James_Jan-Feb_2026_web - Flipbook - Page 4
P U B L I S H E R ’ S M ES SAG E
W E LCO M E TO 2 0 2 6 . . .
AND M US I N G S ON V ITA L G EO RG I A I SS U E S
s James enters its 22nd year
with this Legislative Issue, a
highlight of the 162nd General Assembly will be Gov. Brian Kemp
pushing for passage of his $37.7
billion budget. The Republicans that
dominate both legislative chambers
also have their agendas, as do the
Democrats. This is why we publish
two agenda columns— one authored
by GOP Lt. Gov. Burt Jones and the
other by state Senate Minority Leader Harold Jones.
It is significant what the governor and his predecessor Nathan Deal
have done by compiling a multi-billion-dollar surplus reserve. It translates into Georgia having an enviable
AAA bond rating which gives the
state the ability to finance projects at
a low interest rate. This helps position Georgia for continued prosperity
for the long run.
On the subject of prosperity, let’s
be optimistic about 2026. Consider
that the Trump administration not
only has enacted dramatic initiatives
that should continue to lower inflation from the Biden years, but could
create a boom due to some $10 trillion in promised foreign investment.
More deregulation and extended tax
cuts will kick in during the first 2026
quarter. The administration is also
fast-tracking new federal fossil fuel
leasing, pipeline construction and incentives for greater production of oil
and gas coupled with large natural
gas exports. And as of January 1st
two million illegal aliens will have
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JAMES JANUA RY /F E B RUA RY 2 02 6
left our shores, easing taxpayer-fundA great county, our 2nd largest
airport & the film industry
ed welfare costs and increasing labor
opportunities for citizens and legal
James often features various
guest workers.
Georgia regions, counties and cities
and this time Rebecca Johnston
Georgia politics,
shines the spotlight on growing
transportation policy & education
Cherokee County and its major cities.
To get up to speed on the two
Additionally, Savannah/Hilton Head
parties’ candidates for top offices
International Airport Executive Dicompeting in Georgia’s May prirector Greg Kelly provides an update
maries, I recommend reading the
on progress at our state’s second
roster authored by UGA political
largest airport.
guru Charles Bullock. Our own Matt
Randy Davidson explains why
Towery also reminisces about past
Georgia’s important film and televipolitical history while paying tribute sion industry is at an inflection point,
to the impressive career of a late
and adding a further perspective is
great “insider”— Rogers Wade.
Trilith Studios CEO Frank Patterson.
Russell McMurry has been the
He underscores why Georgia is still
Georgia Department of Transportathe best state to make movies.
tion commissioner since 2015 and
Space doesn’t permit me to recis one of the best in the business.
ommend other interesting articles.
Georgians especially rely on him to
However, a final note. Our James
explain complex projects that are un- team deeply appreciates the supderway as well as future plans that
port of our growing readership and
address a growing population. So
advertisers. We wish all a happy and
check out staff writer Baker Owens’
prosperous 2026!
feature to find out what McMurry
has to say along with the latest news
concerning the nation’s 10th largest
transportation system.
PHIL KENT CEO & PUB L I S H E R
Education is always a major
James topic. That’s why Cindy
Morley reports on Georgia Military
P.S. For daily coverage of legislative
College and its new president, and
issues, state politics and business
we bring you the latest news from
information, James Magazine OnDalton State College and Life Univer- line reports on news, legislation and
sity. Furthermore, columnist Tana
inside information you often don’t
Page writes that state lawmakers
learn about in the mainstream memust ensure that educators have the dia. So, subscribe to our daily online
resources and respect they deserve.
news service by logging on to:
Jamesmagazinega.com
