Recap: The Georgia Chamber’s Eggs & Issues Breakfast
The Augusta Metro Chamber of Commerce joined over 2,500 attendees, including Governor Brian Kemp, Lt. Governor Burt Jones, Speaker Jon Burns, lawmakers, and leaders from across Georgia at the "Eggs & Issues" breakfast, to officially kick off the 2025 Georgia General Assembly.
Speaker Burns emphasized the importance of school security by improving communication between districts and increasing access to mental health resources for students. He also focused on enhancing literacy, protecting gender-specific school sports, and advancing workforce development through the Pathways Program and healthcare education initiatives. Additional priorities included providing tax relief, streamlining licensing processes, addressing state prison infrastructure, and updating water resource plans that haven’t been revisited since 2006.
Lt. Governor Jones highlighted efforts to expand childcare access through a child tax credit, address workforce housing as a local issue, and promote workforce development by advancing technical education pathways. He also stressed the need for infrastructure improvements and comprehensive lawsuit reform to address challenges in healthcare, insurance, and legal processes.
Governor Kemp proposed the Top State for Talent Act, integrating the Georgia MATCH program into 9th-grade graduation plans, aligning credentials with high-demand careers, and boosting pathways to postsecondary programs. He also announced $530M for freight infrastructure, $250M for water infrastructure, and emphasized tort reform as a top priority.
These discussions set the stage for a productive legislative year, with a focus on building a stronger Georgia for businesses, communities, and families.
Pictured L to R: Scott MacGregor, Angie Cox, Kerry Bridges, Dr. Jermaine Whirl, Rep. L.C. Myles, Dr. Lily Henson, Rep. Karlton Howard, and Kim Wilder.