AUGUSTA, Ga. () – In a rare show of bipartisanship, Georgia State Senator Harold Jones II and State Representative Blake Tillery addressed the Augusta Rotary Club on Monday, October 20, 2025. The gathering aimed to foster dialogue and community engagement by bringing together leaders from both sides of the political aisle.

During their speeches, Jones and Tillery tackled several pressing issues affecting the state. Senator Jones highlighted upcoming legislative concerns, particularly focusing on the commercial and public safety implications of THC-infused hemp. “I do think two things that will come up will be the vaping issue and also the THC hemp issue,” Jones remarked. He noted that a loophole permitting the sale of THC-infused hemp is set to spark debate due to its potential impact on economic development and safety.

On the economic front, Representative Tillery addressed the financial pressures faced by Georgians, emphasizing the burden of rising costs in childcare, groceries, and gas. “The two big issues right now are people feeling the crunch in their pocketbook,” Tillery stated. He proposed a significant policy shift, suggesting that eliminating Georgia’s income tax could effectively provide residents with a five percent raise, thus alleviating financial strain. Tillery also underscored safety as another top concern for constituents.

“I do think two things that will come up will be vaping issue and also the THC hemp issue will be coming up too,” said Jones. “It’s a loophole in there that basically allows you to sell THC infused hemp. So I know that’s going to be an issue that we’re going to be looking at because it has economic development issues and of course it also has public safety issues, too.

“The two big issues right now are people are feeling the crunch in their pocketbook on childcare, groceries and gas,” Tillery said. “If we could take Georgia’s income tax to zero, we can give them a five percent raise overnight. Their second biggest issue is safety.”

The 2026 legislative session begins in January.

Photojournalist credit: Gary Hipps