Originally posted by MCO Group on May 8, 2026
01. Speaker Burns Announces 2026 Study Committee Appointments
House Speaker Jon Burns (R-Newington) announced appointments to study committees for the 2026 interim. The House Blue-Ribbon Study Committees, Joint Study Committees and House Study Committees will work throughout the interim to gather the facts and hear from citizens, experts and stakeholders on key policy areas impacting Georgia.
02. Gov. Kemp Signs Bills Strengthening Literacy and K-12 Schools
Governor Brian Kemp signed 9 pieces of legislation into law to support literacy and math education, expand educational opportunities, and support students and teachers in Georgia's K-12 education system. "The bills I signed today implement proven strategies to improve literacy and math scores, reduce distractions in the classroom, expand pathways to graduation, and further support hardworking educators and families. These are just the latest steps we've taken to create opportunity for all Georgians, no matter their zip code,” Kemp said.
03. AJC Poll Shows Keisha Bottoms Leads Democratic Field for Governor
An AJC poll released Monday showed Keisha Lance Bottoms with 39% support among likely Democratic primary voters, far ahead of former DeKalb County Chief Executive Michael Thurmond at 10%, former state Sen. Jason Esteves at 8% and former Lt. Gov. Geoff Duncan at 7%. About one-third of voters remain undecided.
04. State Begins Issuing Tax Refunds of up to $500
For the fourth time in five years, Georgia officials have begun issuing special income tax refunds of up to $500 as the state continues to spend down its substantial budget reserves. Earlier this year Gov. Brian Kemp signed a law authorizing these special tax refunds, which are made possible because the state has accumulated billions of dollars in budget surpluses in recent years.
05. April Net Tax Revenues Up 5.9%
The State of Georgia’s net tax collections in April totaled almost $3.95 billion, for an increase of $220.2 million, or 5.9%, compared to FY 2025, when net tax collections totaled $3.73 billion for the month. Year-to-date, net tax revenue totaled $28.45 billion, for an increase of $683.7 million, or 2.5%, compared to last year, when net tax collections totaled roughly $27.77 billion through ten months of FY 2025.
