House Speaker Jon Burns’ message to undergrads: ‘Neighbor helping neighbor’

As Georgia’s 75th speaker of the House of Representatives, State Rep. Jon Burns (R-Newington) represents House District 159, which includes Screven County and parts of Effingham and Bulloch counties. A native of Effingham County, Burns grew up on his family farm, where he learned the values of hard work and service.

“My grandparents settled on our property in north Effingham County, and we’re the fourth and fifth generations to live there and work that family farm,” Burns said. “We’ve always had a sense of community, and we’ve always been about neighbor helping neighbor.”

Guided by his parents’ example – his mother’s devotion to helping others and his father’s service on the school board and county commission, Burns first entered public life as a member of the Georgia House of Representatives in 2004.

“If you live and interact with your neighbors across the state, it gives you a chance to do the right thing and give back to the communities that have meant so much to you,” he said. “That’s what makes Georgia so great.”

Burns earned a bachelor’s degree in political science from then-Georgia Southern College and a Juris Doctor from John Marshall Law School. For more than two decades in the House, he has focused on improving education, expanding access to health care, supporting public safety and fostering economic growth.

“Speaker Jon Burns’ life tells a story of being a good neighbor, a passionate family man and a principled leader for our state,” said Augusta University President Russell T. Keen. “His steadfast support of Augusta University’s mission of offering life-changing, life-saving education, clinical care and research has led to an expansion of our research facilities and ever-growing statewide presence for Augusta University’s Medical College of Georgia and Dental College of Georgia. Speaker Jon Burns is a dear friend, and I know our students and their families will enjoy hearing about his journey during our commencement ceremony.” 

Burns is particularly proud of Georgia’s economic progress and his work with governors Sonny Perdue, Nathan Deal and Brian P. Kemp.

“I’ve been a part of a great team for a number of years,” Burns said. “It was an honor serving with leaders who guided the state through tough times and great accomplishments.”

Health care remains a priority, especially expanding telehealth through broadband access, Burns said.

“That’s led me to develop a close relationship with the Medical College of Georgia and Augusta University because of what MCG and AU can get done,” he said. “It’s incredible.”

Mental health services and support for law enforcement are also central to his agenda.

“I’ve always been a huge supporter of our initiatives and our funding that supported our law enforcement officers and brought a balance, if you will, to how we interact with each other and show respect to each other,” he said. “Overall, I think we’re on the cusp of some really good legislation and good policies in 2026 that are going to make a difference in the lives of Georgians.”

Burns will deliver the keynote address at Augusta University’s Undergraduate Commencement on Thursday, Dec. 11, at 10 a.m. in the Augusta Marriott at the Convention Center.