Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! Too often we are caught up in “political correctness” and miss the reason for the season. I am proud to wish you great tidings of joy and hope you will pass it along. 

This Thanksgiving, we have so much to be grateful for as fellow Georgians and proud citizens of this great nation. I am deeply honored and humbled by the privilege to serve you, and I am thankful every day for the trust you place in me.

As we gather with family and friends to celebrate the blessings of the season, let us also remember those who may be facing hardships. A simple act of kindness can make a meaningful difference in the lives of others. Sharing our time, resources and support reflects the true spirit of Thanksgiving.

Thanksgiving has a rich and meaningful history in our country, and the tradition dates back to the early 1600s. Pilgrims and American Indians came together to share a harvest meal in a spirit of cooperation and gratitude. Over time, this moment of unity and appreciation for God’s provision became a cherished American tradition. It was later formalized by President Abraham Lincoln, when he declared Thanksgiving a national holiday during the Civil War to bring comfort, reflection and hope to a divided nation. Today, we continue this tradition as a reminder of resilience, faith, and the enduring strength of the American spirit.

This holiday is a perfect moment to pause and reflect on how fortunate we are. The vision and sacrifices of our Founding Fathers made possible a nation rooted in liberty, opportunity and the belief that every person can pursue their God-given potential. Our freedoms today stand as a testament to their courage and unwavering commitment to a brighter future.

We are also profoundly thankful for the generations of first responders and military service members who have dedicated their lives to protecting our communities and defending our country. Their bravery, sacrifice, and steadfast service ensure that our families can live in safety, enjoy prosperity and celebrate the holidays in peace.

May this season bring renewed hope, joy, and gratitude to you and your loved ones. From the Albers family to your family, we wish you a safe, blessed, and very Happy Thanksgiving!

Veterans Day is a solemn reminder that the freedoms we enjoy were realized through courage, sacrifice and an unwavering devotion to duty. Our veterans stood on the front lines of liberty, answered the call when our nation needed them most and protected the values that define America. Generations of my family served the military and as first responders, which fills me with pride every day.

We honor them not only for their service, but for their character and for choosing service over self. We also recognize them for defending the innocent, and for carrying the torch of freedom to every corner of the world. Their example inspires us to remain vigilant in safeguarding our great republic, which they swore to protect.

In Georgia, we take pride in leading the nation in supporting our veterans and military families. We have prioritized strengthening veterans’ healthcare access and job training opportunities, expanding educational benefits, and supporting veteran-owned businesses. These efforts ensure that those who served receive the respect and resources they have earned.

It has been my priority to support the brave men and women who wore the uniform. I have authored and passed legislation to help our veterans reintegrate, thrive, and receive the benefits they deserve.

On Veterans Day and every day, let us remember that our freedoms are never free. We owe a debt of gratitude that can never be fully repaid. We can honor our veterans by living as responsible citizens, defending the values they fought for and offering sincere thanks to every man and woman who served in the United States Armed Forces. God Bless America and our Veterans!

On November 11th, we honor America’s veterans for their patriotism, love of country, and willingness to serve and sacrifice for the our great nation. It is my hope in prayer that everyday is considered Veterans Day and we always recognize and support those who served.

Heaven has a new angel with the loss on earth of my friend and colleague, Georgia State Representative Mandi Ballinger. She was a champion for so many people and her legacy of service, family, and community lives on in Cherokee County…

This is a unique election cycle with both local municipal races as well as statewide candidates for the Public Service Commission. We also have important questions to implement Fulton senior school tax exemptions for property taxes and a TSPLOST in Cherokee County. Election day is November 4th with early voting well underway.

You can vote in person early, on election day or by mail. My tradition is to vote on election day and oftentimes as the first person at my precinct. You can follow the links below for times and locations.

Cobb County Elections – https://www.cobbcounty.gov/elections
Cherokee County Elections – https://cherokeegavotes.com/
Fulton County Elections – https://www.fultoncountyga.gov/Inside-Fulton-County/Fulton-County-Departments/Registration-and-Elections

Georgia leads the nation as we enter the final quarter of 2025. Our conservative policies have led to record low unemployment far below the national average. It feels like every week Governor Kemp and Lt. Governor Jones are announcing a new company or major expansion coming to our beloved state. I will continue to work tirelessly to keep Georgia the #1 place to live, work, and raise a family…

Today marks 24 years since 9/11/01. Do you remember how you felt on September 11th, and the days after? Did you thank a police officer or give blood? Did you have a tear in your eye when you passed a fire station? Did you talk to complete strangers or give grace and forgiveness to those you previously denied it? Did you rethink your priorities or just hug your family and say I love you more often? Did you proudly display the American flag?

Each of us was affected in different ways. First Responders all over the country went on high alert to protect the homeland. Today, we still stand ready and answer the call. September 11th, also known as Patriot Day is to remember and support our Police, Firefighters, EMS & 911 dispatchers.

September 11, 2001, 2,977 people died – of the fallen were 343 firefighters and 72 police officers. Their actions and sacrifice saved thousands of our families and friends.

We Will Never Forget! May God bless you, our great state of Georgia, and the United States of America.

Work continues for you at the GA Capitol as summer winds down. One major initiative is Next Generation 911, which ensures that our emergency services have the best technology to help in your time of need. As the Senate Chairman of Public Safety, I appointed a subcommittee to work on this issue and to meet with and hear from experts this fall.

Today, Senator John Albers (R–Roswell) joined Roswell Police Chief Jim Conroy, Mayor Kurt Wilson, members of the Labonte family, and first responders from across the community to dedicate the Officer Jeremy Labonte Memorial Interchange.

The ceremony, held at Roswell Police Department Headquarters, honored Officer Labonte’s life and service to the Roswell community. The newly named interchange will stand as a lasting reminder of his sacrifice and the gratitude of those he protected.

“Officer Labonte embodied the very best of law enforcement – courage, honor and a commitment to protecting others,” said Sen. Albers. “His legacy will live on through the Officer Jeremy Labonte Memorial Interchange as a symbol of our community’s respect for those who wear the badge. We are forever indebted to him and to his family for their sacrifice, and I’ll continue to make sure Georgia always backs the blue.”

The dedication serves as a visible reminder of Officer Labonte’s enduring impact on Roswell and the unwavering support Georgians hold for law enforcement officers and their families.

Sen. John Albers serves as Chairman of the Senate Committee on Public Safety. He represents the 56^th Senate District, which includes portions of Cherokee, Cobb and Fulton County. He may be reached at his office at 404.463.8055 or by email at [email protected].

Our new fiscal year started on July 1st and Georgia recently reported another excellent year of lowering taxes, conservative budgeting, and superior fiscal responsibility.  We have a balanced budget and no deficit.  We continue to lower the income tax and send tax rebates back to our families. After all, the government has no money – it is the taxpayers! We maintained our AAA bond rating, which is one of the best in the nation and are spending the same per capita when adjusted for inflation as we did 17 years ago. We have much to be proud of in Georgia!