Speaker David Ralston (R-Blue Ridge) laid out his 2022 legislative priorities ahead of the upcoming session Thursday in a media availability session at the State Capitol. He also fielded questions on the other major issues expected to dominate discussion – from cityhood proposals to constitutional carry, from Critical Race Theory to election reform.
Ralston’s points of emphasis heading into the session are public safety, mental health, and of course passing the budget, technically the only issue that absolutely must be resolved by legislators.
“I’m not going to be distracted by what other people are doing in their campaigns,” said Ralston, pledging to tune out the “silly” noise that will surely accompany an election year that features several heavyweight primary clashes amongst members of his own party. Some of that noise has already bubbled up from the constitutional carry debate, where former U.S. Sen. David Perdue and Gov. Brian Kemp, now primary foes, have sparred over the issue and promised to push it going forward. Ralston was less bullish on the proposition, noting that he was “in discussions” with Kemp’s team and that he hoped they could come to a consensus on how to move forward.
Similarly on tax reform, most notably a effort from some Republican candidates to eliminate the state income tax, Ralston pushed back. “It sounds good on a bumper sticker or soundbite, or even a campaign ad, but we have to govern and make decisions” he said when asked if he would support such a proposal. “Going at it in an incremental way is preferred,” as to eliminating the tax entirely.
Ralston neither outright supported nor opposed the Buckhead Cityhood movement, which promises to be one of the most fiercely debated issues in 2022. He noted that what the legislature decided to do would set a precedent moving forward for similar cityhood efforts, many of which are already beginning to bubble up. He also wasn’t shy about taking a shot at former Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms, saying that the effort had arisen from a “failure of leadership at City Hall.” With a new mayor now in place, it remains to be seen if that relationship between the neighboring buildings can be restored.
The Speaker promised to increase funding for mental health professionals, including a comprehensive bill that address the shortage of counsellors in the state. He noted that a lot of state-funded groups, including teachers, prosecutors, and judges, are looking for raises, which may lead to a balancing act as the budget is debated.
Ralston was also cool on the idea of another round of abortion debate, pointing to pending lawsuits currently before the Supreme Court and the need for them to be resolved before the state moves forward. “I don’t intend for that to be on the agenda this session,” he stated bluntly.
He was warmer on the topics of legalizing gaming and on a bill helping the electric vehicle industry, leaving the door open for movement on both issues. On gaming, “There is an appetite this session that I haven’t seen before to do something,” Ralston remarked.
