Class of 2026 Government Day Sponsored by F&W Transportation
This year’s Government Day will be one to remember for the Class of 2026!
We began the day with an insightful discussion led by Sue Parr, President of Parr Policy Consulting, who provided an in‑depth look at the political structures, pressures, and policies shaping Augusta‑Richmond County. It was the perfect foundation for the day, underscoring the vital role our local and state legislators play and the ongoing challenges they face in serving their constituents. One of the most valuable takeaways was learning about the key bills currently prioritized in the House, including proposals focused on state income and property tax reductions.
After this eventful start, we boarded the bus and headed to the Georgia State Capitol to hear directly from our local legislators. Before arriving, we enjoyed an informative lunch session with Brian Robinson of Robinson Republic. With extensive experience in public affairs, he offered a fascinating overview of Georgia’s political landscape, including the historical context influencing the upcoming 2026 elections. What stood out most was how uniquely unpredictable Georgia’s political environment is compared to neighboring states—whether it’s House Bills or party races, Georgia never has a dull moment. Robinson also broke down the structure of state government, noting the significant role of the Governor, who appoints board members statewide and sets all annual budgets.
Following lunch, we made our way to the Capitol during its busiest season—the start of the annual legislative sessions. These sessions bring lawmakers together to debate, amend, and vote on legislation, budgets, and policy issues, and the bustling atmosphere made that energy unmistakable. We heard from our local delegation, Senator Max Burns and Senator Harold Jones II, who shared their perspectives on current priorities, including education concerns, property tax debates, and affordability for homebuyers. The day concluded with Brandon Reese of the Southern Group, who offered an inside look at contract lobbying. As someone personally interested in this field, it was incredibly valuable to hear about his career path and what it’s like to advocate on behalf of multiple industries and organizations.
One of the most wonderful surprises of the day was the special opportunity to tour the Capitol and hear from First Lady of the Georgia House of Representatives, Dayle Burns. She shared captivating stories about the Capitol’s rich history and offered an inside look at its most recent remodel—a thoughtful restoration that proudly incorporated Georgia‑made materials throughout the building. Her firsthand perspective made the experience especially meaningful, transforming the tour into a memorable moment of state pride and connection.
After a full day immersed in legislative insights, this trip truly felt like a once‑in‑a‑lifetime experience for our Leadership Augusta class. It reinforced the value of understanding our political structures, staying informed on policy discussions, and building meaningful relationships with our local delegation. On behalf of our 2026 Best Class Ever, I want to extend a heartfelt thank you to our Day Chairs, Margie Miller, VP of Government Relations, and Ashton Blackwood Paine, Director of State Government at Augusta University, for carving out time for us to engage with our elected officials. I am also sincerely grateful to our Class Chairs, Sarah Childers and Taylor Lamb, for making this class experience truly memorable. And a special thank you to Miranda Ewing, our Leadership Augusta Coordinator, who’s behind‑the‑scenes efforts and relentless scheduling work ensured we had the best day possible.
And thank you to this class day's Ambassador Sponsor, F&W Tranportation!
Class of 2026, Hillary Cameron
