New Opportunities for Georgia + Federal Disaster Relief Applications Open
This week, I sat down with WSB-TV’s Richard Elliot to discuss the House’s accomplishments during the 2025 Legislative Session, the great opportunities for our state in the most recent Congressional spending plan, and the work we have ahead of us in 2026.
The legislature’s work doesn’t conclude when the gavel falls on Sine Die. Our House members have been spending the summer sharing our victories with constituents in every corner of the state and conducting study committees on the issues most important to our state’s future success, including literacy, education, healthcare, and resource management.
You can watch the full interview at www.wsbtv.com, or on my Facebook, Instagram, and X accounts—@JonBurnsGa.
Speaking with Richard Elliot, WSB-TV’s Capitol Reporter
Federal Disaster Relief Applications Open for Georgia Farmers
Since Hurricane Helene swept through Southeast Georgia last year, causing widespread destruction and generational damage to farms, communities, and private property, the Georgia House has remained laser-focused on ensuring our constituents received the critical relief they need to recover. We were proud to provide over $1 billion in the AFY 2025 budget for direct relief to Georgia’s farmers and communities impacted by Helene.
Our members have also been working closely with Georgia’s Insurance Commissioner to ensure private insurance companies meet policy obligations, as well as urging our partners in Washington to secure additional disaster relief for our farmers. I am pleased to announce the federal government has released funds for farmers impacted by Hurricane Helene through the federal Supplemental Disaster Relief Program.
SDRP will provide disaster relief payments to producers who suffered revenue, quality, or production losses to crops, trees, bushes, or vines due to qualifying disaster events in calendar years 2023 and 2024.
To apply, visit the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Disaster Relief website.
Capitol Renovations Underway
Renovations to the House Chamber at the Capitol are in full swing. Our dedicated team at the Georgia Building Authority is working around the clock to ensure the project is complete by the time we reconvene for session in January of 2026.
From updating outdated technology critical to our work at the Capitol to new paint, restored furnishings, and long overdue maintenance, we’re proud that we have been able to maintain the historic integrity of the building and make our Capitol a place every Georgian can be proud of.
I hope each of you will join us in Atlanta next year to see the new and improved House Chamber for yourselves.
Dayle getting a behind the scenes look at the House Chamber renovations with Gerald Pilgrim, Deputy Executive Director of the Georgia Building Authority, and the incredible team of interior designers, painters, and historic preservationists working on the project
Historic designs being restored on the ceiling of the House Chamber
View of the Capitol Dome after the gilding was restored earlier this year
As always, please don’t hesitate to reach out if I can ever be of assistance.
You can reach my office at (404) 656-5020.
My best,
Speaker Jon Burns