x
Breaking News
More () »

'We're going to go to work:' Georgia Governor-elect Brian Kemp visits Fort Valley

Governor Brian Kemp hosted a luncheon to celebrate his win. He'll be hosting similar events across the state

FORT VALLEY, Ga. — Governor Brian Kemp made his way to Fort Valley on Thursday for a celebration luncheon.

He's traveling around the state holding similar events to celebrate his win as governor before he's sworn on Monday.

RELATED: Brian Kemp makes history in his win as Georgia's next governor

The luncheon started at 11:30 a.m. at Southern Bridle Farms.

Kemp has visited Central Georgia in the past, and he says he wanted to visit again to say thank you to his supporters.

RELATED: Kemp campaigns in Central Georgia ahead of gubernatorial election

MORE: Supporters line up early to see President Trump, Kemp

Kemp says after he's sworn in, the first order of business is going through some executive orders and working towards the things he promised on the campaign trail.

SOUND OFF | Brian Kemp is set to be inaugurated as Georgia's new governor next week

"We're going to go to work, day one," Kemp said.

He says they'll work towards making Georgia number one for small businesses, getting pay raises for teachers, increasing school safety, lowering taxes and strengthening rural Georgia.

Kemp says as a father, nothing is more important to him than going after drug cartels and street gangs to keep Georgia families safe.

As far as uniting the state, he says he's going to be a governor for all Georgians, even the ones that didn't vote for him. He also says about '90 percent' of the agenda he mentioned in his campaign are things the majority of Georgians support.

He says he's had great talks with Democratic legislatures and leadership. 

"The election is over with, it's time to roll up our sleeves and go to work, and that's exactly what we're going to do," Kemp said.

On the government shutdown, Kemp says we'll have to wait and see how it affects state and local governments. He believes most of it is 'politics' right now, but the longer the shutdown continues, the more effects it will have.

Kemp says he's tried several times to help alleviate the border dispute between Bibb and Monroe Counties. He says the surveyor refuses to meet with them, even when subpoenaed in both counties.

One of the hot topics of the upcoming session is House Bill 2, which would allow most Georgians who are legally able to own a gun to carry without having to go through the permit process.

RELATED: Proposed Ga. bill could shake up state gun law

Kemp says while he hasn't seen the proposed bill, he is a strong supporter of the second amendment. He says he wants to review the bill before committing to supporting it or not supporting it.

"It's great to be back in Central Georgia," Kemp said.

The luncheon wrapped up around 1:30 p.m.

Before You Leave, Check This Out