Capitol Update
2025 Legislative Session Recap
Dear Friends and Neighbors,
Serving District 70 in the Georgia House of Representatives is one of the greatest honors of my life. I’m proud to represent a community that believes in hard work, local values, and pragmatic solutions.
This year, we’ve taken meaningful steps to reduce the tax burden on seniors, enhance access to Georgia’s natural resources, and support innovation in education. I’ve also spent the summer meeting with neighbors, community leaders, and statewide partners to ensure your voice is heard at every level of government.
Thank you for trusting me to be your representative.
Legislative Highlights
Property Tax Relief for Seniors & Homeowners
This year, we took major steps to ease the property tax burden on older adults and working families:
- I helped get new senior school property tax exemptions on the ballot for Coweta County this fall. When passed by voters, these changes will significantly reduce costs for seniors—and all homeowners will benefit.
Expanded Access to Specialty License Plates
This session, we expanded eligibility and introduced new specialty license plates to honor service and promote causes that matter to Georgians. These tags help raise awareness, fund critical programs, and make benefits more accessible for veterans and individuals with disabilities.
- Free State Park tags for residents with qualifying disabilities
- Free license plates for disabled veterans during the period of disability
- New specialty plates launched for:
- The Shepherd Center
- Fishing & Wildlife programs
- Georgia’s three public HBCUs
Highlights of House priority legislation that went into effect on July 1, 2025
- HB 111 - Another historic tax cut that reduces the state personal and corporate income tax rate from 5.39% to 5.19%
- ‘The Riley Gaines Act’ - A bill that protects the integrity and fairness of women’s sports by banning biological males from participating in female sports, or from receiving athletic scholarships designated for women
- HB 268 - The House’s comprehensive school safety legislation that mandates stronger physical school security infrastructure, increases access to student mental health resources, and strengthens penalties for terroristic threats
- HB 340 - Legislation aimed at fostering a distraction-free learning environment in Georgia schools by banning the use of cellphones in K-8 classrooms
- HB 428 - A bill codifying access to In Vitro Fertilization for Georgia families facing infertility
- ‘Fentanyl Eradication and Removal Act’ - Legislation building on our efforts to make Georgia safer by increasing penalties for the distribution of the deadly drug Fentanyl
Highlights of the Fiscal Year 2026 Budget Include
- $22.7 million to implement recommendations from the Georgia Council on Literacy to bolster literacy rates and provide a quality education to every child in the state
- $19.6 million for every public middle and high school to receive ‘Student Support Service Grants’ for mental health resources
- $108.9 million for every public school to receive $47,000 for school security improvements and upgrades
- $14 million in lottery funds to expand and improve Georgia’s Pre-K education programs
- $8.8 million to increase access to maternal healthcare across the state, particularly in rural and underserved areas where access to care is limited
- $7.4 million for graduate medical education programs to attract and retain physicians to practice here in Georgia
- $9.4 million for a new behavioral health crisis center in North Fulton, building on our efforts to increase access to mental healthcare for individuals and families when they need it most
2026 Budget Breakdown
Natural Disaster Assistance
Forestry & Rural Relief – House Bill 223
This landmark legislation supports Georgia’s rural communities and forest landowners in recovering from storms and natural disasters. HB 223 includes several key provisions:
- Exempts federal disaster and crop insurance payments from Georgia income tax
- Creates a reforestation tax credit to encourage long-term recovery
- Allows local governments to waive timber harvest taxes after disasters
- Provides sales tax exemptions for materials used in rebuilding
Chair of Natural Resources and Environment
As Chair of the House Natural Resources and Environment Committee, I continue to focus on policies that protect Georgia’s natural assets and promote responsible growth across the state.
This includes supporting conservation initiatives, environmental education, and legislation to sustain Georgia’s water, land, and energy resources.
Celebrating 25 Years of the Central Educational Center
This year marks the 25th anniversary of one of Coweta County’s most impactful educational innovations: the Central Educational Center (CEC).
I was honored to sponsor and help secure the $7 million Coweta County School Board budget request that funded the formation of CEC. This was a bold, community-wide charter school initiative—created in direct response to the workforce and employment needs voiced by local business and industry leaders.
CEC was designed to bridge the gap between education and employment, giving high school students access to technical training and hands-on learning experiences. Its success has made it a national and international model for how public education and industry can collaborate to prepare students for meaningful careers.
CEC was the first of its kind in the nation, and its legacy continues to grow. Coweta County’s forward-thinking approach has not only influenced education policy here at home but has also inspired similar models across the globe.
The ongoing impact of CEC is a powerful reminder of what can be accomplished when communities, educators, and policymakers unite around a shared vision. I’m proud to have played a role in its founding—and even prouder of the lasting opportunities it continues to provide for Coweta students.
In and Around House District 70
It was a joy to be back home this summer and enjoy the 4th of July Celebration.
I joined the Newnan Rotary Club for their annual fireworks celebration at Newnan High School, where I had the privilege of helping present awards to some of our most patriotic young citizens.
Coweta Samaritan Clinic Dental Wing Opening
I was honored to attend the ribbon cutting of the new dental wing at the Coweta Samaritan Clinic, a vital addition that provides free dental care to uninsured and low-income residents of Coweta County.
This expansion fills a critical gap in access to care, offering both preventative and restorative services to those who need them most.
Statewide Involvement
While I proudly represent District 70, I also have the opportunity to serve in roles that extend across Georgia—supporting industries and shaping policy that affects us all.
Georgia Cattlemen’s Association
Georgia’s cattle industry is a cornerstone of our state’s agricultural economy, supporting jobs, rural communities, and families across generations. As a longtime advocate for Georgia’s number one industry—agriculture—I’ve been proud to work alongside the Georgia Cattlemen’s Association to advance policies that ensure our producers remain strong and successful.
This year, I had the honor of presenting the Coweta County Cattlemen’s Resolution at the 33rd Annual Coweta County Cattlemen’s Association Rodeo, a special night that celebrated the hardworking individuals who keep this vital industry moving.
Joe Tanner Discovery Center
I was honored to speak at the ribbon cutting for the new Joe Tanner Discovery Center, located at the Charles Elliott Wildlife Center.
This interactive learning facility is a fantastic new resource for Georgians—especially students. With live animals, hands-on exhibits, and immersive nature education, the center helps foster a love of conservation in the next generation.
Civic Engagement & Voting
I remain committed to encouraging civic participation across our district. Whether it's encouraging voter registration or discussing local concerns with constituents, being involved matters.
Upcoming Local Elections:
General Election Date: November 4, 2025
Voter Registration Deadline: October 7, 2025
Early Voting Begins: October 14, 2025
Visit the Georgia My Voter Page to learn more about your voting precinct and upcoming elections.
I am forever proud to serve the great people of District 70. Your support and friendship during my time as your Representative have meant the world to me. I am honored that you have placed your trust in me and I encourage you to reach out directly with comments, questions or concerns.
