March 04, 2022
ICYMI: Gov. Kemp and First Lady Marty Kemp Continue to Champion Important Issues on Behalf of Hardworking Georgians
Atlanta, GA – In case you missed it, Governor Brian P. Kemp and First Lady Marty Kemp have been traveling across Georgia to champion important issues on behalf of hardworking Georgians.
On February 21, Governor Kemp and First Lady Marty Kemp were glad to be with the Athens Area Chamber of Commerce for their Pancakes and Policy Breakfast where they were met with a warm reception from business and policy leaders in their hometown.
Later that day, Governor Kemp and First Lady Marty Kemp were joined by Consul General of Israel to the Southeast United States Anat Sultan-Dadon to sign HB383 into law, reaffirming Georgia's support of an important friend and crucial ally, Israel.
On February 22, Governor Kemp welcomed 3,500 more jobs to the Peach State via an investment by Carvana. He then stopped by the Georgia FFA breakfast to talk with the future of the agriculture industry in Georgia. Also on February 22, Governor Brian P. Kemp, joined by members of the Water and Sewer Infrastructure Committee and state leaders, announced more than $422 million in preliminary awards which will ensure communities in high-need areas have reliable and safe drinking water and wastewater systems.
First Lady Marty Kemp convened the first meeting of the GRACE Commission for 2022 on February 22. The GRACE Commission, at the leadership of the First Lady, has been at the forefront of the fight to raise awareness on the issue of human trafficking and create lasting change.
On February 23, Governor Kemp and First Lady Marty Kemp honored and remembered Ahmaud Arbery two years after he was tragically murdered by acknowledging the lasting change his legacy will have on the Brunswick community, our state, and the entire nation.
Governor Kemp and First Lady Marty Kemp commended the passage of the "Unmask Georgia Students Act" by the Senate Education Committee on February 23 as well as the passage of the "Parents' Bill of Rights" by the Senate Education Committee. The momentum for both bills which are key parts of Governor Kemp's 2022 legislative agenda continues to grow.
On February 24, Russia violated Ukraine's sovereignty through a callous, indefensible invasion. Governor Kemp and First Lady Marty Kemp condemned this aggression of tyrants and asked Georgians to join their family in praying for Ukrainians as well as brave men and women of our military and their families who have been deployed to fight for liberty around the world.
Later, Governor Kemp and First Lady Marty Kemp celebrated 18 consecutive months of breaking records at the Georgia Ports Authority State of the Ports Annual Address. Georgia continues to lead in the Great Recovery, and Governor Kemp commended the Ports' can-do spirit as an example for the nation in this arena. While there, he also announced 75 new jobs will be created in Effingham County by Serena and Lily- a high-end furniture company.
On February 25, Governor Kemp and First Lady Marty Kemp celebrated the grand opening of the new Coca Cola United Bottling Facility in Tifton - an endeavor which created more than 200 jobs and $65 million investment in the region.
Later that evening, Governor Kemp and First Lady Marty Kemp were joined by their daughters and Super Bowl champion Malcolm Mitchell to promote childhood literacy.
On February 28, Governor Kemp and First Lady Marty Kemp's military tax exemption proposal for career servicemembers passed the Georgia House with a unanimous "yay" vote.
The morning of March 1, Governor Kemp and First Lady Marty Kemp visited with the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce.
Georgia Football National Championship Coach Kirby Smart and a delegation from the University of Georgia visited the Governor's Office on March 1, and Governor Kemp and First Lady Marty Kemp had an opportunity to thank them for all they've done for the many Georgians who are proud members of Dawg Nation.
On March 1, Governor Kemp and First Lady Marty Kemp also announced a $90 million partnership to build a 3,000-mile fiber optic network to bring broadband to 31,000 unserved or underserved customers in middle Georgia.
Public safety continues to remain top of mind for Governor Kemp and First Lady Marty Kemp. Created at the direction of Governor Kemp, the Multi-Agency Crime Suppression Unit has made 20,421 vehicle stops, apprehended 400 wanted persons, recovered 291 stolen vehicles and 180 guns (127 of which were stolen), and gotten 23 murder suspects off of our streets.
Governor Kemp also celebrated the passage of his proposal to use $1.6 billion in surplus state funds to return money directly to hardworking Georgians.
On March 2, Governor Kemp and First Lady Marty Kemp encouraged all Georgians to join them in helping children discover the power of reading in recognition of Read Across America Day.
Governor Kemp and First Lady Marty Kemp believe a Constitutional Carry measure should be implemented to enshrine Georgians' ability to protect themselves and their families in Georgia law. They attended an event on March 2 with supporters of this important measure.
They ended the week by visiting Savannah for a groundbreaking ceremony for the University of Georgia Wormsloe Experiential Learning Center and then attending the Georgia FFA Foundation Blue and Gold Gala in Atlanta.
Gov. Kemp Announces More Than $422M in Awards to Reinforce Water and Sewer Infrastructure
AccessWDUN (North Georgia): Gov. Kemp awards funds to go toward improving Lake Lanier's drinking water
Atlanta Journal-Constitution: Kemp announces $422 million in federally funded water and sewer grants
Albany Herald: City of Albany, Albany State get large share of federal stimulus grants
Albany Herald: Georgia Water Planning & Policy Center at ASU has big plans for $49.8 million grant
All on Georgia (Bulloch County): Over $2M Awarded to Reinforce Water and Sewer Infrastructure in Brooklet
All on Georgia (Tattnall County): More than $1 Million Awarded to Glennville and Tattnall Awarded Over $600,000 to Reinforce Water and Sewer Infrastructure
All on Georgia (Walker County): Walker County Water & Sewerage Authority Awarded $20 Million Grant to Provide Clean Drinking Water to 50,000 Residents
Banks News Today: County receives $3.1 million in state funds for sewer project
Barrow News Journal: Winder receives $10 million from state for water and sewer infrastructure
Baxley News Banner: Huge grant to fix water/sewer problems in Oak Ridge and Pine Forest awarded to City of Baxley
Blackshear Times: Blackshear to receive $500,000 grant to replace water lines
Braselton News Today: Hoschton, Braselton receive money for water and sewer infrastructure
Bryan County News: Pembroke gets $8.86 million to help city upgrade wastewater treatment plant
Coastal Courier: Liberty to receive federal money for water projects
Dawson County News: Kemp announces Dawsonville among communities receiving water and sewer infrastructure grant
Donalsonville News: Iron City awarded $2,165,063 for water system improvement project
Douglas County Sentinel: County using $750K grant to add sewer access at Pine Lake MHP
Effingham Herald: Springfield, Rincon land state awards
Forsyth FYN: Forsyth County receives $32.6 million for water infrastructure upgrades
Gainesville Times: Can Braselton keep up with growth? This $416,500 water/sewer grant may help
Griffin Daily News: Concord, nearby areas among $422M water and sewer infrastructure awards
Gwinnett Daily Post: Gov. Brian Kemp announces recovery funding awards for Gwinnett County, Auburn and Braselton water projects
Madison Journal Today: Comer gets state funds for infrastructure; county gov't not on list
Monroe County Reporter: County getting $6 million for water
Moultrie Observer: Multi-million-dollar grants to improve water, sewer systems in Norman Park, Moultrie
Newnan Times-Herald: Grantville receives federal relief funds for wastewater improvements
Press Sentinel (Jesup, GA): Jesup to receive $6.9 million federal grant
Thomasville Times-Enterprise: State Fiscal Recovery Fund to boost local water, sewer improvements
Tifton Gazette: Kemp: Tifton set for $3.7M for water repairs
Times-Courier (Ellijay, GA): County gets $286K ARPA grant for landfill work
WMAZ (Central Georgia): 'We can modernize them': City of Warner Robins awarded $11M for water and sewer upgrades
WMGT (Middle Georgia): Tennille receives $12 million for wastewater improvements
WTVM (Chattahoochee Valley): $422 million award to water and sewer improvements in Georgia
Governor Kemp signs HB 383, strengthening Israeli partnership
Atlanta Journal-Constitution: New Georgia law revives Israel oath for large state contracts
Gov. Brian Kemp signed a measure into law Monday that requires businesses with significant state contracts to sign an oath pledging not to boycott Israel.
The governor signed the legislation months after a federal judge struck down a similar 2016 law requiring state contractors to sign the oath on grounds that it violated free speech rights. That challenge was brought by a documentary filmmaker who refused to sign the pledge.
The new law, House Bill 383, raises the threshold for the anti-boycott pledge to state contracts worth more than $100,000. It also applies only to companies with five or more employees, limiting the number of firms affected by the mandate.
“In a deeper sense this reaffirms our support for a friend and a crucial ally in Israel,” Kemp said at a signing ceremony, before adding: “As your governor, I will never allow the state of Georgia to invest in a company that supports boycotts, divesting or sanctions against Israel.”
American Jewish Committee: AJC Atlanta Supports GA HB 383
American Jewish Committee (AJC) supports GA House Bill 383, which updates the existing law restricting the state of Georgia from contracting with companies boycotting Israel.
“The legislature has taken bold action to combat the insidious and hateful BDS movement that singles out Israel and encourages punitive actions against its economy and citizens,” said Dov Wilker, Director of AJC Atlanta. “Israelis and Palestinians want peace, they want investment not divestment, and they want for the whole region to prosper. Through this legislation both Georgia’s and Israel’s economies will continue to grow.”
Henry Herald: Gov. Brian Kemp signs bill reaffirming Georgia ties with Israel
Taking a stand in support of Israel is particularly important in the wake of growing antisemitism in the U.S. and across the Western world in recent years in the form of physical and verbal attacks, Kemp said during a brief bill-signing ceremony at the state Capitol.
Georgia and Israel have longstanding ties. Israel has maintained a consulate in Atlanta since 1956, and Georgia has had a presence in Israel since 1994.
The two countries carry on a trade relationship worth $800 million a year. More than 100 Georgia companies do business in Israel, while more than 90 Israeli companies are in Georgia representing industries including financial technology, cybersecurity, health care, aerospace and e-commerce.
Carvana expands its presence in Georgia, creating up to 3,500 jobs
On Feb. 24, Governor Brian Kemp applauded Carvana’s expansion in Georgia, as the industry pioneer for buying and selling cars online continues to grow its presence in the state through new jobs and an expanded footprint in metro Atlanta.
“Carvana is another shining example of the success entrepreneurs can achieve in the No. 1 state for business,” said Governor Kemp. “I appreciate this innovative company for continuing to invest in Georgia and for placing their trust in our world-class infrastructure and workforce. This expansion will provide many exciting opportunities for hardworking Georgians, and represents another step in the Peach State’s growth as a hub for forward-thinking companies.”
Carvana was launched in Atlanta in January 2013 at the High Museum of Art and sold its first car in Georgia. Now within the state, Carvana operates several logistics hubs, an inspection center that employs more than 400 team members, and last year, launched one of its tallest patented Car Vending Machines measuring 12 stories high.
Valdosta Today: Carvana’s Georgia Expansion will Create Up to 3,500 Jobs
The Fortune 500 company currently employs more than 1,500 people in the state, and with a continued focus on its customers, technology and innovation, Carvana plans to bring an additional 3,500 during the coming years through its growing operations.
“Atlanta was the first market where we sold 1,000 cars in one month and is still our largest even though we’ve sold more than one million vehicles to date,” said Ernie Garcia, Carvana Founder and CEO. “Now more than ever, we remain committed to our continued expansion within the region.”
Governor Kemp delivers State of the Ports Address in Savannah
Fox 28 Savannah: Governor, GPA deliver promising outlook for Ga. ports at State of The Ports address
Gov. Brian Kemp visited Savannah Thursday for the first State of The Ports address since 2019. For the 15th year in a row, Savannah is the fastest-growing port in the country.
Griff Lynch, the Georgia Port Authority (GPA) director, said the Megarail and pop-up yard innovations helped clear Savannah's port of ships.
Gov. Kemp said Georgia's business-friendly and efficient operations are bringing in more companies, like furniture company Serena & Lily, to The Peach State. Kemp attributes much of Georgia's business success to the GPA's forward-thinking leadership.
“At a time, as you all know, when the global supply chain saw some of its greatest challenges ever, the GPA rolled up its sleeves and got to work with solutions that kept commerce on the move," said Kemp.
WCJL 22: High-end furniture company hiring for dozens of positions at new Effingham County facility
Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp announced Thursday, during his visit to Savannah for the State of the Port Address, that high-end furniture company Serena & Lily will create 75 jobs as they locate their first east coast operation in a 1.2-million square foot distribution facility in Rincon.
Based in Sausalito, Ca., Serena & Lily chose Effingham County for a new $55 million distribution facility located at the Georgia International Trade Center on Highway 21. Hiring will begin this month with additional warehouse associate positions filled by March. Those interested in job opportunities at the facility should visit www.serenaandlily.com/careers/careers.html for more information.
“After comprehensive exploration, we believe Effingham County will be an ideal location for Serena & Lily’s first East Coast distribution center, and look forward to partnering with local, county and state authorities to foster the growth of our brand,” said Sean Connelly, Chief Operating Officer of Serena & Lily. “With its proximity to the Port of Savannah and our East Coast customers, this facility will play an integral role in supporting our infrastructure network to shorten lead times and ultimately enhance our customer experience.”
Governor Kemp Celebrates Opening of Coca-Cola Bottling Facility in Tifton
Albany Herald: Tifton Coca-Cola distribution center to hold grand opening ceremony
The 343,000-square-foot facility, which also includes a warehouse, fleet shop, administrative offices, and meeting space, is home to the latest technology and state-of-the-art equipment used in the beverage industry — a benefit to both associates and customers. The Tifton facility serves more than 3,100 customers throughout south Georgia and the Florida Panhandle.
Event speakers will include Coca-Cola United President and CEO John Sherman, Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp, Tifton Coca-Cola Sales Center Manager Charlie Yawn, Coca-Cola United East Region Vice President Crawford Jones, city of Tifton Mayor Julie Smith and other city/state dignitaries.
All on Georgia: Tifton Coca-Cola Bottling Co Opens New State-Of-The-Art Facility
“This facility is one of the most technologically advanced distribution facilities in the North American beverage industry,” said Crawford Jones, Coca-Cola UNITED East Region Vice President. “It is a great testament to our partnerships in Tifton and across the state of Georgia, and the thousands of associates who serve our customers and communities.”
After remarks by Coca-Cola UNITED executives and government officials, the official ribbon cutting took place outside the new facility in front of a crowd of some 100 guests. Facility tours and lunch followed, and COVID-19 protocols were adhered to onsite.
Click here to read Governor Kemp's Interview with the Tifton Gazette: Kemp reviews education, small business growth, rural broadband
Gov. Kemp Announces Flint Energies and Conexon Connect Partnership to Expand Broadband in Middle Georgia
Tuesday morning, Governor Kemp announced a new partnership to deliver fiber broadband to 31,000 underserved businesses and homes in numerous Middle Georgia counties.
Flint Energies and Conexon Connect will be joining forces, with a plan to deploy a 3,000 mile fiber to the home network in Middle Georgia. This $90 million dollar project is being made possible through a combination of American Rescue Plan grant funds, FCC Rural Digital Opportunity Funds, as well as significant investments by Flint Energies and Connect.
This partnership between Flint Energies and Connect is made possible by Senate Bill 2, which makes it where electric membership cooperatives (like Flint Energies) can provide broadband services in order to aid rural communities in need across the state. Flint Energies, as well as 20 other electric membership cooperatives, are working to provide high speed internet and broadband services to impact a total of 282,000 Georgians in 89 counties.
Rome News Tribune: Latest broadband project to serve customers in Middle Georgia
A new partnership between an electric membership cooperative (EMC) in Taylor County and a major internet service provider will deliver broadband service to 31,000 customers across a swath of Middle Georgia.
Flint Energies and Kansas City-based Conexon Connect will launch a 3,000-mile fiber network to homes and businesses in Crawford, Macon, Marion, Muscogee, Peach, Schley, Talbot, Taylor and south Houston counties.
The $90 million project is being funded through a federal American Rescue Plan grant of $25 million, $7.5 million from a fund overseen by the Federal Communications Commission and substantial investments by Flint Energies and Connect.
The project is the latest in a series of broadband initiatives across Georgia since the General Assembly passed legislation in 2019 allowing EMCs to get into the broadband business. Collectively, these projects represent an investment of $770 million serving more than 282,000 Georgians in 89 counties.
Gov. Kemp Returns Money to Hardworking Georgians
WABE: Brian Kemp plan advances for Georgia income tax rebates
Gov. Brian Kemp’s plan to pay $1.6 billion worth of state income tax refunds is advancing, with lawmakers looking to help the Republican governor fulfill his promise to give some of Georgia’s historic surplus back to taxpayers as both Kemp and legislators seek reelection.
The measure promises a $250 rebate for single filers, $375 for single adults who head a household with dependents and $500 for married couples filing jointly. The refund would only be paid to people who filed tax returns for both the 2020 and 2021 tax years. The state began processing 2021 returns on Feb. 1 and returns are due April 18 unless a taxpayer files an extension.