July 08, 2022
ICYMI: Governor Kemp Shares New Measures to Keep Georgians Safe, Ease Inflation Burden and Invest in Communities
Atlanta, GA – In case you missed it, Governor Brian Kemp and First Lady Marty Kemp have been hard at work to keep Georgians and our schools safe, to ease the burden of inflation on hardworking citizens, and to invest in communities through economic development and further expansion of broadband.
On Thursday, June 23rd, Governor Kemp and First Lady Marty Kemp attended the Georgia School Safety and Homeland Security Conference which brings every partner to the table to help keep Georgia's students, teachers, and classrooms safe. In his address to the attendees, he announced millions of dollars in new grants for local and state law enforcement agencies to fund training on school safety, use-of-force, de-escalation, and mental health. Photos from the event can be found here.
Also on the 23rd, Governor Kemp announced Georgia-based shoe company Okabashi Brands will create over 340 new jobs in Gwinnett County. This major onshoring of manufacturing ensures this third-generation, family-owned and woman-led company will continue to grow right at home in the Peach State.
On Friday, June 24th, Governor Kemp announced the inaugural 15 appointments to the Healthcare Workforce Commission. This newly-created commission will tackle the challenges facing the healthcare industry in hiring and retaining workers.
On this busy day, Governor and First Lady Kemp also joined the Cumming community to cut the ribbon on their new city center. Photos from the ceremony can be found here.
From there, the Governor and First Lady joined the families and friends of the latest Northeast Georgia Police Academy graduates to congratulate them on their achievement and thank them for their willingness to serve their communities. Photos from the event can be found here.
Also on the 24th, Governor Kemp announced two appointments to the Cobb Judicial Circuit Superior Court. Former GBI Director Vic Reynolds and former Deputy Attorney General for the Commercial Transactions and Litigation Division Julie Adams Jacobs will fill the two vacancies on the court.
Finally, Governor Kemp provided a statement continuing his commitment to the fight for life at all stages in the wake of the Supreme Court's decision on Roe v. Wade.
On Sunday, June 26th, Governor Kemp addressed the Georgia Municipal Association's annual convention. He thanked the local leaders from around our state for their partnership in building a safer, stronger Georgia while also celebrating the accomplishments of soon-to-be Ambassador Calvin Smyre. Photos from the convention can be found here.
On Tuesday, June 28th, First Lady Marty Kemp encouraged Georgians to take free, online human trafficking awareness training and learn the signs of trafficking and how to report them when spotted. With recent events speaking to the importance of awareness, the First Lady wants all Georgians to join her in ridding our state of this evil industry.
Also on the 28th, Governor Kemp announced Boston Scientific will invest $62.5 million in expanding its research capabilities in Johns Creek. This expansion reinforces Georgia's position at the forefront of growing fields such as the Life Sciences industry.
The same day, the Governor applauded Ocmulgee EMC and Conexon Connect for partnering to expand high-speed internet access in Middle Georgia. Governor Kemp has prioritized the expansion of broadband internet and the opportunities it brings to communities in every corner of our state.
Continuing to focus on creating opportunity for hardworking Georgians, Governor and First Lady Kemp joined Visa executives to celebrate the Georgia launch of their Digital Empowerment Program. This initiative will provide computers and educational resources to historically underserved communities.
On Wednesday, June 29th, the Governor and First Lady joined Mayor Andre Dickens, Interim Police Chief Schierbaum, other leaders from the City of Atlanta Police Department, and local community officials for the opening of the Buckhead precinct. Building on the hard work of our brave officers and the progress made by the Crime Suppression Unit, this precinct will help keep Georgians and the Buckhead community safe.
On Thursday, June 30, Governor Kemp announced the appointment of Patrick Jones to the University System of Georgia Board of Regents and thanked the outgoing Regent Don Waters. As a past chairman of the Board and alumnus of 2 USG institutions, Regent Waters' impact on generations of students will be felt for years to come. Patrick Jones' experience as a leader in the private sector will help ensure Georgia's campuses continue to produce top talent.
On Friday, July 1, Governor Kemp signed executive orders extending the temporary suspension of the state gas tax and supply chain state of emergency, while also suspending the state sales tax on locomotive fuel. While President Biden refuses to take steps that will provide relief for Georgians facing record-high prices at the pump, Governor Kemp is taking decisive action to ease the burden our citizens are under as a result of disastrous policies from Washington politicians.
In celebration of Independence Day, Governor Kemp and First Lady Marty Kemp addressed Georgians on the great values that set America apart as an exceptional nation and recognized the bravery of the men and women whose sacrifices ensure our freedom.
Gov. Kemp Announces Increased Funding Available for School Safety
WRBL: Gov. Kemp ramps up funding to increase school safety measures across Georgia
Georgia Governor Brian Kemp was in Columbus Thursday to wrap up the Georgia School Safety and Homeland Security Convention. Kemp used his closing remarks to announce his plan to step up school security.
Gov. Kemp announced for the first time publicly today, that 2.6 million dollars of funding from the State Law Enforcement Training Grant program to enhance SRO training. Plus an additional 4.5 million dollars available in law enforcement grants on the state and local levels.
Albany Herald: School Security Grants to be Made Available
Gov. Brian Kemp spoke to local and state public safety personnel, school resource officers, other law enforcement officers, emergency management personnel, teachers, school administration officials, and school counselors at the 2022 Georgia School Safety and Homeland Security Conference, hosted by the Georgia Emergency Management and Homeland Security Agency in partnership with the Georgia Department of Education. Having started in 2009, the three-day event is the state's premier and longest-running conference for school safety.
AJC: Georgia putting more money into school safety
Georgia is allocating additional millions of dollars for school safety.
Among the new grants:
- $2.6 million to enhance training for school police.
- $182,000 to buy 210 tactical kits for school police.
- $1 million for regional and other school safety training, including for instructors plus new reference guides.
Gov Kemp Extends Gas Tax Suspension and Supply Chain State of Emergency and Suspends Locomotive Fuel Tax Into August
Fox 5: Gov. Kemp extends gas tax suspension through mid-August
Gov. Brian Kemp has once again extended the period of time during which the state will not collect motor fuel taxes.
The governor's office announced Friday morning that Kemp had signed two new executive orders. The first continues the suspension of gas taxes through Aug. 18, while the second renewed the State of Emergency for Supply Chain Disruptions.
Brunswick News: Kemp extends gas tax suspension
Kemp said the suspension is needed to help Georgians get through a time of high inflation and high fuel costs.
Rep. Buddy DeLoach, R-Townsend, whose district includes a chunk of Glynn County, acknowledges there may be some who are concerned about further loss of gas tax revenue.
“Yes, there is concern, but so far, the budget surplus has been enough to cover the $170 million monthly cost,” DeLoach told The News when asked. “Gov. Kemp’s budget analysis have been very accurate in their predictions, and this governor is the most disciplined politician I have ever known.”
Gainesville Times: Kemp extends gas tax suspension during summer travel season
Georgians will continue to see some relief at the pump, but gas prices remain near historic highs.
The gas tax normally collects about $150 million per month for Georgia transportation and infrastructure projects, according to AP News. But the state had a $1.25 billion surplus in last year’s budget, buoyed by strong sales tax numbers and federal money, which could go toward making up the lost revenue.
Georgia is the state with the lowest average gas price, according to AAA data. At $4.35 per gallon, Georgia is almost 50 cents cheaper than the national average for regular gasoline as of July 1. The average price of gas in Hall County is $4.30 per gallon as of July 1.
WJBF: Gov. Kemp signs executive order extending temporary suspension of gas tax
Friday morning, Georgia Governor Brian P. Kemp signed two executive orders to alleviate the financial burden placed on Georgians due to inflation and to renew efforts to address supply chain issues.
Since the temporary suspension was implemented, Georgia’s average gas price has often been the lowest in the nation and is currently roughly 50 cents below the national average for a gallon of regular gas, according to AAA.
Gov. Kemp and First Lady Marty Kemp Join Mayor Andre Dickens, Local Leaders to Celebrate Opening of Buckhead Police Precinct
11Alive: Atlanta Police Department opens new Buckhead precinct
Governor Brian Kemp joined Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens and Interim Police Chief Darin Schierbaum for the ribbon cutting at the new Buckhead Village Police Precinct on Wednesday.
It's located at One Buckhead Plaza at Peachtree Road and West Paces Ferry.
WABE: Vowing to reduce crime, Dickens, Kemp help open Buckhead Village police precinct
Atlanta police are touting a double-digit decrease in crime in the Buckhead neighborhood compared to the same time last year.
“Public safety has no political boundaries,” Kemp said. “Whether you’re Republican, you’re Democrat or whether you don’t care. You want your neighborhood to be safe, you want your streets to be safe and that’s what today is all about: fulfilling the No. 1 duty of government by protecting its citizens.”
Northside Neighbor: Buckhead Village Precinct opens its doors at One Buckhead Plaza
After several months of construction, Buckhead’s Atlanta Police department precinct at One Buckhead Plaza has officially opened its doors.
The new precinct will be home to the Buckhead Village community which encompasses East Paces to Lenox Square, Pharr Road from Peachtree Street to Piedmont, Roswell Road from Peachtree Street to Piedmont Road, and Piedmont Road from Roswell Road to Pharr Road.
Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp, Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens, Atlanta Police Foundation President Dave Wilkinson, the Buckhead Coalition Chair Juanita Baranco, Buckhead CID Executive Director Jim Durrett and Cousins Properties CEO Colin Connolly all attended the precinct ribbon cutting June 29.
Gov. Kemp and First Lady Marty Kemp Help Cut the Ribbon on New Cumming City Center
Forsyth Herald: Cumming rings in next phase of City Center construction
“This is a special day here in Cumming and all of Forsyth County, and really throughout this whole region of our state,” Kemp said. “We know that [people] will come from miles away to enjoy all the City Center has to offer, and when they leave, they’ll know why Cumming is such a special place.”
[Governor Kemp] said he discovered that the places with a strong sense of identity and community “flourish the most,” and he was sure the City Center would reinforce “that strong sense of community” in Cumming.
“It has put that proud identity in a physical form of this beautiful space, and it’s put up a welcome sign not only for people here, but for people around the state and from afar to visit,” Kemp said.
He said he was also happy to celebrate the economic success that the City Center will bring to Cumming and the surrounding region, bringing more jobs and an enhanced quality of life in a place with a “small town heart and a big story spirit.”
Gov. Kemp Applauds Partnership Between Ocmulgee EMC and Conexon Expanding High-Speed Internet Access to Middle Georgia
The plan to bring reliable, affordable and high-speed fiber broadband to the residents of Central Georgia got a big boost through a new partnership, according to a press release from Governor Brian Kemp, a collaboration between Ocmulgee EMC and Conexon Connect will launch a network that could span up to 2,100 miles of fiber-to-the-home (FTTH).
"We've seen vast expansions of broadband internet access across rural Georgia, connecting our citizens to a wide network of resources and opening doors," Kemp said. "I commend Ocmulgee EMC and Conexon for this exciting public-private partnership and their commitment to creating value for their communities."
Capitol Beat: More broadband connectivity coming to rural Georgia
Ocmulgee Electric Membership Corp. (EMC) announced plans Tuesday to launch a fiber-optic network that will provide high-speed internet service to customers in five Middle Georgia counties.
The EMC, headquartered in Eastman, will partner with Kansas City-based Conexon Connect to deploy broadband across 2,100 miles to up to 8,000 customers in Laurens, Dodge, Bleckley, Pulaski and Telfair counties.