ATLANTA – State Representative Jon Burns (R-Newington) was elected today as the 75th Speaker of the Georgia House of Representatives. Speaker Burns was elected by acclamation without opposition.
“I am honored to have the trust and confidence of my colleagues in the House to serve as their Speaker,” said Speaker Burns. “My vision for the House is straightforward – the House will continue to lead. It will continue to be independent while working with our colleagues in the Senate and the Governor. It will continue to champion policies which keep Georgia a great place to live, to work, and to raise a family.”
The Speaker serves as the presiding officer of the House of Representatives. He is responsible for determining the leadership and membership of House committees. While the House is in session, the Speaker is charged with assigning legislation to committees, calling legislation for debate, and enforcing the rules of the House.
Speaker Burns was first elected to the Georgia House of Representatives in 2004. He previously served as Chairman of the Special Rules Committee and the Game, Fish, and Parks Committee. Burns was elected by his colleagues as Majority Leader in 2015 and served in that position until his nomination as Speaker this past November.
Born and raised in Effingham County, Speaker Burns earned his bachelor’s degree in Political Science from Georgia Southern College. He holds a Juris Doctor degree from John Marshall Law School.
Speaker Burns and his wife, Dayle, live on the family farm in northern Effingham County. They have two grown sons, two lovely daughter-in-laws, and five beautiful grandchildren.
***Editor’s Note: A photo of Speaker Jon Burns is attached.***
###