September 10, 2022
ICYMI: Governor and First Lady Kemp Dedicate Funding to Statewide Causes, Extend Suspension of State Gas Tax, Tour Flood-Damaged Communities
Atlanta, GA – Governor Brian Kemp and First Lady Marty Kemp have been hard at work ensuring funding is distributed statewide to continue Georgia's recovery from the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. Funds have been dedicated to essential areas such as education, public safety, housing, and other services, all focused on building a safer, stronger Georgia.
On Monday, August 22nd, Governor Kemp announced over $37.4 million in Governor's Emergency Education Relief (GEER) funds would be awarded to address learning loss in Georgia schools caused by COVID-19 . This new funding not only benefits schools, but also community and public organizations that impact and aid students in the state.
On Tuesday, August 23rd, the Governor announced $125 million in funding dedicated to Georgia’s School-Based Health Center Program, further strengthening healthcare statewide. The funding will be administered by the Georgia Department of Education through a grant program and will increase healthcare options in rural and underserved areas of the state.
On Wednesday, August 24th, Governor Kemp and First Lady Marty Kemp marked the passing of former First Lady Sandra Dunagan Deal., a lifelong advocate for education and the children of Georgia. Her kindness and generosity will not be forgotten as future generations fondly remember her and the joy she shared with others.
Thursday, August 25th, Governor Kemp announced $100 million will go to addressing public safety concerns and the rise in violent crime during and following the COVID-19 pandemic in Georgia communities. Specifically, this funding will be used to focus on retention, recruitment, violence intervention, crime reduction, and equipment upgrades. More information on the program criteria can be found here.
Governor Kemp began the following week by announcing an award of over $62 million to Georgia housing initiatives across the state on Monday, August 29th. In total, 20 projects amounting to $62,449,245 will be awarded funds to address housing insecurity issues exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic.
On Tuesday, August 30th, the Governor continued the week with the announcement of a $250 million "Improving Neighborhood Outcomes in Disproportionally Impacted Communities" grant program, with funds going to improving neighborhood amenities such as parks, recreation facilities, sidewalks, and health resources.
Wednesday, August 31st, Governor Kemp appointed Judge Stephen Knights to Henry County State Court. Currently, Stephen Knights, Jr. serves as a judge on the Henry County Magistrate Court and has served in multiple public and private legal offices.
Thursday, September 1st, Governor Kemp started the month by announcing a fourth extension of the state gas tax suspension. In response to continued inflation caused by reckless spending from D.C. Democrats, the governor has extended the suspension until October 12 to ease the financial burden on Georgians. The Peach State continues to have one of the lowest gas prices in the nation, and because of responsible budgeting by Gov. Kemp and the General Assembly, the state is able to cover the loss in revenue from the tax suspension.
Friday, September 2nd, Governor Kemp marked the end of the week with the announcement of 63 appointments to various boards, commissions, and councils across the state. The appointments also included the reappointment of many officials.
Wednesday, September 7th, the Governor celebrated another economic win for the state with the announcement of GAF Material's investment of $146 million into a new manufacturing facility in Lowndes County. This expansion will create 135 new jobs and will add to the 200 Georgians they have already employed.
On Wednesday, September 7th, the First Family traveled to communities in Chattooga County to visit with volunteers and community members affected by severe flooding over the Labor Day weekend in North West Georgia. The Governor, First Lady, Jarrett, and Lucy toured impacted areas to view flood damage and visited several churches that are serving as water and resource distribution centers.
Thursday, September 8th, the governor continued to share news of economic expansion with the announcement that Georgia-based Troy Acoustics Corporation (TAC) will invest almost $40 million in a new manufacturing facility in Thomas County. The investment will create 88 new jobs in addition to retaining the current 17 positions currently supported.
Kemp Announces New Distribution of GEER Funding in Response to COVID-19
Associated Press: Kemp directs up to $37M in federal cash for learning aid
Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp on Monday designated up to $37.4 million in federal COVID-19 relief money to private groups and public agencies to help students catch up on learning they missed during the pandemic.
Kemp directed $12 million to Boys & Girls Clubs statewide for tutoring and academic enrichment, on top of $15 million he directed to the groups earlier.
The governor is also sending $2 million to the Georgia Alliance of YWCAs. The groups will distributed materials to 11,000 students and offer programs including an electronic sports program that aims to help students catch up academically.
WRDW: Millions coming to Georgia to curb pandemic learning gap
Georgia Governor Brian Kemp announced more than $37 million in funding for programs to close the pandemic learning gap.
“We can meet kids where they are and really make a difference in their performance at school. So, it’s awesome, to be a part of an organization that is focused on that,” said CEO of the Boys and Girls Club of Greater Augusta Kim Evans.
Evans says the investment is working.
There are more than 1,000 students enrolled in the after-school program that these funds will look to go towards.
“Over 78 percent of our kids and our after-school programs either maintained or improved their grade and reading, which is huge. Not having that level of support for nearly two years was pretty remarkable to see this kind of impact,” said Evans.
Georgia Continues to Fight Housing Insecurity
GPB: Kemp allocates $62 million to address homelessness and housing insecurity
Gov. Brian Kemp announced Monday that his office will provide $62 million to help Georgia communities address homelessness and housing insecurity.
The governor’s office will award the funds to 20 organizations who applied via a competitive process. The funds will be used to build affordable housing, improve existing housing, and provide mental health services to people who are homeless.
“As Georgians faced the unprecedented challenges and economic downturn of the pandemic, COVID-19 robbed some of their financial stability, expanding the homeless population in vulnerable communities,” said Kemp. “Those who were already homeless faced even greater difficulties, with many already struggling with mental health or substance abuse issues.”
WSAV: Gov. Brian Kemp allocates $62M for homelessness, housing insecurity
Kemp said the projects will fund the building of new affordable housing, improve existing housing, assist homeless people who are experiencing mental health problems and housing insecurity issues worsened by the pandemic.
CBS46: More than $62 million distributed by Kemp to fight Covid homelessless
In metro Atlanta, some of the recipients include the Atlanta Land Trust ($808,427); the Decatur Housing Initiatives Corp. ($2 million); the Ebenezer Building Foundation ($5 million); and Paladin, Inc. in Cherokee County ($5 million).
“By investing these funds in those who are already making a difference around our state on these fronts, we will provide those most in need with resources that will aid them on the road to personal and financial recovery.”
Gov. Brian Kemp announced Monday that his office will provide $62 million to help Georgia communities address homelessness and housing insecurity.
The governor’s office will award the funds to 20 organizations who applied via a competitive process. The funds will be used to build affordable housing, improve existing housing, and provide mental health services to people who are homeless.
Governor Kemp Launches Public Safety Initiative
Morgan Citizen: Kemp rolls out new law enforcement grant program
Kemp announced a new grant program Thursday that will provide up to $1.5 million to help law enforcement agencies cope with violent crime that has been on the upswing since the pandemic began more than two years ago and offset staffing losses that have hit police and sheriff’s departments.
“Over the past several years, we’ve seen an unacceptable increase in violent crime all across the state, fueled by the pandemic and misguided efforts like the ‘Defund the Police’ movement, which demoralized our hardworking law enforcement officers.”
Law enforcement agencies awarded grants through the new program will be able to use the money to augment law staffing, support violent crime reduction or community violence intervention programming, and invest in technology and equipment needed to combat the rise in gun violence.
AJC: Kemp commits $100 million more in federal COVID-19 money to law enforcement
Gov. Brian Kemp announced Thursday that he is committing another $100 million in federal COVID-19 relief money for grants to law enforcement agencies to address violent crime and offset staffing shortages.
“Public safety has always been my top priority, because every Georgian should feel safe in their own communities,” Kemp said in a statement announcing the grants.
In this case, the state will award up to $1.5 million in grants to law enforcement agencies to “address increased violent and community crimes as a result of the pandemic and to help offset a decrease in law enforcement staffing that occurred as local governments fought the effects and spread of COVID-19.”
Funds can be used to augment staffing, support violent crime reduction or community violence intervention programming, and invest in technology and equipment.
Kemp Extends Georgia Fuel Tax Suspension
Fox 5: Georgia gas tax suspension extended through mid-October
Kemp has delayed the deadline to resume collecting motor fuel taxes further back since he signed an order in March to suspend gas tax collection when prices soared at record rates.
"With our nation experiencing 40-year high inflation, ongoing supply chain challenges, and some of the highest gas prices ever, Democrats in D.C. continue to spend taxpayer money with no regard for the costs and its impact on hardworking families," Kemp said in a statement. "While these politicians continue to double down on bad policies, we are using the means available to us to provide much-needed relief to Georgians. As I've said since we first suspended the fuel tax back in March, we can't fix everything Washington has broken, but we can use the resources we have as a result of our responsible budgeting to keep more money in the pockets of hardworking Georgians."
U.S. News and World Report: Governor Again Suspends Georgia Gas Taxes Into Mid-October
Gov. Brian Kemp on Thursday signed an executive order extending the suspension for a fourth time.
Kemp's extension comes as gas prices continue to fall from summer highs. According to motorist group AAA, the average price for a gallon of regular gas in Georgia was $3.37 on Thursday. That's down about 40 cents in a month. While the national average is now $3.83, Georgia is one of 10 states, mostly in the South, with average gas prices below $3.50 a gallon.
WTOC11: Kemp extends suspension of gas tax again ahead of busy holiday travel weekend
As Georgians continue to face sky-high inflation, Gov. Kemp is acting to ease the burden these higher costs are placing on Georgia families. Both orders will be effective through October 12, 2022.
Since the temporary suspension was first implemented back in March, Georgia’s average gas price has remained one of the lowest in the nation and is currently roughly 46 cents below the national average for a gallon of regular gas, according to AAA.
11 Alive: Gov. Kemp extends Georgia's gas tax suspension
$250M for Neighborhood-level Improvements Across Georgia
Capitol Beat: Kemp announces $250 million for parks and recreation in low-income communities
“Though we have long since turned the corner on the pandemic, we know there are still some lingering public health impacts of Covid-19 that are broader than the disease itself,” Kemp said. “They include mental health challenges and unhealthy physical conditions caused by isolation.”
Kemp said keeping parks and recreation facilities open during the COVID pandemic allowed Georgians to continue to exercise and get fresh air .
“We were met with resistance at times on this approach, but we prevailed in giving both Georgians and numerous out-of-state visitors safe options,” Kemp said.
“By carefully investing these funds, we’re helping communities further move past the effects of the pandemic and become healthier.”
Each approved project will be eligible to receive up to $2 million. Applications will be accepted from Sept. 1 to Nov. 18 and a virtual applicant workshop will be held on Sept. 6. More information about applying can be found on the program’s website.
WABE: Georgia to spend $250M in COVID-19 cash to aid recreation
Gov. Brian Kemp is earmarking $250 million in federal COVID-19 relief for neighborhood recreation improvements in some of Georgia’s poorest areas.
The state says it will prefer overhauls of existing facilities because the money must be spent by Oct. 31, 2026. The state Office of Planning and Budget will begin accepting applications Thursday, with plans to decide which grants will be awarded in January.
Grants of up to $2 million per project can be used by local governments or nonprofit groups to improve, repair or maintain parks, recreation facilities, sidewalks and healthy food access, Kemp announced Tuesday.
The state says encouraging physical activity and healthy eating improves health because parks and recreation facilities allow for socially distanced recreation despite COVID-19.
AJC: Kemp to create $250M grant program for neighborhood improvement
Gov. Brian Kemp announced the new “Improving Neighborhood Outcomes in Disproportionally Impacted Communities” grant program Tuesday. The money will give hamlet-sized help to qualified neighborhoods for repairing parks, recreation facilities, sidewalks and access to healthy food.
Grants of up to $2 million per project can be used by local governments or nonprofit groups to improve, repair or maintain parks, recreation facilities, sidewalks and healthy food access, Kemp announced Tuesday.
The money can be spent in census tracts with poverty rates generally worse than 20% in 2019. Statewide, Georgia has a poverty rate of 14%, according to the Census Bureau.
Kemp on Monday announced $62 million in awards of up to $5 million apiece to use federal COVID-19 aid to 20 nonprofit groups that will use the money to combat homelessness. In recent weeks, Kemp has also announced $125 million for school-based health centers, $37 million to help students catch up on learning they missed during the pandemic, and a whopping $1.2 billion on payments of $350 apiece to poorer Georgians.
The First Family Travels to North Georgia to Lend a Hand to Those Affected by Flooding
11Alive: Gov. Kemp, First Lady survey damage after flooding in northwest Georgia
Gov. Brian Kemp is in northwest Georgia surveying damage in flood-stricken Chattooga County.
Steady rainfall hit parts of northwest Georgia over the weekend prompting a flood emergency and disruption of clean water service in towns such as Summerville. The city's mayor, Harry Harvey, reported more than 10 inches of rain in just under a 10-hour period of time.
Kemp and his wife, the First Lady Marty Kemp, headed to Chattooga County on Wednesday where they visited the communities impacted by the floods along with local officials and emergency management personnel.
Fox 5: Gov. Kemp tours Chattooga County flood damage
Brian Kemp and First Lady Marty Kemp spent Wednesday morning touring damaged areas in northwest Georgia hit the hardest floods over the weekend.
Most of Chattooga County is still without water, and some business owners say they don't know if they'll ever be able to reopen.
Long lines filled downtown Summerville as many are desperate for water. Many people in the small towns have come together, giving out water and setting up food distribution for those families struggling to get back on their feet.
WDEF: Governor Kemp Tours Summerville Flood Damage
“I know this has been, you know, tough economically for this community and tough on their families. You know, kids are not in the classroom right now, because we don’t have water availability in the schools. And obviously, parents are dealing with bigger issues right now. Many of the downtown businesses got devastating flooding and water damage that they’re dealing with,” said Kemp. “I mean our main concern is making sure we’re keeping water for individuals that need it so that and get meals to them so they can survive and also get the water turned back on and then we’ll continue evaluations and the other processes that come to every resource that we have available in state government we have been here and we’re not going anywhere we’re gonna hang in there as long as everybody needs us and we’ll do what we can do.”
The superintendent of Chattanooga county school says he is not sure when students will be back in the classroom, but he predicts it could be the first of next week. There is no official word on when the water will resume running.
CBS46: Kemp, state officials request federal assistance for North Ga. flood victims
Kemp said the state is doing everything in its power to help get flood victims back on their feet.
“I know this has been tough economically for this community and tough on their families,” Kemp said at a news conference after the tour. “Kids are not in their classrooms right now because we don’t have water availability in the schools and obviously parents are dealing with bigger issues right now.”
Chris Stallings, director of the Georgia Emergency Management Agency, said the state is requesting federal assistance on behalf of flood victims.
“We have been in contact with FEMA,” Stalling said. “We are requesting [representatives from] the Individual Assistance Program to come and do assessments. They should be on the ground either this evening or tomorrow.”