Peach Tree Times

Athens, GA - Governor Brian P. Kemp, accompanied by First Lady Marty Kemp, Lieutenant Governor Burt Jones, members of the General Assembly, and other state and local leaders, signed a sweeping package of legislation into law that will improve access to quality and affordable health care today at a ceremony in Athens.

Governor Kemp expressed his commitment to fulfilling his promises, stating, “When I first ran for Governor, I made a promise that my administration would work to develop the entirety of our state and that includes ensuring that Georgians in rural parts not only have access to good paying jobs, but also quality and affordable health care.”

The legislation signed by Governor Kemp addresses critical healthcare needs in rural Georgia and underserved communities, including expanding the Rural Physician Tax Credit, providing student loan forgiveness for rural health care professionals, establishing loan repayment programs for mental health and substance use professionals, reorganizing county boards of public health, and revising Georgia's Certificate of Need process.

Among the bills signed by Governor Kemp are HB 82, HB 872, HB 1339, SB 293, SB 377, and SB 480, each targeting specific areas of improvement in healthcare access and affordability.

Lieutenant Governor Burt Jones and Speaker Jon Burns were recognized for their instrumental roles in the passage of the legislation, with specific mention of their contributions to addressing longstanding issues in the Certificate of Need process.

In conclusion, Governor Kemp expressed his gratitude to all those involved in the process, stating, "Governor Kemp extends his appreciation to all of those whose diligent work and efforts led to him being able to sign these bills today."