Latest news with #R-Dahlonega
Yahoo
11-08-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Republican Blake Tillery announces bid for Lt. Gov.; pledges to cut state income tax
A South Georgia state senator announced a bid for lieutenant governor in Savannah Monday morning, pledging to run on what he called "Georgia values." Blake Tillery (R-Vidalia) spoke to a small crowd of supporters at Sheltair Aviation, a private and recreational fixed-base aviation operation at 100 Eddie Jungemann Drive, during his first stop on a seven-city tour around Georgia to launch his campaign. Tillery touted his record of advancing conservative policies in the state Senate while outlining a platform to cut the state income tax and fight illegal immigration. "I have a record of conservative results here in Georgia," Tillery said. "I've stood against woke ideologies; I've stood against DEI mandates and gender extremism." Tillery was elected to the state Senate in 2016 and is also the managing partner at the Tillery Firm law practice in Vidalia, where his work touches on worker's compensation, real estate closings and probate cases, according to his biography. Before being elected to state Senate, Tillery served as the Toombs County Commission chairman. The South Georgia native said he decided to run based on promises kept as a state Senator, where he pledged jobs, expanded broadband access and kept taxes low. Tillery pointed to a 15% reduction in the state income tax during his Senate tenure. "I think that voters judge candidates based on what they have accomplished ... We've accomplished those (priorities)," Tillery said in an interview. In Georgia, the lieutenant governor is the state's number two executive―after the governor. A primary role for the lieutenant governor is presiding over the Senate as Senate president. Tillery said he gained key experience for the role as chairman of the Senate Appropriations Committee. Various priorities from "election integrity" to immigration enforcement all have budget line items attached to them, providing a comprehensive view of state government, he said. "I think chairing the budget committee helps you learn every aspect of the state." Tillery joins other high-profile Republicans from the Georgia General Assembly who have entered the 2026 race. Senate Pro-Tempore John Kennedy (R-Macon) and Senate Majority Leader Steve Gooch (R-Dahlonega) have also announced candidacies for lieutenant governor. Democratic State Senator Josh McLaurin is, thus far, the only Democrat to announce a big for the seat. Current Lieutenant Governor Burt Jones is running for Governor, making the race for the state's number two spot an open seat. Tillery's campaign launch day also includes stops in Atlanta, Albany, Augusta, Columbus, Perry and Vidalia. The stops include the Georgia State Capitol and local airports, with each scheduled for roughly 45-minute appearances. "I'm doing this because Georgia is a big state, and every voice in Georgia matters," Tillery said. Evan Lasseter is the city of Savannah and Chatham County government reporter for the Savannah Morning News. You can reach him at ELasseter@ This article originally appeared on Savannah Morning News: Georgia Republican state Sen. Blake Tillery launches Lt. Gov. campaign
Yahoo
05-04-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
'America First' license plate approved by Georgia legislature
The Brief Georgia lawmakers have passed a bill to create a specialty license plate with the phrase "America First," sparking debate over its patriotic versus divisive political implications. Revenue from the "America First" license plate will go into the state's general fund, and production will be discontinued if 1,000 prepaid applications are not reached by January 1, 2028. Democratic lawmakers, including Rep. Doreen Carter, criticize the bill for promoting exclusion and division, urging Governor Brian Kemp to veto it to foster unity and equity. ATLANTA - Georgia lawmakers have approved a bill that would create a specialty license plate emblazoned with the phrase "America First." Supporters say it promotes patriotism, but critics argue it carries divisive political undertones. The backstory Senate Bill 291, sponsored by Senate Majority Leader Steve Gooch, R-Dahlonega, and 24 other Republican senators, passed the House on April 2 by a vote of 95-68 after previously clearing the Senate in early March. The measure authorizes the Georgia Department of Revenue to begin issuing the "America First" plate without the standard requirement of 1,000 prepaid applications. If that threshold is not reached by Jan. 1, 2028, production of the plate would be discontinued. The design would feature the American flag alongside the "America First" slogan. Revenue from the plate would be deposited into the state's general fund. Dig deeper Gooch initially promoted the idea during the 2024 legislative session, when a similar proposal was introduced as Senate Bill 507. At the time, he described the plate as a symbol of national pride. "This license plate represents the tangible expression of patriotism and putting the needs of our country at the forefront," Gooch said in 2024. "It provides Georgians with an opportunity to express their national pride, and underscores the importance of emphasizing domestic concerns like economic stability, national security, strong borders, and the protection of the rights of our citizens." What they're saying The measure has sparked backlash from Democratic lawmakers, including Rep. Doreen Carter, D-Lithonia, who issued a public statement condemning the bill and urging Gov. Brian Kemp to veto it. "Let me be clear—'America First' is not just a slogan. It carries a history rooted in exclusion, division and the marginalization of communities, especially Black Americans, immigrants and people of color," Carter said. "To place this phrase on a state-issued license plate is not merely symbolic—it is an endorsement of a narrative that has too often left many Georgians behind." Carter warned that the phrase's use on official state material could alienate large portions of the population and undermine efforts toward unity. "At a time when we should be working toward unity, equity and justice for all, this bill sends the wrong message," she said. "Georgia must choose a path that brings people together and affirms the dignity and belonging of every resident, regardless of race, background or political belief." Carter represents Georgia's 93rd House District, which includes parts of DeKalb, Gwinnett and Rockdale counties. She has served in the legislature since 2015. What's next The bill now heads to Gov. Kemp's desk for consideration. If signed into law, it will take effect Jan. 1, 2026. The Source This story uses quotes from Senate Majority Leader Steve Gooch, R-Dahlonega, and Rep. Doreen Carter, D-Lithonia. Details on the bill come from the Georgia General Assembly website.
