The Grand Opening of the Gwinnett GOP Headquarters was an exciting day and all those in attendance were the first to hear some very surprising news. After 18 years of serving Georgia in Congress, Representative John Linder announced he will be retiring. I want to thank Representative Linder for his service and I know that those he represented will miss his leadership. Linder was a champion for tax reform and was a great voice for conservatives in Washington. I wish him well in retirement and hope that whoever succeeds him will represent Georgia’s 7th District just as he has – by standing strong on conservative principles. I was honored to join Representative Linder and other elected officials in the ribbon cutting ceremony. The opening of this headquarters is an indication of how much the Gwinnett GOP has grown under Chairman Chuck Efstraton’s leadership. The new office will be instrumental in organizing the grassroots efforts that are going to keep conservative candidates representing Gwinnett County in all levels of government.
In my remarks to the standing room only crowd, I touched on the importance of bold leadership and sticking to conservative principles in these tough times. It seems that those in Washington think taxing and spending can dig us out of this mess. But I know that everyone I spoke with on Saturday agrees that Government’s role is not to create jobs, but rather to create a pro-growth environment in which businesses and Georgians can thrive.
The morning was only made better by having the opportunity to catch up with close friends and long time supporters in Gwinnett County. It’s always a pleasure to see Sheriff Butch Conway, Sen. Don Balfour, Rep. Donna Sheldon, and Mayor Rex Millsaps. I also want to thank some of my closest supporters – Mary Alice Carter, Phil DaCosta, Jim Elgar, and Brett Harrell for their continued support and help on the campaign trail.

I was honored this weekend to be invited to speak at the Georgia Christian Alliance’s Family, Faith, & Freedom Kickoff. Hundreds gathered at Riverwood High School to hear candidates for all statewide races and many other elected officials. Sadie Fields pulled off another great event this year and we were delighted to be a part of this gathering of Christian, conservative Georgians. I was overwhelmed by supporters and well wishers and enjoyed seeing so many familiar faces.

Those in attendance also had the opportunity to see candidates for Secretary of State, Insurance Commissioner, Agriculture Commissioner, and of course Governor in a forum setting to discuss issues. Also addressing the crowd were Congressmen Tom Price, Lynn Westmoreland, and Phil Gingrey, along with Senator Johnny Isakson.

In my remarks, I touched on the importance of approaching Georgia’s challenges with Christian hearts and minds, and discussed the importance of bold leadership in challenging times. The stories of Abraham, Moses, David, Peter, Paul, and of course Jesus Christ all serve as tremendous examples of bold, Christian leadership that remain relevant to this day.

By preserving our values, promoting fresh thinking, and forming new solutions, the Georgia Christian Alliance working in partnership with conservative elected officials lay the foundation for future Georgians’ potential and success. I want to thank all of those who attended for their efforts to put our shared conservative ideas into action. The countless phone calls made, rallies attended, flyers distributed, and emails sent make a difference every day.

To be surrounded by so many like-minded Georgians reminds me of the strength of our state what we are capable of when we work together for a common cause. I want to again thank Sadie Fields for the opportunity to co-host this event. We look forward to future events and working alongside these great activists to advance our shared goals.

Last night, Lt. Governor Cagle had the pleasure of joining the Conservative Policy Leadership Institute at the Commerce Club in Atlanta for a reception. He was very honored, as were his Senate colleagues Tommy Williams and Chip Rogers, to be presented the “Founders Club” award by our good friend Representative Ed Lindsay.

The CPLI is comprised of elected or appointed officials, community leaders, and policy advisors in partnership with the Georgia Public Policy Foundation. These future leaders demonstrate the leadership experience and desire to advance conservative issues and shape the public policy debate.

This “Founders Club” recognition comes from like-minded conservatives who are share the same concerns and principles as Casey. Groups like the Conservative Policy Leadership Institute play an important role in working with Georgia’s elected officials to shape the future of our state.

Lt. Governor Cagle and Speaker Ralston today announced that state Senators and Representatives will take an additional six furlough days through the remainder of the fiscal year.

The announcement brings the total number of furlough days for legislators this fiscal year to 11, and will be a savings to the state of nearly $3 million. Additionally, the General Assembly voted to cut its budget by 8% to help bring the budget into balance.

The Lt. Governor and Speaker issued the following joint statement:

“Now that we have an even more realistic picture of our state’s revenue for the remainder of this fiscal year, we are announcing an additional six days of furloughs for General Assembly members, including ourselves. As elected leaders, we must lead by example and we are not immune to the revenue shortfalls that are affecting our state and our families. That is why we are committed to doing our small part to balance the budget.”

On Thursday Team Cagle was joined by over 100 friends who braved the snow to gather in support for Lt. Governor Cagle’s reelection campaign in advance of the 2010 legislative session. Among those who headlined the event were Governor Sonny Perdue, Senator Williams, Senator Rogers, and over a 20 other state Senators. The room was packed and spirits were high as everyone lined up to shake hands and wish the Lt. Governor well with the campaign and session.

It was standing room only when Senator Rogers kicked off the event. Introducing the Governor, Rogers lauded him for his service. In his introductory remarks for the Lt Governor, Governor Perdue said, “Casey Cagle has been an absolutely great partner and I want to thank him personally for that. Whoever takes my spot will be well served by having someone who has been through these 4 years.”

Our entire team was overwhelemd by the support for Casey. The fundraiser was a huge success, and we look forward to building on the campaign’s momentum in the coming months.

Dear Friend,

At Christmas, we reflect on the year that has passed and give thanks for the many blessings in each of our lives. I cherish your prayers, support, and friendship.

In the spirit of Christmas, I invite you to join the Cagle Family in supporting a local charity or contributing to a cause that is close to your heart.

On behalf of my wife Nita and my boys Jared, Grant, and Carter, I wish you and yours a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.

Sincerely,
Casey

Yesterday, Team Cagle was in Middle Georgia for a fundraising reception with Sandersville area supporters, followed by a speaking engagement with the Sandersville Rotary Club. Casey was able to catch up with old friends and meet many new friends, too.

At Rosa M. Tarbutton Memorial Library, Casey thanked the packed room for their generous contributions and support, then answered questions about how his vision for the future of Georgia include Washington County. The library serves as a wonderful place for community gathering and education, and we sincerely appreciate the opportunity to get together there for a reception.

Down the road at the Twin City Country Club in Tennille, we mingled and lunched with Sandersville Rotarians and took part in their proceedings. Casey spoke about limited government, keeping all Georgia communities interconnected, focusing on economic and educational opportunity, and the need for improved state-wide connectivity through transportation. He concluded his remarks with commendation for the gentlemen’s’ service to their community.

We count our blessings each time we are greeted with open arms and smiling faces along the campaign trail. We continue to be humbled by the support for the Lt. Governor and his upcoming re-election.

Thank you to everyone that welcomed us throughout the day and we look forward to visiting Washington County again soon!

Below is an op-ed that ran in last Thursday’s Washington Times newspaper. I want to hear from you — what do you think? Click the comments link above to join the conversation.

Thursday, November 26, 2009

Potentially crippling blow

Casey Cagle

As the focus of the health care reform debate in Washington has shifted from the U.S. House of Representatives to the U.S. Senate, the “public option” government-run insurance program continues to command the pundits’ attention. While the public option warrants significant discussion, I believe the media’s fixation on it obscures one of the most dangerous aspects of this legislation.

In its current form, the House Democrats’ health care bill would create a huge increase in the number of Americans eligible for government-run Medicaid health care. But these increased costs would not be covered by the federal government. Instead, they would be passed onto the states in the form of unfunded mandates – with Georgia being one of the most negatively impacted states.

Georgia would be one of just 14 states that would see the Medicaid-eligible population balloon by 45 percent. In fact, if the bill passes, the Heritage Foundation research indicates that as many as 1 in 5 Georgians would have access to a government-run health care entitlement.

Estimates indicate that over the five-year life span of the bafflingly titled Affordable Health Care for America Act, more than $2.4 billion in new expenses would be added to our state’s budget. Even a “watered down” alternative also being proposed could cost as much as $2 billion for Georgians.

This additional financial burden would crush our state budget. In Georgia, we have already witnessed a massive state budget shortfall caused by deteriorating economic conditions and dramatically lower tax revenue. Unlike Washington, our state constitution requires us to balance the budget each year.

As elected officials, we have two basic tools to achieve balance: Cut spending or increase taxes. I’m proud that Georgia state Senate Republicans addressed recent shortfalls without raising taxes during the 2009 legislative session. Together, we have cut billions from the budget, requiring state employee furloughs and state agencies sustaining cuts as high as 50 percent. We are already identifying additional budget cuts that will be necessary during the 2010 legislative session.

I recently sent a letter to Georgia’s U.S. Sens. Saxby Chambliss and Johnny Isakson, both Republicans, expressing my deep concern about the bill in its current form. I applauded their ongoing efforts to defeat this bill, and thanked them for their recent procedural vote against the bill, which I believe threatens to short-circuit our state’s potential for growth and progress.

The unfortunate reality is that if health care reform in its present form passes, no amount of cutting will bring our state budget into balance. While the Obama administration misleadingly states that tax increases in the bill only target the top 1 percent of wage earners, the truth is the health care bill will force an increase in taxes for all Georgians.

There are better health care solutions than trillions in new spending, increased taxes, and increased government intervention. In Georgia, we have made progress without raising taxes or increasing government interference. Those who are most at risk and cannot afford insurance can receive care through our Safety Net Clinics initiative, and the Senate passed a Health Care Marketplace initiative that offers insurance policy portability and small-business tax deductions for health insurance.

I’m confident that through the efforts of everyday citizens, business owners and elected officials, our nation will rebound from this economic downturn. Our state is poised to benefit tremendously as businesses considering relocation view Georgia as an attractive destination because of our low taxes, unmatched quality of life and thriving communities.

However, I fear our best efforts to prepare for success can be undermined by a massive unfunded mandate from the federal government that will cripple our state budget as never before.

Casey Cagle, a Republican, is lieutenant governor of Georgia.

Please click play below to view a Thanksgiving video message I want to share with you.

Lt. Governor Cagle delivered the following remarks to the 802nd Ordnance Company, which deploys today to Afghanistan.

To the soldiers of the Army’s 802nd Ordnance Company, we gather today not just to see you off and pray for your safe return, but to say thanks and recognize all you do in service to our nation. You deploy under the capable leadership of Captain Bostick, a culmination of countless hours of training and preparation. Yours is a Company that has great distinction and history, from liberating Europe from Nazi aggression in Belgium, Holland, and Germany, to most recently deploying in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom in December 2002.

This tradition of serving with distinction is realized by a number of people here today. I recognize and appreciate how, for many, service in the military is a family calling. To all the mothers, fathers, siblings, and grandparents who themselves are active duty or veterans, thank you for your service and sacrifice to our nation.

These soldiers will not only be protecting our nation, but will be helping another stand up and protect itself. A nation that less than a decade ago kept women from receiving an education and restricted their role in society. A nation that was once a staging ground for international terror, controlled by an oppressive regime that exploited its people for evil means. In spite of the many challenges we continue to face in Afghanistan, nobody can deny the signs of progress made possible by our men and women in uniform.

But, ultimately, your work is in the defense of our freedoms and our way of life. It is a living reminder that America’s enemies will be brought to justice, no matter how long it takes and no matter where they are. The message is clear: the capable men and women of our armed forces get the job done.

Finally, each of us here today recognizes that the sacrifice is endured not only by those who go, but by those who stay. Only these soldiers and their families can truly appreciate the lengths of courage and depth of conviction necessary to defend our nation. These soldiers and families are a living embodiment of “service over self.” And even if some of us cannot fully understand the extent of your sacrifice, we all cherish the lengths you will go to accomplish your mission.

Georgia will be praying for you, God will be watching over you, and we all eagerly await your safe return home. You make us proud.

Thank you.