Taxes, Tensions, and the Tech-Free Classroom: Georgia’s 2026 Legislative Kickoff
The 2026 legislative session in Georgia is officially underway, and if the latest episode of Political Breakfast from WABE is any indication, we are in for a session defined by aggressive tax cuts and a growing cultural backlash against digital distractions. Lisa Rayam sat down with strategists Brian Robinson and Theron Johnson to break down the priorities under the Gold Dome, and the tension between the House and Senate is already palpable.
The Great Tax Divide
The most significant takeaway from this kickoff is the competing visions for how to return Georgia’s multi-billion-dollar surplus to its citizens. While both parties are leaning into "affordability" as a central theme, the mechanisms differ wildly. The Senate is eyeing a phased approach to eliminating the state income tax by 2032, a move that would theoretically give every taxpayer a 5% raise.
On the other side of the hall, Speaker Burns is prioritizing property tax reform, specifically aiming to eliminate property taxes on personal homesteads. As Robinson noted during the discussion, the state simply cannot afford to pass both in their current forms. This sets the stage for Governor Brian Kemp to act as the ultimate arbiter in his final year, deciding which legacy-defining cut will actually make it to his desk.
Disconnecting the Classroom
One of the more emotive segments of the review involved the proposed expansion of cell phone bans to high schools. Following the K-8 ban that took effect last year, there is a mounting push to extend those restrictions. The strategists highlighted a rare moment of bipartisan concern regarding mental health and the "dopamine hit" of social media that hinders literacy and focus.
- The Data: Supporters point to improved attention spans and better educational outcomes when devices are removed.
- The Pushback: Parents cite the need for constant contact with high schoolers who move "a little differently" than middle school students.
- The Consensus: Teachers are likely the biggest advocates for the ban, viewing it as a necessary tool to reclaim the classroom.
A Moral Crisis in Foster Care
The conversation took a somber and necessary turn regarding the $80 million shortfall in the Department of Family and Children’s Services. Both Johnson and Robinson were unusually aligned here, calling the foster care crisis a "moral obligation" for the state. With children transitioning between homes and a system under immense pressure, the hosts argued that utilizing the state's massive surplus for one-time infrastructure or system fixes is no longer optional; it is a necessity for the state’s conscience.
Golden Nugget: "We have a problem in our society with attention spans, and that is detrimental to education. We’ve got to figure out a way... maybe this is going to be a break from helicopter parenting as well."
The Political Horizon
Beyond policy, the episode touched on the shifting political landscape, specifically the entrance of Seth Clark into the Lieutenant Governor’s race. His profile as a white male from outside Metro Atlanta adds a new dimension to the Democratic primary, challenging the more "Trump-rage" focused campaign of Josh McLaurin.
As the session ramps up, the buzzword remains affordability. Whether it is through tax breaks or Medicaid expansion, both sides are desperate to prove they are the ones feeling the pinch of the average Georgian's wallet. Between the policy debates and the surprising sports news—like Trae Young’s departure to the Wizards—Georgia's political and cultural landscape is moving at a breakneck pace.
Listen to Political Breakfast from WABE: https://podranker.com/podcast/political-breakfast-from-wabe