In his annual State of the State address on Thursday, Georgia Governor Brian Kemp focused on tax cuts and tort lawsuits while also addressing various topics, including Hurricane Helene and healthcare. He proposed a 0. 2% tax cut for 2025, reducing personal and business income tax to 5. 19%, following a previous 0. 1% cut in 2024. This is expected to save Georgians $7. 5 billion over ten years, as Kemp emphasized that this money belongs to the citizens.

Kemp also announced upcoming legislation to reduce tort lawsuits, arguing that excessive litigation drives up insurance costs, which limits business growth and hiring. He highlighted the significant increase in insurance premiums for small business owners.

Georgia has been recognized as the top state for business for eleven consecutive years, thanks to its business-friendly policies. The governor mentioned increased funding for school safety and human trafficking prosecution, but no additional funds for Medicaid. He claimed that Georgia Pathways serves more low-income residents than Medicaid expansion.

Democrats criticized Kemp’s address, saying it favored corporations over the needs of working-class citizens.