Political Rewind: Kemp Sets New Tone With State Of State; A Tribute To Jim Galloway

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Gov. Brian Kemp’s new spending proposals will undo some of the cuts to public education made last year, attempt to spur economic growth in rural corners of the state and kickstart his health care plan. He announced his 2021 agenda at the Jan. 14 State of the State address.

Credit: Ross Williams, Georgia Recorder

Friday on Political Rewind: After a bruising year of contending with the coronavirus, feuds with the president and a bitter war with fellow Republicans, Gov. Brian Kemp delivered a State of the State speech calling for unity and painting a picture of a brighter future for Georgia.  Still, partisans on both sides of the aisle found grounds for criticizing Kemp’s vision for the year ahead.

Kemp made no mention in his speech of proposals to change Georgia’s rules for mail-in voting, but the GOP-led effort will likely be one of the most contentious issues on the legislative session.

Also, we paid tribute to a giant of Georgia life: The Atlanta Journal-Constitution's Jim Galloway is retiring after more than four decades at the paper. The longtime panelist will remain a frequent guest of our show.

Panelists:

Jim Galloway — Lead Political Writer, The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

Rep. Mary Margaret Oliver — State Representative (D) Decatur

Sam Olens — Former Georgia Attorney General

Michael Thurmond — DeKalb County CEO