Kemp's national message matches his political profile after surviving COVID-19, Donald Trump's effort to derail his reelection, and defeating Stacey Abrams again. Kemp will return to the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, next week.
Kemp also supports a political group with future intentions. His group will favor Republicans in 2024 state legislative elections and Kemp for U.S. Senate or presidency.
In accordance with that political future, Kemp rallied Republicans and alienated Democrats Thursday by making his biggest push for a school voucher law and supporting a contentious police and fire training center.
Last year, the governor was late supporting a $6,500 educational savings account for private school tuition or homeschooling expenses. That idea failed when 16 House Republicans voted against it, but he supported it fully Thursday. “Our job is not to decide for each family — but to support them in making the best choice for their child,” Kemp added.
Kemp again praised state Trooper Jerry Parrish in his address to promote the training complex, dubbed “Cop City” by opponents. Police believe Manuel Paez Terán shot and injured Parrish in January 2023 while ejecting demonstrators from the training site.
A report named Parrish as one of six troopers who shot Paez Terán, who was inside a tent. Paez Terán's family and activists doubt law enforcement's narrative. Kemp insisted on supporting the training facility and making Democrats seem anti-police.
“As long as I'm your governor, there will be no gray area or political double talk,” Kemp stated. We'll back law enforcement. Our firemen and first responders will be supported. Period! The Atlanta Public Safety Training Center must be created!
Kemp proposed a $3,000 wage boost for state law enforcement officers and prison guards on top of the 4% hike for other employees to show police solidarity.
The governor pledged to raise mental health expenditures, crisis center beds, and worker and service provider remuneration. Kemp promised to cut debt by $500 million to lessen the pension fund unfunded liabilities for most noneducation state workers.
Kemp defended his health care record despite his limited Medicaid expansion, which signed up less than 3,000 people. Kemp didn't mention Pathways, which insures low-income individuals who work. His focus was subsidies, which reduced costs and encouraged more insurers to offer coverage