I just delivered the 2025 State of the State Address, and this is the message I shared:
As we begin a new year, I’m reminded that no matter the challenge, Georgians always rise to the occasion.
From the trials of COVID-19…
Economic hardships…
Natural disasters…
And public safety challenges…
Our state has demonstrated time and again that tough times don’t last — tough people do.
And because of that strength, the state of our state is not only strong — it is resilient.
Here’s why:
In the wake of Hurricane Helene, Marty and I witnessed the incredible resilience of Georgians.
From neighbors helping neighbors to first responders saving lives, the courage and compassion we saw inspired us.
To support recovery, we directed $100 MILLION to the Georgia Development Authority for farmers and timber producers and worked with Congress to secure fast-tracked disaster relief. Georgia will rebuild stronger than ever.
But Helene wasn’t the only challenge we’ve faced.
Inflation has remained a top issue, draining family bank accounts and small businesses.
That’s why this year in Georgia, we’ve made it a priority to manage people's money responsibly.
Thanks to conservative budgeting, tax rebates, and the largest state income tax cut in history, we’ve saved Georgia taxpayers a staggering $6.6 BILLION.
And thanks to our fiscal approach and the thriving economy we’ve built together, we’re now able to double down on that relief.
Earlier this year, we accelerated a reduction in the Georgia income tax rate to 5.39%.
Today, I’m proposing an additional cut to bring the rate down to just 5.19%, which will save Georgians billions more over the coming years.
But that’s not where our commitment to growth stops…
Since I took office, we’ve attracted 193,000 private sector jobs and $90 BILLION in investments, much of which have gone to rural areas.
By working with job creators, we’ve kept Georgia the #1 state for business for 11 consecutive years.
This success isn’t accidental — we let our people and our job creators lead the way.
We trusted hardworking Georgians to use their God-given abilities to create and innovate - and our state is better off for it.
However, there are still challenges that remain and will be a key focus of our work this year…
Right now, our legal environment threatens Georgia’s progress.
Businesses, healthcare providers, and major employers are struggling with skyrocketing insurance costs, frivolous lawsuits, and limited options.
Across the state, we’ve heard from:
→ Small business owners unable to afford insurance
→ Hospitals closing critical units
→ Doctors leaving Georgia
This is unsustainable.
That’s why I’m introducing comprehensive tort reform to stabilize costs, protect businesses, and ensure access to care.
This legislation will be introduced in the coming days because every Georgian deserves a system that works!
Lastly, health and safety will always be a top priority for our communities.
Here’s how we’re taking action to ensure a safer, stronger future for every Georgian:
→ School safety funding is now a permanent part of the state budget.
→ We’ve allocated millions to combat gangs and human trafficking.
→ Initiatives like the 9-8-8 suicide and crisis hotline and the Georgia Pathways program are improving access and outcomes, ensuring a healthier future for all.
At the end of the day, despite unprecedented challenges, we’ve achieved historic milestones in jobs, investment, and opportunity.
NOW, it’s time to get to work and keep putting hardworking Georgians first.
Every contribution — no matter the size — helps us continue this fight for lower taxes, safer communities, and more opportunities for hardworking Georgians.
Thank you for standing with me as we work to keep Georgia the best place to live, work, and raise a family.
May God bless you all, and may God continue to bless our great state!
Sincerely,
Governor Brian Kemp
A MESSAGE FROM BRIAN KEMP
More than 35 years ago, I started my first business with nothing but a pickup truck and a shovel.
Since taking office as Governor of Georgia in 2019, I’ve put hardworking Georgians and their families first!
We’ve championed legislation to cut taxes for working families, crack down on crime, end human trafficking, reform foster care and adoption, and support our students and educators.
When Georgia became the first state to reopen during the COVID-19 pandemic, I made sure we protected both lives and livelihoods. As a result, we’ve seen historic economic investment, and we’ve continued to lead the way in creating opportunities at every corner of the state.
And we’re not stopping there!
Marty, the girls, and I are working hard to ensure Georgia’s best days are ahead of us.
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