Governor Brian Kemp (R-GA) held a press conference today after he signed multiple bills into law to bolster the state's economy and reduce the tax burden on hardworking Georgians.
First Lady Marty Kemp, Lieutenant Governor Burt Jones (R-GA), Speaker Jon Burns (R-Newington), Budget Director Rick Dunn, Georgia Department of Revenue Commissioner David Burge, members of the General Assembly, and other economic partners joined the governor at the event.
During his remarks, Gov. Kemp highlighted Georgia’s reputation as the No. 1 state for business and the obligation to maintain it.
Through the governor's conservative approach, the state has managed to return billions of dollars to taxpayers through relief on property and income taxes.
"We've remained the No. 1 state for business for a historic 12 consecutive years because of our commitment to growing opportunity and budgeting conservatively," said Gov. Kemp.
He continued, "That approach has allowed us to return billions of dollars to taxpayers, and the legislation I signed today will keep that momentum going as we further lower our state income tax rate, deliver on meaningful property tax relief, and ensure job creators have the opportunity to grow and thrive in the Peach State."
The New Legislation
Altogether, Gov. Kemp signed nine pieces of new legislation into law, implementing a combination of tax reform, relief, and credit.
House Bill 463 is the most notable legislation, as it lowers Georgia's state income tax rate from 5.19% to 4.99%, effective beginning January 1, 2026. It also includes provisions for further annual reductions of the income tax rate as well as increases in the standard deduction.
It raises the retirement income exclusion to $70,000 beginning in 2027 and introduces temporary tax exclusions for qualified overtime compensation and cash tips through 2028.
The second is Senate Bill 111, supported by Representative Angie O’Steen (R-Ambrose). This bill expands the eligibility criteria for rural hospital organizations to include rural freestanding emergency departments.
The bill also lowers indigent care thresholds, ultimately broadening access to tax-credit-eligible contributions for rural healthcare providers in Georgia.
Governor Kemp to Sign Legislation Cutting Taxes and Growing Opportunity https://t.co/XXNAFl9NER
— Governor Brian P. Kemp (@GovKemp) May 11, 2026
