Brian Kemp in State of Georgia Archives
On Abortion:
We need to protect the unborn and the born
During debate on the heartbeat bill, I would always start with a simple statement: Georgia is a state that values life. Honestly, it's hard to disagree with that. We live in a place where every person matters - young or old, rich or poor,
any race from any place. As a pro-life Governor, I believe that we need to protect the unborn and the born. We have to defend those in the womb and then champion those when they leave the delivery room.
Source: 2020 Georgia State of the State address
Jan 16, 2020
On Abortion:
Supports "Heartbeat Bill" and tough abortion laws
Abortion: Mostly ban or mostly legal?Abrams: Legal. Led efforts to weaken 20-week abortion ban & to block TARP (Targeted Restrictions on Abortion Providers). "Staunch defender of reproduction choices."
Kemp: Ban. Supports "Heartbeat Bill" outlawing abortions after 6 weeks. As governor, will "sign the toughest abortion laws in the country."<
Source: 2018 CampusElect.org Issue Guide on Georgia Governor race
Nov 1, 2018
On Abortion:
Signed fetal heartbeat bill, tax deductions for fetuses
Kemp signed legislation banning abortions once a fetal heartbeat can be detected. That can be as early as six weeks, before many women know they're pregnant. Kemp said he was signing the bill "to ensure that all Georgians have the opportunity to live,
grow, learn and prosper in our great state." The bill also deals with alimony, child support and even income tax deductions for fetuses, declaring that "the full value of a child begins at the point when a detectable human heartbeat exists."
Source: NBC News/Associated Press on 2022 Georgia Gubernatorial race
May 7, 2019
On Budget & Economy:
Georgians First Commission: more diverse economy
Through the Georgians First Commission, we will review regulations that make it difficult for job creators to hire, expand, and invest. We will work to make government more efficient and put hardworking Georgians first.
I am confident that we can build a stronger, more diverse economy. We can add a new designation to Georgia's resume: #1 for small business.
With conservative budgeting, Georgia has maintained a triple-A bond rating. Our Rainy Day Fund stands at $2.5 billion. Our fiscal house is in order.
Last year, the Legislature lowered state income tax rates and fully funded public school education. I am confident we can do it again.
Source: 2019 State of the State address to the Georgia legislature
Jan 17, 2019
On Civil Rights:
Against bigotry, but monuments are history
I unequivocally condemn hatred, violence, and bigotry, and find claims of racial superiority to be indefensible and contrary to the highest ideals of our country.
As for the monuments, I believe the same as former Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice that it's best to 'keep your history before you.' We should learn from the past -- not attempt to rewrite it.
Source: WABE on 2018 Georgia gubernatorial race
Aug 16, 2017
On Civil Rights:
OpEd: refuses to process thousands of voter registrations
Sen. David Perdue appeared to dodge a college student's inquiry by ripping the cellphone out of his hand. The senator was at Georgia Tech to campaign for gubernatorial candidate Brian Kemp when he was approached by a member of the school's Young
Democratic Socialists of America and asked about tens of thousands of voter registrations that Kemp, as the secretary of state, is refusing to process. "How can you endorse a candidate..." he says, before Perdue takes the phone from his hand ending his q
Source: ABC News on 2020 Georgia Senate race
Oct 15, 2018
On Civil Rights:
Allow rejecting gay customers on religious grounds
Gay Marriage: Support gay marriage?Abrams: Yes. First endorsed marriage equality in 2006.
Kemp: Unknown. Supports business owners choosing not to serve gay customers on religious grounds.
Source: 2018 CampusElect.org Issue Guide on Georgia Governor race
Nov 1, 2018
On Corporations:
Invest Georgia Exemption: first business $1M in exempt IPO
As a small business owner himself, Brian Kemp is very sensitive to how government red tape can hinder the growth and prosperity of Georgia's businesses. That's why, as our Secretary of State, Brian Kemp has aggressively implemented fiscally conservative
business principles and new technologies to help remove the government red tape and regulations that block economic recovery and job growth.In December 2011, Kemp launched the Invest Georgia Exemption (IGE) through his office's Securities Division.
The IGE gives Georgia businesses the ability to raise up to $1 million from Georgia residents in a public offering.
This new form of "crowdfunding" provides greater investment opportunities for Georgia citizens and promotes the growth of Georgia's
small businesses. It is the perfect conservative policy solution that empowers entrepreneurs to succeed rather than government picking "winners and losers" in the marketplace. 31 businesses have filed for the IGE since its inception.
Source: 2018 Georgia Governor campaign website KempMeansBusiness.com
Mar 15, 2017
On Corporations:
Cut government regulations to help small business owners
Secretary of State Kemp says that his mission if elected Governor is to make Georgia the number one state for small business in the country. "My mission has been to cut government regulations, streamline government, make government more efficient and
really help small business owners," said Sec. of State Kemp. "If we're growing jobs and better paying jobs in rural Georgia and helping the small business owners then people will have more money in their pockets to spend on tourism, we're going to
have more products coming in and out of the ports," Sec. of State Kemp said. He says the only way those parts of the local economy can improve is by focusing on improving the economies of rural areas. He says one way to do that is by helping to improve
and expand agricultural technologies throughout the region. "If we're doing that, that's going to be good for issues like water and our economy," Sec. of State Kemp said.
Source: WJCL News on 2018 Georgia gubernatorial race
Apr 28, 2017
On Crime:
Collaborate with cities and sheriff's departments
The Ga. Secretary of State also addressed his approach to helping fight crime in Savannah if elected Governor. "That's an issue where I think the state's perspective is one of collaboration with the cities and different sheriff's
departments and counties but that's more of a local control issue, not to say as Governor I wouldn't support something that needed to be done at a local level, but also I think that's what you have elections for," said Sec. of State Kemp.
Source: WJCL News on 2018 Georgia gubernatorial race
Apr 28, 2017
On Crime:
Address the growing threat of gang activity
It's time to renew our commitment to public safety. As governor, I am committed to addressing the rise of gang activity in our state--a growing threat requiring our immediate attention. According to a recent survey conducted by the Georgia Gang
Investigators Association, there are over 71,000 validated gang affiliates and 1,500 suspected gang networks in our state. These gangs are pawns for Mexican drug cartels--pushing opioids and drugs, buying and selling children for sex. My budget
proposal includes $500,000 in initial funds to form a gang taskforce within the GBI. This highly qualified group of experienced law enforcement personnel and prosecutors will work with local district attorneys and law enforcement to stop and dismantle
street gangs. By utilizing the Criminal Gang and Criminal Alien Database, and working with the Attorney General, federal, state, and local partners, we can undermine organized crime. Together, we can build a safer future for all Georgia families.
Source: 2019 State of the State address to the Georgia legislature
Jan 17, 2019
On Crime:
Give non-violent offenders a second chance at life
There's no doubt that criminal justice reform will be a lasting legacy of the Deal administration. Without question, the leadership of Governor Deal and the General Assembly has changed our state for the better. I look forward to supporting initiatives
that save costs, strengthen communities, and give non-violent offenders a second chance at life. To keep all Georgians safe, we must build on these reform efforts.
Source: 2019 State of the State address to the Georgia legislature
Jan 17, 2019
On Crime:
Launched Anti-Gang Task Force to keep neighborhoods safe
This year, we launched the Anti-Gang Task Force at the Georgia Bureau of Investigation. We are partnering with local law enforcement and prosecutors to "stop and dismantle" gangs throughout Georgia.
We are providing the resources and training needed to put these dangerous criminals behind bars. We are working around the clock to keep our neighborhoods safe.
Source: 2020 Georgia State of the State address
Jan 16, 2020
On Crime:
We must end modern-day slavery in our state
Every day, hundreds of people are bought and sold for sex in our state. We created the GRACE Commission to help coordinate efforts to end modern-day slavery in our state. We must advance legislation this session that closes loopholes that leave
children vulnerable to exploitation. We must help victims tell their story in the courtroom without fear of retaliation. We must support survivors who want to enter the workforce but still bear the scars of the past.
Source: 2020 Georgia State of the State address
Jan 16, 2020
On Drugs:
Deport drug cartel kingpins
The Georgia Gang Investigators Association [concludes] there are over 71,000 validated gang affiliates and 1,500 suspected gang networks in our state. These gangs are pawns for Mexican drug cartels--pushing opioids and drugs, buying and selling children
for sex. By utilizing the Criminal Gang and Criminal Alien Database, which will be funded with existing resources from the Criminal Justice Coordinating Council, we can track and deport drug cartel kingpins who are terrorizing our communities.
Source: 2019 State of the State address to the Georgia legislature
Jan 17, 2019
On Drugs:
Unequivocally opposes recreational use of marijuana
Marijuana: Legalize or decriminalize marijuana?Abrams: Supports medical use and decriminalization of small amounts for recreational use as "a critical step to criminal justice reform."
Kemp: "Unequivocally" opposes recreational use. Supports limited
Source: 2018 CampusElect.org Issue Guide on Georgia Governor race
Nov 1, 2018
On Drugs:
Signed Hope Act: allows for medicinal oils with up to 5% THC
In 2015, Gov. Nathan Deal legalized medicinal marijuana, and Gov. Brian Kemp expanded on the legalization in 2019 when he signed the Georgia's Hope Act.
It allows for the manufacturing and dispensing of oils with a THC content up to 5%. While there's a statewide commission over licensing, it's up to local governments to dictate zoning restrictions.
Source: Atlanta Journal-Constitution on 2022 Georgia Governor race
Oct 14, 2021
On Education:
Invest in those who educate: keep teacher pay competitive
To enhance educational outcomes and build a 21st century state, we must invest in those who educate, inspire, and lead our students. 44% of Georgia teachers leave the profession in less than five years. To recruit and retain the best and brightest in
our schools, we must remove heavy burdens in the classroom and keep teacher pay competitive.My 2020 budget proposal includes a $3,000 permanent salary increase for certified Georgia teachers.
This is the largest pay increase for teachers in Georgia history and serves as a sizable down payment on my promise to ultimately raise pay by $5,000.
We also include a 2% merit increase for all state employees. These hardworking Georgians play a vital role in serving our families and crafting Georgia's future. We must continue to reward their efforts.
Source: 2019 State of the State address to the Georgia legislature
Jan 17, 2019
On Education:
$69 million in one-time funding for school security grants
We must prioritize school safety. In the amended budget for 2019, I have included $69 million in one-time funding for school security grants. All 2,294 public schools in our state will receive $30,000 to implement school security priorities determined
by local school boards, administrators, teachers, parents, and students. But to keep our classrooms safe, we must also address the mental health issues that often lead to school violence.With $8.4 million in additional funding through the successful
APEX program, we can focus on mental health in Georgia high schools. These professionals will engage with struggling students and provide critical resources to prevent disruptive and aggressive behavior.
They will inspire, mentor, and keep our students safe. Together, we will secure our classrooms and protect our state's most treasured asset--our children.
Source: 2019 State of the State address to the Georgia legislature
Jan 17, 2019
On Education:
$2000 pay raise for all public school teachers
In my budget, I have included a $2,000 pay raise for all public school educators. This raise will enhance retention rates, boost recruitment numbers, and improve educational outcomes in schools throughout Georgia. By investing in our educators,
we can build a strong house, a place where everyone learns and all Georgians have the opportunity to thrive.
Source: 2020 Georgia State of the State address
Jan 16, 2020
On Education:
Fully fund public school education
Education: Increase funding for K-12 education? Abrams: Yes. Make necessary investments to reduce long-term costs & increase long-term return on investment.
Kemp: Yes. Vows to "fully fund public school education."
Source: 2018 CampusElect.org Issue Guide on Georgia Governor race
Nov 1, 2018
On Education:
Supports vouchers to attend private schools
Education: Support publicly funded vouchers or tax breaks to help parents send children to private schools?Abrams: No.
Opposes vouchers for private schools & unchecked expansion of charter schools.
Kemp: Yes. Supports vouchers to attend private schools & expanding charter schools.
Source: 2018 CampusElect.org Issue Guide on Georgia Governor race
Nov 1, 2018
On Education:
Broadened prohibition on sex between teachers, students
Legislative Summary: SB9: A BILL relating to invasion of privacy, so as to prohibit sexual extortion.Analysis by Atlanta Journal-Constitution: The Georgia General Assembly broadened a prohibition on sex between teachers
and high school students. Current law, which prosecutors find difficult to enforce, prohibits sexual relations only when the teacher has "supervisory or disciplinary" authority over the student.
Govenror's Signing Statement :
SB9 addresses the power differential between teachers and students who may technically be old enough to consent to sex but are to be considered incapable of consent under the circumstances.
Legislative Outcome:
Passed House 149-2-29, Vote #414 on Apr/02/19; Passed Senate 51-0-5, Vote #410 on Apr/02/19; Signed by Governor Brian Kemp on May/7/19.
Source: Atlanta Journal-Const.:Georgia legislative voting record SB9
May 7, 2019
On Education:
Vetoed Keeping Georgia's Schools Safe Act: unfunded mandate
Analysis by 11-Alive News: Senate Bill 15, or the Keeping Georgia's Schools Safe Act, a Republican-sponsored bill, was passed and sent to Kemp's desk, but the governor vetoed it due to concerns from the education world.
The bill called for threat assessments taken at each school and mandated annual safety drills at schools. Guns were not addressed in the bill much to the disappointment of Democrat leaders.
Kemp wrote, the bill "undermines local control, generates an unfunded mandate for school safety coordinators, and places a ministerial duty on school administrators, increasing their exposure to legal liability."
Legislative Outcome: Passed House 110-56-14, Vote #420 on Apr/02/19; Passed Senate 42-11-3, Vote #434 on Apr/02/19; Vetoed by Governor Brian Kemp on May/10/19
Source: 11alive.com on Georgia legislative voting record SB15
May 10, 2019
On Education:
Asked Georgia Board of Ed. to denounce critical race theory
Instead of prioritizing the underfunding of public schools, Kemp has jumped on the anti-critical race theory bandwagon. Kemp participated in the conservative disinformation campaign around equity and diversity in education under the guise of
preventing "indoctrination" of critical race theory. He went so far as to publicly request the Georgia Board of Education to denounce critical race theory, sending a message to local school boards that "indoctrination" will not be tolerated.
Source: NewsOne on 2022 Georgia Gubernatorial race
Jul 11, 2021
On Energy & Oil:
Radical Democrats push things like "the new green deal"
[On the Green New Deal]: "It's really the radical wing of their party that has taken control and pushed things like the new green deal and defunding the police, getting rid of school resource officers,
having government-run healthcare and really just trying to ruin our economy," Kemp said.
Source: The Red & Black blog on 2022 Georgia Gubernatorial race
Oct 22, 2020
On Energy & Oil:
State invested in South Korean electric car battery company
State leaders are betting big on a South Korean electric vehicle battery company. Georgia invested $2.6 billion to convince the company to build their batteries in Jackson County.
It's the largest single foreign investment in state history. Governor Brian Kemp said the payout was worth it to compete with China for green energy manufacturing jobs.
Source: WSB-TV-2-Atlanta on 2022 Georgia Gubernatorial race
Sep 2, 2021
On Families & Children:
Religious freedom: allow withholding contraceptive coverage
Contraception: Allow employers to withhold contraceptive coverage from employees if disagree with it morally?Abrams: No specific stand, but opposes Judge Kavanaugh
for potentially jeopardizing "access to birth control."
Kemp: Yes. As governor, will sign a "religious freedom" bill that would allow withholding of contraceptive coverage.
Source: 2018 CampusElect.org Issue Guide on Georgia Governor race
Nov 1, 2018
On Free Trade:
Supports tariffs on China as part of trade negotiations
Economy: Support Trump's imposition of tariffs on Chinese steel & other products?Abrams: No. They are "a terrible idea" & have triggered major concerns in many sectors of the Georgia economy.
Kemp: "Supports whatever decision the president makes on
Source: 2018 CampusElect.org Issue Guide on Georgia Governor race
Nov 1, 2018
On Free Trade:
Travelled to South Korea to expand trade with Georgia
[On Korea visit]: "Meet Georgia, the Peach State" was the headline under the governor's photo wrapping Korea JoongAng Daily. The media buy, which includes a sponsored story calling Mr. Kemp a "visionary leader" and showcasing his interaction
in Georgia with new investor SK Innovation, is emblematic of the splash the state hopes to make during the gubernatorial visit to its "hottest market."
Source: Global Atlanta on 2022 Georgia Gubernatorial race
Jun 25, 2019
On Government Reform:
Protect our elections from fraud with Voter ID
Protecting our elections from fraud and criminal activity is a top priority for Secretary Kemp. He is a strong and vocal advocate for Voter ID laws requiring voters to show some form of identification to vote. When the Obama Justice Department and
liberals in Washington tried to undermine Kemp's common sense election protection measures like the verification of citizenship of new registered voters, he sued them in federal court and won.Secretary Kemp also implemented his Stop Voter Fraud
website and Voter Fraud Hotline allowing citizens to report questionable election activities online or by phone. Additionally, Kemp's Investigations Division increased its partnerships with state and local law enforcement to investigate and prosecute
voter fraud.
Under Secretary Kemp's leadership, Georgia's elections are secure, accessible and fair. Kemp continues his efforts every day to stop voter fraud and make it as easy as possible for all citizens to participate in the democratic process.
Source: 2018 Georgia Governor campaign website KempMeansBusiness.com
Mar 15, 2017
On Government Reform:
Stricter voter ID laws against threat of illegal voters
The wide-open race for Georgia governor seems likely to resurface a long-running feud between Republican Brian Kemp and Democrat Stacey Abrams over voter rights. Kemp, who as secretary of state is Georgia's top elections official, and Abrams, the
House minority leader and head of a voter registration group, have long sparred over election policy. The two have long been on opposite sides of the debate over elections issues, with Kemp advocating for stricter voter ID laws to prevent what he
called the threat of illegal voters casting ballots and Abrams contending those new rules could disenfranchise minorities, the disabled and the elderly.
But they clashed the sharpest during the 2014 after Abrams new voter registration group, the New
Georgia Project, which said it submitted 86,000 voter registration forms during the 2014 cycle, but Kemp's office argued that tens of thousands of applications were either missing or had not been properly submitted.
Source: Atlanta Journal-Constitution on 2018 Georgia governor race
Apr 11, 2017
On Government Reform:
Require voter ID to ensure purity of elections
Legislative Summary: A BILL relating to form of proper identification at polls, so as to change the forms of identification that are acceptable at the polls. It shall be the duty of the State Election Board to
obtain uniformity in their practices and proceedings and legality and purity in all primaries and elections. Each voter shall present proper identification to a poll worker prior to admission to the polling place.
Proper identification shall consist of any one of the following: A Georgia driver's license; a valid Georgia voter identification card; or a valid United States passport. Legislative Outcome:
Passed Senate 32-22-0 on Jan. 24, vote #599; Sen. Kemp voted YES; passed House 111-60-6 on Jan. 25, vote #564; signed by Gov. Perdue Jan. 26.
Source: Georgia legislative voting records: SB 84
Jan 24, 2006
On Government Reform:
53,000 voter registrations put "on hold"
The Georgia NAACP is preparing to sue Secretary of State Brian Kemp, the Republican nominee for governor, in response to a report that Kemp's office has put on hold tens of thousands of voter registration applications, most of them from
African-Americans, ahead of the election.The injunction would seek to reopen voter registration in Georgia to ensure that 53,000 registrants on hold in Kemp's office--and possibly others affected by an outage of the Georgia Department of Driver
Services and the state's voter registration website--would be allowed to register for the upcoming election. The last day to register to vote was Tuesday.
The strict policies enforced by Kemp's office for voter registration and verification have been
under scrutiny in his gubernatorial campaign. Under Kemp's verification policies, voter application information must perfectly match information on file. If they don't match precisely, officials can put the application on hold.
Source: Politico.com on 2018 Georgia gubernatorial race
Oct 11, 2018
On Government Reform:
OpEd: Precise name-match disenfranchises voters of color
Under Kemp's verification policies, voter application information must perfectly match information on file at the Social Security Administration and the state's Department of Driver Services. If they don't match precisely, officials can put the
application on hold [and have done so for 53,000 applicants].An analysis conducted by The Associated Press found that almost 70% of the registrants currently on hold are black. Georgia's population is 32% black. [Kemp's gubernatorial opponent
Stacey] Abrams needs strong African-American turnout in the state to win the governor's race. Allies of Abrams argue that Kemp is deliberately trying to purge voter rolls to his advantage.
Kemp's office said in a statement in July, "Despite
any claim to the contrary, it has never been easier to register to vote in Georgia and actively engage in the electoral process. The numbers do not lie."
Source: Politico.com on 2018 Georgia gubernatorial race
Oct 11, 2018
On Government Reform:
1.5 million voters removed from the voting rolls
Q: When Brian Kemp was secretary of state, he did oversee a process in which 1.5 million voters were removed from the voting rolls. But isn't that just people being removed from the rolls because of inactivity?STACY ABRAMS: Maintaining clean voter
rolls is absolutely appropriate, but the vigor with which he did so--a perfect example is the 92-year-old civil rights activist who's lived in the West End of Atlanta for more than 40 years, has voted in every single election since 1968, and was removed
from the polls. She went to vote, and had to take more than 2 hours to get a provisional ballot. This is someone who has never failed to vote. The problem we have is that it's death by 1,000 cuts. It's not sufficient to simply purge voters from the
rolls for inactivity. He removed voters who were eligible. And the larger issue is this. Trust in our democracy relies on believing that there are good actors who are making this happen. And he was a horrible actor who benefited from his perfidy.
Source: CNN interviews for 2018 Georgia Governor race
Nov 18, 2018
On Gun Control:
Respect the 2nd Amendment if you want to date my daughter
TV campaign ad: "I'm Brian Kemp, this is Jake, a young man interested in one of my daughters," Kemp, the candidate and Georgia's current secretary of state, says while polishing a double-barrel shotgun on his lap in the middle of a room
decked out with handguns, hunting rifles, and at least two AR-15-style weapons."Yes, sir," Jake, a young man in khakis, responds.
"Jake asked why I was running for governor," Kemp says. He prompts Jake to list off: to "cap government spending,"
to "take a chainsaw to regulations," and to "make Georgia number one for small business."
"And two things if you're going to date one of my daughters?" Kemp then asks.
"Respect," Jake answers. "And a healthy respect for the Second Amendment, sir."
Kemp then cocks the gun up, apparently toward Jake, and then says, "We're going to get along just fine."
[Ad fades to a scene showing framed family photos including teenage girls, with caption, "Brian Kemp, Conservative Businessman for Governor."]
Source: Slate.com Ad-Watch on 2018 Georgia gubernatorial race
May 2, 2018
On Gun Control:
Constitutional carry without permit
Gun Control: Support more restrictive gun control legislation?Abrams: Yes. Supports requiring universal background checks; banning assault weapons; & repealing campus carry.
Kemp: No. Opposes new gun control restrictions, supports campus carry,
arming K-12 teachers, & "constitutional carry" without permit or application. In humorous ad, pointed a shotgun at teenage boy sitting next to him, saying dating his daughters required appreciating the Second Amendment.
Source: 2018 CampusElect.org Issue Guide on Georgia Governor race
Nov 1, 2018
On Health Care:
Free market replacement for ObamaCare
ObamaCare is an absolute disaster and it needs to be repealed immediately.
We need a free market replacement that puts Georgia patients--not government bureaucrats or special interests--first.
Source: Facebook posting on 2018 Georgia Gubernatorial race
Aug 14, 2017
On Health Care:
Rural counties deserve a patient-centered healthcare system
While different parts of our state have unique challenges and concerns, all Georgians deserve a patient-centered healthcare system that puts families first. The status quo is unacceptable. Seventy-nine counties have no OB/GYN.
Sixty-four counties have no pediatrician. Nine counties have no doctor. Insurers are leaving the state, and hardworking Georgians are struggling to pay their premiums.
Source: 2019 State of the State address to the Georgia legislature
Jan 17, 2019
On Health Care:
Don't expand the broken Medicaid system
We have included $1 million in the Department of Community Health's budget to craft state flexibility options for Georgia's Medicaid program. We will expand access without expanding a broken system that fails to deliver for patients.
We will drive competition and improve quality while encouraging innovation. I will work with the legislature to grow the rural hospital tax credit, tackle the doctor shortage, and build a healthier Georgia.
Source: 2019 State of the State address to the Georgia legislature
Jan 17, 2019
On Health Care:
Require people to work to receive Medicaid
Healthcare: Support or Repeal ACA, aka ObamaCare? Accept ACA's Medicaid expansion to subsidize low-income participants? Abrams: Supports ACA. Led efforts to expand Medicaid, which is "transformative for our state."
Kemp: Repeal ACA. "[It] is
an absolute disaster & needs to be repealed immediately." Opposes Medicaid expansion.
Healthcare: Require people to work to receive Medicaid?
Abrams: No.
Kemp: Yes.
Source: 2018 CampusElect.org Issue Guide on Georgia Governor race
Nov 1, 2018
On Health Care:
Supported limited instead of full expansion of Medicaid
Legislative Summary: SB 106: A BILL to authorize the Department of Community Health to submit a waiver request to the United States Department of Health and Human Services Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services.Analysis by
Georgia Public Broadcasting: The Patients First Act requests a Medicaid waiver from the federal government. Both proponents and opponents of the move are making it clear a waiver isn't the same as full Medicaid expansion, which is what then-
President Obama envisioned for states when crafting the Affordable Care Act. Democrats say a waiver doesn't go far enough while some conservatives say even a partial expansion is too costly.
Legislative Outcome: Passed Senate 32-20-4, Vote #65 on Feb/26/19; Passed House 104-67-9, Vote #288 on Mar/25/19; Signed by Governor Brian Kemp on Mar/27/19
Source: GBP.org on Georgia legislative voting record SB 106
Mar 27, 2019
On Immigration:
Crack down on illegal immigration
Secretary of State Brian Kemp opened his campaign for governor Saturday by borrowing themes from Donald Trump, pledging a "Georgia first" strategy that would crack down on illegal immigration as he took aim at establishment forces and the media.
The Athens Republican took broadsides against "fake news" and the well-connected political status quo.
And he talked in tough terms about Georgia's efforts to block those in the country illegally from voting or receiving state benefits. "This is Georgia," he said. "We will be putting Georgia first."
Kemp said he did not plan to step down from his role
as Georgia's top elections officer through the campaign. That would give him a statewide platform through November 2018, but also would deny him about three months of fundraising during next year's legislative session.
Source: Atlanta Journal-Constitution on 2018 Georgia governor race
Apr 1, 2017
On Immigration:
Georgia interests over immigrants
Defund sanctuary cities and campuses. Stop taxpayer funded subsidies for illegal immigrants. Protect our Georgia values.
Put the needs of hardworking Georgians ahead of special interests
Source: 2018 Georgia Gubernatorial website KempForGovernor.com
Sep 1, 2017
On Immigration:
Check immigration status after minor offenses
Legislative Summary: When any person charged with a felony or with driving under the influence is confined in a county or municipal jail, a reasonable effort shall be made to determine the nationality of the person so confined.
Registration of Immigration Assistance Act: To establish and enforce standards of ethics in the profession of immigration assistance by private individuals who are not licensed attorneys.
OnTheIssues Interpretation:
Immigrants are allowed to get legal help, but those helping must register, and may offer only limited help. They must declare in writing that they are not an attorney, and cannot give legal advice. The purpose is to make the process harder for illegal
immigrants to get legal help, and hence to increase deportations.
Legislative Outcome: Passed Senate 39-16-0 on March 27 vote #1037; Sen. Kemp voted YES; passed House 119-49-8 on March 28 vote #1076; signed by Gov. Perdue April 17.
Source: Georgia legislative voting records: SB 529
Mar 27, 2006
On Immigration:
End DACA; round up criminal illegals
Immigration: Support DACA, allowing "Dreamers" who arrived illegally as children, then grew up in the US, to achieve legal status if meet certain conditions?Abrams: Yes. Advocates a clean DREAM Act legislation with path to citizenship.
Kemp: No. End DACA, which "provides amnesty for illegal immigrants--many of whom are adults, not children, & includes those with criminal records."
Immigration: Support path to citizenship for America's 11 million illegal immigrants?
Abrams: No stand found.
Kemp: No.
In ad, said he wants to round up "criminal illegals" in his pickup & take them home himself. Will crack down on illegal immigration.
Source: 2018 CampusElect.org Issue Guide on Georgia Governor race
Nov 1, 2018
On Technology:
Work around Federal ban on "no drone zones" at prisons
Legislative Summary: SB6: A BILL to prohibit the use of unmanned aircraft systems to deliver or attempt to deliver contraband to a place of incarceration.Analysis by BFV Law: Federal law prohibits states from
establishing "no drone zones" around prisons and from deploying counter-drone measures. Senate Bill 6 appears to be an attempted work around that could permit law enforcement to monitor and prevent drone operations around prisons.
Georgia law already makes it a crime to give anything to persons in custody without the warden's permission. Senate Bill 6 makes it a crime to intentionally use an unmanned aircraft system to violate the anti-contraband law.
Legislative Outcome: Passed House166-4-10, Vote #315 on Mar/28/19; Passed Senate 50-0-4, Vote #323 on Mar/29/19; Signed by Governor Brian Kemp on Apr/28/19
Source: BFVLaw.com on Georgia legislative voting record SB6
Apr 28, 2019
On Jobs:
4-Point Plan to put hardworking Georgians to work
I'm a conservative businessman with a 4-Point Plan to put hardworking Georgians first. I'm also the proud father of 3 teenage girls. Here's the thing: If you want to date one of my daughters, you better have respect for women & a
healthy appreciation for the 2nd Amendment. [Twitter posting links to TV campaign ad outlining 4-point plan and emphasizing respect for the Second Amendment]
Source: Twitter posting on 2018 Georgia gubernatorial race
May 2, 2018
On Principles & Values:
State Senator and Secretary of State
Brian Kemp, GBA Board Secretary, serves as Georgia's Secretary of State. Mr. Kemp, a lifelong resident of Athens, is a graduate of Clarke Central High School and of the University of Georgia, where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Agriculture.
The Georgia Secretary of State's office oversees elections, corporations, securities, and professional licensing boards, and also controls the state archives and the Capitol museum.
Secretary Kemp served in the Georgia State Senate from 2002-2006.
Brian, 46, is married to the former Marty Argo of Athens.
They are the proud parents of three daughters and are actively involved in various school activities with their children and various charities. The Kemps are active members of Emmanuel Episcopal Church in Athens.
Source: 2018 Georgia Gubernatorial campaign website gba.georgia.gov
Mar 15, 2017
On Principles & Values:
We're in a real fight right now to make America great again
[At UGA]: "Certainly from an election standpoint we're in a real fight right now to make America great again and to continue to save our country from the radical left," said Kemp. In his message to the College Republicans, he criticized
Democratic Presidential nominee Joe Biden, saying Biden's economic policies will "ruin the great American comeback."
Source: The Red & Black blog on 2022 Georgia Gubernatorial race
Oct 22, 2020
On Technology:
Webpage & app for voter registration & sample ballot
As Georgia's Chief Elections Officer, Secretary Kemp has implemented numerous e-government solutions for voters and established the state as a national model for election security. Because of Kemp's innovative leadership, Georgians can now register to
vote online or update their information through the new Online Voter Registration System. In just a few short months, over 30,000 Georgians have already taken advantage of this cutting edge technology.
He also launched a new My Voter Page or "MVP" program that allows Georgians to view their sample ballot, find early voting locations and times, find their Election Day polling place, verify the status of their voter registration, and much more, all on
their computers or mobile devices.
Because of Brian Kemp's visionary and conservative leadership, Georgia is the first state in the nation to offer a mobile app that includes the convenience of the MVP program and online voter registration.
Source: 2018 Georgia Governor campaign website KempMeansBusiness.com
Mar 15, 2017
On Technology:
Hi-speed internet for Great Recession in rural Georgia
While places like Atlanta, Augusta, Savannah, and Columbus continue to grow and thrive, it still feels like the Great Recession in parts of Rural Georgia. Businesses are closing. Opportunities are drying up. People are losing faith. As governor,
I will work to ensure that someone's potential is not determined by their zip code or county. By working with the House Rural Development Council and their colleagues in the Senate, we can expand access to high-speed internet, quality healthcare,
and good education. Through strategic partnerships, we can ensure that every part of our state has access to opportunity - that kids can graduate and raise their families where they were raised, that local companies in Rural
Georgia can thrive, that farmers and agribusiness leaders can get their Georgia Grown products to the marketplace, and that every Georgian is equipped with the right tools to succeed.
Source: 2019 State of the State address to the Georgia legislature
Jan 17, 2019
On Tax Reform:
$1 billion tax cut from the state's budget surplus
If reelected, Kemp plans to use nearly $1 billion from the state's budget surplus to issue $250 for single filers, $375 for a single filer who is head of household and $500 for a married couple filing jointly in Georgia. Kemp has touted his
leadership landing Georgia a top state for business for eight years and a record low unemployment rate of 2.8% as of July.
Part of [Democratic opponent Stacey] Abrams' economic plan includes leading efforts for a constitutional amendment to bring casinos to Georgia and legislation allowing online sports betting, with some proceeds possibly used to fund education
initiatives. Much of her plan focuses on increasing wages, small businesses and rural workforce.
In 2019, Kemp launched Georgia's Rural Strike Team to help market and train rural communities seeking businesses.
Source: The Hill on 2022 Georgia Gubernatorial race
Oct 8, 2022
On Budget & Economy:
Partner with local governments on workforce housing
But transformational projects, good-paying jobs, and new investment are worth little if there aren't options for hardworking Georgians to live where they work.
That is why I am creating the Rural Workforce Housing Fund, enabling the state to partner directly with local governments to develop sites across the state for workforce housing.
Source: 2023 State of the State Address to the Georgia legislature
Jan 25, 2023
On Crime:
Come after our children, and we will come after you!
For far too many Georgians, the safety of their families and homes is put at risk by the unchecked crimes of street gangs. We created the GBI's Anti-Gang Task Force to take the fight to these criminals. And you gave the state a new tool to ensure
justice--the Gang Prosecution Unit in the Office of Attorney General. The Attorney General and his team have already indicted over fifty gang members in just the first six months of standing up this unit, with more on the way!
In communities across our state, gangs are actively recruiting children as young as elementary school students into a life of crime. They are targeting the most innocent among us, pulling them down a dark path that too often leads to either a prison
cell or the cemetery. That is why, along with the Attorney General, I'm proposing legislation that will increase penalties for those trying to recruit our children into a gang. Let me be clear: come after our children, and we will come after you!
Source: 2023 State of the State Address to the Georgia legislature
Jan 25, 2023
On Education:
We have given teachers a $7,000 pay raise in just five years
While some politicians have continued to grumble about teacher pay in Georgia, let me give you the facts: In total, we will have given hardworking educators a $7,000 pay raise in just five years. No other General Assembly or governor will have raised
teacher pay by so much, so quickly, in state history! With the passage of this budget, the average teacher salary in Georgia will also now be over $7,000 higher than the Southeast regional average.
Source: 2023 State of the State Address to the Georgia legislature
Jan 25, 2023
On Education:
HOPE Scholarship and Grant awards now cover 100% of tuition
That is why, for the first time in over a decade--and in the 30th year of both this program and the Georgia Lottery--we are once again fulfilling Governor Zell Miller's vision and returning HOPE Scholarship and Grant awards to 100% of tuition!
By covering 100% of tuition--a policy long worked on by members of both sides of the aisle--a student will receive roughly $1,000 in additional financial assistance in the coming school year.
Source: 2023 State of the State Address to the Georgia legislature
Jan 25, 2023
On Health Care:
State Pathways to Coverage rather than Medicaid expansion
When I first signed the bipartisan Patients First Act in 2019, no counties had more than two health insurance carriers. Today, 86% of Georgia counties have three or more carriers. And while others have called for expanding one-size-fits none,
massive government health programs, thanks to our policies, enrollment in the individual market has more than doubled since 2019 to over 700,000 Georgians.
The Georgia Pathways to Coverage program was negotiated with the federal government so that we could expand access to health insurance for those who need it the most, while sustaining the quality of coverage. 345,000 Georgians could qualify for the
Pathways program and healthcare coverage for the first time, with no changes for those who qualify for regular Medicaid. Unlike Medicaid expansion, Georgia Pathways will not kick 200,000 Georgians off their private sector insurance.
Source: 2023 State of the State Address to the Georgia legislature
Jan 25, 2023
On Health Care:
$4.5M in loan repayments to increase healthcare workers
Right now, there are 67 counties with less than 10 physicians. And Georgia's need for more nurses is well documented. That's why I'm proposing over $4.5 million in loan repayment programs to grow the number of healthcare workers in Georgia.
I'm also calling for an additional 102 residency slots through an investment of $1.7 million. With these additions, we will exceed the initial goal number of this program.
Source: 2023 State of the State Address to the Georgia legislature
Jan 25, 2023
Page last updated: Feb 18, 2023