Today, Majority Leader Steve Gooch (R – Dahlonega) held a press conference at the Georgia State Capitol to announce the Senate Majority Caucus’s priorities for the 2023 Legislative Session. Majority Leader Gooch was joined by Lt. Governor Burt Jones and President Pro Tempore of the Senate John F. Kennedy (R – Macon), as well as members of the Senate Majority Caucus.

“I am incredibly proud of the work that the Senate Republican Caucus has accomplished over the past few years,” said Majority Leader Gooch. “Building on a strong foundation, this new leadership team will focus on a few key policy areas that will work towards a brighter future for all Georgians. As we begin this new era, we are looking into ways to continue growing stronger at every level, from the statewide economy, to cities and communities, to individual families across our state.”

“I’m excited to see our Majority Caucus working towards accomplishing these goals during the legislative session,” said President Pro Tempore John F. Kennedy. “Working towards better economic opportunity across the state, strengthening public safety, and supporting Georgia families are goals that Senators from both sides of the aisle can agree on. My office looks forward to standing behind these Republican initiatives that benefit all Georgians.”

The Majority Leader announced that the caucus would focus on four broad goals with specific policy initiatives supporting each:

Bolstering Opportunity and Innovation in the Georgia Economy
· Conduct a prudent income tax reform and tax credit review
· Support and implementation of new taxpayer and homeowner relief initiatives
· Lay the groundwork for the continued electrification of transportation
Cultivating an Educated Workforce
· Senate-led effort to improve literacy rates in line with graduation rates
· Implementation of learning loss grants
· Review degree requirements for state employment
Creating Safer Communities
· Serious penalties for the recruitment of minors for gang activity
· Aggressive bail bond reform for violent offenses
· Enhanced school safety legislation
Supporting the Health and Well-being of Families and At-Risk Youth
· Expansion of telehealth services for rural and underserved communities
· Increased support for foster families and children
· Extended benefits for income-eligible pregnant women