Kemp delivers State of the State address, budget released

Georgia Gov. Brian P. Kemp delivered the State of the State address in the House of Representatives at the Georgia Capitol last week and introduced a budget that includes $99.8 million in funding for a new translational research building on Augusta University’s Health Sciences Campus.

The proposed 150,000-square-foot research building is a vital project that will enhance the research capabilities and expand Augusta University’s impact across Georgia.

A new research building will also provide modern laboratory spaces, advanced equipment and updated technology infrastructure, ensuring researchers have the necessary tools to support the continued growth of the groundbreaking research at Augusta University and the Medical College of Georgia.

While lawmakers will begin holding hearings on the governor’s budget proposals this week, several members of Augusta’s local legislative delegation were pleased to see funding for the proposed research building in the governor’s budget.

“I am proud to support Augusta University. It’s an asset to our community and state,” said Senate Minority Leader Harold V. Jones II, D-Augusta. “The funding for a new translational research building is another positive step to recruit and retain the best.”

Jones, who serves as a member of the Senate Committee on Higher Education and is the newly elected Senate minority leader, said the proposed funding for a new translational research building from Kemp will continue the growth of state-of-the-art research at Augusta University.

“We have to build a better future for students and doctors, and this project will provide that pathway,” Jones said. “Research is the pinnacle of working to provide better health outcomes for Georgians, and a new translational research building at Augusta University can do just that. I look forward to continuing to support this project.” 

State Rep. Mark Newton, R-Augusta, who was named chairman of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Higher Education, applauded the $99.8 million in proposed funding to Augusta University and MCG.

“Representing both Columbia and Richmond counties in the State House is such a privilege, and I’m honored that the Speaker and the Committee on Assignments have chosen me to serve as Appropriations Chairman for Higher Education,” Newton stated in a press release last week. “Our entire delegation in both counties is so grateful that Gov. Kemp has recognized the pivotal role our area plays in both providing health care and training future physicians and caregivers. In doing so, Gov. Kemp has made a significant commitment to our region and state.”

The House Appropriations Subcommittee on Higher Education assists with drafting budgets, specifically budgetary items related to post-secondary and higher education.

The House Committee on Assignments, chaired by House Speaker Jon Burns, R-Newington, is charged with making all House committee assignments for the members of the Georgia House of Representatives.

Newton also serves on the Defense and Veterans Affairs, Health, Rules, Small Business Development, Transportation, Urban Affairs and Ways and Means committees.

State Sen. Max Burns, R-Sylvania, was appointed by Lt. Gov. Burt Jones to serve as chairman of the Senate Committee on Higher Education.

“I am honored to serve as chairman of the Senate Committee on Higher Education and grateful to Lt. Gov. Burt Jones for this opportunity to contribute to Georgia’s educational future,” Burns said in a press release last week. “My experiences as a professor, dean and president in higher education have reinforced my commitment to fostering innovation, access and excellence across our state’s institutions. As chairman, I will maintain Georgia’s status as a national leader in higher education, preparing students to thrive in a competitive, global economy.”

In addition to serving as chairman of the Senate Committee on Higher Education, Burns is a member of the Senate committees on Economic Development and Tourism, Agriculture and Consumer Affairs and Children and Families. Burns is also an ex-officio member of the Senate committees on Appropriations, Ethics and Transportation.

The House Committee on Assignments also reappointed State Rep. Brian Prince, D-Augusta, as the chairman of the House Urban Affairs Committee.

“I am humbled and honored to be reappointed as chairman of the House Urban Affairs Committee,” Prince said. “I want to thank Speaker Burns and the Committee on Assignments for their confidence in me, and I look forward to addressing the issues concerning the citizens of this great state.”

“I’ve also been able to stay on the House committees for Appropriations, Transportation, Veteran Affairs and Ways and Means, which are pretty key committees that affect the Augusta area and the entire state of Georgia,” he added.

Regarding the proposed funding for the new research building at Augusta University, Prince said he was “ecstatic” to see it was included in Kemp’s budget.

“This was a team effort, and not just with the legislators,” Prince said. “There have been a lot of community members involved and alumni of Augusta University who have reached out to, not only me and other legislators, but some of the key leaders around the state to tell them how important this research building is for the entire state of Georgia.”

Prince complimented AU President Russell T. Keen and members of Augusta University’s Government Relations team, including Vice President of Government Relations Margie Miller, Director of State Government Relations Ashton Blackwood and Assistant Director of State Government Relations Luke Ray, for providing legislators with detailed information about the proposed research building and its potential impact across the state.

“Dr. Keen has been outstanding in giving us all the information and support we need regarding this project,” Prince said. “And the Government Relations team members at Augusta University are a godsend.”

Prince said he looks forward to working with his colleagues during the session to ensure the funding for the research building remains in this year’s budget.

“Now, it is our job in the House and the Senate to make sure this funding stays in the budget throughout the process,” Prince said. “We have to finish the drill and make sure it gets to the governor, and it gets signed so we can let the work begin.”

For weekly updates on all legislative news, Government Relations invites those interested to subscribe to the Capitol Connection, an online newsletter that provides a legislative recap, budget updates and other details about the week at the Georgia Statehouse.