In The News

Originally Published in The Millen News
By: Deborah Bennett

The annual Legislative Breakfast was held Saturday, Feb. 21st, at the Cafe on Cotton with U. S. Rep. Rick Allen, State Sen Max Burns, State Rep. L.C. Miles, and a representative with the U.S. Sen. Raphael Warnock’s office in attendance. The event was sponsored by the Georgia Power Company, Planters Electric Membership Corporation, Queensborough Bank & Trust Company, Jenkins County Farm Bureau, and Durden Banking Company. The legislators were introduced by Jenkins County FFA members.

National and state legislators highlighted Georgia’s strategic positioning in the race to host data centers and described the expansion of digital infrastructure as being critical to economic dominance, particularly as the global economy shifts toward artificial intelligence and 5G and 6 G technology.

Rep. Allen noted that Georgia is viewed as a well-run state and positioned competitively in the global marketplace. He spoke on the national debt and emphasized the need to reduce the federal deficit. He also noted that the American Taxpayer Relief Act has been extended, resulting in savings for each Georgia taxpayer. Rep. Allen called attention to the Big Beautiful Bill and the $50 billion included shore up the rural healthcare, $218.8 Georgia will receive. He also discussed a reduction in the nation’s inflation rate.

Rep. Allen discussed the two-front military war, commenting, “God raised this nation to be the great peacemaker.”

Sen. Burns highlighted property tax structures at the county level and explained the distinction between taxes and “freefor service” models. He noted that transparency ensures those who receive services are responsible for paying for them. He reported on the state’s $42.2 billion budget, stating that 38% goes to secondary education; 15% to higher education; 20% to healthcare; and 9% to transportation.

Sen. Burns also discussed Senate Bill 476, described as the largest tax relief legislation passed in Georgia history. The bill includes a reduction of the state income tax rate and is projected to benefit approximately 65% of Georgians.

On the topic of data centers, Sen. Burns said, “Georgia is poised to enjoy the challenge of hosting data centers.”

Rep. Myles emphasized the importance of helping Georgians “live, work, and earn” through policies aimed at lowering grocery bills, increasing access to childcare, supporting fair wages, and expanding healthcare access, especially in rural communities. He advocated for fair wages, childcare, lower grocery bills, and education.

Concerns were raised regarding the rising Affordable Care Act premiums, totaling an estimated $400 billion nationally. Lawmakers suggested that broader healthcare reform efforts are expected to be introduced on the House floor in the near future, citing concerns that “the healthcare system is broken.”