Governor Brian Kemp (R-GA) has signed the Amended Fiscal Year 2025 (AFY25) Budget into effect. He made remarks following his signature hitting the paper.
Gov. Kemp mentioned that compared to other states, Georgia is experiencing financial prosperity while diminishing taxes for its residents, while other states are facing debt and higher taxes.
While other states are raising taxes to cover their out-of-control budgets, we’re funding our priorities while cutting taxes AND returning billions back to Georgia taxpayers! pic.twitter.com/CqlI9nDRgf
— Governor Brian P. Kemp (@GovKemp) March 6, 2025
"Maryland has a budget deficit, and they're raising taxes this year. This state, we have a budget surplus. We are cutting taxes, and we are giving a rebate through that document right there," said Gov. Kemp before receiving a round of applause.
However, the Peach State governor shared that more can be done.
"And I think that's what the federal government and the Congress is going to be working with and working on. And I think we as a state stand ready to help them in that effort," said Kemp. "I think we have ways that they could be more efficient. You know, block grant and money to the states on things like education and health care and and transportation and other things. I feel certain that we can use those funds in a more efficient manner than some bureaucrat Washington, DC."
Gov. Kemp could be gearing up to challenge Sen. Ossoff for his seat in 2026. According to the latest polling from Tyson Group, Kemp holds a significant advantage against Ossoff and polls 10% better than other Republicans such as Georgia Representatives Buddy Carter and Marjorie Taylor Greene.
A new Tyson Group poll of 600 likely Georgia voters tests Democratic U.S. Sen. Jon Ossoff against three hypothetical opponents: Gov. Kemp and Reps. Buddy Carter and Marjorie Taylor Greene. #gapol pic.twitter.com/fg0yrnCt54
— Greg Bluestein (@bluestein) February 13, 2025
As for Lieutenant Governor Burt Jones (R-GA), he said he would "look at" a potential run for governor as Kemp is term limited. His term ends in January of 2027.
Dome Politics Publisher Javier Manjarres asked Lt. Gov. Jones about his willingness to run for office. He gave a witty answer.
"Well, you know, the rumor of me being in political office is true. I'm the Lt. Gov. currently, and that is really what I'm focused on right now," said Lt. Gov. Jones. "Obviously, I get the question, 'Are you going to run for governor, Kemp's term is coming up. You're already sitting in the No. 2 position.' And I'm going to look at it. I'm going to get done with this session, and then look at the landscape and then make a call from there."
Furthermore, Jones shared that he doesn't see himself as an elected official who is constantly attempting to move up the ladder to the next position to stay relevant or gain political fame.
"I'm not like a politician in the fact that I'm not looking for the next role. I got elected to do this job, and I got to finish this thing out," said Jones.
