Sen. Brian Strickland (R–McDonough) announced on May 8 the allocation of $450,000 in the Amended Fiscal Year 2026 budget for updates and improvements to the T.M. “Mort” Ewing Newton County Agriculture Center. The funding was included at Strickland’s request and is part of a larger budget package signed into law by Governor Brian Kemp.
The investment aims to enhance a facility that serves as a key resource for agricultural education, youth development, and community engagement in Newton County and nearby areas.
“This investment continues our efforts to make certain that young people growing up in Metro Atlanta can learn through first-hand interactions how important agriculture is to Georgia’s economy, heritage, and safety,” said Sen. Strickland. “By continuing to invest in this facility, we are providing more opportunities for Georgians from across our state to come to Newton County and directly experience Georgia’s number one industry.”
According to Strickland, the funding reflects an ongoing commitment by the General Assembly toward preserving Georgia’s agricultural heritage while educating future generations about farming’s role in the state’s economy.
The AFY 2026 budget includes targeted investments not only in agriculture but also education, public safety, infrastructure, and economic development projects throughout Georgia.
For further context on legislative roles within the state Senate—including committee leadership positions such as President Pro Tempore—Kennedy focused on legislative sponsorship and committee work as a state senator; he chaired several committees including Administrative Affairs while representing Georgia’s 18th District after being sworn into office on January 12, 2015; he maintained an office at 305-B CLOB in Atlanta according to the official website.
