Georgia sending more state-supported staff to help hospitals
News August 16, 2021
ATLANTA – Governor Brian Kemp announced the state will increase the total number of supported staff in hospitals to 2,800 from the original 1,300.
Across the state, hospitals told the governor’s office that they needed more staff to treat the influx of COVID-19 patients as well as other patients.
Through October 2021, Georgia had committed $500 million for 1,300 state-supported staff in hospitals across the staff. The increase to 2,800 doubles staffing assistance and another $125 million. The existing contract will be extended as well.
170 staff will go to rural hospitals. Another 450 beds at nine regional facilities have been identified to treat patients statewide.
Kemp encouraged the unvaccinated to talk with their medical care professional and those they trust about getting the COVID-19 vaccine.
“This safe, effective vaccine will reduce the likelihood of you get infected with COVID-19, but more importantly it drastically reduces the chances of you ending up in a hospital bed or losing your life,” Kemp stated.
90 percent of hospitalizations in Georgia for COVID-19 are unvaccinated. Georgia’s only 41 percent fully vaccinated with the majority of counties falling into the 30 percentile range for vaccinations.
Department of Public Health (DPH) Director Dr. Kathleen Toomey explained that 90 percent of the new cases are the Delta Variant. It transmits extremely quickly from person to person and more younger individuals are being diagnosed with COVID-19 than before.
Department of Public Health Director Dr. Kathleen Toomey
Toomey believes the going to vaccine clinics won’t convince someone to receive the shot, but encouragement from family, friends, and doctors.
DPH will continue to hold vaccination events throughout the state at places like farmer’s markets and festivals so unvaccinated don’t have to take time out of their day. The goal is to make it easy for people.
Increased COVID-19 testing from DPH is also on the way. The positivity rate in Georgia is around 17 percent and DPH will be partnering with hospitals to try and prevent overwhelming the system.
The new testing site and plan rollout should become known by the end of the week.
Kemp urged the FDA to fully approve the COVID-19 vaccine to help alleviate the fears of the unvaccinated about getting the shot. The emergency use authorization status of the COVID-19 vaccine has prevented many from being vaccinated.
State employees are encouraged to get vaccinated
Friday, September 3, state government offices will be closed, and all state employees are encouraged to get the vaccine before or on September 3. Kemp added those employees who received the vaccine beforehand to take the day off as a thank you.
“I don’t think mandates in general work. I think at this point if anybody out there trusts the government, it’s probably not many people,” Kemp explained. “There’s misinformation out there.”
He added the South is experiencing vaccine hesitancy, and Georgia’s seeing it across the state.
If state employees don’t get the vaccine, they won’t experience any consequences. Kemp hopes they will get vaccinated for themselves, their families, and to help hospitals.
School guidance
Kemp stated he’s supporting superintendents and districts to make good decisions at the local level.
“I don’t think any more guidance or any restrictions…I actually think that would be counter-productive,” Kemp said. “I’m very confident they know how to deal with any issues.”
Giuliani derides Kemp and Raffensperger, praises Vernon Jones
Featured News, Featured Stories July 14, 2021
ELLIJAY, Ga – Former New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani (R) expressed that the country is at a “major crossroads” and it’s up to like-minded individuals to “preserve” it.
Giuliani’s officially endorsed gubernatorial candidate Vernon Jones(R) in Georgia after experiencing a lack of leadership from incumbent Brian Kemp (R). The embattled former mayor and ex-Trump Attorney attempted to contact Kemp several times following the November 2020 election and claimed the Georgia governor never returned his calls.
He added that the Georgia legislature conducted the “Best job [of] investigating the [election] fraud” last December. A special session concerning election fraud wasn’t called in December, but the Georgia House of Representatives and Senate held separate hearings to hear from individuals who experienced inconsistencies during that election cycle.
A lawsuit is currently in the court system concerning possible election fraud in Fulton County.
Giuliani attended one of those hearings and presented the highly contested security footage from State Farm Arena that featured some Fulton County poll workers pulling ballots from underneath tables.
The Secretary of State’s office conducted multiple recounts following the election and maintain that the Georgia election was honest and fair. They found no evidence of significant fraud.
Two weeks ago, New York suspended Giuliani’s law license in large part to the ex-Trump attorney’s election claims.
Giuliani wasn’t satisfied with either Kemp of Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger (R) claiming they never analyzed the video and going so far as to call Raffensperger “a damn liar.”
He believes Vernon is the “right man for Georgia” with experience running a government office as an executive as well as a legislator. He added that Vernon “went through hell to be Republican” and the former Representative understands Trump’s vision.
Giuliani’s in the midst of his own trials and tribulations. A new book is claiming Giuliani told Trump to “just say we won” on election night. A move that reportedly infuriated Trump advisors. Giuliani’s stated that the claims were false and made by anti-Trumpers.
In April, Giuliani’s Manhattan home and office were raided by federal agents who seized computers and cell phones for an investigation into Trump’s business dealings. The former New York Mayor has stated they didn’t take the Hunter Biden laptop, however.
Kemp launches 2022 reelection campaign, attacks Abrams with MLB ad
News, Politics July 13, 2021
ATLANTA – Georgia Governor Brian Kemp officially launched her 2022 reelection campaign on Saturday in Perry and quickly singled out Stacey Abrams for her involvement in the MLB boycott.
Kemp’s currently doing his best to shore up Republican support after suffering political fallout from the 2020 election. He’s still the target of former President Donald Trump’s ire for not aiding Trump in his efforts to investigate and overturn the November General Election results.
However, since the governor signed the Elections Integrity Act earlier this year, Kemp’s image appears to be on the rebound among many Georgia Republicans. He’s been the face of Georgia’s election reform across the country.
It’s a message he plans to continue capitalizing on, attacking prospective candidate Stacey Abrams in campaign ads during the MLB All-Star Game. Abrams initially favored MLB pulling the All-Star game, but later backtracked her position on social media.
The decision to move the All-Star Game cost Georgia businesses $100 million in income.
Senate Republicans will be running a similar ad attacking Warnock’s position on the MLB boycott. Warnock’s up for election in 2022 as well.
U.S. Justice Department’s currently suing Georgia for the new election law. However, the Supreme Court just upheld Arizona’s voting laws last week, which throws the Georgia case into question.
Kemp currently has two challengers in the Republican Primary Kandiss Taylor and former Democrat Representative Vernon Jones.
Jones has been a vocal Trump supporter and was endorsed by Rudy Giuliani. North Georgia’s recently been blanketed in Jones signs, and many are reluctant to let go of their love of Trump. Kemp’s efforts to remind voters of his accomplishments and commitment to free and honest elections might be enough to continue to turn public opinion, but at this time, it’s unclear.
Trump’s withholding an endorsement in the Governor’s race for the time being but did endorse Jody Hice, the minute he entered the Georgia Secretary of State Race against Republican incumbent Brad Raffensperger.
Georgia Republicans aren’t likely to soon forget their loses in 2020, and Kemp’s aggressive shots at an opponent who isn’t even officially in the race, suggest raucous times ahead for Georgians.
Feature image courtesy of Kemp campaign.
Vernon Jones feels welcomed by the Republican party
News, Politics, State & National June 7, 2021
ELLIJAY, Ga – Gubernatorial candidate Vernon Jones (R) attended and spoke at the Georgia Republican Convention over the weekend.
Jones, former Democrat turned Republican, continued to make his case against Governor Brian Kemp (R) and that Georgians need a real leader.
He added that people outside of the GOP establishment were quick to welcome him over from the Democrat Party. Jones believes he’s the person to grow the Republican party by bringing in people who hadn’t previously voted for the GOP, such as conservative minorities and young people.
“I’ve been conservative all my life, more conservative than a lot of Republicans I served within the state legislature,” Jones stated. “I’ve been a legislature longer than Brian. I’ve been a chief executive longer than Brian. My experience stacks right there with him.”
Jones said he’s happy for people to vet his qualifications for the role and cited his record on cutting taxes, managing police, water/sewer, and transportation departments, airports, more than 8,000 employees, and budgets. He’s also overseen an election office on the local level
“I’ve been an executive for eight years. Brian’s been an executive for four years,” Jones remarked. “I’ve been battle-tested.”
As for the money to run statewide, Jones didn’t appear concerned about Kemp’s campaign war chest. He’d rather run a grassroots campaign because he has the leadership experience to back it up on the state and federal levels.
“If you couldn’t trust the Governor in 2020, how can you trust him in 2022, more importantly in 2024,” Jones commented before pivoting to his record for stumping Trump in 2020 and his vocal support for an election integrity investigation.
He continued to hit hard at Kemp, flat out staying the incumbent is in trouble with the people in Georgia. Kemp was met with boos and cheers during his speech at the convention. However, Kemp’s also bounced back with some Republicans following SB 202.
Jones doesn’t believe anything Kemp has done since the 2020 election will ultimately save him in 2022.
“We can’t have somebody who wants to talk like DeSantis and then walk like Mitt Romney,” Jones mocked Kemp before adding he can bring the true conservative leadership.
Jones likes to claim he’s the only one who can beat Stacey Abrams (D), who is just to enter the race. Kemp recently challenged that stating he’s the only person who has actually beat the Democrat powerhouse.
Doug Collins officially bows out of 2022 election cycle
News, State & National April 26, 2021
GAINESVILLE, Ga – Former Ninth District Congressman Doug Collins (R) announced his intentions to not run in 2022 for either the governor or U.S. Senate.
Collins joined a law firm and started his own radio program following his loss in the 2020 primary for retiring Senator Johnny Isakson’s (R) seat. Raphael Warnock (D) went on to win the seat in the January run-off, but it will be up again in 2022 once the term officially expires.
In an online statement, Collins said, “this is goodbye for now, but probably not forever. I do plan on staying involved in shaping our conservative message to help Republicans win back the House and the Senate and help more strong conservative candidates get elected here in Georgia. I believe that we, as conservatives, must be able to clearly communicate our values and I will help keep that fight going.”
I’m announcing today that I will not be a candidate for any office in the next election cycle. Read more ⬇️ pic.twitter.com/IruVtnjZl7
— Doug Collins (@RepDougCollins) April 26, 2021
The former Representative served the Ninth District from 2013 to 2021 and became a strong supporter of President Donald Trump (R).
Now that Collin’s out of the race, it opens doors for Georgia Republicans who were possibly waiting in the wings for his decision.
Two Republicans have announced intentions to run against Senator Raphael Warnock: military veterans and businessmen Kelvin King and Latham Saddler. President Donald Trump has encouraged UGA hero Hershel Walker to enter the race.
Many speculate Congressman Buddy Carter (R), and Georgia Attorney General Chris Carr will enter the Senate race.
As for Governor, Brian Kemp’s up for reelection and many expect Stacey Abrams (D) to run again.
After Kemp denied Trump the opportunity to overturn Georgia’s election results, the former President actively pushed Collins to primary the governor. Trump’s vowed to campaign in Georgia and remove the elected officials who didn’t side with him.
So far, former Democrat Vernon Jones (R) has thrown his hat into the gubernatorial primary ring.
Kemp appeared to win some public support back by signing the election integrity act last month, but it’s unclear how many rural GOP voters will fall in line at the ballot box. According to Republican activist Debbie Dooley, 15 local GOPs “passed resolutions to essentially censure” the governor on April 10 and 17.
Taylor enters governor race, others likely to follow
Featured News, Featured Stories, News, Politics, State & National February 10, 2021
BAXLEY, Ga. – Kandiss Taylor became the first Republican to challenge Brian Kemp (R) in Georgia’s 2022 race for Governor.
Flanked by supporters, Dr. Kandiss Taylor made her announcement outside the Appling County Courthouse. Taylor was adamant that her campaign better reflects the small-town values of everyday people.
“I’m running for the people. I’m not represented, and the people aren’t represented,” said Taylor. “I think we’ve gotten to this place of RINOs, Republican in name only, and they’re not representing the people, and the people don’t even show up to vote because they think they’re all the same.”
The mother of three and longtime educator didn’t shy away from her struggles in her failed run for Senate against Kelly Loeffler last year. One of those struggles was her fundraising. According to the Federal Elections Commission, Taylor’s Senate campaign had just over $30,000 in total contributions. By comparison, Kemp enters the year with over $6 million. Nevertheless, Taylor believes the lessons she learned last year put her in a better position at a run for Governor and welcomes the challenge.
Taylor might be the first Republican to throw her hat into the 2022 gubernatorial primary, but she likely won’t be the last. Before leaving the White House, Trump was clear about his disapproval of Kemp after not calling for a special session regarding voter fraud. While it may be over a year before the election, Trump may be weighing his options on who to support in the primary. Politicos wonder if prominent Georgia Republican Doug Collins will jump into the race. He already earned Trump’s good graces, and many believe the former Ninth District Congressman isn’t finished with politics. However, Collins could choose to run against Senator Raphael Warnock (D) who’s up for election in 2022.
On the Democrat side, all eyes are on Stacey Abrams (D) as another potential contender. After her loss to Kemp in 2018, Abrams turned her focus to voter suppression. That same year Abrams started Fair Fight. The nonprofit played a heavy role in the contentious presidential and Senate races with the Fair Fight 2020 campaign. Democrats leaned on digital tactics and groups like Fair Fight’s $90 million war chest to make up the difference after the party suspended door-to-door canvassing due to the pandemic. While Abrams continues to say silent regarding her political future, Republicans aren’t taking any chances. In late January, Republican strategists launched StopStacey.org.
The Libertarian Party of Georgia isn’t staying quiet either. Outspoken podcaster Shane Hazel threw his hat into the race during a live stream on his show, “Radical with Shane Hazel.”
“Secret’s out, man. Running for governor here in Georgia,” said Hazel.
Hazel isn’t new to Georgia politics. Hazel was the third party candidate that ran against David Perdue (R) and Jon Ossoff (D) last year. Of the nearly 5 million votes between the three candidates, Hazel received 111,039, or 2.32% of the total vote.
“Un-American”: Kemp, Ralston, Duncan condemn violence at the Capitol
Featured News, Featured Stories, News January 6, 2021
ATLANTA, Ga – Georgia Republican Leaders Governor Brian Kemp, Speaker of the House David Ralston, and Lt. Governor Geoff Duncan spoke out against the violence in the United States Capitol.
Kemp called the actions of the extremists “un-American” and a “disgrace.” He commented on the peaceful protests that took place in Georgia over the summer, but “we did not allow anarchy and we certainly will not allow that now.”
He condemned those breaking into government buildings and berating police officers. The governor also alluded that a special session in Georgia would have ended in similar violence and denounced Rudy Guiliani for his “trial by combat” comments.
Duncan asked Trump to clearly instruct his supporters to leave DC.
Kemp extended the National Guard executive order as well.
Duncan “strongly and vehemently condemned the rioting and violence at the U.S. Capitol and other places across this country.” He asked President Donald Trump to deliver clear instructions to those in Washington DC and tell them to peacefully leave the Capitol. As for Georgians, Duncan implored them to “put down their differences, their partisanship, and pick up their freedom.”
Speaker Ralston called it a “sad day.”
“The shocking images we have seen from our nation’s Capitol today are indefensible, un-American, and frankly heartbreaking. I stand here with our governor, out lt. governor, and the support of the members of the General Assembly to condemn in the strongest possible terms these acts of lawlessness,” Ralston stated.
He remarked that the loss of an election isn’t a reason to “jeopardize” the safety of other citizens and reminded everyone that “we are one nation under God.”
Kemp added that they are looking into increased safety protocols ahead of the legislative session which begins on Monday.
Ralston spoke for the entire General Assembly to disavow today’s actions.
“We will move forward together working on the things that really matter to the people of our state,” Kemp ended.
Earlier today, Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger and staff were evacuated from their offices because of threats.
One woman was shot to the chest at the Capitol and the streets in DC continue to be filled with people. At this time, capitol police and other officers are working to clear out the Capitol. Some senators and representatives are hopeful they will return to Congress tonight.
“Hunker down, stay vigilant” Kemp declares ahead of Thanksgiving
Feature News, Featured, Featured News, Featured Stories, News November 24, 2020
ATLANTA, Ga – Georgia Governor Brian Kemp and Department of Public Health Commissioner Dr. Kathleen Toomey delivered a COVID-19 update and urge safety as the state prepares for Thanksgiving.
“We’ve seen a rise of Georgia cases in recent weeks. In light of that with not only Thanksgiving, but Christmas, Hannukah, the New Year, and other holiday celebrations right around the corner, we’re asking all Georgian’s to continue to do a few simple things,” Kemp said.
The four asks are:
- Wear a mask
- Practice social distancing
- Wash your hands
- Follow the guidance of state health officials
The unofficial fifth point is to get a flu shot to prevent a twindemic of COVID-19 and influenza.
Governor Kemp advises Georgians to limit holiday gatherings to only a few people in the same household or have a virtual event. Also, if weather permits to gather outside. Travelers should try to socially distance from others. He added to minimize the risk of exposure to family members who are more vulnerable to COVID-19.
“Our fight for COVID-19 has uprooted many of the norms that we’re used to, especially during the holidays. I know people are frustrated and ready to return to normal. I am as well, but we cannot grow weary. We have to keep our foot on the gas in this fight and as we celebrate Thanksgiving on Thursday, I think we have plenty to be thankful for,” the governor declared.
Kemp took a moment to thank hard-working Georgians, frontline workers, and law enforcement officials.
Department of Public Health Director Kathleen Toomey
“We’ve seen every time we have a holiday that our numbers increase,” Toomey explained. “Right now, in Georgia, we are still lower than in other states, but we’ve seen a steady uptick in cases, hospitalizations, and deaths. We can stop that if everyone follows those guidelines.”
Toomey expanded that taking a COVID-19 test ahead of the holiday doesn’t mean someone won’t contract the virus a few days later. She asked to try and avoid family members who don’t live in the same household. For Georgians who do gather, socially distance, wear a mask, separate utensils, and if possible, eat outdoors.
Currently, Georgia still has between 45 days and two months of frontline PPE supplies. The state has also shipped eight million masks, over 287,000 gallons of sanitizing gel, 19,500 hand sanitization stations, and 52,000 face shields to schools.
Hospital and long-term care facility staffing are a top priority for the Kemp administration, which plans to allocate $25 million to staff augmentation.
Toomey and Insurance Commissioner John King’s teams are working together to create a comprehensive vaccine distribution plan.
“I want to take a minute to commend the Trump administration and Operation Warp Speed on really incredible work on the vaccine,” Kemp stated. “As soon as that supply is ready to be shipped, the state will be ready to deploy a safe, effective vaccine.”
More updates on the vaccine plan will be released in the future.
Kemp issues statewide emergency for severe weather damage
Announcements, Featured, Press Release April 13, 2020
Atlanta, GA – Today Governor Kemp declared a statewide state of emergency following severe storm damage across Georgia over the last twenty-four hours.
“We are praying for those who lost loved ones overnight and the families dealing with severe storm damage. In coordination with private-sector partners, multiple state agencies – including the Georgia Emergency Management and Homeland Security Agency, Department of Public Safety, Department of Natural Resources, Department of Transportation, and Georgia Forestry Commission – are working hard to restore power, clear debris, and provide necessary assistance to families across the state,” said Governor Kemp. “This morning, I also spoke with FEMA Administrator Pete Gaynor, and I greatly appreciate his offer of federal assistance as we work to rebuild and recover from these storms.”
As of early this morning, 177,000 Georgians were without power. Overnight, there were forty tornado warnings issued across the state.
North Georgia Chairmen urge Kemp to close State Parks
Community, News April 6, 2020
Blue Ridge, Ga. – Twelve Commission Chairmen from North Georgia counties have joined together and signed a letter asking Governor Brian Kemp to shut down the State Parks.
“It appears that these nonresidents believe our area is a safe haven because of its rural nature. To the contrary, the influx of people into our communities has had a staggering detrimental effect on our resources,” the letter to Kemp read in part.
Habersham County Commissioner District 5 Tim Stamey
The letter goes on to outline the resources in our area that have been affected by the out-of-towners looking to seclude themselves, including in these resources are food, dry goods and fuel.
It goes on to inform Kemp that our area is not equipped medically: “Our communities simply do not have enough hospital beds or medical personnel to care for the inflated population.”
Though only serving as a commissioner for a little over three months, Habersham County Commissioner District 5 Tim Stamey felt he needed to be proactive in bringing a solution to this problem: “I am a retired special operator and we don’t sit around talking about things, we get it done.”
Stamey who sits on the County Health Board said, “I’m on the County Health Board and talk to Healthcare workers in my county on a daily basis. They are the heros/heroines in all this. This virus does not spread itself on the wind.”
Moccasin Creek State Park, situated just North of Unicoi State park has been “crazy, 4th of July crazy” for the past three weekends according to Stamey, who has witnessed the impact on his county first hand.
Stamey initially contacted Rabun County Chairman Greg James and White County Chairman Travis Turner.
“I started this by just trying to get border counties on board,” Stamey said and added, “Then Chairmen were like well, did you call such and such, I know they feel the same way. It just kept getting bigger and bigger.”
Stamey said that all Commission Chairmen were helpful, on board, and taking the matter seriously: “I talked to most of them several times and for up to an hour each time.”
Stamey, along with the 12 county chairmen and many residents, is hoping that this letter will get the attention of Kemp. The letter in closing states: “On behalf of the many citizens that live in North Georgia who entrust us as County Commissioners to represent their interests, we respectfully ask you to close all of the state parks located in our area immediately.”
Author
Gov. Kemp and UGA Provide Overview of CARES Act Funding
Business, News April 2, 2020
Atlanta, GA – Today Governor Brian P. Kemp and the University of Georgia Small Business Development Center (SBDC) provided an overview of the funding allocated by the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act. This critical funding will help small businesses keep workers employed during the current COVID-19 pandemic.
Through the University of Georgia’s 17 Small Business Development Centers (SBDC), in conjunction with the Georgia Department of Economic Development (GDEcD) and Department of Community Affairs (DCA), the state has launched an information website to provide guidance on accessing a variety of U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) programs.
Beginning April 6, these state partners will host a series of web-based information sessions tailored to each region of the state. In addition, SBDC will be available to assist businesses, where necessary.
The CARES Act provides funds for SBA to aid small businesses through its network of private small business lenders. Georgia has more than 70 qualified SBA lenders, and detailed information about the following vital lending programs can also be found HERE.
“Small businesses are the engine of Georgia’s economy and provide economic opportunity for millions of Georgia families,” said Governor Kemp. “As we continue to fight the spread of COVID-19, this critical resource will provide a lifeline to small businesses across our state. I am encouraging all Georgians to support their local businesses in this difficult time. We will get through this together.”
“The Georgia Department of Economic Development is continuing to work with our partners statewide to confront COVID-19 and move forward together,” said GDEcD Commissioner Pat Wilson. “We thank Governor Kemp, DCA, and SBDC for working together with us to better and more efficiently serve our state’s small businesses at this time of great need.”
“DCA is proud to work with our state partners to support the small businesses that are such a vital part of the communities we serve,” said DCA Commissioner Christopher Nunn.
“The University of Georgia has a strong track record of helping to develop new small businesses across the state. Assisting these firms to navigate COVID-19 aligns perfectly with our land-grant mission,” said UGA President Jere W. Morehead.
Kemp and UGA’s SBDC released a list of SBA lenders.
Small Business Paycheck Protection Program (PPP)
A new $349 billion lending program under the existing SBA 7(a) program. The SBA guarantee of PPP loans will be 100 percent through the end of 2020. PPP loan payments will be deferred for a minimum of six and up to twelve months. Loans will be administered through local and regional banks; any federally regulated bank may become an SBA lender for this purpose. The Department of the Treasury will issue regulations for these loans quickly.
| ▪ | Eligibility: Small businesses as defined by SBA size standards, generally up to 500 employees, but up to 1,500 depending on the sector; sole proprietors, the self-employed, and independent contractors. |
| ▪ | The interest rate will not exceed 4 percent; currently fixed at 0.5 percent. |
| ▪ | Regulatory streamlining: SBA’s standard “no credit elsewhere” test is waived, no personal guarantee or collateral required, and no additional fees will be applied to these loans. |
| ▪ | Size of loans: Up to $10 million. Loan amount is based on recent payroll costs, compensation paid to individuals, including those who are self-employed. Compensation in excess of $100,000 per year to any individual is excluded. |
| ▪ | Requirements: The business must certify the loan will be used to retain workers, maintain payroll, make mortgage or lease payments, and pay utilities. |
| ▪ | Loans may be forgiven, up to an amount equaling eligible payroll, mortgage interest, rent and utility cost, incurred during the eight-week period starting from the loan origination. Compensation in excess of $100,000 a year to any individual will not qualify for forgiveness. Additionally, loan forgiveness is reduced by layoffs or pay reductions in excess of 25 percent, and loan forgiveness is not treated as taxable income. |
Emergency Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) Advance
| ▪ | Eligibility: Advances are available to small businesses, sole proprietors, independent contractors, tribal businesses, as well as cooperatives and employee-owned businesses in operation on January 31, 2020. |
| ▪ | For those that apply for the EIDL, an advance of up to $10,000 will be provided to small businesses within several days of applying for the loan. |
| ▪ | The advance does not need to be repaid, even if the grantee is subsequently denied an EDL. |
| ▪ | Funds can be used to provide paid sick leave to employees, maintain payroll, meet increased production costs due to supply chain disruptions, or pay business obligations, including debts, rent, and mortgage payments. |
Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL)
| ▪ | Eligibility: Businesses with 500 employees or fewer. This includes sole proprietorships, independent contractors, cooperatives, ESPOs, and tribal small businesses with <= 500 employees. |
| ▪ | Up to $2 million can be provided to help meet financial obligations and operating expenses that could have been met if the disaster did not occur. |
| ▪ | Loans can be made based solely on credit scores. |
| ▪ | The interest rate on EIDLs will be 3.75 percent interest rate for small businesses. |
| ▪ | The first twelve payments will be deferred and not become due until one year after the original disbursement. Interest does not accrue during this time. |
| ▪ | The term of these loans will be up to thirty years. |
7(a) Loan Payment Relief
SBA will pay the principal, interest, and any associated fees owed on 7(a) loans as follows:
| ▪ | Existing borrower not on deferment: six months beginning with the next payment due on the loan; |
| ▪ | Existing borrower on deferment: six months of payments beginning with the next payment due on the loan after the deferment period; and |
| ▪ | New borrower: six months of payments beginning with the first payment due on the loan, but only for new loans made within the first six months starting from the date of enactment. |
Should you need assistance, the UGA Small Business Development Center offices across the state are open and available. Contact information for every office is available HERE.
Earlier today Kemp released details on Medicaid and Peachcare waiver.
Did Brian Kemp and Kelly Loeffler have a deal for the Senate seat?
Featured, Featured Stories February 23, 2020
On December 4, 2019, Georgia Governor Brian P. Kemp introduced Kelly Loeffler to be the next Senator to replace retiring Georgia Statesman Johnny Isakson. Isakson announced his retirement midway through his term on August 28, 2019. In this narrative, we will look at why Isakson picked August to retire and we will ask the question, should there be a full investigation into Loeffler’s appointment to the Senate?
Picture of Senator Kelly Loeffler getting off her new jet. New around 25 million. Used around 7 million. It looks like Loeffler is not flying Delta and this is not a Kia.
On this December day, Governor Kemp spun everything in Georgia politics out of control. Everything surrounding the Loeffler pick rests squarely on the shoulders of Governor Kemp and I will explain my reasoning:
We need to ask why pick Kelly Loeffler. What was Kemp thinking? I’m sure he knew picking her as his choice would not sit well with his base. Loeffler is married to Jeffery C. Sprecher. Who is Sprecher? He is CEO of Intercontinental Exchange (ICE), owner, yes owner, of the New York stock exchange as well as several Commodity Exchanges worldwide. ICE also has a super PAC they use to contribute to many Republicans and Democrats alike. For example, he made contributions to Republicans, like Senator Mitt Romney, who just voted to impeach President Donald J. Trump and California Congresswoman “Impeach 45” Democrat, Maxine Waters. ICE PAC contributions to Majority Forward, from their website reads,
“Majority Forward is a Democratic Party-aligned advocacy group that campaigns against Republicans and conservative causes. Intercontinental Exchange PAC, gave it $20,000 in 2016.”
The same year Trump was running for president. Somehow Kelly and Jeff missed giving Trump any money in his 2016 campaign.
Senator Loeffler’s new jet is not available for public tracking.
So why would Kemp appoint someone who would immediately become the wealthiest person in congress? Why appoint someone who owns three private jets that may total up word of 75 million dollars? Why appoint someone who owns a WNBA team, knowing that the WNBA has a sponsor relationship with Planned Parenthood? At one game, Loeffler honored Stacey Abrams at the same time she was running against Brian Kemp for Governor. We have to keep asking why? I think I know why, please keep reading.
Now let me be clear, this article is not an endorsement of Congressman Doug Collins to have been picked for the open senate seat. However, Collins sure was the favorite pick of President Trump, as referenced on two occasions before the Loeffler pick: once in person when Trump visited Atlanta, another by phone encouraging Kemp to pick Doug Collins. I understand Kemp may not like the optics of Trump picking Georgia’s next Senator but why snub the President when he asked for someone he trusted to go fight for him against the Democrats?
It’s not like Trump “ever did anything” to help Kemp when he was running for governor. Remember, just days before the Republican Primary when the President tweeted out
“Brian is tough on crime, strong on the border and illegal immigration. He loves our Military and our Vets and protects our Second Amendment. I give him my full and total endorsement,”
I bet Casey Cagle will never forget it! I know, because I was the first one with a video camera who bumped into Cagle after Trump sent out that tweet endorsing Kemp. Just days later Kemp won a runoff to become the Republican nominee to take on Stacey Abrams. Remember, just days before the general election Trump landed Air Force One in Macon, Ga. to an estimated crowd of 25-35 thousand supporters. They showed up to see President Trump on stage with Brian Kemp, millions watching nationwide. That day, Trump did his Republican duty of helping Republicans get elected. On that day, Trump pushed Kemp to a national figure.
Kemp went on to beat Stacey Abrams by about 50 thousand votes and became Governor of the State of Georgia. President Trump did his job helping Republicans get elected. So why would Kemp not be excited to return the favor and appoint Doug Collins as the President requested. Yes, the President is asking and few turn down the President’s requests…so why did Kemp? Just ask Florida Governor Ron DeSantis. DeSantis took one ride on Air Force One and went from an unrecognizable candidate to Governor. Wonder if he would respect the President’s request in the same situation?
Kemp and Loeffler took a Sunday “drive” on one of her Intercontinental Exchange Jets to visit President Trump. One wonders what the conversation was like during that hour and a half flight to D.C.? Maybe something like this,
Kemp…”don’t worry Kelly, Trump likes me and once I explain to him why I am going to pick you he will be fine. When he thinks about how much money you bring to the table he will be fine”. Kelly…”Trump better be OK with me being picked…Brian, you know the deal….” Maybe something like that.
The Wall Street Journal published that the meeting didn’t go well.
“Georgia Governor, Trump Appear at Odds Over Senate Pick. But the private huddle turned tense and ended quickly, according to people familiar with the meeting. Mr. Trump prefers Rep. Doug Collins, a Republican who has vocally defended the president during the impeachment process, and he told Mr. Kemp that he would be taking a risk by appointing the politically untested Ms. Loeffler. At one point Mr. Trump questioned why they were holding the meeting if Mr. Kemp had made his decision.”
“Mr. Kemp left the state unannounced and kept the meeting secret from some top aides.”
“The governor’s office declined to comment for this article before publication. After the article was posted, Kemp spokeswoman Candice Broce said in a statement: “Governor Kemp plans to appoint a strong supporter of the President who will end the impeachment circus and advance conservative policies that Keep America Great.”
What was the mood on the plane ride back to Atlanta? Maybe something like this:
Kelly… “Brian, I don’t care what the President said…you know the deal.” Jeffery…”yes Brian, you know the deal.” Brian..”.yes I am fully aware of the deal.”
We need to know if Kelly’s husband was actually on the plane. We need to know who else went on that Sunday trip to D.C. We need to know why Kemp needed to get out of town without his top advisers. We need not forget they took the trip on Kelly’s private plane. President Trump even called Kemp Monday to reiterate his pick for Senate, Doug Collins.
Why is, what some would ask, Kemp so “hell-bent” to appoint Loeffler? Wow…the pressure Kemp is now under but he continues to press forward with Loeffler.
What deal you ask…we will get to that but first, we must lay all the groundwork.
Let’s look at the next stage that I call “The Kemp Smoke Screen.” On September 17, 2019, Kemp launched a website asking all Georgians who met the qualifications and wanted to be considered to replace Johnny Isakson as the next Senator, to send him a resume. From the website,
“We will carefully vet the applicants and choose a person who best reflects our values, our state, and our vision for the future,”
A real Mr. Smith goes to Washington. It is Kemp’s Georgia Constitutional duty to appoint someone to fill the Senate vacancy until the next scheduled election.
So Kemp’s plan to lead every Georgian to believe that they could be the next senator, was roundly applauded. National media took notice. Kemp could send a real Mr.Smith to Washington and not some establishment politician or better yet, not the highest bidder. You know that kind of negotiating that landed former Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich in jail for trying to sell Barack Obama’s senate seat even though he didn’t complete the deal? Question…was there a deal with Loeffler? Over 500 applications submitted, we could have had a mom, dad, auto mechanic, teacher, former Congressman, and maybe even a talk show host. This looked like the Brian Kemp that the anti-establishment supporters voted for in 2018.
One of the 500 applicants was Congressman Doug Collins. Collins applied on September 19th, 2019, just 2 days after Kemp launched the website. From the website:
“The deadline to apply for a gubernatorial appointment to the U.S. Senate was Monday, November 18, 2019 at 5 PM.”
Guess who applied in the final hour of the final day? Yes, you guessed it – Miss Kelly Loeffler.
Now here is where we need to ask questions concerning the “Great Brian Kemp Smoke Screen.” There needs to be a full investigation into Kemp’s process of picking Loeffler as Senator and what happened to the other candidates. We need to ask: Who was on the team that reviewed the applications for consideration? How many applicants were interviewed? Was there a two-part interview process? Provide a list of names who were interviewed by the Governor? Did Kemp interview Doug Collins? If Kemp held interviews, who was in the interviews? How many interviews did Loeffler have with the Governor after she applied? Was Loeffler’s husband, Jeffery Sprecher in any of the interviews? How many meetings did Kemp have with Loeffler and Sprecher together or separately before she applied? When and where? So many unanswered questions.
On January 6th, 2020 Kemp announced to Georgia citizens he had chosen Kelly Loeffler to be the next Senator. In a photo-op, Kemp invited women from the Republican Party. My push is to make Kelly acceptable to the Republican Party, statewide. No, Mr. Smith was not going to Washington and it was now time to sell Kelly to Georgians. The Republican Party says they have been losing suburban Atlanta Republican women and Kelly would bring them back to the Party. It was now time to sell Kelly as the most Pro-life, second amendment, pro-Trump conservative in Georgia. Just about an hour after the appointment the emails started going out. The same campaign consulting group that handled the Kemp campaign got the job to handle the “Kelly” campaign. Parlay Marketing Partners, LLC, Joel McElhannon and Ryan Mahoney were chosen. Kelly immediately put up 20 million dollars for her campaign and Parlay was more than ready to start creating their candidate and selling her to the people as “you know, I’m the pro-Trump, pro-life conservative, Kelly”. We need to know when they were hired. It must have taken a week to prep the rollout beginning just hours after Kemp announced Loeffler. Did Kemp complete the deal that day? Was there a deal? The Governor could clear this all up with transparency and a thorough investigation.
Now let’s look at what “could be” the deal. Let’s look at Hart AgStrong and the sale to Perdue AgriBusness. This may be all smoke.
Remember during the Republican Governor race run off when it was revealed that a company Kemp was associated with defaulted on a half-million-dollar loan that Kemp personally guaranteed for Hart AgStrong. From the AJC,
Picture from the Atlanta Jewish Times. Greeting Gov. Brian Kemp was Jeffrey Sprecher (left), CEO of the Intercontinental Exchange and chairman of the New York Stock Exchange.
“The lawsuit has been filed by RLP Investments and its owner, Toccoa resident Rick Phillips. While Hart AgStrong CEO Robert Davis, Kemp and the company itself are all listed as defendants in the lawsuit, the investor told the Atlanta Journal-Constitution this month that Kemp was responsible for the cash.“He’s the only person I ever dealt with,” Phillips said. “I loaned this money to Brian Kemp. I loaned it to Hart AgStrong at the request of Brian Kemp, and he personally guaranteed it.”
From another AJC article,
“When it needed a loan, Hart AgStrong, a grain processor, partly owned by Republican gubernatorial candidate Brian Kemp, put up as collateral, thousands of bushels of canola and sunflower seeds. The problem was, AgStrong didn’t own them. The company’s actions “may be a felony under Georgia law,” an attorney for the state Department of Agriculture wrote to AgStrong in April. The letter threatened to revoke AgStrong’s licenses to do business with Georgia farmers, collect a $70,000 fine, and liquidate the company’s assets to compensate farmers.”
Kemp said during the election this was all politics, basically nothing to see here. So what happened to the possible felonies and the lawsuit for the default on the loan? From the AP on January 23, 2019
“Brian Kemp quietly settles lawsuit over bad business loan just prior to taking office, Georgia’s Republican Gov. Brian Kemp quietly settled a lawsuit that said he owed $500,000 for a loan he negotiated and guaranteed for a struggling agricultural company. Court documents show a consent order between Kemp, the company Hart AgStrong and financier Rick Phillips was signed on January 8 and filed in Gwinnett County Superior Court on Jan. 11, The Atlanta-Journal Constitution reported .Kemp was sworn in as Georgia’s 83rd governor three days later. The terms of the settlement were not disclosed.”
Quietly, just days before being sworn the deal is still undisclosed to the public. If the lawsuit would have been settled after becoming governor maybe the terms would have to be disclosed. So what’s the big deal…he settled the lawsuit. Wonder what RLP Investments owner Rick Phillips could say about this settlement. Who paid off the loan? If Kemp walked into Phillips’s office and paid off the loan why not go public? That may have looked good for the governor. Why the quietly undisclosed settlement?
Now let’s look at the sale of Hart AgStrong to Perdue AgriBusiness. Johnny Isakson retired August 28th, 2019. On August 5th, Perdue AgriBusiness closed the deal acquiring the assets of Hart AgStrong LLC. Was it just a coincidence that Isakson retired weeks after the “deal” was complete? Is it possible that this is what Johnny was waiting for before announcing his retirement? We understand the sale made “everyone” whole…paid in full.
From the AJC on December 11th,
“A struggling seed-crushing business partly owned by Gov. Brian Kemp, who was at the center of a years-long legal battle was recently sold to an agricultural giant for an undisclosed price. Perdue AgriBusiness bought Hart AgStrong in August, saying in a disclosure statement, that the company’s two seed-crushing plants will help supply factories in Middle Georgia and Virginia”…again with the undisclosed price”.
Picture from AJC at Black Tie event
So what does this have to do with Kemp appointing Loeffler to the senate? Maybe nothing but let’s look at Loeffler and her husband’s company Intercontinental Exchange. I don’t pretend to understand the commodity markets or global agriculture clearinghouses. From the ICE website, “Futures, options and OTC markets and clearinghouses, strategically designed to deliver global scale and local infrastructure across asset classes wherever our customers trade, invest or manage risk.” “Exchange-traded futures and options Agriculture” I understand they are the largest agricultural commodity trading company in the world. Wonder if they know someone at Perdue AgriBusiness? I wonder what would have made Perdue AgriBusiness interested in failing Hart AgStrong? Just wondering…
Now how long has Kemp known Loeffler and Sprecher? Kemp was Keynote speaker at the 30th anniversary Buckhead Coalition lunch in February 2019 where Sprecher was in attendance.
Another meeting came just weeks before Isakson announced his retirement. From AJC,
“At a black-tie gala for Georgia 4-H in August, finance executive Kelly Loeffler told the crowd of farmers, instructors and students how she got her start — tending soybeans and corn and caring for cattle on her family’s farm in rural Illinois. At the head table with Loeffler and her husband, Intercontinental Exchange CEO Jeff Sprecher, was another power couple they didn’t know well…Gov. Brian Kemp and first lady Marty Kemp. It was just a couple of weeks before U.S. Sen. Johnny Isakson would announce his retirement.”
Wonder what they talked about at the head table that night. Did Kemp know weeks in advance that Isakson would retire?
Was there a deal in place? I don’t know but there is a lot of smoke.
So what if Kemp would have picked Mr. Smith and let the cards “fall where they may?” Mr. Smith, Doug Collins and Kelly Loeffler would be running for senate and maybe Mr. Smith would win re-election. We will never know because Governor Brian Kemp is trying to tell the people of Georgia that he picked the senator and that is final. Something seems terribly wrong!
Now Collins is in the race and being blamed for splitting the Republican party, really? If anyone is splitting the party that would be Brian P. Kemp. Check back as we look at the creation of a candidate. Loeffler, NRSC, Mitch McConnel, endorsements…
I think my first amendment rights allow me to ask, do I think there was a deal, yes. Do I think there should be a full investigation surrounding the possible deal, yes. Do I think possibly part of the deal is to get Loeffler re-elected, yes. One question I have is how did Congressman Doug Collins turn into the bad guy in all this?
Georgia Governor, Trump Appear at Odds Over Senate Pick
Brian Kemp quietly settles lawsuit over bad business loan
Intercontinental Exchange Inc PAC
Trump urges Ga. governor to make Collins his US Senate appointee
Report: Kemp resisting pressure from Trump on Senate appointment
At company Brian Kemp backed, unpaid debt and possible ‘felony’
Georgia’s senator Kelly Loeffler: a political novice with deep pockets
Ag giant acquires Kemp-backed company at center of legal dispute
Brian Kemp settles lawsuit over bad loan in company he backed
Former ICE Director Tom Homan condemns Gov. Kemp
News, Politics February 12, 2020
ATLANTA, Ga – Gov. Brian Kemp received the proverbial earful from former ICE Director Tom Homan over his broken campaign promise to deal with illegal immigration in Georgia.
Homan was the keynote speaker at an event held by the Dustin Inman Society, titled “Honoring Immigrants: An Expert, Pro-Enforcement Conversation on Immigration.”
“Georgia’s the next California. You’ve got a governor over here that made promises to his constituents, whose been missing in action on that issue,” Homan told the room. “Keep your word and do the right thing. We’re not asking you to do anything out of the ordinary. We’re asking you to support the enforcement of the nation’s laws.”
Homan told the room he spoke with a special agent about Kemp, who agreed that Georgia’s governor isn’t following through with his promise to curb illegal immigration.
Kemp’s campaign platform took a tough stance on immigration. He even released a “Track and Deport Plan,” where he promised to “create a comprehensive database to track criminal aliens in Georgia. He will also update Georgia law to streamline deportations from our jails and prisons.”
In 2019, Kemp dissolved a controversial Immigration Enforcement Review Board, which civil rights groups viewed as a harassment tool for anti-immigration groups.
“They talk the talk during the campaign, but they won’t walk the walk,” claimed Homan about most politicians. The only exception being President Donald Trump, who has taken decisive action to prevent illegal immigration in the states.
Homan encouraged attendees to call the governor and hold him accountable for his campaign promises.
Border crossings by the numbers
Trump declared a national emergency at the Southern Border on Feb. 15, 2019, because close to $1 million illegal crossings were occurring.
“72 percent of the crossings were either family units or children by themselves. Children under the age of 18 because of that humanitarian crisis, 50 to 60 percent of border patrol agents were no longer on the lines. They were changing diapers, making formula, making hospital runs,” said Homan.
According to the former ICE Director, the lack of agents on the border contributed to the 68,000 opioid deaths of Americans.
“Border is unprotected; drugs are going to flow. Many investigations clearly show criminal cartels in Mexico manage the entire northern Mexican border…They will get 100 to 150 family units, push them through one sector at one time and tie up all the border patrol assets in that area. Meanwhile, they’re moving the bad guys. The guys that don’t want to turn themselves in and claim asylum. [The cartels are] moving MS13 members and drugs over here,” Homan stated.
Doctors Without Borders reported that 31 percent of women crossing the border experienced some form of sexual assault during their journey.
“Children are dying. The cartel is making millions of dollars a year,” asserted Homan.
He also mentioned the decrease in illegal crossings, which are down 72 percent from the high in May 2019. Homan attributes this reduction directly to Trump and the actions that he has taken, including forcing Mexico to enforce its laws.
14,00 children were in American government custody because a criminal organization haul smuggled them across the border. 2,500 families have been separated. Also, the border patrol has saved 4,000 immigrant lives.
Mexico has reportedly removed 86,000 Central Americans this year.
U.S. Customs and Border Patrol published online records pertaining to illegal immigration.
“In Fiscal Year (FY) 2020 To Date (TD), during the month of January, a total of 29,200 individuals were apprehended between ports of entry on our Southwest Border, compared to 32,857 in December and 33,514 in November. In FY19, a total of 851,508 individuals were apprehended between ports of entry on [the] Southwest Border.”
Current numbers for 2020.
ICE Effectiveness
In an effort to clear up misunderstandings about ICE’s role in immigration and arrests, Homan said, “no one ripped a child out of their mother’s arms. It was zero tolerance, not family separation.”
ICE wanted to prosecute people who broke the law, and with zero tolerance, numbers dropped 26 percent in two weeks in the Rio Grande Valley. However, the president stopped the policy after receiving political push back.
Zero Tolerance did result in the separation of families because a child can’t go to the U.S. Marshall if the parent committed a crime.
Homan brought up sanctuary cities and how the policies put ICE agents in danger due to a false narrative that they arrest victims and witnesses.
“89.8 percent of ICE arrests were illegal in the United States and had a criminal conviction or pending criminal charges when arrested because they were locked up in a jail cell,” Homan asserted. “Victims and witnesses shouldn’t be afraid because we’re not looking for them, and we’re not arresting them. Criminal aliens are going to re-offend in the very community in which they live. The immigrant community.”
Sanctuaries cities make it easier for criminals to continue to commit crimes and result in a higher rate of ICE arrests. Officers must enter the immigrant community more often to make an arrest because they can’t enforce the law in the county jail.
“When ICE can’t arrest a bad guy in county jail, we’re going to arrest him, which means now we have to go to the community, their place of business. You’re forcing ICE into the community, which means when ICE finds them, and they will. They are likely to find others that aren’t even on ICE’s radar,” explained Homan.
However, most illegal immigrants only break the law of entering the country illegally. Afterward, they try their best to follow the law.
2018 Georgia State Election Results
Election 2018 November 6, 2018
2018 Georgia Election Results
Blue Ridge, Ga. – A closely watched gubernatorial race has come to a close, at least for now. With 100 percent of the precincts being accounted for and absentee ballots having been counted, Kemp has declared victory.
Cody Hall, Press Secretary with Kemp’s campaign said in a statement of this victory, “Brian Kemp earned nearly two million votes on Tuesday – by far the most of any gubernatorial candidate in our state’s history. Absentee ballots are counted and Kemp leads his opponent by 64,000 votes. Based on counts released by the Secretary of State’s office, Brian Kemp’s margin is so large that the number of provisional ballots and overseas ballots will not change his Election Day victory. Simply put, it is mathematically impossible for Stacey Abrams to win or force a run-off election.”
Stacey Abrams has yet to concede the election stating that she “will not give up until every vote is counted and every voice has been heard.”
“Peach State voters made a clear decision at the ballot box,” Hall spoke of Kemp’s declared victory, “Brian Kemp will now begin his transition as governor-elect of Georgia. He will work every day to keep our state moving in the right direction.”
Results from this race will not be official until all counties have certified. This certification is expected to be completed by Friday Nov. 9, but could run until Tuesday Nov. 13 due to the Federal Veteran’s Day holiday.
Updated Nov. 7 @ 5:34 p.m.
100% of precincts reporting
*These election results are unofficial until being certified by the Secretary of State’s office.
Governor:
Brian Kemp (R) – 50.33Votes
Stacey Abrams (D) – 48.72% 1,910,152 Votes
Ted Metz (L) – 0.95% 37,086Votes
Lieutenant Governor:
Geoff Duncan (R) – 51.74% 1,946,232 Votes
Sarah Riggs Amico (D) – 48.26% 1,815,508 Votes
Secretary of State:
Brad Raffensperger (R) – 49.20% 1,901,394 Votes
John Barrow (D) – 48.58% 1,877,514 Votes
Smythe DuVal (L) – 2.23% 86,104 Votes
****The Secretary of State will now move into a runoff between Republican Brad Raffensperger and Democrat John Barrow.****
Insurance Commissioner:
Jim Beck (R) – 50.47% 1,939,664 Votes
Janice Laws (D) – 46.88% 1,801,823 Votes
Donnie Foster (L) – 2.64% 101,583 Votes
State School Superintendent:
Otha Thornton (D) – 46.87% 1,801,696 Votes
Richard Woods (R) – 53.13% 2,042,221 Votes
Agriculture Commissioner:
Gary Black (R) – 53.18% 2,034,304 Votes
Fred Swan (D) – 46.82% 1,790,758 Votes
Labor Commissioner:
Mark Butler (R) – 52.56% 2,013,750 Votes
Richard Keatley (D) – 47.44% 1,817,341 Votes
U.S. Congress District 6:
Karen Handel (R) – 50%
Lucy McBath (D) – 50%
U.S. Congress District 7:
Carolyn Bourdeaux (D) – 49%
Rob Woodall (R) – 51%
Brian Kemp silent on allowing voters to decide on official English
Opinion October 16, 2018
Pro-English voters should ask questions
By: D.A. King
A December 2015 Rosetta Stone poll showed that a bipartisan 76% of Georgians support making English Georgia’s constitutional official language. The idea is English as official, not “English only” as goes the portrayal by dishonest opponents.
Policy differences for candidates in the race for Georgia governor may not extend to allowing Georgia voters to decide if the state constitution should be amended to make English the official language of government.
According to an AJC report last week, Democrat candidate Stacey Abrams promised to oppose constitutional official English in the General Assembly as governor and boasted of fighting against allowing voters to answer a ballot question when she was in the legislature.
We thought it surprising that the AJC did not include a quote or position from Republican gubernatorial candidate Brian Kemp on the voter-popular issue, so Wednesday, October 3, this writer sent a policy question and request for a quote to the Kemp campaign.
Brian Kemp – photo, Facebook
“Do you support allowing Georgia voters to decide on a ballot question that would amend the state constitution to make English the official language of Georgia government and which would end current practice of offering the written road rules portion of the DDS drivers license exam in (eleven) foreign languages?
If so, will you use the power of the governor’s office to promote that cause for the 2020 election?”
We have not received a response from candidate Kemp. Curious voters should ask him.
All concerned should be aware that Georgia has a 1996 statute in place that makes English the official language, but also says officials can ignore that directive:
“State agencies, counties, municipal corporations, and political subdivisions of this state are authorized to use or to print official documents and forms in languages other than the official language, at the discretion of their governing authorities.”
The concept of allowing voters to have a voice on the matter is quite popular in the Georgia senate. Introduced by state Senator Josh McKoon, in 2016 SR 675 passed the Georgia senate with every Republican member voting “YEA,” But it was not allowed a vote on the House floor.
McKoon’s Resolution created a ballot question voters would have considered that year which read:
“Shall the Constitution of Georgia be amended so as to provide that English is the official language of the State of Georgia?”
All persons desiring to vote in favor of ratifying the proposed amendment shall vote “Yes.”
All persons desiring to vote against ratifying the proposed amendment shall vote “No.”
If such amendment shall be ratified as provided in said Paragraph of the Constitution, it shall become a part of the Constitution of this state.”
Most conservatives would like to have the chance to answer that question in November, 2020.
Readers who are not closely involved in Gold Dome politics are likely asking why they have not already been permitted to vote on making official English part of the state constitution. It helps to know that the Georgia Chamber of Commerce and the Metro Atlanta Chamber of Commerce are vehemently opposed to that idea.
It may also help to know that in metro-Atlanta’s DeKalb School District alone, administrators are dealing with students from 180 different countries who speak 140 different languages.
Without a constitutional mandate that English is the official language of government, readers can make their own predictions on how long it is before the angry marches in the streets begin with the demand that government in Georgia accommodate every imaginable language with the cry that “diversity is our strength.”
It seems like something a Republican candidate for Georgia governor would comment on. Comprende?
D.A. King of Marietta is president of the Georgia-based Dustin Inman Society.
Kemp defeats Cagle for Republican nomination
Election, Election 2018 July 24, 2018
Blue Ridge, Ga. – After a heated runoff race, the results are in and Georgia’s Secretary of State Brian Kemp has beat out opponent Lt. Governor Casey Cagle for the Republican nomination.
What was polled as a tight race between the two candidates ended up being what some would consider a landslide victory for Kemp. Kemp received 69.46 percent of the vote statewide with Cagle pulling in 30.54 percent.
Kemp will now face the Democratic nominee Stacey Abrams for the seat of Georgia Governor.
Abrams and Kemp are not strangers, as they have gone head to head over election issues while Kemp has served as Secretary of State.
“All of these liberal groups that are going to be in play in Georgia supporting her (Abrams), I’ve fought,” Kemp said about his past experiences with Abrams.
Citing that he has already faced George Soros, Eric Holder, Thomas Perez, Common Cause Georgia and New Georgia Project, Kemp is confident that he can beat them again.
Kemp explained where some of these groups came into conflict with the Secretary of State office, “They sued us and several counties saying that we weren’t registering voters, 10 different counts. Then they wanted us to settle. I wouldn’t do it. I made them go to court and we won all 10 cases.”
“I know what’s coming,” Kemp said about his preparation for proceeding in the gubernatorial race. “I know how to fight.”