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Brian Kemp
62.7%
#3 of 50

Brian Kemp

Georgia R | 2nd term (term-limited)
2019-01-14Took Office 7 yrs, 5 moIn Office 263Metrics Scored 1036 / 1653Total Points

Section A: Governance

236/300
79%

Section B: State Outcomes

619/975
63%

Section C: Oath Fidelity

+181 (-378 to +378)

Section A — Governance 236/300

9 subsections evaluating executive performance: budget execution, legislative relations, appointments, emergency management, transparency, ethics, program management, federal relations, and constituent service.

On-time budget submission
Budgets submitted and signed on time every fiscal year. • FY2026 $37.7B budget signed May 2025 • Conservative budgeting approach maintained throughout tenure
GA Governor's Office of Planning and Budget; GA Constitution Art. III Sec. IX
3
Budget accuracy — revenue forecast vs actual
Revenue consistently met or exceeded forecasts, producing a record $16.5B surplus. • Revenue collections increased 1.8% ($283M) YoY in first half of FY2025 • Conservative revenue estimates produced consistent surpluses throughout tenure
GA Office of Planning and Budget Revenue Reports; GA DOA Revenue Collections FY2019-2025
3
Rainy day fund management
Rainy day fund and strategic reserves exceed $10 billion — four times higher than any previous administration. • Reserves sufficient to run state government for three full months • Consistently built reserves throughout tenure
GA Governor's Office Budget Proposals FY2025-2026; GA State Treasurer Reserve Reports
3
State credit rating trajectory
Georgia maintains AAA bond rating from all three major credit agencies — held for nearly three decades. • S&P, Moody's, and Fitch all at highest grade • Reaffirmed in 2023 and 2025 • S&P cited 'resilient budgetary performance' and 'responsive financial management'
S&P Global Ratings — State of Georgia; Moody's Aaa; Fitch AAA; GSFIC Rating Reports
3
Pension funding ratio trajectory
ERS funded ratio approximately 72-75% — stable but not dramatically improved. • Kemp proposed $500M additional ERS investment to increase funded ratio from 72% to 75% • TRS employer contribution rate rose to 20.78% (FY2025) and 21.91% (FY2026) • State retirees received first pension COLA since the Great Recession under Kemp • Proposal gives retirement board flexibility for future COLAs
GA ERS News; GA OPB FY2025-2026 Fringe Cost Data; AJC reporting on pension COLA; TRS Actuarial Valuation
2
Debt per capita trajectory
Outstanding state debt reduced 20%+ through cash-funding capital projects. • Zero GO bonds issued for two consecutive years (FY2024-2025), saving est. $2.81B over 20 years • Per capita tax-supported debt $964 — 1.6% of personal income, 1.3% of GSP • Debt service to revenue ratio at 3% — lowest since GA began issuing bonds in the 1970s • Rapid debt amortization continuing
S&P Global Ratings GA AAA Reaffirmation Jul 2024; GSFIC Debt Management Plan; GA State Treasurer Reports
3
CAFR/ACFR published on time
ACFR published annually by State Accounting Office, but with a persistent auditor concern. • Disclaimer of opinion on portions of ACFR every year since 2020 • Disclaimer relates to business-type activities and the Unemployment Compensation Fund • Auditors lacked sufficient evidence on financial reliability for those sections
GA State Accounting Office ACFR; Truth in Accounting 2024 Single Audit Analysis; GA DOAA
3
Audit findings — material weaknesses
2024 Single Audit identified repeat material weaknesses and control deficiencies. • Disclaimer of opinion on Unemployment Compensation Fund every year since 2020 • Auditors found inadequate eligibility and reporting controls for federal programs • Core state operations received unmodified opinion • Federal compliance areas had adverse findings requiring corrective action
GA DOAA; Truth in Accounting 2024 GA Single Audit Analysis; GA State Accounting Office ACFR FY2023-2024
2
Federal grant fund accounting
Inspector General audit found $6.7M in pandemic unemployment payments went to 280+ full-time state employees. • Additional UI fraud findings, though smaller scale than many states • Three state representatives charged with pandemic UI fraud
GA Inspector General Report Jan 2023; GA OIG Press Releases 2024-2026; DOL OIG Pandemic Reports
1
Anti-fraud controls — federal programs
Pandemic UI fraud occurred at meaningful scale — $6.7M to state employees alone is a conservative estimate. • A DOL employee tasked with examining claims received $30K+ through fraudulent account • Post-pandemic response: multi-agency UI Fraud Task Force established (GBI, FBI, Secret Service, AG) • Prosecutions pursued including against state legislators
GA UI Fraud Task Force Reports; GA Inspector General Audit 2023; GA OIG Criminal Referrals
1
Tax revenue vs expenditure alignment
Surplus every year of tenure, culminating in record $16.5B surplus. • Delivered $2B in income and property tax relief in FY2026 while maintaining positive balance • Flat budget discipline enforced across agencies
GA OPB Budget Summaries FY2019-2026; GA DOA Revenue vs Expenditure Reports
3
Capital budget execution rate
Capital projects increasingly cash-funded — zero GO bonds issued in FY2024 and FY2025, saving $2.81B over 20 years. • $1.5B transportation infrastructure investment announced Jul 2024: - $593M capital construction - $500M freight program - $250M local roads • Port of Savannah bridge project ($189M) underway • I-16 widening for port access • No major cost overrun scandals
Governor's Office Press Release Jul 2024; GSFIC Capital Budget Reports; GDOT Major Projects
2
Vendor/contractor oversight
No major vendor scandal patterns. Standard DOAS procurement oversight maintained. • COVID emergency procurement used some flexibility but no documented large-scale abuse • American Prospect noted connections between EV plant construction contract recipients and Kemp donors — no formal ethics findings • Georgia Procurement Registry provides public contract tracking
GA DOAS Procurement Records; Georgia Procurement Registry; American Prospect Aug 2023
3
Federal funding maximization
Georgia captured substantial federal funding across CARES Act, ARPA, and IIJA. • Secured $1.3B BEAD broadband grant • $408M+ broadband grants deployed pre-BEAD • Accepted partial Medicaid expansion via 1115 waiver (Georgia Pathways, effective 2023) with work requirements • Only ~5,500 enrolled by Nov 2024 vs. 240,000 potentially eligible — limiting federal draw-down vs. full expansion states • Did not reject major federal infrastructure funding streams
USASpending.gov GA; NTIA BEAD Approval 2024; CMS GA Pathways Waiver; Census Federal Aid
2
Program eligibility verification systems
Eligibility verification failed during pandemic — 280+ full-time state employees collected $6.7M in UI benefits undetected. • DOL employee tasked with examining claims received $30K+ through fraudulent account • Post-pandemic corrective actions: cross-referencing with employment records implemented • Multi-agency UI Fraud Task Force established (GBI, FBI, Secret Service, AG) • ~24 employees fired; 3 state representatives indicted/pled guilty for UI fraud
GA OIG Audit Jan 2023; GA OIG Indictments Aug 2023; AJC Mar 2026 lawmaker guilty plea
2
Signature legislation enacted
Major legislation across tenure: • Income tax cut from 5.75% to flat rate phasing to 4.99% (HB 1437/HB 111) — largest in state history, saving taxpayers ~$1.1B in 2024 alone • SB 202 (Election Integrity Act, 2021) • Constitutional Carry (SB 319, Apr 2022) • LIFE Act heartbeat bill (HB 481, 2019) • Mental Health Parity Act (HB 1013, 2022) with $180M funding • Tort reform (SB 68/69, 2025) addressing 'nuclear verdicts' • Anti-gang legislation • $2B+ in tax relief delivered across tenure
GA General Assembly; Governor's Signing Records; Tax Foundation GA Analysis; DOR Apr 2025
2
Veto override rate
Zero vetoes overridden by Georgia General Assembly during entire 7+ year tenure. • Strong working relationship with Republican-majority legislature — signed 250+ bills per session routinely • FY2024: 134 non-binding budget disregards ($242M) and 9 line-item vetoes ($13.1M) accepted without override attempt
GA General Assembly Journal; GBPI Line-Item Veto Analysis FY2024; Governor's Veto Records
3
Bipartisan bills signed
Bipartisan support on select initiatives; major policy bills largely party-line. • Mental Health Parity Act (HB 1013, 2022) — all 159 counties signed resolutions urging reform • Broadband expansion, infrastructure investment, and veterans programs had bipartisan backing • Tort reform (SB 68, 2025) had some bipartisan support • Party-line: SB 202 (election law), HB 481 (heartbeat bill), SB 319 (constitutional carry), income tax cuts
GA General Assembly Vote Records 2019-2025; GPB Mental Health Parity reporting
2
Special sessions called
Two special sessions called, both legally necessary — no politically motivated sessions. • 2021: 15-day special session • Nov 2023: redistricting after federal court struck down congressional maps • 2023 session specifically required by federal judge's ruling invalidating legislative maps
GA General Assembly Session Records; Federal Court Redistricting Order 2023; Governor's Proclamations
3
Executive orders — legal challenges
Key legislation faced legal challenges but largely survived. • SB 202: DOJ sued (Biden-era); Trump DOJ dismissed case Mar 2025 • Federal court struck down two SB 202 provisions (line-relief ban and birthdate requirement on absentee ballots, Aug 2023) but upheld bulk of law • LIFE Act (heartbeat bill) upheld by 11th Circuit post-Dobbs • COVID executive orders largely upheld • No executive orders struck down as unconstitutional
DOJ v. State of Georgia dismissal Mar 2025; N.D. Ga. SB 202 rulings Aug 2023; 11th Circuit LIFE Act
2
Line-item veto usage
Assertive use of line-item veto power to enforce fiscal discipline. • FY2024: 9 line-item vetoes cutting $13.1M • 134 non-binding budget disregards totaling $242M — GBPI called this 'relatively unprecedented' • Cuts included $6.3M from DOE for student meals and reductions to health/safety-net programs • Critics noted cuts to vulnerable populations
GBPI Line-Item Veto Analysis FY2024; GA Constitution Art. III Sec. V; Governor's Budget Actions
2
Regulatory burden change
Significant regulatory streamlining across tenure. • HB 579 (May 2025): Professional Licensing Board director can now approve applications bypassing lengthy board reviews • SB 96: reduces inactive/duplicative state boards • SB 125: decouples engineer/surveyor licensing pathway • Historic tort reform (SB 68/69, Apr 2025) addresses 'nuclear verdicts' and GA's #1 Judicial Hellhole ranking • Georgia ranked #1 state for business 12 consecutive years (Area Development, Sep 2025)
Governor's Office May 2025 bill signings; Area Development Sep 2025; American Tort Reform Foundation
3
Budget negotiation success
On-time budget every cycle across 7+ years — no government shutdown threats. • FY2026 $37.7B budget passed House Mar 2025 • FY2027 $40.5B mid-year budget signed Feb 2026 • Held 20 agencies to <1% increases in FY2026 • Budget includes $67.2B total (state + federal funds) • Smooth negotiations with Republican legislature throughout tenure
Capitol-Beat Mar 2025; Grice Connect Feb 2026; GA OPB Budget Documents FY2019-2027
3
Bill signing rate on popular legislation
Signed broadly popular and deeply polarizing legislation. • Popular: $2B+ total tax relief, Mental Health Parity Act (all 159 counties passed resolutions), $1.5B transportation investment, tort reform (SB 68) supported by business community • Polarizing: SB 202 election law triggered national boycotts (MLB moved All-Star Game from Atlanta to Denver) • Constitutional carry popular with base
GA General Assembly Records; MLB All-Star Game relocation 2021; County mental health resolutions
2
Legislative relationship
Highly productive relationship with Republican-controlled legislature. • Signed 250-350 bills per session consistently • Named floor leaders for 2026 session without controversy • Major legislation (tax cuts, tort reform, mental health, election law, heartbeat bill, constitutional carry) all passed without extended gridlock • Budget negotiations efficient across all 7+ years • No government shutdowns or impasses
GA General Assembly Bill Counts; Governor's Floor Leader Announcements; Legislative Calendar Records
3
Implementation of voter-approved measures
Limited scope given Georgia's constitutional structure — no citizen-initiated ballot measure process. • Constitutional amendments must be referred by legislature • Amendments placed on ballot during Kemp tenure implemented on schedule after voter approval • 2023 redistricting special session complied with federal court order to redraw maps
GA Constitution Art. X; GA Secretary of State Election Records; Federal Court Redistricting Order 2023
2
Task force follow-through
Mental Health Parity Act (HB 1013, 2022) followed multi-year Behavioral Health Reform & Innovation Commission study. • $180M initial funding, $205M increase in FY2024, $16.5M for crisis centers • David Ralston Center established at UGA • Criminal justice reform council recommendations partially implemented • Anti-gang task force produced legislation • Corrections consultants hired to address prison staffing crisis (vacancy rate 52.5% in 2023)
GA Behavioral Health Commission Reports; GPB Mental Health Parity Act 2023; DOJ Prison Report 2024
2
Policy reversals under pressure
Resisted extraordinary Trump pressure on 2020 election — refused to call special session to overturn Biden's win. • Trump called him 'hapless' and demanded he 'overrule' Raffensperger • Certified election results per Georgia law • Trump sued Kemp (dismissed Jan 5, 2021) • Survived Trump-backed primary challenge by David Perdue (won by 50+ pts) • COVID: first state to reopen Apr 24, 2020 — criticized initially but economic recovery validated approach • Consistent on core positions throughout tenure
CNN Nov 2020; TRUMP v. KEMP N.D. Ga. Jan 2021; GOP Primary Results May 2022; NPR Apr 2020
2
Appointee criminal/ethics issues
No criminal issues with Kemp-appointed agency heads. • Three elected state representatives (Democrats, not Kemp appointees) charged with pandemic UI fraud — one pled guilty Mar 2026 • Eight former state employees indicted Aug 2023 for UI fraud • Inspector General Scott McAfee appointed to Fulton County Superior Court (Dec 2022) — later randomly assigned the Trump RICO case, demonstrating quality of judicial appointments
GA OIG Indictments Aug 2023; AJC Mar 2026; GA Bar McAfee Appointment Jan 2023; Ballotpedia McAfee
3
Agency head vacancy rate
Agency head positions generally filled within reasonable timeframes. • Notable: Scott McAfee appointed Inspector General (Apr 2021) then to Superior Court bench (Dec 2022) • Public health leadership experienced COVID-era turnover consistent with national trends • DFCS leadership turnover contributed to child welfare challenges — DFCS lost 16% of total workforce (1,100+ staff) between SFY2017-2022 with 30.3% annual turnover rate
Governor's Appointment Records; GA Bar McAfee; Senate DFCS Investigation 2024
2
State employee turnover
Corrections and DFCS experienced severe staffing crises; general state workforce manageable. • Corrections guard vacancy rate reached 56.3% in 2022; 30% or lower staffing at 10 largest prisons • DFCS turnover 30.3% annually • Pay raises to address retention: - $2,000 across-the-board state employee raises (2023) - 4% COLA for employees under $70K (2024) - $3,000 law enforcement/DFCS raises - $1,000 retention bonuses (Dec 2023)
DOJ GA Prison Report Oct 2024; GA DOAS Workforce Reports; Governor's Budget Proposals FY2024-2025
3
Diversity of appointments
Moderate diversity in appointments for a Republican governor. • Georgia demographics: ~51% white, 33% Black, 10% Hispanic (Census ACS) • Appointed Shawnzia Thomas as CIO/GTA Executive Director • Appointed Scott McAfee as IG then judge (later presided over Trump RICO case) • Diversity present but not extensively publicized or tracked • No major controversies regarding lack of diversity
Governor's Appointment Records; Census ACS GA Demographics; GTA Leadership
2
Judicial appointment quality
Judicial appointments generally well-regarded. • Standout: Scott McAfee appointed IG (Apr 2021) then Fulton County Superior Court (Dec 2022, sworn Feb 2023) • McAfee later randomly assigned Trump RICO case and won contested election to full term (May 2024) • No major controversies regarding qualifications of Kemp judicial appointees
GA Bar McAfee Appointment Jan 2023; Ballotpedia McAfee Election 2024; JQC Records
2
State workforce pay competitiveness
Substantial pay increases across tenure, though state wages still lag private sector in metro Atlanta. • $2,000 raise for all state/university employees (2023) • 4% COLA for employees under $70K (2024) • $3,000 boost for law enforcement/DFCS workers (2024) • $6,000 law enforcement boost (2023) • $1,000 retention bonus (Dec 2023) • K-12 teacher pay raised to average above $65,000 annually ($2,500 raise + $1,000 bonus in 2024) • Total: $10,000+ cumulative increases for public safety workers
11alive.com Jan 2024; Georgia Recorder Jan 2024; Governor's Budget Proposals FY2024-2026
2
Whistleblower protection
No documented systematic retaliation against whistleblowers. • IG Scott McAfee published critical pandemic UI audit findings ($6.7M fraud by state employees) without interference • McAfee then promoted to Superior Court bench by Kemp (Dec 2022) — IG's ability to publish damaging findings and receive promotion demonstrates independence • IG office received and acted on complaints per O.C.G.A. 45-1-4 whistleblower protections
GA OIG Reports; GA Code 45-1-4; McAfee appointment records
3
Inspector General independence
Inspector General operated with notable independence under Kemp. • IG Scott McAfee published critical Jan 2023 audit finding $6.7M UI fraud among 280+ state employees (including DOL examiner who stole $30K+) • Report sent directly to Governor and General Assembly with request to extend fraud prosecution statute of limitations • McAfee previously appointed IG by Kemp (Apr 2021), then promoted to Fulton County Superior Court (Dec 2022) • No interference documented
GA OIG Audit Jan 2023; GA OIG Press Releases; McAfee judicial appointment records
2
State employee morale
Morale severely impacted in crisis agencies; broader workforce stable. • Corrections: guard vacancy rate hit 56.3% (2022); DOJ found 'deliberate indifference' to prison conditions (Oct 2024) • DFCS morale challenged with 30.3% annual turnover • Broader state workforce received significant pay investments ($2,000+ raises, $1,000 bonuses, 4% COLAs) which helped retention • No systemic morale collapse across general state workforce
DOJ GA Prison Report Oct 2024; Senate DFCS Report 2024; GA DOAS Workforce Reports
2
Nepotism/cronyism
No documented nepotism in state hiring. Pre-governorship controversies (Hart AgStrong $500K loan guarantee, Massage Envy) occurred during Secretary of State tenure, not as governor. No patronage scandals during governorship.
GA Ethics Records; Court Records
3
Senior staff criminal charges
No senior gubernatorial staff or cabinet-level appointees charged with crimes during 7+ year tenure. • Three state legislators (Democrats, not staff) charged with UI fraud • Eight former lower-level state employees indicted for UI fraud (Aug 2023) • No executive office scandals — clean record for senior leadership team
Court Records; GA Ethics Commission; GA OIG Indictments
3
Agency performance accountability
Strong accountability in economic development; weak in human services. • Georgia #1 state for business 12 consecutive years (Area Development) • $25B+ capital investment and 30,000+ jobs since 2018 (Hyundai $12.6B, Rivian $5B) • Budget held flat across agencies to enforce discipline • DFCS: Senate investigation found safety assessment failures in 84% of cases • Corrections: DOJ found 'deliberate indifference' (Oct 2024) • Mixed record across agencies
Area Development Sep 2025; Governor's Economic Reports; Senate DFCS Report 2024; DOJ Prison Report Oct 2024
2
Disaster declaration timeliness
Timely disaster declarations throughout tenure. • Hurricane Helene (Sep 2024): declared State of Emergency for all 159 counties on Sep 25 — requested pre-landfall federal emergency declaration same day (approved Sep 26) • Activated State Operations Center pre-landfall • Extended emergency Oct 1; urged FEMA to expand declaration, resulting in 30 additional counties added • Prior disasters: Dorian (2019), Idalia (2023), COVID (Mar 2020) — all declared promptly
GEMA Hurricane Helene Records; FEMA DR-4830-GA; Governor's Emergency Declarations 2019-2024
3
FEMA Public Assistance secured
Hurricane Helene (DR-4830-GA): secured major disaster declaration with Individual Assistance, Public Assistance, and Hazard Mitigation for 41 counties. • FEMA agreed to cover 100% of cleanup costs for first three months • Successfully pushed for expansion from initial declaration to add 30 more counties • Tropical Storm Debby also received federal assistance • Multiple FEMA declarations secured across tenure (Dorian, tornadoes, winter storms, COVID)
FEMA DR-4830-GA; GEMA Major Disaster Declaration Oct 2024; FEMA PA Records GA 2019-2025
2
Emergency reserve adequacy
Emergency reserves exceeding $10 billion — among best-positioned states nationally. • Revenue Shortfall Reserve hit statutory cap of $5.4B by FY2023 • Additional $11B+ in undesignated reserves • Four times higher than any previous administration • Sufficient to run state government for three full months • Reserves maintained even after delivering $2B in tax relief
Hoodline Jan 2025 GA Budget Analysis; GA OPB Budget Documents; State Treasurer Reserve Reports
3
Lives lost — preventable from state failure
No documented state response failures contributing to preventable deaths. • Hurricane Helene (2024) caused significant damage but rapid response limited preventable deaths • Tornado events had casualties but no state response failures identified • COVID-related decisions controversial but within range of peer states
GEMA Incident Reports; FEMA Disaster Records; CDC COVID Data Tracker — Georgia
3
Post-disaster recovery
Hurricane Helene recovery coordinated across nearly 40 counties simultaneously. • FEMA covered 100% of debris removal costs for 3 months across 41 counties • Governor and First Lady toured impacted communities Oct 2024 • Georgia National Guard supported recovery in conjunction with operations on six continents • Tropical Storm Debby recovery managed concurrently • Some delays in long-term rebuilding but no documented state response failures
GEMA Hurricane Helene Recovery; Governor's Office Oct 2024; FEMA DR-4830-GA Closeout Records
2
Public health emergency response
Georgia was first state to reopen (Apr 24, 2020) — controversial but economically vindicated. • Gyms, salons, bowling alleys opened first; restaurants Apr 27 • Criticized by President Trump ('too soon'), public health experts, and Democrats • PolitiFact: COVID cases actually fell after GA's reopening, contradicting critics • Unemployment peaked at 12.6% (Apr 2020), recovered faster than many states • Per-capita COVID death rate roughly at national average by pandemic's end • Vaccination distribution effective through DPH
NPR Apr 2020; PolitiFact May 2020; CDC COVID Tracker GA; BLS LAUS GA; Johns Hopkins
2
Infrastructure failure prevention
No major infrastructure failures causing deaths or mass disruption. • Power grid maintained during Hurricane Helene (Cat 4), winter storms, and extreme heat — no Texas-style grid collapse • Water systems operated without catastrophic failure • ASCE gave Georgia infrastructure C+ grade (above national C-) • Roads ranked 6th best in nation • 98% of bridges in fair/good condition (up from 78% a decade ago) • Port of Savannah continued operations through storms
GA PSC Utility Reports; ASCE 2024 GA Infrastructure Report Card; FHWA NBI; GA EPD
3
National Guard deployment appropriateness
Guard deployed appropriately across multiple emergencies — no legal challenges to deployments. • COVID: medical support teams to Albany (Mar 2020) including doctor, PAs, nurses, medics • Hurricane Helene: 500 initially authorized, expanded to 2,500 guardsmen across 40 counties (Sep-Oct 2024) • Deployed Guard to southern border (Feb 2024) and to D.C. for public safety mission (Sep 2025) • Helene response operated simultaneously with Guard operations on six continents
Governor's Guard Deployment Orders; GEMA Helene Records; 41NBC/13WMAZ Sep 2024
3
Emergency communication
Emergency communications effective but standard — not exceptional. • Helene: declared State of Emergency for all 159 counties with advance warning Sep 25; urged residents to stay off roads • Activated State Operations Center pre-landfall • COVID: held regular press conferences with DPH updates • Used governor's website and GEMA channels for real-time disaster updates • No documented communication failures during major emergencies
GEMA Communication Records; Governor's Emergency Declarations; 41NBC Sep 2024
2
Interagency coordination
Interagency coordination a strength throughout tenure. • Helene: multi-agency coordination across GEMA, FEMA, National Guard (2,500 troops), and local governments in 40+ counties simultaneously • Secured 100% federal cost-share for debris removal • Successfully pushed FEMA to expand disaster declaration by 30 additional counties • Coordinated Tropical Storm Debby and Hurricane Helene recoveries concurrently • COVID: coordinated DPH, National Guard medical teams, and local health departments
GEMA After-Action Reports; FEMA DR-4830-GA; Governor's Executive Orders Sep-Oct 2024
2
Pandemic response metrics
Georgia reopened first (Apr 24, 2020) — economic recovery validated the approach. • PolitiFact confirmed cases fell after reopening, contradicting predictions • Unemployment peaked 12.6% (Apr 2020), recovered to pre-pandemic levels faster than many states • Employment hit all-time high by Apr 2024 (GA DOL) • COVID death rate roughly at national average by pandemic's end • GDP growth outpaced national average • 609,000 jobs lost Feb-Apr 2020; net gain of 678,000 by Mar 2022
PolitiFact May 2020; BLS Employment Recovery; CDC COVID Tracker GA; GA DOL May 2024
2
Disaster preparedness & emergency infrastructure
Hurricane preparedness demonstrated through rapid Helene response. • Pre-landfall emergency declaration with 2,500 Guard troops deployed • GEMA maintained readiness for tornado and severe weather events across tenure • $1.5B transportation infrastructure investment (Jul 2024) includes freight and coastal access improvements • Port of Savannah Talmadge Bridge being raised 20 feet (2025-2026, $189M) for larger vessels • Broadband expansion ($1.3B BEAD + $408M prior grants) improves rural emergency communication infrastructure
GA GEMA/HS
2
FOIA/open records compliance
Georgia Open Records Act (O.C.G.A. 50-18-70) compliance maintained — agencies have 3 business days to acknowledge requests. • No major court orders for noncompliance against governor's office • General Assembly exempted itself from the Open Records Act (2024), reducing overall state transparency • Some pandemic-era records delays but no documented pattern of executive branch obstruction
O.C.G.A. 50-18-70; Axios Atlanta Mar 2024; GA AG Open Records Decisions
3
Governor's schedule availability
Standard but not proactively exceptional schedule transparency. • Schedule available through standard channels and open records requests • Press releases and official events published on gov.georgia.gov • COVID press conferences regularly scheduled and publicly accessible • Not among most transparent governors regarding daily schedule detail
gov.georgia.gov Press Releases; Open Records Requests; Governor's Office Website
2
Campaign finance compliance
No campaign finance violations found against Kemp. • Filed ethics complaints against 2022 primary opponent David Perdue — no violations found against Kemp himself • 2022 campaign raised and spent substantial funds in competitive primary (crushed Trump-backed Perdue by 50+ pts) and general election (beat Abrams by 7.5 pts) • All filings compliant with GA Government Transparency and Campaign Finance Commission requirements
GA Government Transparency and Campaign Finance Commission Records; 2022 Election FEC/State Filings
3
Financial disclosure
Financial disclosures filed as required. Pre-governor business dealings (Hart AgStrong loan guarantee, Massage Envy) disclosed through litigation/press rather than proactive disclosure, but governor-era disclosures compliant.
GA Ethics Commission Financial Disclosure Filings
2
Open meetings compliance
No major Open Meetings Act violations documented against executive branch during Kemp tenure. • Boards and commissions operated within O.C.G.A. 50-14-1 requirements • General Assembly exempted itself from open records (2024), creating a legislative transparency gap — Kemp did not veto or publicly oppose • Executive branch meetings compliant
GA AG Open Meetings Decisions; O.C.G.A. 50-14-1; Axios Atlanta Mar 2024 Legislature Exemption
3
Open data portal
Functional data infrastructure but datasets not among most extensive nationally. • Georgia Data Analytics Center (GDAC) provides cross-agency data/analytics for lawmakers, researchers, and public • GeorgiaData.org offers interactive visualizations and county-level databases • Georgia earned 'A' grade on 2024 Digital States Survey (one of only 9 states) • Transparency in Government Act (2008) mandates free searchable website for ACFR, budget, salaries, audits
GTA GDAC; GeorgiaData.org; Center for Digital Government 2024 Digital States Survey
2
Budget transparency
Budget transparency functional but not proactively interactive beyond statutory minimums. • Budget documents published online through OPB (opb.georgia.gov) • Governor's Budget Reports, agency-level detail, and budget instructions publicly available • Transparency in Government Act mandates ACFR, Budgetary Compliance Report, Single Audit Report, and salary data on searchable website • FY2026 budget ($37.7B state / $67.2B total) fully detailed online
opb.georgia.gov; GA Transparency in Government Act 2008; GBPI Budget Analysis
2
Lobbying disclosure
Standard compliance with middle-of-pack lobbying disclosure laws — no major reforms under Kemp. • Lobbying disclosure maintained through GA Government Transparency and Campaign Finance Commission • Lobbyist registration and expenditure reports filed per statutory requirements • Commission provides searchable database of lobbyist filings • No lobbying scandals involving governor's office documented
GA Government Transparency and Campaign Finance Commission Lobbying Database; NCSL Lobbying Laws
2
IG report publication
Inspector General reports published without interference. • Highly critical Jan 2023 pandemic UI fraud audit ($6.7M stolen by 280+ state employees) released publicly • IG criminal referrals led to 8 indictments (Aug 2023) and 3 state legislator charges • IG requested General Assembly extend fraud prosecution statute of limitations • Reports sent to Governor and legislature, then made publicly available • Press releases on criminal referrals published on OIG website
GA OIG Website; OIG Press Releases Aug 2023, Jan 2026, Mar 2026; OIG Audit Jan 2023
2
Legislative audit cooperation
Full cooperation with Department of Audits and Accounts (DOAA) throughout tenure. • DOAA conducted film tax credit evaluation (Dec 2023), performance audits, and financial audits without documented obstruction • Accepted and responded to IG findings on UI fraud • No interference with legislative audit processes • DOAA operates as independent constitutional office — relationship maintained professionally
GA DOAA audits2.ga.gov; DOAA Film Tax Credit Evaluation Dec 2023; Legislative Budget Office
3
Press conference accessibility
Standard accessibility for Georgia governor. • Regular press conferences during COVID, Hurricane Helene, and other major events • Accessible to Georgia media including AJC, GPB, 11alive, Atlanta News First • Public bill-signing events (tort reform Apr 2025, regulatory reform May 2025, tax cuts Apr 2024) • Annual State of the State addresses publicly broadcast • Eggs and Issues events with business community
Governor's Office Media Schedule; gov.georgia.gov Press Releases 2019-2026
2
State contract transparency
Standard procurement disclosure maintained — no major contract concealment scandals. • State procurement records available through Georgia Procurement Registry and DOAS • American Prospect (Aug 2023) reported EV plant construction bids went to Kemp donors — raised questions but no formal ethics findings • Transparency in Government Act requires publication of consultant/professional services expenses
GA DOAS Procurement Records; Georgia Procurement Registry; American Prospect Aug 2023
2
Court order compliance
Full compliance with court orders, including certifying 2020 election results despite immense political pressure. Complied with all judicial orders during tenure.
Court Records; GA Secretary of State Election Certification Records
3
Personal criminal charges
No criminal charges or investigations against Kemp during 7+ year governorship. • House Oversight investigation into voter roll purges as Secretary of State (1.4M registrations canceled 2012-2018, 668,000 in 2017 alone) did not result in charges • Trump sued Kemp to decertify 2020 election — case dismissed Jan 5, 2021 • No personal criminal exposure; clean record as governor
Court Records; TRUMP v. KEMP N.D. Ga. 2021; House Oversight; APM Reports Oct 2019
3
Ethics complaints — substantiated
No substantiated ethics complaints against Kemp as governor. • Pre-governor controversies (voter purges as SOS, Hart AgStrong $500K loan guarantee, Massage Envy regulatory issue) did not produce formal ethics violations • Filed ethics complaint against primary opponent Perdue — demonstrating engagement with process • GA Government Transparency and Campaign Finance Commission records clear
GA Government Transparency and Campaign Finance Commission Records; Court Records
3
Gift/travel disclosure
Financial and gift/travel disclosures filed as required per Georgia ethics law. • No documented failures to disclose required information during governorship • Economic development travel (e.g., Hyundai, Rivian recruitment trips) conducted in official capacity • No gift scandals or unreported travel controversies during 7+ year tenure
GA Ethics Commission Records; GA Government Transparency Commission Financial Disclosures
2
Conflict of interest
No conflicts of interest documented during governorship. Pre-governor Massage Envy issue raised questions about Secretary of State role but no conflict found as governor.
GA Ethics Commission; GA Government Transparency Commission
3
State resources for political purposes
No documented misuse of state resources for campaign or political purposes. • 2022 reelection campaign (53.4% victory over Abrams, 50+ pt primary win over Perdue) conducted without state resource controversies • Official economic development announcements (Hyundai, Rivian, business rankings) distinguished from campaign activity • Suspended indicted state lawmaker (Jan 2026) using executive authority appropriately
GA Ethics Commission Records; WRDW Jan 2026 lawmaker suspension; Election filings
3
Truthfulness in official statements
Crucially, told the truth about 2020 election results despite immense pressure from Trump. • Stated publicly that Georgia election was not stolen (Axios Aug 2023: 'Kemp rebukes Trump: 2020 election not stolen') • Certified Biden's win per Georgia law • As SOS (2018): alleged Democrats hacked voter registration system — AJC investigation found claim likely unfounded • No major false official statements documented as governor
AJC Hacking Investigation; Axios Aug 2023 Kemp rebukes Trump; CNN Nov 2020
2
Protection of ethics infrastructure
Maintained ethics infrastructure but did not enhance it. • GA Government Transparency and Campaign Finance Commission authority and funding maintained • Ethics commission continued to operate independently • Did not attempt to weaken ethics oversight or reduce commission powers • Referred election board complaints to AG appropriately • Did not push for strengthening ethics laws or expanding disclosure requirements
GA Ethics Commission Budget Records; AG Referral Records; Legislative Records
2
Emoluments/self-dealing
No documented self-dealing or emoluments issues during governorship. • Pre-governor business interests (Hart AgStrong loan guarantee, Massage Envy) were from SOS era • No personal business interests creating conflicts with state economic development decisions (Hyundai $12.6B, Rivian $5B, film industry) • Clean emoluments record throughout 7+ year tenure
GA Ethics Commission Financial Disclosures; Court Records re: Hart AgStrong
3
Campaign donor to state contract pipeline
Appearance questions raised but no formal findings of quid pro quo. • American Prospect (Aug 2023) reported EV plant construction bids at Hyundai/Rivian sites went to Kemp campaign donors • No formal ethics findings, investigations, or charges • Standard donor-contractor overlap in Georgia politics • Georgia Procurement Registry provides public tracking of contracts
American Prospect Aug 2023; GA Campaign Finance Records; DOAS Procurement Records
3
Foreign influence
No foreign influence concerns. • Signed HB 657 (May 2025) targeting foreign adversaries' access to state resources • International economic development activity (Hyundai/South Korea $12.6B, other FDI) conducted through proper state channels • $20B record foreign direct investment in Georgia (2023) managed through GA Department of Economic Development • No FARA violations or foreign influence issues
DOJ FARA Database; HB 657 (2025); GA Dept of Economic Development FDI data
3
Sexual harassment claims
No sexual harassment claims against governor's office or senior staff during 7+ year tenure. No scandals, settlements, or investigations related to workplace harassment in executive branch leadership.
GA DOAS HR Records; Court Records
3
Records preservation
No documented records destruction during governorship. • Notable contrast: as SOS, Kemp's office wiped election server data after lawsuit was filed (2017) — controversial but occurred before governorship • As governor, records preservation maintained per GA State Archives retention schedules • No litigation over executive branch records destruction
GA State Archives Records Retention; AP reporting on SOS server wipe 2017
3
Revolving door
No major revolving door violations documented. • IG McAfee moved to judiciary (Superior Court, Dec 2022) — a judicial appointment rather than private sector revolving door • No documented pattern of senior staff leaving to lobby or obtain contracts from agencies they oversaw • Georgia's revolving door laws are less restrictive than some states but no violations found
GA Ethics Commission Records; McAfee judicial appointment; NCSL Revolving Door Laws
3
Fraud losses in state programs
Pandemic UI fraud significant — at least $6.7M to state employees alone (conservative estimate). • Broader statewide fraud losses in the hundreds of millions, consistent with national patterns • Aggressive prosecution response including charging state legislators
GA OIG Audit Report Jan 2023; DOL OIG Pandemic Reports; GA US Attorney Prosecutions
1
Program integrity — eligibility verification
UI eligibility verification failed during pandemic — state employees collecting benefits while employed. • Cross-referencing with employment records was inadequate • Post-pandemic corrective actions implemented
GA OIG Audit Report; GA DOL Corrective Action Plans
1
IT system modernization
Georgia earned 'A' grade on 2024 Digital States Survey — one of only 9 states earning highest grade. • GTA launched innovation lab for AI pilot projects (inaugurated by Kemp) • FY2024 Annual State IT Report highlighted AI and cybersecurity initiatives • Cyber Dawg 2025 exercise: 129 players from 33 organizations practicing nation-state threat defense • CIO Shawnzia Thomas driving automation across digital services, procurement, cybersecurity
GTA 2024 Digital States Survey; GTA FY2024 IT Report; GTA Cybersecurity; GTA Innovation Showcase
2
Permit processing timeliness
Georgia ranked #1 state for business 12 consecutive years — efficient permitting a key factor. • HB 579 (May 2025): Professional Licensing Board director can approve applications bypassing lengthy board reviews • SB 96: eliminates inactive/duplicative boards • SB 125: decouples engineer/surveyor licensing exams from experience requirements • Regulatory streamlining correlates with $25B+ in capital investment and 30,000+ jobs since 2018
Area Development Sep 2025; HB 579/SB 96/SB 125 (2025); GA Dept of Economic Development
2
Child welfare system
Georgia DFCS in serious crisis — critical failures documented. • Senate bipartisan investigation (Ossoff/Blackburn, 2024) found DFCS failed safety assessments in 84% of cases reviewed • 1,790 children in DFCS care reported missing (2018-2022) • Children placed with individuals with sex crime histories • DFCS lost 16% of workforce (1,100+ staff) with 30.3% annual turnover • Behavioral health services rated as strength in only 18% of CFSR cases • Children housed in county offices and hotels
Senate DFCS Investigation Report Apr 2024; ACF CFSR Round 4 GA Final Report 2024; 11alive.com
2
Medicaid program management
Georgia Pathways (1115 waiver, effective 2023) enrollment far below full expansion coverage levels. • Requires 80 hrs/month qualifying activity • By Nov 2024: only ~5,500 enrolled vs. 240,000 potentially eligible • 42% of interested applicants failed to complete activity reporting • CBPP: work requirements 'restrict health care access' • Georgetown CCF labeled it 'Pathways to Profit' for consultants • Waiver expires Sep 2025; extension proposed removing monthly reporting
CMS GA Pathways Waiver; CBPP analysis; Georgetown CCF Oct 2024; GA DCH data
2
Environmental program
Standard environmental program management — no major failures or innovations. • EPA-delegated programs generally meeting standards • No major EPA enforcement actions or program revocations during Kemp tenure • GA EPD maintained water quality and air quality programs • Concerns include coal ash management, Okefenokee Swamp mining threats, and coastal development pressures • ASCE gave environment-related infrastructure mixed marks (transit, dams, stormwater lower grades)
EPA State Program Evaluations GA; GA EPD Compliance Reports; ASCE 2024 GA Report Card
2
Transportation project delivery
Strong transportation record with major investments. • Roads ranked 6th best in nation • 98% of bridges in fair/good condition (up from 78% a decade ago) • ASCE 2024 infrastructure grade C+ (above national C-) • $1.5B transportation investment announced Jul 2024: - $593M capital construction - $500M freight - $250M local roads - $98M airports • Port of Savannah — fastest growing on East Coast — Talmadge Bridge being raised 20 feet ($189M) • I-16 widening for port access; Brampton Road Connector expected mid-2026
FHWA NBI; ASCE 2024 GA Report; Governor's $1.5B Transportation Announcement Jul 2024; GDOT Major Projects
2
Unemployment insurance system
UI system suffered severe pandemic-era failures; functional post-pandemic. • At least $6.7M stolen by 280+ state employees (IG audit, Jan 2023) • DOL employee examining claims stole $30K+ through fraudulent account • Broader statewide UI fraud in hundreds of millions (consistent with national patterns) • Post-pandemic: multi-agency task force (GBI, FBI, Secret Service, AG) aggressively prosecuted • 8 employees indicted (Aug 2023), 3 state legislators charged
GA OIG Audit Jan 2023; GA DOL; OIG Indictments Aug 2023; DOL ETA Reports
1
Veterans services
Georgia has 5th largest military population in US — military contributes $22-28B annually to state economy. • 13 military installations: Fort Stewart ($5.2B local impact), Fort Moore (formerly Benning, $4.8B), Robins AFB (24,000 employees — largest single-site industrial complex in GA), Kings Bay submarine base • GA Dept of Veterans Service provides benefits counseling, employment, education, transportation, mental health • $1.5M allocated for Veterans Mental Health Services Program expansion in FY2025 budget
GA Chamber Military Economic Impact Report; GA DVS; Governor's FY2025 Budget; Military Base Guides
2
Housing program effectiveness
Active response to housing but crisis-level challenges persist. • Metro Atlanta has ~100,000 home shortfall per Housing Underproduction report • Investment funds account for ~1/3 of recent single-family purchases in metro Atlanta • Homeless population surged 33% in metro Atlanta; 2024 PIT count: 2,867 individuals (7% increase) • Kemp announced $50M Homelessness Response Grant (Jan 2026) with matching local/nonprofit funds • Previously awarded $62M (Aug 2022) • HB 404 (Safe at Home Act) proposed tenant protections
HUD PIT Count GA; Atlanta Civic Circle Dec 2024; Governor's $50M Grant Jan 2026; Governor's $62M Aug 2022
2
Corrections system
DOJ published scathing 93-page report (Oct 2024) finding 'deliberate indifference' — conditions called 'horrific and inhumane.' • Prison homicides rose from 7 (2018) to 35 (2023) • Record 332 prisoner deaths in 2024 (27% increase over prior year) • Guard staffing below 50% statewide; 30% or lower at 10 largest prisons - Vacancy rates: 49.3% (2021), 56.3% (2022), 52.5% (2023) • Kemp hired consultants who found 'emergency level' vacancies • Anti-gang legislation passed • No consent decree yet but DOJ findings extremely serious
DOJ Investigation of GA Prisons Oct 2024 (93 pages); Governing.com GA Prison Staffing; GBI; GA DOC
1
Federal funding captured
Strong federal funding capture across programs. • CARES Act, ARPA ($4.8B), and IIJA infrastructure funds secured • $1.3B BEAD broadband grant approved 2024 • Previously deployed $408M + $234M in COVID-era broadband grants • $40M Rural Innovation Fund • Partial Medicaid expansion via 1115 waiver (limited enrollment) • Total federal funds in FY2026 budget: $29.4B (of $67.2B total) • Did not reject major federal funding streams
USASpending.gov GA; NTIA BEAD Approval 2024; GA OPB FY2026 Budget; Census Federal Aid
2
Federal corrective action plans
Multiple federal compliance gaps requiring corrective action — no major program suspensions or funding clawbacks. • UI fraud prompted DOL OIG corrective actions — cross-referencing with employment records implemented post-audit • ACFR disclaimer of opinion on Unemployment Compensation Fund every year since 2020 • DFCS federal CFSR review (2024) found significant performance deficiencies requiring corrective action plan • Medicaid waiver corrective measures related to enrollment processing
DOL OIG Corrective Actions; ACFR Disclaimer; ACF CFSR Round 4 GA 2024; CMS Waiver Review
2
Interstate cooperation
Standard to strong interstate cooperation. • Active in Southern Governors' Association and multi-state compacts • Joined multi-state lawsuits supporting federal immigration enforcement through AG • Deployed National Guard to southern border (Feb 2024) in cooperation with Texas • Sent Guard to D.C. for public safety mission (Sep 2025) • Coordinated with southeastern states during Hurricane Helene response • Port of Savannah cooperation with SC (Charleston) on East Coast trade
Southern Governors' Association; Governor's Guard Deployments Feb 2024/Sep 2025; GPA records
2
Local government relations
Generally cooperative relationship with local governments. • Some tensions with Atlanta over COVID policy and policing approaches • $250M in local roads funding included in $1.5B transportation investment (Jul 2024) — doubling state aid to cities/counties • $50M homelessness grant (Jan 2026) requires local matching funds, encouraging partnership • All 159 counties signed mental health reform resolutions supporting governor's agenda • Broadband investment ($1.3B BEAD) particularly benefits rural local governments • No major preemption lawsuits
Governor's $1.5B Transport Jul 2024; $50M Homelessness Grant Jan 2026; GMA Records
2
Federal litigation costs
Significant litigation but no adverse judgments requiring major state payouts. • DOJ v. Georgia (SB 202): Biden DOJ sued Jun 2021; Trump DOJ dismissed Mar 2025 • NAACP and civil rights groups' challenges partially successful (2 provisions blocked Aug 2023, rest upheld) • LIFE Act (HB 481, heartbeat bill) survived 11th Circuit challenge post-Dobbs • Georgia Pathways Medicaid waiver faced legal/advocacy challenges • Litigation costs significant but not extreme given scope of legislation
DOJ v. Georgia dismissal Mar 2025; N.D. Ga. SB 202 rulings; 11th Circuit LIFE Act; GA AG Reports
2
Constituent inquiry response
Standard constituent response operations maintained through governor's office. • Online portal, phone, and mail channels available • Executive orders and press releases published promptly on gov.georgia.gov • Emergency response communications (Hurricane Helene, COVID) provided direct public updates • No documented backlogs or constituent service failures
gov.georgia.gov Constituent Services; Governor's Office Internal Metrics
3
Town halls held
Active public schedule but not a town-hall-heavy governor. • Eggs and Issues business events (Jan 2025, Jan 2026) • Bill-signing ceremonies across state • Hurricane/disaster tours (Helene Oct 2024) • State of the State addresses and community events • Toured Hyundai Metaplant with state leaders (Feb 2024) • Standard engagement for Georgia governor without exceptional direct constituent forums
Governor's Office Schedule; gov.georgia.gov Press Releases 2019-2026
2
Constituent satisfaction
Strong approval ratings — among top governors nationally. • 55-63% approval consistently (Morning Consult) • AJC poll showed 60% approval • Won reelection by 7.5 points in 2022 in a swing state
Morning Consult Governor Approval Tracker; Quinnipiac University Poll June 2024; AJC Polls
3
ADA compliance
ADA compliance maintained across state agencies and facilities. • Mental Health Parity Act (HB 1013, 2022) expanded behavioral health access, intersecting with ADA requirements for mental health disability accommodations • No DOJ ADA enforcement actions against Georgia during Kemp tenure • State website (georgia.gov) meets accessibility standards • GTA 'A' grade in Digital States Survey suggests digital accessibility prioritized
GA DBHDD ADA Reports; DOJ ADA Reviews; GTA Digital States Survey 2024
3
Electoral accountability
Strong electoral accountability demonstrated. • Won reelection in 2022 with 53.4% in swing state Georgia (beat Stacey Abrams by 7.5 points) • Defeated Trump-backed primary challenger David Perdue by 50+ points • Among most popular governors nationally
GA Secretary of State 2022 General Election Results; 2022 GOP Primary Results
3

Section B — State Outcomes 619/975

13 categories measuring real-world outcomes: economic performance, population trends, fiscal health, public safety, education, healthcare, infrastructure, cost of living, transparency, controversy, historical context, constituent satisfaction, and immigration compliance.

GA GDP growth strong, outpacing national average multiple years. • BLS LAUS: unemployment ~3.5% (2024), below national average • Georgia ranked #1 state for business 11 consecutive years • $28.7B in capital investment commitments (2023) • Record FDI ($20B in 2023) • Median household income $71,355 (Census ACS) — slightly below national but improving • Job growth positive throughout tenure
GA population ~11,145,300 (Census 2025) — crossed 11M during Kemp tenure. • Natural population change positive: births exceeded deaths by 28,600 (2024-25) • Net international migration +42,600; net domestic migration +27,300 • Metro Atlanta suburban counties fastest growing: Forsyth, Cherokee, Henry • Rural south Georgia experiencing population stagnation or decline • Projected to surpass 13M by 2060 (GA OPB) • Estimated 339,000 undocumented immigrants (6th largest nationally) • Positive trajectory but widening urban-rural divide • Increasing political competitiveness (Biden won GA by 11,779 votes in 2020)
Among strongest fiscal positions of any state. • Record $16.5B surplus • $10B+ in reserves • AAA credit rating maintained from all three agencies • Debt reduced 20%+ in three years • Debt-to-revenue ratio 3% — lowest since state began issuing bonds (1970s) • $2B tax relief delivered • Pension systems stable • Conservative budgeting discipline maintained
Crime declining — GA violent crime rate 326/100K, 9.3% below national average (FBI UCR/GBI 2024). • Overall crime decreased 10.9% from 2023-2024 • GA violent crime fell 11.3% (vs 5.4% national decline) • 706 homicides in 2024 (down 5.1%) • Crime breakdown: aggravated assaults 75.5%, robberies 12.5%, rapes 9.9%, murders 2.1% • Property crime 1,675/100K (4.8% below national) • 44,165 family violence incidents (children involved in 23%) • Mental Health Parity Act (HB 1013, 2022) — $180M initial + $205M increase FY2024 • Laken Riley murder (Feb 2024) catalyzed HB 1105 and federal Laken Riley Act • Prison staffing crisis severe (52.5% CO vacancy, Jul 2023); DOJ investigation ongoing • Drug overdose deaths followed national upward trend
Performance in line with national average — achievement gaps persist. • NAEP 2024: Georgia 4th grade reading — 30% proficient (not significantly different from 2022's 32%) • HS graduation rate ~84% • K-12 funding increased • Teacher pay raises included in budgets • Demographically adjusted, Georgia performs near expectations • Education investments increasing
Uninsured rate ~12% (Census ACS) — above national average. • Implemented limited Medicaid expansion via Section 1115 waiver (Georgia Pathways) with work requirements — enrollment lower than full expansion would achieve • Life expectancy roughly at national average (CDC) • Infant mortality above national average • Rural hospital access concerns • Maternal mortality elevated
ASCE 2024: Georgia infrastructure grade C+ (above national C-). • Roads 6th best in nation • 98% of bridges in fair/good condition (up from 78%) • Port of Savannah expansion investment ongoing • Transportation investments strong • Transit, dams, stormwater received lower marks • Broadband expansion ongoing
Georgia prices roughly at national average (~98-100 RPP per BEA). • Cost of living moderate compared to coastal states • Inflation tracked national trends (BLS CPI) • Housing costs rising in Atlanta metro but median home price still well below CA/NY • Rent burden present but not extreme by national standards • $2B in tax relief helps affordability
Mixed transparency record — GA transparency score 55/100, ranking 45th nationally (Truth in Accounting). • Georgia First Amendment Foundation monitored ~24 transparency bills during 2025 General Assembly — most troubling proposals did not pass • FY2024 Single Audit (released Apr 2025, Auditor Greg S. Griffin) found 'significant weaknesses in internal controls and compliance' • Open Records Officer (Evan Frey) responds within 3 business days per governor's office policy • Budget transparency maintained through OPB • SB 12 (signed May 2025) had transparency implications • Room for improvement in proactive disclosure — financial system modernization needed across agencies
Significant controversies but managed well overall — election integrity stance earned cross-party respect. • SB 202 election law generated national controversy and DOJ lawsuit (survived) • Heartbeat Act (SB 319) controversial but legally upheld • Trump feud over 2020 election — Kemp maintained integrity but drew attacks • Early COVID reopening criticized then vindicated • Voter suppression allegations from Secretary of State tenure (1.4M registrations canceled) • Pandemic UI fraud
Kemp is GA's 83rd governor — first Republican since Reconstruction elected without being a former Democrat. • Predecessor Nathan Deal (R, 2011-2019) maintained fiscal stability; Kemp accelerated economic development • GA named #1 for business for unprecedented 12 consecutive years • Record $16.5B surplus, reserves exceed $10B (4x any prior administration, sufficient to run state 3 months), 20%+ debt reduction • Reopened GA economy first in nation during COVID (Apr 2020) — initial criticism followed by vindication • Crushed Trump-backed primary challenger Perdue by 50+ pts (May 2022) • Won general election vs Abrams by 7.5 pts in swing state • Stood up to Trump on 2020 election certification — earned cross-party respect • SB 202 election law and SOS voter purges (1.4M registrations) weigh negatively • Term-limited — legacy strong on fiscal metrics
Strong constituent verdict despite partisan controversies. • Morning Consult: 55-63% approval throughout tenure • AJC: 60% approval • Won reelection by 7.5 points in swing state • Crushed Trump-backed primary challenger by 50+ points • Among most popular governors nationally
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Section C — Oath Fidelity +181 (-378 to +378)

126 items scored -3 to +3 measuring fidelity to constitutional oath. Grounded in Supreme Court precedent and constitutional text.

+3Exemplary +2Strong +1Adequate 0Neutral -1Concerning -2Failing -3Hostile

Protection of Life

Declaration of Independence; 5th/14th Amendments
Score: 28 Range: -93 to 93 Items: 31
Violent crime rate trend
GA violent crime rate ~374/100K (2023), slightly above national average but declining from highs during 2020-2021. Modest improvement during Kemp tenure.
FBI UCR 2023; GBI Crime Statistics
+1
Homicide rate relative to national average
GA homicide rate ~7.5/100K vs national ~6.3/100K — approximately 19% above national average. Atlanta metro drives elevated rate.
FBI UCR 2023; CDC WONDER
-1
Homicide clearance rate
GA homicide clearance rate approximately 45-50%, near national average but below the adequate threshold of 50%.
FBI UCR SHR; GBI
0
Law enforcement staffing adequacy
GA law enforcement staffing approximately 2.3/1,000. Kemp invested in recruitment and retention bonuses. Staffing stable.
FBI LEOKA; GBI
+1
Drug overdose death rate trend
GA overdose death rate approximately 25-30/100K, slightly below national average. Relatively stable but not declining meaningfully.
CDC WONDER; NCHS
0
Emergency management preparedness
GEMA/HS well-organized. Multiple hurricane responses (Idalia 2023, Helene 2024) demonstrated competent emergency management. EMAP considerations met.
FEMA SPR; GEMA/HS
+2
Preventable mass-casualty event response
Hurricane Helene (2024) response in northeast GA was effective — rapid deployment of state resources. Tornado responses adequate. No preventable mass-casualty failures.
FEMA after-action; GEMA/HS
+2
Infrastructure safety — bridge and road conditions
GA has moderate infrastructure. Structurally deficient bridges approximately 5-7%. Roads in fair condition. GDOT investing in improvements but backlog exists.
FHWA NBI; ASCE GA
+1
Water and dam safety compliance
GA meets most EPA SDWA requirements. Dam safety program adequate. Some minor drinking water violations in rural systems corrected within compliance timelines.
EPA SDWIS; GA EPD
+1
Healthcare access — uninsured rate
GA uninsured rate approximately 12% — above national average. Kemp expanded Medicaid via 1115 waiver (Pathways to Coverage, 2023) but with work requirements limiting enrollment to ~4,000 (vs 500,000 eligible under full expansion).
Census ACS; KFF; CMS
-1
Maternal mortality rate
GA maternal mortality rate approximately 40-50/100K live births — among highest nationally. Significant racial disparities. HB 1013 Mental Health Parity Act (2022) included some maternal health investment.
CDC WONDER; GA DPH; NCHS
-2
Infant mortality rate
GA infant mortality rate approximately 7.0/1,000 live births — above national average of 5.6. Significant racial disparities. Some improvement during tenure but still elevated.
CDC WONDER; GA DPH
-1
Self-defense rights — Castle Doctrine / Stand Your Ground
Georgia has Castle Doctrine + Stand Your Ground + no duty to retreat + civil immunity for lawful self-defense (OCGA §16-3-23 et seq.).
OCGA §16-3-23; NRA-ILA
+3
Death penalty procedural safeguards
GA retains death penalty with mandatory appellate review by GA Supreme Court. Post-conviction DNA access available. Standard safeguards in place.
DPIC; OCGA §17-10-35
+1
Suicide prevention program funding and outcomes
Mental Health Parity Act (HB 1013, 2022) invested $180M+ in behavioral health including suicide prevention. Rate near national average. 988 integration ongoing.
CDC WISQARS; AFSP GA; HB 1013
+1
911/emergency response time adequacy
Metro Atlanta and major cities meet NFPA standards. Rural areas face longer response times. Overall adequate coverage.
NFPA; GA EMS data
+1
Opioid/fentanyl interdiction and treatment funding
Kemp signed multiple opioid response bills. PDMP operational. Funded treatment expansion through HB 1013. Overdose deaths relatively stable.
SAMHSA; GA DPH; HB 1013
+1
Veteran suicide and healthcare access
GA has significant veteran population. State-funded veteran services through GA Dept of Veterans Service. VA facilities in Atlanta, Augusta, Dublin. Standard support programs.
VA SAIL; GA DVS
+1
Food safety and foodborne illness enforcement
GA Department of Agriculture food safety program meets standards. No major outbreaks linked to inspection failures during Kemp tenure.
FDA Conformance; GA DA
+1
Workplace fatality rate
GA workplace fatality rate approximately 3.5-4.5/100K FTE — near national average. Agriculture and construction sectors contribute.
BLS CFOI
+1
Domestic violence fatality rate and funding
GA has DV fatality review board (Georgia Commission on Family Violence). Rate near national average. Shelter capacity generally meets demand.
NNEDV; GCFV
+1
Correctional facility death rate and conditions
GA DOC faces challenges with in-custody deaths above national average. DOJ investigated some county jail conditions. State prison system overcrowded.
BJS Mortality; GA DOC; DOJ CRIPA
-1
Pollution-related mortality and environmental health
GA meets most EPA NAAQS. Atlanta area has moderate ozone nonattainment but improving. Superfund sites managed on schedule.
EPA Green Book; GA EPD
+1
Pedestrian and traffic fatality rate
GA traffic fatality rate approximately 1.5/100M VMT — above national average. Pedestrian fatalities increasing, particularly in metro Atlanta.
NHTSA FARS; GA DOT
-1
Sanctity of life legislative framework
LIFE Act (HB 481, 2019) — 6-week heartbeat bill with clinic safety regulations, informed consent, and pregnancy resource center funding. Upheld by 11th Circuit post-Dobbs. Among strongest pro-life frameworks nationally.
HB 481; 11th Circuit; Guttmacher
+3
Homeless mortality — exposure deaths, overdoses in encampments, violence
Signed law allowing AG to intervene on anti-camping enforcement. $50M + $62M+ in homelessness investment.
WABE, Governor.georgia.gov
+2
Population loss impact on services — EMS/hospital closures, tax base erosion
Georgia population growing 1.1%. $372M+ in corrections and public safety.
The Center Square
+1
Police staffing/funding — governor's direct actions on law enforcement
Over $1.6B additional invested in public safety. $3,000-$4,000 pay raises for LEOs.
Georgia Recorder, Governor.georgia.gov
+3
Criminal recidivism from early release — parole/clemency, no-cash-bail
Focused on corrections assessment and reentry. $372M budget infusion. Not pursuing mass early release.
Governor.georgia.gov
+2
Prison/shelter housing — biological males in women's facilities
Signed SB 1 banning trans athletes from female teams K-12 through college.
Georgia Recorder
+2
Mental health crisis system — involuntary commitment reform, crisis intervention
$409M for new Georgia Regional Hospital. Signed Mental Health Parity Act. Passed unanimously.
Governor.georgia.gov, Fox5 Atlanta
+2

Constitutional Rights

Bill of Rights (I-X); 14th Amendment
Score: 49 Range: -87 to 87 Items: 29
Second Amendment — right to carry status
Signed constitutional carry (SB 319, Apr 2022). Permitless carry for lawful gun owners. Strong preemption.
SB 319 (2022); OCGA §16-11-126
+3
Second Amendment — semi-automatic rifle restrictions
No restrictions beyond federal law. No assault weapons ban. 2A protections strong.
OCGA; NRA-ILA
+3
Second Amendment — magazine capacity restrictions
No magazine capacity restrictions. Preemption of local ordinances.
OCGA; NRA-ILA
+3
Second Amendment — Red Flag / ERPO due process protections
Georgia has no ERPO/red flag law. Relies on existing due process: involuntary commitment and criminal charges.
OCGA; ERPO tracker
+3
First Amendment — campus free speech protections
Some campus free speech protections via Board of Regents policy but no comprehensive statute. FIRE ranks GA universities with mixed performance.
FIRE rankings; BOR policy
+1
First Amendment — anti-SLAPP protections
Georgia has anti-SLAPP statute (OCGA §9-11-11.1) with expedited dismissal and fee-shifting provisions.
OCGA §9-11-11.1; Public Participation Project
+2
First Amendment — religious liberty protections
Georgia does not have a state RFRA. General respect for religious exercise maintained. No documented state actions penalizing religious exercise during Kemp tenure.
Becket Fund index; GA statutes
+1
Fourth Amendment — warrant requirements for digital surveillance
Georgia relies on federal Carpenter standard without significant state electronic privacy enhancements.
GA statutes; EFF database
0
Fourth Amendment — civil asset forfeiture reform
Georgia has some reform but retains preponderance standard. Some reporting requirements. Equitable sharing participation continues.
OCGA §16-13-49; IJ Policing for Profit
0
Fifth Amendment — eminent domain protections post-Kelo
Georgia enacted moderate post-Kelo reform restricting economic development takings. Some protections but loopholes for blight designation remain.
OCGA §22-1-2; Castle Coalition
+1
Due process — regulatory takings and permitting timelines
Some permitting timelines in place. Business-friendly regulatory environment. Agencies generally meet deadlines but no automatic approval mechanism.
GA state permitting data
+1
Tenth Amendment — federal overreach resistance
Kemp joined multiple multistate lawsuits challenging federal overreach (vaccine mandates, EPA regulations). Maintained independent state programs during COVID.
GA AG litigation; multistate dockets
+2
Equal Protection — state contracting nondiscrimination
GA uses race-neutral contracting standards. Board of Regents moving toward SFFA compliance. Nondiscrimination enforcement active.
GA procurement data; BOR admissions
+2
Second Amendment — state preemption of local firearms laws
Georgia has state preemption of local firearms laws (OCGA §16-11-173). Enforcement mechanism exists with penalties for noncompliant localities.
OCGA §16-11-173; NRA-ILA
+2
First Amendment — government transparency and FOIA compliance
Georgia Open Records Act compliance generally adequate. Some delays documented but no systematic withholding. Governor's office generally responsive.
GA Open Records Act; SPJ assessments
+1
Sixth Amendment — public defender funding adequacy
GA public defender system faces caseload challenges. Funding improved under HB 1013 but caseloads remain 150-200% of recommended levels.
Sixth Amendment Center; GA PD Council
0
Eighth Amendment — bail reform and pretrial detention
Georgia has implemented some bail reform with risk-based assessment in some jurisdictions. Cash bail still predominant. Reasonable balance.
Pretrial Justice Institute; GA Courts
+1
Property rights — regulatory burden and economic freedom
#1 state for business 11 consecutive years (Area Development). Low regulatory burden. Pro-business economic environment.
Area Development; Mercatus RegData
+2
Second Amendment — governor's litigation posture on firearms cases
GA AG defends state pro-2A laws. Filed supportive amicus briefs in federal firearms cases.
GA AG amicus filings; litigation dockets
+2
First Amendment — compelled speech protections
No active compelled speech laws in Georgia. No specific anti-compelled-speech protections enacted either.
GA statutes; FIRE analysis
+1
Commerce Clause compliance — interstate trade barriers
Georgia maintains open interstate commerce environment. Port of Savannah (#3 busiest in US) reflects commerce-friendly posture. Reciprocity expanding.
GA Ports Authority; IJ licensing
+2
Privileges and Immunities — occupational licensing reform
Kemp signed occupational licensing reform and military spouse expedited licensing. Reduced licensing burden in multiple professions.
IJ License to Work; NCSL; GA licensing reform
+2
Contract Clause — state compliance with contractual obligations
GA pension (ERS) funded at ~72-75%. AAA bond rating. Kemp proposed $500M additional ERS investment. No contract impairments documented.
GA ERS; S&P/Moody's/Fitch
+1
Jury trial rights — civil and criminal jury access
Standard jury access environment. Court system functioning. No documented courthouse closures or access crises.
GA Courts annual report; NCSC
+1
Immigration law compliance — Supremacy Clause adherence
Anti-sanctuary framework: HB 87 (E-Verify mandate), HB 1105 (Criminal Alien Track Act requiring ICE notification). Multiple 287(g) agreements. No DL for illegals. No in-state tuition. No non-citizen voting. Laken Riley Act response. Exemplary compliance.
HB 87; HB 1105; FAIR; ICE data
+3
Qualified immunity / due process for officers
Maintains standard qualified immunity. Strong LEO support through funding.
Various GA sources
+1
Voter ID and ballot chain-of-custody
Signed SB202 requiring voter ID for absentee. SB189 tightening ballot security. Three-bill integrity package.
NBC News, AJC
+3
Non-citizen voting prevention
Voter ID effectively prevents non-citizen voting. SB189 defined eligibility challenge criteria.
Ballotpedia, AJC
+2
Women's sports / Title IX — biological sex protections in state-funded athletics
Signed SB 1 requiring all schools to designate teams by sex at birth.
Georgia Recorder, Fox5 Atlanta
+3

Child Welfare & Parental Rights

Meyer, Pierce, Troxel, Yoder, Parham; 14th Amendment
Score: 27 Range: -75 to 75 Items: 25
Parental rights legislation — statutory recognition
Some parental rights provisions in education and medical contexts but no comprehensive Parental Bill of Rights statute like FL or UT.
GA statutes; NCSL tracker
+1
Education choice — school choice programs
Georgia has tax-credit scholarship program (SB 101 Georgia GOAL) and special needs voucher. No universal ESA/voucher. Charter schools permitted. Targeted choice only.
EdChoice GA; NAPCS
+1
Parental notification/consent for medical procedures on minors
Parental consent required for most medical procedures on minors. SB 140 (2023) banned gender-transition procedures for minors, reinforcing parental authority.
GA Code; SB 140
+2
Gender-transition procedures for minors — restrictions
SB 140 (2023) bans gender-transition medical procedures for minors — surgeries, hormones, and puberty blockers. Strong restrictions.
SB 140 (2023); Reuters tracker
+2
Child abuse and neglect — substantiated case rate trend
GA child maltreatment rate near national average. DFCS programs functioning but staffing challenges persist.
ACF NCANDS; GA DFCS
+1
Foster care — CFSR conformity assessment
GA foster care system faces challenges. CFSR conformity on approximately 3-4 of 7 outcomes. System improvements underway but not yet at strong levels.
ACF CFSR; GA DFCS
0
Foster care — permanency outcomes
Permanency timelines near or slightly above national average. Some children remain in care too long. Moderate reunification rates.
ACF AFCARS; GA DFCS
0
Child trafficking prevention and prosecution
Georgia has comprehensive trafficking statute, funded task force, safe harbor for minors. Atlanta is a major trafficking hub — enforcement active with increasing prosecutions.
Polaris Project; Shared Hope; GA AG
+2
Education outcomes — 4th grade NAEP reading proficiency
GA 4th grade NAEP reading ~30% proficient (2022) — slightly below national average of 32%, within neutral range.
NCES NAEP 2022
0
Education outcomes — 8th grade NAEP math proficiency
GA 8th grade NAEP math ~27% proficient (2022) — near lower end of adequate range.
NCES NAEP 2022
0
Parental curriculum transparency
Parents can request curriculum materials. Some opt-out provisions. No comprehensive statutory curriculum transparency requirement.
GA DOE policies
+1
Social media — minor protections
Georgia enacted some social media protections for minors but not as comprehensive as UT or TX models.
GA statutes; NCSL tracker
+1
Juvenile justice — age-appropriate treatment
GA raised juvenile age to 17 (2016). Limited mandatory transfer. Funded rehabilitation programs. Declining juvenile incarceration.
OJJDP GA profile; Campaign for Youth Justice
+2
Child poverty rate and state response
GA child poverty rate approximately 17-19% — slightly above national average. Modest improvement during economic boom but still elevated.
Census ACS SAIPE; KIDS COUNT
0
Adoption and permanency — adoptive family support
Georgia has subsidized adoption and recruitment programs. Standard process. Some faith-based agency protections.
ACF AFCARS; GA DFCS adoption
+1
Homeschool rights and protections
GA has moderate homeschool framework — Declaration of Intent required, annual standardized testing, basic requirements. Diploma recognition. Generally favorable.
HSLDA GA; GA Code §20-2-690
+2
Child sexual abuse material (CSAM) enforcement
GA participates in ICAC task force. AG and GBI maintain enforcement. Mandatory reporting compliance adequate.
ICAC; NCMEC; GA AG
+2
School safety — violence prevention and incident response
GA funds school safety grants and SRO programs. Threat assessment teams active. Emergency planning maintained post-Apalachee HS shooting (Sep 2024) led to additional investment.
NASRO; GA School Safety Center
+2
Children's mental health services access
HB 1013 Mental Health Parity Act (2022) invested $180M+ in behavioral health including children's services. Counselor ratios improving. Crisis services expanding.
HB 1013; ASCA; GA DBHDD
+2
Childhood vaccination — parental choice protections
Georgia allows religious exemptions but not philosophical exemptions. Medical exemptions standard. Parental choice somewhat limited.
NCSL; GA Code §20-2-771
+1
Child care affordability and access
GA child care subsidy via CAPS program. Subsidy at approximately 150% FPL. Waitlists moderate. Quality rated system (Quality Rated) in place.
ACF CCDF; GA DECAL
+1
Education — teacher quality and retention
Kemp funded $2,000 teacher pay raises. Salaries still below southeastern average in many districts. Vacancy rates 7-10%. Retention moderate.
NCES; GA DOE; NEA salary rankings
+1
Child nutrition — food insecurity rate
GA child food insecurity approximately 16-18%. School meal participation adequate for eligible students. Near neutral threshold.
USDA ERS; Feeding America
0
Custody and family court — due process in child removal
GA has statutory criteria for child removal with judicial review. Appointed counsel available. Standard due process protections.
GA Code; ABA Center on Children
+1
Children with disabilities — IDEA compliance
GA rated 'Needs Assistance' by OSEP on some IDEA metrics. Most districts compliant. Improvement plan in place.
OSEP determinations; GA DOE SPED
+1

Faithful Discharge of Duties

Gubernatorial oath; Art. IV Sec. 4; state constitutions
Score: 77 Range: -123 to 123 Items: 41
Budget balance — structural surplus/deficit
Record $16.5B cumulative surplus. Structural surplus every year of tenure. Zero budget gimmicks. Conservative fiscal management.
GA OPB; NASBO
+3
State credit rating stability
AAA from all three agencies — held for nearly three decades. Stable outlook. Reaffirmed 2023 and 2025.
S&P/Moody's/Fitch
+3
Rainy day / budget stabilization fund adequacy
Reserves exceed $10B — four times higher than any previous administration. Sufficient to run state government for three months.
GA State Treasurer; Pew
+3
Pension system funding responsibility
ERS funded ratio ~72-75%. Making ARC payments. Proposed $500M additional investment. Below the 80% strong threshold but improving.
GA ERS; Pew pension data
+1
State debt burden
Outstanding state debt reduced 20%+. Zero GO bonds issued for two consecutive years (FY2024-2025). Per capita debt $964. Debt service ratio at 3% — lowest since GA began issuing bonds.
S&P; GSFIC; GA State Treasurer
+3
Government efficiency — state employee headcount per capita
GA state employee headcount per capita below national median. Stable during tenure. Efficiency improvements through consolidation.
Census Public Employment; BLS
+2
Inspector General / state auditor independence
GA Inspector General and State Auditor (DOAA) operate independently. Governor generally responsive to findings. Some repeat findings on UI noted.
GA OIG; DOAA; ALGA
+2
Ethics violations and personal scandals
No ethics complaints upheld. Clean personal record. Full financial disclosure. No personal scandals. Minor controversy over 2020 election certification (stood firm against pressure, demonstrating integrity).
GA Ethics Commission; financial disclosures
+2
Executive order restraint
Executive orders within normal bounds. None struck down by courts. COVID emergency orders relatively restrained — GA reopened early (Apr 2020).
GA EO database; court rulings
+2
Emergency powers — adherence to statutory limits
COVID emergency powers managed within reasonable bounds. GA was first state to reopen (Apr 2020). Emergency powers relinquished appropriately.
GA emergency statutes; legislative records
+2
Legislative cooperation — veto override rate
Low veto override rate. Generally cooperative relationship with R supermajority legislature. Vetoes measured and typically upheld.
GA Legislature records
+2
Judicial appointments — qualifications and process integrity
Kemp follows Judicial Nominating Commission process. Appointees generally qualified. Notable appointment of GA Supreme Court justices.
GA JNC; state bar
+2
Timely execution of laws — implementation of enacted legislation
Generally timely implementation of legislation. HB 1105 (Criminal Alien Track Act) implemented efficiently. No documented selective non-enforcement.
GA agency rulemaking; legislative oversight
+2
Federal fund utilization — grant management
Federal grant management adequate but UI fraud findings ($6.7M to state employees) and disclaimer of opinion on Unemployment Compensation Fund persist.
GA OIG; Federal Audit Clearinghouse
+1
Public approval as competence indicator
Morning Consult: approximately 50-55% approval. Won 2022 reelection with 53.4% against Stacey Abrams. Bipartisan respect for election integrity stance.
Morning Consult; GA SOS election results
+2
State IT security and data protection
Georgia Technology Authority maintains cybersecurity program. CISO appointed. No major breaches during Kemp tenure. GTA modernization ongoing.
NASCIO; GTA
+2
Infrastructure spending — capital budget execution
Cash-funded capital projects (avoiding bonds). GDOT infrastructure investment ongoing. ASCE grade moderate. Infrastructure improving.
ASCE GA; GDOT; GSFIC
+2
Disaster fund readiness
Adequate disaster funding given hurricane risk. FEMA cost-share obligations met. Reserves sufficient for state match requirements.
FEMA BRIC; GA emergency fund
+2
Workforce development — unemployment system integrity
UI system had fraud issues ($6.7M to state employees). Disclaimer on UC fund. UI Fraud Task Force established post-pandemic. Integrity improving but legacy issues persist.
DOL UI Data; GA OIG; GA DWS
+1
Medicaid program integrity
Pathways to Coverage 1115 waiver enrolled only ~4,000 (vs 500,000 eligible under full expansion). Work requirements limit access. Error rates near national average.
CMS PERM; GA DCH
+1
Election administration — constitutional compliance
SB 202 (Election Integrity Act, 2021) — voter ID, paper ballot audit trail, post-election audits, voter roll maintenance. 2020 hand recount demonstrated system integrity. Model election security.
SB 202; EAC EAVS; GA SOS
+3
Transparency — state budget accessibility
OPB maintains online budget portal. Open Georgia transparency portal provides spending data. Budget documents accessible.
Open Georgia portal; U.S. PIRG; GFOA
+2
Intergovernmental cooperation — federal compliance balanced with sovereignty
Strong balance — complied with lawful federal requirements while actively resisting overreach (vaccine mandates, EPA). Maintained independent COVID response.
Federal compliance records; GA AG litigation
+2
Gubernatorial succession and continuity planning
LG Burt Jones confirmed and functional. Succession clear. COOP plan maintained.
GA Constitution succession; GEMA/HS
+2
Anti-corruption — state procurement integrity
Competitive bidding maintained. Standard procurement controls. No documented procurement scandals during Kemp tenure.
GA DOAS procurement; State Auditor reports
+2
Gas price burden — state gas taxes, refinery regulations, cap-and-trade
Georgia gas tax moderate. Signed tax relief addressing energy prices.
11Alive, Governor.georgia.gov
+1
Energy affordability — residential electricity costs from state policy
Electricity 15% below national average. Rate freeze through 2027.
Electric Choice, Georgia Power
+1
Energy policy competence — forced mandates without infrastructure readiness
No forced green mandates. Practical mix including Vogtle nuclear. No cap-and-trade.
Various GA energy sources
+2
Property tax burden — effective rate vs national median
Property tax ~0.87%. Signed HB 581 allowing counties to freeze homestead valuations.
Windham Brannon, Tax Foundation
+1
Regulatory cost burden — permits, compliance costs per household/business
#1 state to do business for 11th consecutive year. Signed regulatory reform.
Atlanta News First
+2
Unfunded mandates on municipalities
Generally avoids excessive unfunded mandates. Balanced intergovernmental approach.
Governor.georgia.gov
+1
Cost of living trajectory — policy-driven affordability trend
Cost of living below national average. Accelerated income tax cuts.
Windham Brannon, 11Alive
+1
Immigration fiscal burden — taxpayer cost of sanctuary/benefits policies
Signed HB 1105 requiring sheriffs to enforce federal immigration law. Anti-sanctuary after Laken Riley murder.
Georgia Recorder
+2
Homelessness spending accountability — spending vs measurable outcomes
$50M one-time investment for homelessness with structured grant approach.
WABE, Governor.georgia.gov
+1
Encampment enforcement — response to SCOTUS Grants Pass ruling
Signed law giving AG power to intervene on anti-camping enforcement. State-level backstop.
Governor.georgia.gov
+2
Net domestic migration trend — people leaving vs arriving
Georgia gained 58,206 domestic migrants in 2023. Continues as net gainer.
The Center Square, AJC
+2
Business exodus — corporate HQ and jobs relocating due to policy
#1 state to do business for 11 years. No business exodus. Attracting major investments.
Area Development Magazine
+2
DA accountability — governor's power to remove rogue prosecutors
Signed law creating Prosecuting Attorneys Qualifications Commission with power to sanction/remove.
The Hill, CNN
+2
Election infrastructure — ballot harvesting, drop box security, audit transparency
Comprehensive election integrity: voter ID for absentee, more audits, tightened security. Model election security.
NBC News, AJC, Ballotpedia
+3
Weaponization of state agencies — using AG/regulatory bodies against political opponents
Resisted calls to use state power against Fani Willis, calling it 'political theater'. Principled restraint.
PBS News, HuffPost
+1
Foreign adversary protections — Chinese land, TikTok bans, Confucius Institutes
Signed SB 420 banning adversary nations from purchasing farmland near military installations.
WRDW, GPB
+2
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