Celebrating Early Literacy + Georgia Farm Bureau

Dayle and I have had a great week meeting with friends, constituents, and advocates across the district. Each year, we have the privilege of joining our local Chambers of Commerce for their annual Eggs and Issues breakfasts as they prepare for the upcoming legislative session.

I was honored to join our local delegation in Bulloch County and Effingham County as business leaders shared their priorities for 2026. Our communities have experienced incredible success in every area, from education and healthcare to job growth and public safety.

The House looks forward to gathering back under the Gold Dome in just a few short weeks to continue advancing policies that will keep our state the best place to live, work, and raise a family for generations to come.

2025 Statesboro-Bulloch Chamber of Commerce Eggs and Issues Reception

2025 Effingham Chamber of Commerce Eggs and Issues Breakfast

Georgia Farm Bureau Convention

On Monday, I joined the Georgia Farm Bureau for its annual conference on Jekyll Island. It has undoubtedly been a difficult year for farmers and producers across the state, but together, we are working toward delivering meaningful relief and long-term solutions for our state’s number one industry.

Commissioner Tyler Harper and his team at the Georgia Department of Agriculture have secured over $531 million in relief for farmers impacted by Hurricane Helene through the federal Hurricane Helene Relief Block Grant Program.

Additionally, President Trump announced this week that the U.S. Department of Agriculture will make $12 billion available in one-time bridge payments to American farmers who are facing difficulties due to market disruptions.

These funds will provide relief to United States row crop farmers who produce Barley, Chickpeas, Corn, Cotton, Lentils, Oats, Peanuts, Peas, Rice, Sorghum, Soybeans, Wheat, Canola, Crambe, Flax, Mustard, Rapeseed, Safflower, Sesame, and Sunflower.

For assistance with the application process, please contact the Georgia Department of Agriculture or email farmerbridge@usda.gov.

Pictured with my friend and President of the Georgia Farm Bureau, Tom McCall

Celebrating Ferst Readers

Setting our children up for educational success has been, and will continue to be, a top priority for the members of the Georgia House. That’s why Dayle and I were excited to be at Springfield Elementary School earlier this week to celebrate Effingham County Schools’ partnership with Ferst Readers.

Ferst Readers is an incredible community-based program that provides free monthly books and parent engagement tools for children from birth to five. When we prioritize learning from the very start, we give our children an even greater opportunity to succeed.

Dayle and I reading with students at Springfield Elementary School

Dayle and I pictured with our niece, Gena Kicklighter, Dr. April Harvey, our niece, Gracyn Burns, and Veronica Orozco

I look forward to hearing from each of you soon.

My best,
Speaker Jon Burns