Guest Column: Legislative update from Georgia Rep. Bruce Williamson (R-Monroe)

Dear Friends,

I hope you’re doing well! It’s surprising how quickly fall has arrived, and we are nearing the end of 2025. I want to start this newsletter by expressing my thoughts on the tragic death of Charlie Kirk during a debate with college students at Utah Valley, where he was speaking as part of a series organized by his organization, Turning Point USA. Charlie was a passionate advocate for the conservative cause and played a pivotal role in attracting many college students to the Republican Party. He believed that political disagreements are acceptable and that debate is a vital part of a democratic society. He was also a dedicated follower of Christ and loved sharing the gospel. Moving forward, our country needs to consider how to handle political disagreements and recognize that debate is a valuable tool for understanding. Seeing the various events honoring Charlie Kirk’s life across the nation leaves me hopeful that his legacy will endure.

In this newsletter, I have multiple topics to discuss. Please be sure to familiarize yourself with the property tax referendums that will appear on your November ballot, as listed in this newsletter, and remember to vote to keep Tim Echols and Fitz Johnson for the Public Service Commission.
Over the summer and continuing now, the House has been busy with several study committee meetings, listening to experts on various topics, and preparing to present legislation in the upcoming session.

The Georgia House is closely monitoring developments in Washington, D.C. The House and Senate Republicans have sent letters urging our Senators to vote yes on the clean continuing resolution and to keep our government open.

House Caucus Sends Letter to U.S. Senate: The Georgia House Republican Caucus has sent a letter to the U.S. Senate, urging Senators to pass a clean continuing resolution to fund the government and prevent a shutdown. A clean funding extension will ensure stability for Americans. Using this budget to fund free healthcare for undocumented immigrants, along with other extreme demands, elevates politics over the needs of the American people. We strongly encourage the Senators to prioritize the country’s well-being and pass this essential funding extension.

Special Study Committees: Since the summer, the House Special Study Committees have been hard at work. I am a member of the Study Committee on Insurance Rates and the Study Committee on Funding for the Next Generation 911 system. The Insurance Rate study committee recently held its second meeting to examine the insurance industry’s rate-setting practices, profit margins, claims processing, and regulatory compliance. The goal is to ensure that Georgia’s businesses and citizens are not subjected to unjustified rate hikes. The committee will also invite speakers to speak on the impact of storms on homeowners and property insurance.

The Special Committee on Funding for the Next Generation 911 heard testimony from the 911 community in Cobb and Forsyth Counties. The discussion also covered 911 fee collection, disbursement, and how these fees are used.

Very Important Property Tax Referendums on November’s Ballot: During the last session across the state, we, the legislators, heard you ask for property tax relief. I am pleased to report that on November 4th, the cities of Monroe, Loganville, Walnut Grove, and Social Circle will all have a referendum on the ballot. It’s essential to go out and vote YES!
Property tax bills keep climbing because of rising property tax assessments, which are based on the latest property sales in the area. By voting YES, your home’s assessment will be CAPPED and can only rise at the rate of inflation, and not be subject to higher assessments based on rising property values in the area.
Vote Tuesday, November 4th. Early voting begins Oct. 14th. I have included pictures of the ballot language for each referendum below.

City of Monroe Nov. 4th Ballot Referendum

City of Loganville Nov. 4th Ballot Referendum

City of Walnut Grove Nov. 4th Ballot Referendum

City of Social Circle Nov. 4th Ballot Referendum

Important Public Service Commission Election, November 4th

It’s essential to remember to vote for Tim Echols and Fitz Johnson for Public Service Commissioners on Tuesday, November 4th.

Other State News

Georgia House Republicans Urge the U.S. Senate to Pass a Clean CR.
House Republicans sent a letter to the U.S. Senate urging them to pass a clean continuing resolution to fund the government and avoid a shutdown. We are starting week 3 of the shutdown, and it seems there is no end in sight. The continuing resolution is the same one that Democrats passed in March. What has changed? Senate Democrats are facing backlash from the far-left wing of their party, and they shut the government down over providing healthcare for illegal immigrants and other left-wing priorities.
Georgia is Number One for Business for 12th Year in a Row.
Area Development magazine has named Georgia the number one state for business for the 12th straight year in a row. Governor Brian Kemp stated that this is a “reflection of the sustained commitment we have to excellence and a team approach to economic development.”
Gov. Kemp: Georgia Breaks Tourism Records for Third Year in a Row.
At the Georgia Department of Economic Development Conference, Governor Kemp announced that Georgia has broken tourism records for the third consecutive year, and we rank number five in the nation for overnight visitation.
Chancellor Perdue Vows to Protect Free Speech on Campuses.
After the tragic assassination of Charlie Kirk on the campus of Utah Valley, Chancellor Sonny Perdue vows to protect civil debate and free speech on Georgia campuses. From his statement, “At the University System of Georgia and our 26 public colleges and universities, we will continue to defend academic freedom and free expression, while also ensuring that every student has the opportunity to learn in a respectful and safe environment. That balance is essential to who we are, and to the future we are helping our students shape.”
Heritage Foundation Releases Education Freedom Scorecards.
The Heritage Foundation ranks Georgia 14th overall in education freedom. This score is based on five criteria: education choice, transparency, teacher freedom, return on investment, and civic education. Georgia scores below states like Florida and Indiana only because these states have universal school choice. With the success of the Promise Scholarship, look for more work to be done.
New Cygnal poll shows support for lower property taxes.
Speaker Burns presented a new Cygnal poll showing that most Georgians would be willing to pay more in sales tax if it meant lowering their property taxes. With our counterparts in the Senate working on ways to eliminate the state income tax, expect this issue to be a main focus in the upcoming session.
Remembering Apalachee One Year Later:
It’s been one year since the tragedy at Apalachee High School. We still remember. Ensuring the safety of our students, teachers, and staff while on school property will always be a top priority. HB 268, the school safety bill passed last session, is just a start. We will continue working to improve student safety and expand access to mental health services.
For Something Fun:
If you are planning a trip to Atlanta soon, consider these restaurants for some excellent dining options. The AJC has published Atlanta’s 50 Best Restaurants list.