Insurance Premium Relief + Forestry Advocacy
On Monday, I joined Bulloch County’s forestry community for a meeting hosted by University of Georgia Extension Agent Bill Tyson to outline the House’s advocacy efforts to deliver immediate and meaningful relief to Georgia’s forestry industry.
Over the last several months, one of rural Georgia’s most critical industries has faced a devastating blow with the announcement of International Paper’s closures in the Savannah area, Georgia Pacific’s announcement of the closure of its Cedar Springs Mill, and, most recently, West Fraser Timber’s announcement of the closure of its Augusta Mill.
The ripple effects of these announcements have directly impacted thousands of jobs and have indirectly impacted thousands more throughout the countryside. That’s why I have joined my fellow Speakers of the House from Alabama, Speaker Ledbetter; Arkansas, Speaker Evans; Florida, Speaker Perez; and South Carolina, Speaker Smith, for conversations with South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster, South Carolina Senator Lindsey Graham, and Alabama Senator Katie Britt to engage them on the short-term opportunities that exist for the United States’ forestry industry.
We have also joined together in sending a letter to each of our respective states’ congressional delegations, and Georgia’s Congressional Delegation is engaged with this issue at the federal level.
I have also had great conversations with Small Business Administrator Kelly Loeffler’s team about how the timber industry is impacting businesses of every size throughout the southeast, and her team has already hit the ground running to develop strategies and solutions.
I also want to thank Governor Brian Kemp, Chancellor Sonny Perdue, and Chairman Gerald Greene, who have been steadfast and unwavering partners as we seek solutions for Georgia’s timber industry.
We are committed to continuing these advocacy efforts at every level to secure relief for Georgia’s forestry industry and ensure it remains successful for generations to come.
Pictured with University of Georgia Extension Agent Bill Tyson and Dayle at Monday’s forestry meeting
State Farm Announces Reduced Insurance Rates
Earlier this week, Georgia Insurance Commissioner John King announced that State Farm has reduced its auto insurance premiums by over 10% over the last year, saving citizens with State Farm policies in Georgia more than $400 million per year. This is great news for families and businesses across the state who have been facing skyrocketing insurance costs.
This announcement follows the General Assembly’s passage of historic lawsuit reform that returned balance to Georgia’s courtrooms and stability to our insurance markets. This was just the beginning of the House’s efforts to address the cost of insurance premiums for Georgia families and businesses.
During the interim, the House Blue Ribbon Study Committee on Insurance Rates has continued to look closely at our state’s insurance market, and we look forward to pursuing further measures that make insurance more affordable for hardworking Georgians.
On the Campaign Trail with Georgia House Republicans
Georgia House Republicans have been hard at work sharing our message with constituents and citizens across the state.
This week, I was proud to spend time on the campaign trail with several of our members to reflect on our success in 2025 and look ahead to 2026.
Check out some of the highlights below:
Pictured speaking at a reception for Representative Trey Kelley in Cedartown
Supporting Representatives Kimberly New, Joseph Gullet, Tyler Paul Smith, and Martin Momtahan at a reception in Dallas, GA
Celebrating the legislative accomplishments of the Georgia House with Representatives Gary Richardson, Lehman Franklin, Leesa Hagan, Bill Werkheiser, and Brent Cox at Beaver Creek Plantation in Twin City
My best,
Speaker Jon Burns