests. We listen closely and ask tough questions.
These meetings help shape priorities for the year ahead. As a representative for the 30th District, I pay close attention to how decisions affect local schools, roads, and public safety. At the same time, I watch spending carefully. Fiscal responsibility matters.
Over the next few months, I will spend many days at the Capitol. However, my focus stays on District 30. Every vote connects back to families, workers, and small businesses in our district.
As this process continues, I will share updates regularly. Transparency builds trust, and trust matters in public service.
Staying Connected During the Session
As the 2026 session moves forward, I want to hear from you. Your ideas and concerns shape my work. Whether the issue is schools, jobs, affordability issues, or public safety, your input matters.
Please feel free to reach out by phone or email. I also encourage you to follow session updates online. Even when I’m in Atlanta, my door stays open to the people I represent. Also, if you have questions, some of them may be answered on my Constituent Services page.
Serving as your state representative is an honor I take seriously. I appreciate the trust you place in me. Together, we will work through this session with focus, common sense, and a commitment to Georgia’s future.
Thank you for allowing me to serve during the 2025–2026 term.