Jon was born and raised in Effingham County, where he currently lives with his wife, with whom he has children and five grandchildren. He graduated from Effingham County High School and earned his bachelor's degree in political science from Georgia Southern College, as well as a law degree from John Marshall Law School. The family attends Mizpah Church.

Outside of his legislative roles, Jon has experience running an agribusiness company.

Jon G. Burns was elected as Georgia’s 75th Speaker of the House of Representatives in January 2023 and has been serving in the House since 2004, representing the 159th legislative district. Prior to his election as Speaker, he served as House Majority Leader from 2015 and has chaired the House Game, Fish & Parks Committee as well as the House Special Rules Committee.

Candidate website

Plans to bolster Georgia's economy by cutting taxes, including raising child deductions, doubling homestead exemptions, and reducing state income tax, contrasting state efficiency with Washington D.C.'s dysfunction.

Plans to bolster Georgia's economy by cutting taxes, including raising child deductions, doubling homestead exemptions, and reducing state income tax.

Plans to expedite Georgia's income tax reduction to 5.39% with Governor Kemp, Lt. Governor Jones, and Republican legislators, aiming to lower it further before the decade's end.

Supports tax relief, crediting the suspension of motor fuel taxes for saving money and maintaining low gas prices in Georgia, despite inflation attributed to Washington's inaction.

Supports tax relief, crediting the suspension of motor fuel taxes for saving money and maintaining low gas prices in Georgia.

Said, "When the General Assembly convenes for our normal 2024 legislative session in January, we will continue to see how we can lower the tax burden on businesses and families while keeping Georgia competitive in economic development and job creation."

Plans to further reduce Georgia's already low tax rates for businesses and families, asserting that tax revenue belongs to the people, not the government, and emphasizing the state's strong fiscal health and conservative budgeting.

Plans to collaborate with Senate members and Governor Kemp to streamline the process for military spouses to obtain professional licenses, recognizing this support as essential for military readiness.

Plans to collaborate with Senate members and Governor Kemp to streamline the process for military spouses to obtain professional licenses.

Supports the economic and community significance of ports, acknowledging their role in local livelihoods, and commits to aiding nearby neighborhoods with a $6 million donation to the Port of Savannah Workforce Housing Initiative through Housing Savannah, Inc.

Supports tax cuts, healthcare reforms, and accountability for District Attorneys; discussed legislative goals with WSB-TV's Richard Elliott. Full interview and further details available on social media.

Supports tax cuts, healthcare reforms, and accountability for District Attorneys.

Supports increasing retirement benefits for law enforcement.

The candidate's website says, "HB1010—Increasing Paid Parental Leave for state employees from 3 weeks to 6 weeks."

Supported HB1010—Increasing Paid Parental Leave for state employees from 3 weeks to 6 weeks.

Said, "In recent years, working with Governor Brian Kemp, we have passed initiatives to reduce the tax burden on military retirement income..."

As state representative, passed initiatives to reduce the tax burden on military retirement income.

- Plans to bolster Georgia's economy by cutting taxes, including raising child deductions, doubling homestead exemptions, and reducing state income tax.
- Plans to expedite Georgia's income tax reduction to 5.39% with Governor Kemp, Lt. Governor Jones, and Republican legislators, aiming to lower it further before the decade's end.
- Supports tax relief, crediting the suspension of motor fuel taxes for saving money and maintaining low gas prices in Georgia.
- Said, "When the General Assembly convenes for our normal 2024 legislative session in January, we will continue to see how we can lower the tax burden on businesses and families while keeping Georgia competitive in economic development and job creation."
- Plans to further reduce Georgia's already low tax rates for businesses and families, asserting that tax revenue belongs to the people, not the government, and emphasizing the state's strong fiscal health and conservative budgeting.
- Plans to collaborate with Senate members and Governor Kemp to streamline the process for military spouses to obtain professional licenses.
- Supports the economic and community significance of ports, acknowledging their role in local livelihoods, and commits to aiding nearby neighborhoods with a $6 million donation to the Port of Savannah Workforce Housing Initiative through Housing Savannah, Inc.
- Supports tax cuts, healthcare reforms, and accountability for District Attorneys.
- Supports increasing retirement benefits for law enforcement.
- Supported HB1010—Increasing Paid Parental Leave for state employees from 3 weeks to 6 weeks.
- As state representative, passed initiatives to reduce the tax burden on military retirement income.

Economy

As of March 19, 2024, Jon G. Burns’s website did not contain information on this issue.

Energy & the Environment

Supports HB 1339 to enhance rural healthcare by building hospitals, increasing psychiatric beds, aiding maternal services, and boosting funding for rural hospital tax credits in Georgia.

Supports advancing rural healthcare by introducing HB 1339 to streamline facility construction, establish a health coverage commission, and enhance state healthcare coverage, aiming to improve health outcomes in rural Georgia.

Said, "Community-based clinics are just one way we’re addressing the complex healthcare needs of a growing, thriving state."

- Supports HB 1339 to enhance rural healthcare by building hospitals, increasing psychiatric beds, aiding maternal services, and boosting funding for rural hospital tax credits in Georgia.
- Supports advancing rural healthcare by introducing HB 1339 to streamline facility construction, establish a health coverage commission, and enhance state healthcare coverage, aiming to improve health outcomes in rural Georgia.
- Said, "Community-based clinics are just one way we’re addressing the complex healthcare needs of a growing, thriving state."

Healthcare

Supports contribution limits of $2,800 per regular election and $1,600 per runoff, prohibits foreign donations, and mandates reporting donors exceeding $100 for transparency. Notes contributions aren't tax-deductible.

Said, "Over the past week, we were also able to move forward legislation that safeguards our elections by creating penalties for election interference using generative Artificial Intelligence (AI), increasing retirement benefits for law enforcement, and protecting our children from bad actors."

Supports creating penalties for election interference using generative Artificial Intelligence (AI).

The candidate's website says, "HB 977—Creating Risk-Limiting Election Audits to better secure our elections"

Supports HB 977, which creates Risk-Limiting Election Audits to better secure elections.

- Supports contribution limits of $2,800 per regular election and $1,600 per runoff, prohibits foreign donations, and mandates reporting donors exceeding $100 for transparency. Notes contributions aren't tax-deductible.
- Supports creating penalties for election interference using generative Artificial Intelligence (AI).
- Supports HB 977, which creates Risk-Limiting Election Audits to better secure elections.

Voting & Elections

Supports collaboration with local partners to combat crime and enhance public safety in Atlanta, and endorses legislation defining antisemitism and imposing penalties for hate-motivated crimes to affirm the state's intolerance of hate.

Supports collaboration with local partners to combat crime and enhance public safety in Atlanta, and endorses legislation defining antisemitism and imposing penalties for hate-motivated crimes.

Said, "The Georgia House of Representatives also adopted two resolutions ... the other in support of law enforcement and the long overdue construction of a new public safety training center in Atlanta. ... While supporting ... law enforcement may seem like fundamental American values, several Democratic party members either abstained or voted against these measures. ..."

Supported a resolution by The Georgia House of Representatives in support of law enforcement and the construction of a new public safety training center in Atlanta.

The candidate's website says, "HR1019—Supporting Border Security by empowering Governor Kemp to send additional resources to the southern border"

Supports HR1019, empowering Governor Kemp to send additional resources to the southern border.

- Supports collaboration with local partners to combat crime and enhance public safety in Atlanta, and endorses legislation defining antisemitism and imposing penalties for hate-motivated crimes.
- Supported a resolution by The Georgia House of Representatives in support of law enforcement and the construction of a new public safety training center in Atlanta.
- Supports HR1019, empowering Governor Kemp to send additional resources to the southern border.

Public Safety

Plans to enhance Georgia's Pre-K system by reducing class sizes, raising teacher salaries, and increasing start-up funds, building on the Georgia Early Literacy Act to improve literacy and early learning for long-term educational benefits.

Supports early literacy as crucial for academic and career success; praises wife Dayle's advocacy for children's literacy and her speech to the Georgia Council on Literacy, emphasizing collaborative efforts to enhance early childhood literacy in Georgia.

Supports early literacy as crucial for academic and career success.

Supports Georgia Match, a program initiated by Governor Kemp to facilitate college access for Georgia students through collaboration with state educational systems and agencies, targeting those who doubt their eligibility for higher education.

- Plans to enhance Georgia's Pre-K system by reducing class sizes, raising teacher salaries, and increasing start-up funds, building on the Georgia Early Literacy Act to improve literacy and early learning for long-term educational benefits.
- Supports early literacy as crucial for academic and career success.
- Supports Georgia Match, a program initiated by Governor Kemp to facilitate college access for Georgia students through collaboration with state educational systems and agencies, targeting those who doubt their eligibility for higher education.

Education

Facebook

Jon G. Burns

Speaker Jon Burns was born and raised in Effingham County, Georgia, where he currently resides on the family farm with his wife, Dayle. He graduated from Effingham County High School and earned his Bachelor's degree in Political Science from Georgia Southern College, also holding a Juris Doctor degree from John Marshall Law School. The Burns are active members at Mizpah Church and have a family that includes children and five grandchildren.

Outside of his legislative roles, he has experience running an agribusiness company.

Jon G. Burns was elected as Georgia’s 75th Speaker of the House of Representatives in January 2023 and has been serving in the House since 2004, representing the 159th legislative district. Prior to his election as Speaker, he served as House Majority Leader from 2015 and has chaired the House Game, Fish & Parks Committee as well as the House Special Rules Committee. Most recently, he named Representative Butch Parrish as the new House Rules Chairman.

- Plans to bolster Georgia's economy by cutting taxes, including raising child deductions, doubling homestead exemptions, and reducing state income tax
- Plans to expedite Georgia's income tax reduction to 5.39% with Governor Kemp, Lt. Governor Jones, and Republican legislators, aiming to lower it further before the decade's end.
- Supports tax relief, crediting the suspension of motor fuel taxes for saving money and maintaining low gas prices in Georgia
- Said, "When the General Assembly convenes for our normal 2024 legislative session in January, we will continue to see how we can lower the tax burden on businesses and families while keeping Georgia competitive in economic development and job creation."
- Plans to further reduce Georgia's already low tax rates for businesses and families, asserting that tax revenue belongs to the people, not the government, and emphasizing the state's strong fiscal health and conservative budgeting.
- Said, "In recent years, working with Governor Brian Kemp, we have passed initiatives to reduce the tax burden on military retirement income..."
- Plans to collaborate with Senate members and Governor Kemp to streamline the process for military spouses to obtain professional licenses
- Supports the economic and community significance of ports, acknowledging their role in local livelihoods, and commits to aiding nearby neighborhoods with a $6 million donation to the Port of Savannah Workforce Housing Initiative through Housing Savannah, Inc.
- Supported HB1010—Increasing Paid Parental Leave for state employees from 3 weeks to 6 weeks.
- Supports tax cuts, healthcare reforms, and accountability for District Attorneys
- Supports increasing retirement benefits for law enforcement

- Supports contribution limits of $2,800 per regular election and $1,600 per runoff, prohibits foreign donations, and mandates reporting donors exceeding $100 for transparency. Notes contributions aren't tax-deductible.
- Supports creating penalties for election interference using generative Artificial Intelligence (AI)
- Supports HB 977—Creating Risk-Limiting Election Audits to better secure our elections

- Supports collaboration with local partners to combat crime and enhance public safety in Atlanta, and endorses legislation defining antisemitism and imposing penalties for hate-motivated crimes
- Supported a resolution by The Georgia House of Representatives in support of law enforcement and the construction of a new public safety training center in Atlanta
- Supports HR1019, empowering Governor Kemp to send additional resources to the southern border

- Plans to enhance Georgia's Pre-K system by reducing class sizes, raising teacher salaries, and increasing start-up funds, building on the Georgia Early Literacy Act to improve literacy and early learning for long-term educational benefits.
- Supports early literacy as crucial for academic and career success
- Supports Georgia Match, a program initiated by Governor Kemp to facilitate college access for Georgia students through collaboration with state educational systems and agencies, targeting those who doubt their eligibility for higher education.

Jon G. Burns is the 75th Speaker of the Georgia House of Representatives, representing the 159th legislative district, a position he was elected to in January 2023. He was first elected to the House in 2004 and has previously served as House Majority Leader from 2015 until his nomination as Speaker. Prior to being Majority Leader, he served as Chairman of the House Game, Fish & Parks Committee and as Chairman of the House Special Rules Committee. Outside of his legislative roles, he has experience running an agribusiness company.

The candidate's website says, "Revalyu is a global leader in plastic bottle recycling. Thanks to their technical expertise, single-use plastic no longer needs to be considered waste, but rather a valuable resource that can be recycled efficiently and effectively."

The candidate's website says, "Georgia is blessed to be home to some amazing natural beauty and wonders... few states enjoy such diversity of natural treasures providing abundant recreational opportunities for all to enjoy."

The candidate's website says, "In total, this is a huge step forward to increase access to healthcare across our state—particularly in our rural communities—and will help Georgians live healthier, longer, and more fulfilling lives."

Supports healthcare improvements in Georgia, highlighting recent progress in maternal health, telemedicine, and mental health, and celebrates the passage of HB 1339 to enhance affordable healthcare access, especially in rural areas.

The candidate's website says, "Just as important is the availability and affordability of high quality healthcare... finding high quality healthcare can be difficult — particularly for Georgians with limited means."

The candidate's website says, "Many communities around the state ... are opening community-based health centers focusing on preventative and primary care. ... preventing and promptly treating illnesses can avoid more costly care later on."

The candidate's website says, "HB 1037—Creating a Maternal Mortality Commission to continue addressing an important healthcare crisis in our state."

The candidate's website says, "Every donation of blood can help up to three individuals receiving medical care, and as we know, every life is priceless."

The candidate's website says, "Mrs. Carter was a tireless champion for those struggling with mental health issues – both while in the White House and later through her decades of work with the Carter Center. She cared deeply about those who needed help."

The candidate's website says, "The State of Georgia has attempted to work with the federal government to find state-specific solutions to cover more uninsured and underinsured Georgians... we know there is still more work to do."

Said, "I was greeted by warm, smiling faces — healthcare professionals who have answered a call to serve their neighbors and their community. I also saw the amazing impact these centers can have on those they serve."

Said, "As I discussed with the Council, one of the ways we are working to meet the healthcare needs of Georgians is ensuring we have enough medical professionals — doctors, nurses and specialists — to treat our growing population."

Said, "I so appreciate Georgia Southern, Augusta University, and the University System of Georgia working together to launch this transformative campus which will mean better healthcare for Georgians for generations to come."

Said, "I was proud to welcome 25 House members — many committee chairmen and subject matter experts — to Statesboro to hear testimony and review the facts facing our rural communities when it comes to healthcare."

Said, "Last Thursday, we adjourned the 2023 Special Session after adopting new state House, Senate and Congressional district maps in compliance with the federal court order. Governor Brian Kemp signed these new maps into law shortly thereafter."

The candidate's website says, "All these maps comply with the instructions of the federal judge, who overturned the maps the General Assembly approved two years ago... These new maps will go to the judge for consideration before his December 8th deadline..."

The candidate's website says, "In addition, the state is still planning to appeal the judge’s ruling to a higher federal court so that we may get our originally adopted maps restored."

Said, "Georgia is not alone in this fight as several other states have had their maps overturned in court under similar circumstances... Regardless of how maps are drawn this time, I am sure litigation will continue for many years to come."

The candidate's website says, "The General Assembly must meet and adopt new legislative and congressional maps prior to December 8th or the judge will enact maps of his own design and choosing."

The candidate's website says, "While the underlying litigation is likely to be appealed, the General Assembly will have to redraw the maps to comply with the court’s order in the meantime."

The candidate's website says, "Georgia will have to hold a special session of the General Assembly next month. A U.S. District Court ruling invalidated Georgia’s electoral maps drawn by the legislature in 2021 and used during the 2022 elections."

The candidate's website says, "Last week, both the House and Senate adopted new maps for their respective legislative districts... Late Friday afternoon a new congressional map was introduced and will also be considered this week."

Said, "On Wednesday, November 29, we will convene a Special Session of the Georgia General Assembly as called by the Governor to deal with a federal court ruling on redistricting."

The candidate's website says, "The maps now go to the federal court for its review. A further hearing is scheduled for December 20th, so we should have some guidance on the court’s further orders in the near future."

Supports law enforcement; honored officers at Capitol event; acknowledges their daily sacrifices; commits to ongoing support for their service.

The candidate's website says, "Press conference with Governor Kemp, Lieutenant Governor Jones and House and Senate members to discuss border security and supporting Governor’s decision to send National Guard members to southern border. (Photo Credit House Media Services)"

Said, "The brave men and women who serve as firefighters and police officers constantly put their own personal safety on the line to protect and serve others... celebrating those brave men and women who have demonstrated exceptional courage in the line of duty."

Said, "I appreciate Our 200 Club’s commitment to caring for families of police officers and firefighters who are killed in the line of duty. This group and their selflessness demonstrates the great generosity and humanity amongst our community."

Said, "Colonel Hitchens has served our state for 28 years as a state trooper and will ably guide our Department of Public Safety as he assumes this new role."

The candidate's website says, "Established in 1937, the Georgia Department of Public Safety, comprised of the Georgia State Patrol, Motor Carrier Compliance Division, and the Capitol Police, is among the premier law enforcement agencies in the nation... We appreciate the service and sacrifice of all those who wear the badge and serve Georgians."

Said, "We continue to pray for the many Israelis, Americans and others who have been killed, injured or taken hostage by the terrorists. We pray that God’s will be done and that Israel’s enemies are once again defeated."

The candidate's website says, "Since Governor Brian Kemp took office in 2019, he has worked shoulder to shoulder with the General Assembly to increase teacher pay by $7,000... That has brought Georgia’s average teacher pay to $61,000 a year..."

Said, "Georgia continues to invest in their success – investing half of our $32 billion annual budget in public education through our schools, technical colleges, and the university system."

Believes in the value of higher education, highlighting the positive impact of the HOPE Scholarship and the significant enrollment and graduation rates within the 26-institution system.

Plans for Georgia Southern University to significantly contribute to medical education by opening a new medical school in Savannah through a partnership with Augusta University, eventually enrolling 140 students yearly.

Said, "As we continue to work to highlight the importance of literacy and reading instruction... We know that reading is fundamental to success in education... and I am proud to support efforts to increase our state’s literacy rate amongst our young people."

The candidate's website says, "This week, 120,000 Georgia seniors will receive a letter from the Governor informing them of the public institutions of higher education that have a spot reserved for them... All the student needs to do is accept the reservation — no application or application fee required."

Said, "We know that a quality education at an early age is a critical factor to success later in life. That’s why we continue to devote more resources to our educational system."

Said, "In the State of Georgia, we devote more $15 billion a year to education between our public schools, technical colleges and the university system – that’s approximately half of our entire state budget."

Supports Georgia Match, a program to show Georgia students the options Georgia affords for them to continue their education

Said, "Thanks to our Georgia Lottery, approximately $1.5 billion a year is contributed to support HOPE scholarships and grants as well as Pre-K education."

The candidate's website says, "The Georgia General Assembly passed House Bill 538, the Georgia Early Literacy Act... This measure requires the Department of Early Care and Learning to provide for evidence-based literacy instructing training requirements for certain teachers."

Said, "We have a great deal of work ahead to make sure that every child is able to read... every student who learns to read – changes a life for the better and opens a world of opportunity to them..."

Said, "Students must be a junior or senior in a college or university in the State of Georgia at the time of the internship... Applications must be submitted by the sponsoring-institution by Tuesday, October 17."

Said, "On Thursday, I had the honor of welcoming Governor Kemp to the House Chamber as he delivered his State of the State address... One of those was the announcement of a new dental school at Georgia Southern University, which we would be a huge boost to Statesboro, the University, and so many communities across Southeast Georgia..."

Believes in the unique successes and challenges of state universities, recognizing them as key to advanced learning and future workforce development, while acknowledging the need for diverse educational strategies.

The candidate's website says, "Congratulations to Statesboro High School's Architecture & Construction students for winning first place overall in the competition! Thanks also to all the teachers, parents, and sponsors who made this event possible."

Said, "Last Thursday, I visited with students from around the region at the Bulloch County Agricultural Complex for the Skills USA Challenge... this competition brought students together to compete in a number of trade-related skill competitions like blueprint reading, carpentry, ... plumbing, and welding."

Said, "The state takes seriously our investment in the future of our children through education... I was honored to visit with many of the presidents of our University System of Georgia institutions..."

Said, "I appreciate the leadership of Chancellor Sonny Perdue and our University System of Georgia Board of Regents as they work shoulder-to-shoulder with institution presidents to keep our universities among the best in the nation."

Said, "Malcolm Mitchell at a reading rally in Effingham County last Tuesday... has dedicated much of his time and energy toward sharing the joy of reading with children – authoring three children’s books to date."

Said, "Later this week, my beloved wife, Dayle, herself a retired educator, will be addressing Georgia’s Literacy Council at Kennesaw State University... And next week I look forward to... reading to children at Guyton Elementary as we continue to celebrate reading in Georgia."

Said, "I appreciate their teachers and the school staff who invited me and made this special day possible. As always, it was a pleasure to see the caring, dedicated professionals who work every day to teach students."

Said, "Also on Tuesday, I was glad to join students at Guyton Elementary to read to them... Reading to students is a joy and one that hopefully helps to inspire them on a lifelong love of books..."

The candidate's website says, "That’s why this past legislative session the Georgia General Assembly passed Senate Bill 211, sponsored by Senator Billy Hickman, creating the Georgia Council on Literacy."

The candidate's website says, "This group made up of legislators, educational professionals, and concerned citizens is working together to increase Georgia’s literacy rates."

Said, "We know that if children can’t read that higher learning becomes more and more difficult as they age."

The candidate's website says, "Each legislative session the Georgia House of Representatives is fortunate to have several college students serve as interns. These interns work alongside members and staff while learning on the job."

Said, "Throughout the week, we had the privilege of speaking to the FFA Georgia group... a fantastic delegation from Georgia Southern... One of the best parts of my job is meeting with Georgians from across the state, hearing about their passions and issues, and working with them to make a real difference..."

Said, "Last week, I celebrated National Literacy Month by reading to students at Springfield Elementary School and Ebenezer Elementary School... I had a great time sharing these books with the students."

- Your state representative represents the interests of your local district in the Georgia State House of Representatives.
- Your state representative can author, sponsor, and vote on bills that may become state laws. All bills dealing with the state budget originate in the Georgia House of Representatives.
- The State House of Representatives, along with the State Senate, makes up our state lawmaking body: the Georgia General Assembly.
- There are 180 members of the Georgia House of Representatives, each representing a single district.
- State Representatives are elected to two-year terms. They are paid a yearly salary of $17,342. They only serve in the role part-time.

Georgia State Representative, District 159, Republican Primary

Election results

Candidates (1)