The day started bright and early for lawmakers at the Georgia Chamber of Commerce’s annual Eggs and Issues Breakfast. The event connects local business leaders over breakfast as lawmakers and government officials share their priorities for the session.

Gov. Brian Kemp made it clear what his No. 1 issue is this session.  

"I will soon be unveiling a robust legislative package that will bring balance to our proceedings and parity with our neighbors," Kemp said at the breakfast. "We will move forward with an open mind and work with all of you as a team, just like we have successfully done on so many tough issues. Tort reform will be my top legislative priority for this upcoming session.  

He also announced more money for infrastructure around the state.  

"I am proposing that we double down: Last year with the help of the General Assembly, we provided $250 million to double our grant investment in local roads without doubling the costs for local governments," he said. "And after hearing how beneficial this was from our local leaders, I'm proud to say that we're going to do that again."

Kemp also said that his budget proposal will include $530 million for freight and logistics infrastructure.

Lt. Gov. Burt Jones also said the Senate will tackle the cost of child care for Georgia's workers.  

"And so one of the things we're going to push for is a child tax credit to help Georgia families and working mothers, because I've seen it firsthand where we've missed out on a really good talent because they couldn't work out the child care issue," he said.

Speaker John Burns said the House will pass legislation related to school security for Georgia students.  

"The House will put forth measures to strengthen school security, facilitate communication between school districts and law enforcement agencies, and provide every student in Georgia public school systems with access to mental health care," Burns said.

Later in the morning, House members held a moment of silence for the victims of the shooting at Apalachee High School in Northeast Georgia.  

"Sept. 4, 2024, was a day of immense tragedy for Apalachee High School, for Barrow County, and for the entire state of Georgia," House Majority Leader Rep. Chuck Efstration (R) said. "An evil act of violence took the lives of four cherished Georgians who were deeply loved by their families, colleagues and the community."

The shooting has been top of mind for lawmakers this session. Kemp already announced allocating money to upgrade school security programs.

Representatives also honored a new leader. Minority Leader Carolyn Hughley became the second woman ever to lead the minority caucus in the Georgia House.  

"Rep. Carolyn Hughley made history by becoming the second woman to hold the title of the minority caucus leader, and we're so proud of her, and we want to congratulate her," Rep. Kimberly Alexander (D) of Hiram said. "With these roses, we also have a nice plaque for you that reads 'History Maker as 2nd Woman Leader of the Georgia House Democratic Caucus January 20th, 2025 to 2027.'"

The day started in the Senate with a tribute to former President Jimmy Carter by two senators during their moments of personal privilege.  

"I shall remain proud of calling both President and Mrs. Carter my most distinguished constituents of State Senate District 12 who never cared much about the accolades, only completing the work at hand," Sen. Freddie Powell Sims (D) of Dawson said. "Thank you, President Carter, for completing your work and leaving a legacy filled with lessons of love, of peace, integrity, truth and justice for all."

Newly elected Sen. Randall Mangum spoke about the impact of meeting the then-governor of Georgia on a Capitol visit as a student.

"It meant so much to me because where I live, as the guy said yesterday, 'When you're Black, get back,' that really that badge of inferiority, it took a hell of a lot of for me to get over it," Mangum said. "But for Jimmy Carter as governor to shake my hand, it meant so much and it had such an impact on me that I want to say thank you, Jimmy Carter, for doing what you did. But not only that, you guys are shaking my hand and it may mean so little to you, but I want to tell you that there are people out on the street that if you shake their hands, it means such dignity that you bestowed upon people who have less dignity."

The Senate then accepted the House Resolution invitation to join chambers for Kemp's Thursday State of the State address and the State of the Judiciary event later this month.

Legislators convene Wednesday for Day 3 and Kemp is expected to announce his health care legislation priorities.

Watch Lawmakers tonight to see Rep. Patti Stinson (D) of Butler, Sen. Ben Watson (R) of Savannah, and Sen. Lee Anderson (R) of Grovetown to discuss the latest on the legislative session.

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