By Representative James Burchett (176th District)
With some strong tailwinds coming out of Washington – including a great visit to Georgia by President Trump last week – we’re feeling more optimistic than ever about the direction of our country, and we are doing our part to keep Georgia the number one state for business and for families.
Here is a quick look at what we accomplished last week, and what we’re tackling next.
The Amended FY 2026 Budget
The House and Senate have both passed differing versions of the budget for the balance of Fiscal Year 2026. As a part of the regular legislative process, we’ll be negotiating our differences to get a bill to the Governor’s desk. Unlike in DC, here in Georgia we are required to balance the budget – a responsibility we take seriously. This budget strictly prioritizes public safety, transportation infrastructure, and economic development while protecting the taxpayer.
Protecting Ratepayers
We passed a crucial bill to ensure that energy costs associated with data centers popping up around the state aren’t passed down to regular residential and retail electricity customers but are paid by data center operators.
The Week Ahead: Focusing on Education
This week, education is front and center. As a husband to a public school counselor and a dad to two boys attending Ware County Public Schools, getting this right is personal to me. We are taking up several major bills to ensure our kids have the tools they need to succeed in K-12 and beyond.
Legislation we are scheduled to debate include the Georgia Early Literacy Act to ensure no child in Georgia finishes third grade unable to read; legislation to prioritize school safety at every campus across the state; a bill to increase the ways that high performing Georgia students can use the HOPE scholarship; and an important effort to ensure that Georgia students are focused on learning in school and not the latest social media posts on their phones.
We are incredibly blessed to live in the greatest state in the greatest country on earth. There is still a lot of heavy lifting to do before Sine Die in April, but I’m highly optimistic about what we’re going to deliver for South Georgia.
Things are moving fast up in Atlanta – but folks are keeping busy at home too. As part time legislators, my colleagues and I know well that Georgia moves forward not because of the government, but through the hard work of every one of you that make the 176th district the best place to live in Georgia!
As always, remember that my door is always open. Whether in Waycross or under the Gold Dome, I am here to serve you. This session moves fast, and your input is the most important tool I have.
If you or a group from our district are planning a trip to Atlanta, please let us know.
My office can help coordinate visits to the Capitol, and I always make time to meet with folks from home. Whether it’s a concern about a specific bill, a business issue, or just to say hello, please don’t hesitate to email me at james.burchett@house.ga.gov or call my office at (404) 656-5024.
It is the privilege of a lifetime to represent District 176. Let’s get to work.
Representative James Burchett represents the citizens of District 176, which includes Atkinson and Lanier Counties, as well as portions of Coffee, Lowndes and Ware counties. He was first elected to the House of Representatives in 2019 and currently serves as the House Majority Whip.
