Georgia School Boards + College of Optometry
Dayle and I have had a busy week traveling across Georgia, meeting with advocacy groups, friends, and constituents from Savannah to Atlanta.
Whether it's healthcare, education, literacy, or strengthening our rural communities, each of these conversations is invaluable as we continue working to deliver results that make life better for our neighbors in every corner of the state. Thank you to everyone who took the time to share your ideas, priorities, and support.
Georgia’s First School of Optometry
This year, the Georgia General Assembly made a $30 million investment in Georgia’s first school of optometry at Georgia Southern University, marking a historic step forward for Georgia’s statewide healthcare landscape.
South Georgia has become a center for healthcare development and innovation, and now, we are building on that success by investing in a new medical education opportunity that will strengthen vision care in every community by helping us attract, train, and retain optometrists to practice where they are needed most.
I was excited to share more about this exciting new academic opportunity with the Georgia Optometric Association last week, where I was honored to be recognized as their legislator of the year.
I was honored to be presented with the Georgia Optometric Association’s legislator of the year award
Georgia School Boards Association Annual Conference
Dayle and I were excited to join the Georgia School Boards Association this week to share the incredible progress we're making to get Georgia's children reading.
The House was proud to champion the Georgia Early Literacy Act of 2026, which makes a major investment in our students. We know that its success depends on the teachers and local school board members putting these resources to work in classrooms across our state. We're grateful for their partnership and willingness to serve as we work to build a brighter future for Georgia's children.
Speaking to the Georgia School Boards Association at their annual conference in Savannah
House Rural Development Committee Meeting
On Thursday, the House Rural Development Committee, chaired by Representative Leesa Hagan, met in Vidalia to discuss wildfire recovery and rural literacy.
Georgia Forestry Commission Director Johnny Sabo provided an update on the Brantley County wildfire, which resulted in historic home loss and property damage, with 110 homes destroyed and 22,419 acres burned. The Highway 82 Fire is now fully contained.
Many Georgia organizations and nonprofits have stepped up to provide support for the families and communities impacted by wildfires across Southeast Georgia.
Small Business Administration
https://www.sba.gov/funding-programs/disaster-assistance
Georgia REALTORS Relief Fund
https://garealtor.com/members/member-resources/disaster-relief-fund/
Georgia Forestry Foundation
https://gffgrow.org/wildfire-recovery/
Dayle was also asked to give committee members an update on House Bill 1193, the Georgia Early Literacy Act of 2026. Beginning this year, each K-3 elementary school across the state will receive funding to hire a full-time literacy coach. These coaches will make an immeasurable impact in schools across the state, especially in rural school districts where resources are limited.
Providing an update on HB 1193 to members of the House Rural Development Committee
Bubba Longgrear for State School Superintendent
Did you know that only 1 in 3 Georgia students can read on grade level by the time they leave the third grade?
Our children deserve real change, which is why I have proudly endorsed Bubba Longgrear to be Georgia's next State School Superintendent. He has the vision, experience, and proven leadership we need to strengthen our schools and get Georgia's students reading.
Today is the last day to vote early before Election Day on June 16th. Find your precinct at mvp.sos.ga.gov.
Have a great weekend, and don’t forget to get out and vote!
My best,
Speaker Jon Burns