The Holland Report - 2026, Week 1
Sara FuchsWe're back! The Georgia General Assembly kicked off the 2026 session this Monday. Our first week is largely procedural as even bills left from last year have to make it through committee again and then Rules Committee before reaching the floor for a vote. Instead, our days were busy with ceremonial visits - Miss Georgia serenaded us on Day 1 - and connecting with new colleagues - including two new Democrats in the House who won their seats by special election last year.
Governor Kemp visited the chamber on Thursday to deliver the State of the State address. While he spoke about rising prices and affordability issues, his proposed solutions leaned heavily on tax credits, rebates and cuts. He mentioned hopes for a one time bonus for teachers and other state employees, and he proposed a plan for a needs-based college scholarship in Georgia (we're one of only two states without one - this is way overdue).
I was mostly disappointed in the topics that didn't get mentioned. While the governor mentioned teacher pay raises, he did not address funding for school transportation or updating the state's 40-old QBE formula. We know that there's a funding crisis in the Department of Family and Children Services, but he did not mention the current foster care challenges. And while thousands of Georgians are struggling to afford health insurance or get access to a doctor, the governor did not mention health care once in his address.
Next week, the House will not convene so that the Appropriations Committee can complete its budget hearings on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. You can follow along with the hearings each day at legis.ga.gov.
Every January, business people, community leaders and elected officials gather for the Buckhead Coalition's annual meeting and luncheon. This was a great time to connect with people who impact our quality of life in Buckhead, from Atlanta police chief Darin Schierbaum to the newly elected Atlanta School Board Chair Jessica Johnson to the brand-new Buckhead Coalition CEO Katharine Kelly.
Listening Sessions
I'll be holding three listening sessions on Zoom this legislative season to keep you informed of what's happening under the Gold Dome, to hear your concerns, and to answer your questions.
You can register at the links below:
If you haven’t already, please browse my website, betsyforgeorgia.com.
As your Representative, your concerns are important to me. Please contact me at betsy.holland@house.ga.gov or 404-656-0116 with questions, concerns, or solutions you may have regarding legislation or other happenings in District 54.
To stay updated, follow me on Twitter and Facebook, and follow the Georgia House of Representatives @GAHouseHub on Twitter. Additionally, in-depth information regarding current bills, Georgia's annual and supplemental budgets, committee meetings, and livestreams from the General Assembly can be accessed via www.legis.ga.gov.
I encourage you and your family to visit our State Capitol and my office, where all constituents are welcome. I look forward to connecting with you!
My office is located at:
18 Capitol Square, SW
409-B, Coverdell Legislative Office Building
Atlanta, Georgia 30334
Thank you for allowing me to serve as your representative.
Representative Betsy Holland
GA House District 54
