Gov Brian Kemp Archives - The Georgia Star News

Georgia Sets Trend by Allowing Property Tax Relief for Natural Disasters

March 28, 2023March 27, 2023 The Center Square

Georgia will be the only state among its neighbors to allow local governments to give residential property owners a temporary break on their taxes for storm damage.

Gov. Brian Kemp signed into law last week House Bill 311, which was authored by State Rep. Lynn Smith, R-Newnan. It allows local governments to provide tax relief on property taxes, either through a millage rate reduction (one mill equals $1,000 worth of property value) or a credit once a disaster is declared by the federal government.

Georgia Bans Sex Changes for Minors

March 24, 2023March 23, 2023 Just the News

Georgia Republican Gov. Brian Kemp on Thursday signed into law a ban on sex changes for minors.

The state House passed the measure 96-75 last week while the Senate granted its assent earlier in March by a 33-22 margin. The legislature sent the bill to Kemp’s desk on Wednesday.

Georgia Plans to Dole Out $15 Million to Expand Broadband Across the State

February 21, 2023February 20, 2023 The Center Square

Georgia officials plan to dole out an additional $15 million to expand broadband in unserved and underserved areas of the state.

Gov. Brian Kemp announced a second round of Capital Projects Fund grants funded by American Rescue Plan Act dollars to expand high-speed internet service. The Office of Planning and Budget will administer the funding through a competitive grant process.

Georgia Officials Roll Out Increased Penalties for Gang Crimes

February 2, 2023February 1, 2023 The Center Square

Georgia Republicans formally rolled out legislation to increase penalties for those who recruit minors into gangs.

Senate Bill 44, introduced by state Sen. Bo Hatchett, R-Cornelia, also mandates minimum sentences for gang offenses currently on the books in Georgia. It would allow prosecutors and judges to consider lower sentences only in some situations, including where a defendant renders “substantial assistance” in identifying, arresting or convicting other gang members.

School Choice Legislation Is Likely from Georgia Lawmakers this Session

January 23, 2023January 23, 2023 The Center Square

Georgia lawmakers are almost certain to discuss school funding and even school choice legislation during this year’s legislative session.

Report: Georgia’s Revenues Exceeded Expenses During the Last 15 Years

January 2, 2023January 1, 2023 The Center Square

Georgia saw its revenues exceed expenses overall during the past 15 years, a new report reveals.

The Peach State’s total revenue as a share of expenses during fiscal 2006-20 was 102.6%, according to a new analysis from Pew Trusts. That’s in line with the 50-state median of 102.7%.

Georgia’s Kemp Extends Gas Tax Moratorium Again

November 6, 2022November 7, 2022 The Center Square

Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp has signed an extension of the state’s gas tax moratorium, saying such a move is needed because of a potential diesel fuel shortage.

The extension runs through Dec. 11.

Kemp also extended the locomotive fuel tax moratorium and a supply chain state of emergency. The governor, who is in the middle of a reelection campaign against Democrat Stacey Abrams, squarely placed the blame for high gas prices on President Joe Biden’s policies.

Georgia’s Kemp Receives B Grade for Fiscal and Tax Policies

October 23, 2022October 22, 2022 The Center Square

The Cato Institute gave Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp a B on its 2022 Fiscal Policy Report Card of governors, citing his tax cuts as a reason for the grade.

The libertarian think tank also gave Kemp, a Republican, a B on its 2020 report card. The analysis grades governors on their fiscal policies from a limited-government viewpoint; the higher the grade, the more a governor has cut taxes and spending.

Poll Has Georgia’s Kemp Out to a Big Lead in Gubernatorial Race

October 13, 2022October 12, 2022 The Center Square

A new poll shows Gov. Brian Kemp widening his lead over challenger Stacey Abrams with less than a month until election day and just days before early voting starts.

The new Georgia News Collaborative poll found Kemp, a Republican, leading Abrams, a Democrat, by a margin of 51% to 40.7%. Libertarian Shane Hazel drew 2.3% of the vote, while 6% were undecided.

Georgia Gov. Kemp Signs Another Extension of the State’s Gas Tax Moratorium

October 4, 2022October 3, 2022 The Center Square

Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp has extended the suspension of the state’s collection of taxes on motor and locomotive fuel.

The governor also extended the supply chain state of emergency. Both orders will be effective through Nov. 11, shortly after the election.

Abrams Says Heartbeat at Six Weeks Is ‘Manufactured’

September 23, 2022September 22, 2022 Peter D'Abrosca

Georgia gubernatorial candidate Stacey Abrams made an unscientific remark on the topic of abortion during a recent campaign stop.

“There is no such thing as a heartbeat at six weeks. It is a manufactured sound designed to convince people that men have the right to take control of a woman’s body,” Abrams said.

New Georgia Poll Finds Republicans Walker, Kemp Widen Lead over Democratic Opponents

September 12, 2022 Georgia Star News Staff

Georgia Republican Senate nominee Herschel Walker and incumbent GOP Gov. Brian Kemp are both widening their leads over their Democratic opponents, according to a poll.

Former NFL star Walker is ahead of incumbent Democrat Sen. Raphael Warnock by 47-44%, an InsiderAdvantage/FOX 5 Atlanta poll released Thursday shows. Libertarian nominee Chase Oliver is receiving 4% support with 5% of voters still undecided.

Two Cobb County Sheriff’s Deputies Killed in Line of Duty

September 10, 2022September 9, 2022 Peter D'Abrosca

Two Cobb County Sheriffs Deputies were killed in the line of duty Thursday night while attempting to serve a warrant, that law enforcement agency said.

“Two deputies died tonight in the line of duty while serving a warrant,” the Cobb County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO) said Thursday night. “SWAT and FAST teams are at the scene. The suspect is barricaded. We will release additional information, including the names of the fallen deputies, as it becomes available.”

Georgia’s Kemp to Spend $100 Million in Federal COVID-19 Relief Funds for Law Enforcement

August 27, 2022August 26, 2022 The Center Square

Another day, another dollar dispersed.

Georgia’s governor is again turning to federal COVID-19 relief money to provide grants to another constituency. This time, he plans to give $100 million to law enforcement agencies statewide.

Gov. Brian Kemp is turning to the American Rescue Plan and the State Fiscal Recovery Fund to dole out grants of up to $1.5 million per award. Awardees can put the money toward a range of initiatives, from law enforcement staffing to investing in technology and equipment to respond to the uptick in gun violence.

PolitiFact Fact-Checks Stacey Abrams’ ‘Gross Lie’ About Brian Kemp

August 17, 2022August 16, 2022 Addison Basurto

Liberal “fact-checker” PolitiFact denounced a claim made in a Saturday statement by Stacey Abrams (D) that Governor Brian Kemp (R) and Georgia’s House Bill 481 stipulates a warrant for the arrest of women who suffer a miscarriage.

“Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp has not said he wants women investigated or punished for pregnancies that end in miscarriage. A six-week abortion law he signed said miscarriages are legal,” PolitiFact said.

Georgia Officials Unable to Say How Much Taxpayer Money Was Spent on School Supply Program for Teachers

August 1, 2022August 1, 2022 The Center Square

Georgia plans to give a $125 supplement to teachers in the state to offset the cost of classroom materials and ostensibly help students rebound from learning losses suffered amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

However, Georgia officials cannot say how much money in total the state plans to give public school teachers as part of the “Back-to-School Supply Supplement” program.

Second Poll Shows Kemp with Slight Lead over Abrams

July 29, 2022July 28, 2022 Peter D'Abrosca

A second poll released in as many days shows Georgia’s incumbent Republican governor with a slight lead over his Democrat challenger in this year’s gubernatorial race.

A SurveyUSA/11 Alive News poll shows that Gov. Brian Kemp (R) leads Democrat Stacey Abrams by a hair, with 45 percent of the vote. Abrams, according to the poll, has 44 percent of the vote.

RNC Reports Gains in Black Voters in Georgia Gubernatorial Race

July 28, 2022July 27, 2022 Peter D'Abrosca

According to an Atlanta Journal-Constitution poll, Georgia’s incumbent Republican governor has a slight edge over second-time Democrat challenger Stacey Abrams.

AJC says that Gov. Brian Kemp (R) leads Abrams by five points in the duo’s rematch of the 2018 gubernatorial race in the Peach State.

Copper Foil Manufacturer to Invest $430 Million in Richmond County Facility

July 22, 2022July 26, 2022 Addison Basurto

A high-quality electrodeposited (ED) copper foil manufacturer Denkai America announced Wednesday in a joint statement with Governor Brian Kemp that it will invest $430 million in a Richmond County-based facility that will create 250 jobs over the next five years.

“As Georgia continues to lead in the emerging electric vehicle market & next-gen jobs, I’m proud to announce that Denkai America will invest $430M & create 250 new jobs over the next five years in Richmond County through its new manufacturing facility and North American Headquarters!” Kemp said.

Kemp Vows to ‘Keep Fighting’ Inflation in Georgia

July 14, 2022July 13, 2022 Peter D'Abrosca

The governor of Georgia Wednesday said he will continue battling to keep costs down for Georgians after the June Consumer Price Index report from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) was released.

That report showed 9.1 percent inflation, by far the highest one month increase in more than 40 years.

Kemp Campaign Responds to Abrams’ Soros-Backed Fundraising Haul

July 12, 2022July 12, 2022 Peter D'Abrosca

The reelection campaign for Gov. Brian Kemp (R) has responded after gubernatorial challenger Stacy Abrams raised $2.5 million from a George Soros-run Political Action Committee (PAC).

“Far-left radicals from across the country are bankrolling Stacey Abrams’ campaign to bring the failed agenda of D.C. Democrats to Georgia,” Tate Mitchell, a spokesperson for the Kemp campaign, told The Georgia Star News. “Abrams and her liberal allies can – and will – continue to outraise and outspend our campaign, but we will continue to run on Governor Kemp’s record of putting Georgians first and securing historic economic success for our state.”

Georgia State Lawmaker Pitches Private Company’s Casting Call for Films to Be Made in Savannah

July 11, 2022July 11, 2022 Georgia Star News Staff

A state lawmaker is helping a private company find actors and actresses during an open casting call event for a trio of Savannah-based film projects.

On Tuesday, the Georgia Media Services Office distributed a media advisory on behalf of Rep. Carl Gilliard, D-Savannah. Gilliard is partnering with Bill Marinella Casting to potentially cast actors and actresses in roles on “Fear the Walking Dead,” “Cave Dweller” and “Pax.”

Georgia House Speaker Calls on MLB to Award Atlanta All-Star Game After 2021 Cancelation

July 9, 2022July 9, 2022 Peter D'Abrosca

Georgia’s House Speaker this week turned the heat up on Major League Baseball (MLB), which moved its All-Star Game from Atlanta to Denver last year in protest of Georgia’s SB 202 election integrity law.

“Earlier this week, I wrote to [MLB] Commissioner [Rob Manfred] and called on him to announce a future All-Star Game in Atlanta,” said Georgia Speaker of the House David Ralston (R-District 7). “Georgia’s Election Integrity Act made voting more accessible and secure. False claims to the contrary have been proven wrong. Time for him to make this right.”

Abrams Nonprofit Says ‘True Freedom’ Exists for Few Americans

July 5, 2022July 6, 2022 Peter D'Abrosca

A non-profit founded by gubernatorial candidate Stacey Abrams Monday bemoaned what it says is a lack of freedom for many Americans.

“Since our nation’s independence, true freedom has only ever existed for a small subset of people,” Fair Fight said on Twitter. “Today, when our basic rights are once again under attack, we’re celebrating those who continue the fight for freedom for every American—no matter their gender, race, or zip code.”

102 Georgia Sheriffs Sign Letter Condemning Stacey Abrams as ‘Soft on Crime’

June 30, 2022June 30, 2022 Peter D'Abrosca

More than 100 Sheriffs in Georgia signed a letter blasting Democrat gubernatorial candidate Stacey Abrams as “soft on crime.”

“Over the last four years, Governor Kemp and his family stood shoulder to shoulder with the men and women serving in Georgia’s law enforcement community,” the letter, touted on incumbent Gov. Brian Kemp’s website, says. “Working alongside our departments, Governor Kemp has championed legislation to recruit and retain more officers into the profession, strengthen penalties for criminals and help keep Georgia’s streets safe, and prevent rogue local governments from stripping critical funding and resources from police.”

Brad Raffensperger Calls for Federal Amendment on Election Security

June 18, 2022June 17, 2022 Addison Basurto

In a follow-up tweet that expounded on his letter penned in January on election reform, Georgia Secretary of State, Brad Raffensperger, reiterated his call for a federal Constitutional amendment on U.S. citizenship and election integrity.

“A citizenship amendment is a necessary security measure that will ensure that only American citizens are voting in our elections. We need an amendment now,” Raffensperger said.

Poll Shows Kemp with Lead over Abrams

June 17, 2022June 17, 2022 Peter D'Abrosca

An early poll in Georgia’s gubernatorial election shows incumbent Gov. Brian Kemp (R) leading Democrat challenger Stacey Abrams.

The poll, taken by East Carolina University (ECU), was conducted between June 6 to June 9 among 868 registered voters in Georgia.

Kemp Launches Ad Targeting Abrams over ‘Worst State’ Comments

June 8, 2022June 7, 2022 Peter D'Abrosca

As the race for Georgia’s governorship intensifies, Gov. Brian Kemp (R) Tuesday launched an ad attacking opponent Stacey Abrams for recent comments she made about living in the Peach State.

“Georgia is the worst, according to Stacey Abrams,” the ad says. “Bless her heart.”

Abrams Launches Debut TV Ad Attacking Kemp

June 4, 2022June 4, 2022 Peter D'Abrosca

Georgia’s Democrat gubernatorial candidate this week launched her campaign’s debut television ad, whacking her Republican opponent.

“For years, Brian Kemp has taken Georgia backwards,” said an ad by Stacey Abrams’ campaign.”

Abrams Says Kemp Signed ‘Criminal Carry’ Bill into Law

May 28, 2022May 27, 2022 Peter D'Abrosca

Democrat gubernatorial candidate Stacey Abrams in a Friday post accused her incumbent opponent of signing a bill into law that does not appear to exist.

“Our children across Georgia are bearing the heartbreaking consequences of gun violence. Instead of addressing the crisis, Brian Kemp signed criminal carry legislation that will put more guns on our streets and make our communities less safe,” said Abrams on Twitter.

Kemp Extends Gas Tax Holiday as Prices Continue to Rise

May 27, 2022May 27, 2022 Peter D'Abrosca

Georgia’s governor Thursday extended the state’s gas tax holiday amid record-high prices at the pump.

“While President Biden continues to enforce an out-of-touch agenda with damaging effects, we’re responding to record-high inflation and addressing supply chain issues by empowering Georgians to keep their money in their own pockets and keep goods flowing,” Gov. Brian Kemp said on Twitter.

Kemp Ponders Extending Georgia Motor Fuel Tax Suspension

May 26, 2022May 25, 2022 The Center Square

Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp has not said whether he would seek to extend the state’s motor fuel tax suspension when it expires at the end of May. However, during a Wednesday morning interview with an Atlanta radio station, the governor indicated an announcement might be looming.

“I know Georgians need it; they’re getting killed at the pump right now, and they’re getting killed at the grocery store because of [President Joe] Biden’s 40-year high inflation, and quite honestly, … just bad policies in Washington, DC, like our domestic energy supply policy,” Kemp, a Republican, told WSB Radio.

Ronna McDaniel Calls for Republican Unification Before Georgia Primary

May 24, 2022May 24, 2022 Peter D'Abrosca

The Chairwoman of the Republican Party took to “Fox News Sunday” where she called for unification of the Republican Party.

“I think we’re gonna get past this primary season and I’m gonna be so grateful when we do and we really focus on the Democrats,” GOP Chairwoman Ronna McDaniel said in segment that focused on former President Donald Trump’s endorsements for various offices nationwide.

Trump Not Dumping Perdue, NBC Story ‘Fake News’

May 21, 2022May 20, 2022 Peter D'Abrosca

After NBC published a Friday story citing anonymous sources who said former President Donald Trump had given up his support of former Sen. David Perdue (R-GA), now running for governor, Trump himself dispelled the rumor.

“The Kemp Campaign, together with Fake News NBC, has put out a phony narrative that I have given up on David Perdue in Georgia,” Trump said on his social media outlet Truth Social. “That is completely FALSE.”

Palin Stumps for Perdue in Georgia

May 21, 2022May 20, 2022 Peter D'Abrosca

Savannah, Georgia – Former Alaska governor and vice presidential candidate Sarah Palin, a Republican who is currently running for the U.S. House of Representatives in Alaska, joined former Sen. David Perdue (R) at a rally in the closing days of his primary election race.

“The position of governor is so very important when we talk about election integrity, and that should be first and foremost on everyone’s mind what we can do to ensure the integrity in our elections,” Palin said at the rally. “You cannot exercise Democracy within a Republic when you don’t have the fair elections that the electorate deserves.”

Trump Not Dumping Perdue, NBC Story ‘Fake News’

May 20, 2022May 20, 2022 Peter D'Abrosca

Georgia Issues More than $415 Million in Federal COVID-19 Relief Funds for Nonprofit Recovery

May 18, 2022May 17, 2022 The Center Square

Georgia is doling out more than $415 million in federal relief money as grants to help nonprofits recover from the COVID-19 pandemic.

The money, which goes to more than 30 recipients, is from the American Rescue Plan’s Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds.

Georgia Governor Signs Fiscal 2023 Budget

May 15, 2022May 15, 2022 The Center Square

Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp has signed the state’s more than $30.2 billion fiscal 2023 state budget, increasing spending by more than 10% over last year’s budget.

The plan, which takes effect July 1, exceeds $57.9 billion when including other funds, such as more than $17.6 billion in federal money and grants.

Pence to Rally with Kemp on Eve of Primary

May 14, 2022May 14, 2022 Peter D'Abrosca

In an act of opposition against former President Donald Trump, former Vice President Mike Pence will rally with Gov. Brian Kemp (R) on the eve of Georgia’s primary election day.

Kemp confirmed the news on his Twitter account, saying he was “honored” to have Pence’s support.

Trump Slams Republicans Supporting Kemp in Re-Election Bid

May 13, 2022May 12, 2022 Peter D'Abrosca

Former President Donald J. Trump is taking out his frustrations as current and former governors from across the country continue to support Gov. Brian Kemp (R), a political enemy of the former president, for reelection in Georgia.

“Today, the worst ‘election integrity’ Governor in the country, Brian Kemp, loaded the great state of Georgia up with RINOs. That’s right, he had them all,” Trump said in Wednesday statement. “Chris Christie, Doug Ducey from Arizona, and Pete Ricketts from Nebraska. That tells you all you need to know about what you are getting in Georgia—just a continuation of bad elections and a real RINO if you vote for Brian Kemp.”

Gov. Kemp Signs Betsy’s Law, Expanding Access to Maternity Support Services

May 9, 2022May 8, 2022 The Center Square

Gov. Brian Kemp has signed a bill to allow nonprofits to offer “maternity supportive housing residences” and resources at no cost for pregnant and postpartum women.

Under Senate Bill 116, known as Betsy’s Law, local governments cannot constrain or place occupancy requirements on these residences unless those same restrictions apply to a residence with a single-family living there, according to a news release.

Food Trucks Will Be Able to Operate in Multiple Counties Under New Georgia Law

May 8, 2022May 7, 2022 The Center Square

Gov. Brian Kemp signed a trio of bills he says will help small businesses in the state, including a measure that allows food trucks to operate in more than one county without needing multiple permits.

“As a small business owner for more than 35 years, I have always applied a pro-business approach to governing, helping to cut red tape and ensure we have an environment that allows good Georgia companies to thrive and serve their customers,” Kemp said in an announcement.

Kemp Signs Bills to Ban Vaccine Passports, Ensure Free Speech on Campus

May 5, 2022May 4, 2022 Peter D'Abrosca

As the COVID-19 pandemic winds down, Georgia’s governor Tuesday signed a bill into law banning state and local governments from requiring vaccine passports.

SB 345 bans “proof of any vaccination of any person as a condition of providing any service or access to any facility, issuing any license, permit, or other type of authorization, or performing any duty of such agency,” and says that state and local governments cannot “through any rule, regulation, ordinance, resolution, or other action … require that any person or private entity require proof of vaccination of any person as a condition of providing any service or access to any facility, or as a condition of such person or private entity’s performance of any regular activity by such person or private entity.”

Trump Highlights Story About Kemp’s Net Worth Increase While Governor

April 30, 2022April 29, 2022 Peter D'Abrosca

Former President Donald Trump released a short statement Friday highlighting a story about the net worth of his political rival Gov. Brian Kemp (R), which has reportedly grown by millions since he took office.

“ICYMI: “Kemp’s net worth grew by more than $3M since he took office” said the headline from Trump’s statement.

Kemp Signs Bill to Help Parents Challenge Obscene School Library Books

April 29, 2022May 5, 2022 Peter D'Abrosca

In a victory for parental rights, a bill Thursday was signed into law giving Georgia’s parents the right to challenge books and other school materials that they find offensive.

“No later than January 1, 2023, each local board of education shall adopt a complaint class resolution policy for its local school system to be used to address complaints submitted by parents or permanent guardians alleging that material that is harmful to minors has been provided or is currently available to a student enrolled in the local school system who is a child of such parent or permanent guardian,” SB 226 says.

Kemp Signs Bill Cutting Taxes on Military Pensions

April 20, 2022April 19, 2022 Peter D'Abrosca

A new law signed by Gov. Brian Kemp (R) says that a certain amount of income from Georgia veterans’ military pensions will be exempt from income tax.

Article 2 of Chapter 7 of Title 48 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated dictates tax exemptions.

Kemp Touts Lower Prices at the Pump Month After Gas Tax Suspension

April 16, 2022April 15, 2022 Peter D'Abrosca

Georgia’s governor is touting lower gas prices one month after he signed into law a bill suspending the state’s tax on gasoline.

“A month ago, I signed HB304 to temporarily suspend the state gas tax and help counter Biden-flation at the pump,” Gov. Brian Kemp (R) said on Twitter. “This week, the price of an avg. gallon in GA was down 57 cents. We’ll keep doing our part to lessen the impact of failed policies on Georgians’ wallets.”

Trump’s Save America PAC Donates $500,000 to Defeat Kemp

April 15, 2022April 14, 2022 Peter D'Abrosca

According to a Federal Elections Commission (FEC) filing, former President Donald Trump’s Save America Political Action Committee (PAC) has donated $500,000 to an effort to take down Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp (R).

The filing shows that Trump’s PAC donated the money to an anti-Kemp PAC called Get Georgia Right.

Loeffler Nonprofit Holds Voter Registration Drive in Metro Atlanta

April 13, 2022April 13, 2022 Peter D'Abrosca

A voter registration group led by a former U.S. Senator held a registration drive over the weekend at gas stations across the metro Atlanta area.

“Part of Greater Georgia’s broader mission that has already registered tens of thousands of lean-conservative voters, this latest registration drive will continue at a variety of consumer marketplaces over the coming weeks, including at gas stations, grocery stores, and gun stores,” that group said in a press release. “It will also include an accompanying digital and text registration campaign in counties across the metro area.”

Kemp Signs Constitutional Carry Bill into Law

April 13, 2022April 12, 2022 Peter D'Abrosca

Georgia’s governor Tuesday signed a bill into law that will allow residents of the state to carry a concealed firearm without a permit.

“I certainly want to thank all of those legislators – many of them – that along with us have been pushing to get this bill across the finish line for a long time,” Gov. Brian Kemp (R) said in the bill signing ceremony at Gable Sporting Goods in Douglasville.