Week Ten Under the Gold Dome
Ten weeks into the 2025 Legislative Session, we reached several major milestones, delivering real results for our farmers, job creators and hardworking Georgians. This week, we’re making sure you keep more of what you earn. The Senate just passed a major tax cut, House Bill 111, that lowers the state income tax, putting real money back in your pockets year after year. On top of that, we’re providing a one-time rebate through the passage of House Bill 112 to help families cover the rising costs of groceries, gas, and other essentials. Whether it’s helping you invest in your farm, support your small business, or simply make ends meet, these tax cuts are about giving you more financial freedom, and both bills are now on their way to Governor Kemp’s desk, fulfilling yet another promise to ease the financial burden on Georgia families.
Meanwhile, Senate Appropriations Subcommittee hearings for the Fiscal Year 2026 budget concluded this week. While much work remains to finalize the Senate’s version of the budget, my priority remains on supporting rural communities in light of Hurricane Helene and strengthening law enforcement. We will maintain fiscal responsibility and create a balanced budget that uses your tax dollars wisely for the issues that matter most to our state.
On the legislative front, I refiled the “Freedom of Speech and Belief Act” as SB 341. Although it failed to pass the Senate on Crossover, the accusations of DeBanking made against Capitol One Bank and JPMorgan Chase suggest that my legislation is needed now more than ever to protect law-abiding Georgians and their bank accounts. I will continue to advocate for Georgians to be able to openly exercise their First and Second Amendment rights without restriction.
Another bill I co-sponsored, SB 13, passed through the House Committee on Energy,Utilities,andTelecommunications. This legislation would allow the Georgia Environmental Finance Authority to help finance certain duties for natural gas facilities. I firmly believe in improving rural Georgians’ access to utilities, and I am glad to see this bill is one step closer to doing so.
Finally, we passed Senate Bill 68 through both chambers of the General Assembly, which has been a top priority for Governor Brian Kemp. After extensive debate and deliberation in both chambers, this tort reform legislation now heads to the Governor’s desk for approval.
With just two weeks remaining in this legislative session, I encourage everyone to stay engaged and visit the Gold Dome to see the legislative process in action. If you have questions, concerns, or ideas, please don’t hesitate to contact my office. Serving the 19th Senate District under the Gold Dome is an honor.
Sen. Blake Tillery serves as Chairman of the Senate Committee on Appropriations. He represents the 19th Senate District, which includes Appling, Bacon, Jeff Davis, Long, Montgomery, Telfair, Toombs, Wayne and Wheeler counties, as well as a portion of Coffee County. He can be reached at 404.656.5038 or by email at Blake.Tillery@senate.ga. gov.
By Sen. Blake Tillery (R-Vidalia)
