The state of the State of the State

Governor taps the oldies to talk about Georgia’s present and future

Gov. Nathan Deal says he plans to push state lawmakers over the next 40 days to give pay raises to some state workers, renew a controversial tax on hospitals, and reform education, along with investing in cybersecurity.

Per tradition, Georgia representatives and senators gathered on Wednesday to hear Deal’s annual “State of the State” address to outline his policy agenda. Deal, who’s halfway through his second and final term in the governor’s office, also urged lawmakers not to make any major changes to healthcare policy — for example,  expanding Medicaid — because of potential changes from the incoming Donald Trump administration. Here’s his full speech

Deal’s speech was framed around Georgia songwriter Johnny Mercer’s 1944 hit ”Ac-Cent-Tchu-Ate the Positive,” which considering the upcoming presidential administration, is about as good as any advice we’re gonna get. CL Photographer Joeff Davis was on hand to document the festivities. 

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Image Gov. Nathan Deal during his annual address to lawmakers.Joeff Davis