Georgia Chamber of Commerce President Chris Clark yesterday declared during the Eggs and Issues breakfast at the World Congress Center that the business organization will vigorously promote capitalism and private enterprise in opposition to socialism. Clark outlined the Chamber’s extensive General Assembly priorities, but the man of the hour at the event was new Governor Brian Kemp.
Kemp gave a preview of today’s State of the State address, unveiling his plans to create a new state anti-gang task force and devote $69 million in one-time funds for school security grants. He also committed to what he called a “historic and well-deserved” pay raise for Georgia’s public school teachers.
“To ensure a bright and promising future for our state, we must invest in those who educate, inspire, and lead our students,” said Kemp. “Approximately 44 percent of Georgia teachers leave the profession before five years. To recruit and retain the best and the brightest, we must remove red tape in the classroom and keep teacher pay competitive. These hardworking Georgians are shaping our future. We recognize their service and will reward their efforts.”
Also, on the education font, Kemp said he felt that the classroom should be “a safe haven for students – not a hunting ground for school shooters.”
He has included $69 million in one-time funds for school security grants.
In the Amended Budget for 2019.
Under his plan, all 2,294 public schools in the state will receive $30,000 to implement school security priorities determined by local school boards, administrators, teachers, parents, and students. He also stated that during the State of the State address today, he will detail plans to put mental health counselors in our schools.
“To keep our kids safe, we must also address the mental health issues that often lead to school violence,” he said. “These mental health professionals will engage with struggling students and help provide the resources needed to prevent disruptive, aggressive, and potentially violent behavior.”
State School Board Chairman Scott Johnson was happy to hear the Governor’s plans for school safety.
“Governor Kemp was right on target with the education priorities he expressed at the Eggs and Issues breakfast,” said Johnson. “Nothing could be more important than investment in school safety and there is a direct correlation by providing greater access to mental health resources for students.”
In his remarks on safety, Kemp went on to talk about his commitment to take on street gangs and organized crime.
“According to a recent survey, there are over 71,000 gang affiliates and 1,500 suspected gang networks in our state,” Kemp said. “Even worse, this crisis stretches statewide – rural, suburban, and urban – touching communities large and small.”
According to Kemp, 157 counties and 155 school districts have reported suspected gang activity.
“Social media is becoming a tool for recruitment, with kids as young as five years old being tapped for membership.”
Kemp’s budget proposal includes $500,000 in initial funds to form a gang taskforce within the GBI, which will be made up of “a highly qualified group of experienced law enforcement personnel” who will work with local District Attorneys and law enforcement to stop and dismantle street gangs.
Finally, the governor renewed his campaign commitment to “work to increase choices, improve quality, encourage innovation and grow access to affordable healthcare across the state.”
Clark, introduced the Chamber’s new strategic plan – The New Georgia Economy, which provides exclusive insight into upcoming trends and risks that will impact the business community across Georgia.
“This plan reaffirms our commitment to furthering statewide prosperity and establishing a brighter future by embracing change and innovation in every economic sector across the state,” said Clark.
New Lt. Governor Geoff Duncan spoke on priorities for the 2019 Legislative session, and House Speaker David Ralston also talked about his priorities for the new year.
