Peach Tree Times

Georgia House Majority Caucus Whip James Burchett has expressed support for members of the Georgia House facing challenges due to their votes on Senate Bill 68. In a statement, Burchett emphasized the unique structure of the Georgia General Assembly, which consists of part-time legislators who maintain full-time jobs in their communities.

Burchett highlighted that this arrangement allows lawmakers to stay connected with their constituents throughout the year. He voiced concern over threats to the livelihoods and independence of several members following their votes on Senate Bill 68, describing these actions as undermining the citizen legislature's strengths.

He stated, "Numerous members have suffered threats to their livelihoods and independence because of their votes on Senate Bill 68. These retaliations undermine the strengths of our citizen legislature, which depends on members voting their conscience after fully weighing the issues and determining what they think is best for their communities and our state."

Burchett called for accountability at the ballot box rather than through attacks on legislators' ability to support themselves and their families. He added, "I believe I speak for all Georgians when I say we should hold legislators accountable for their votes under the Gold Dome at the ballot box – not by taking aim at their ability to support their families."

The statement concluded with Burchett's firm stance against cancel culture within Georgia's government: "Being cancelled is not something that this House ascribes to, and there is no place for that in Georgia government."