Published 4:55 pm Thursday, August 20, 2026 ATLANTA — Facing renewed pressure over his business dealings as he runs for Georgia governor, Republican Rick Jackson pledged to end his healthcare contracting with the state by Dec. 31 if he wins the election against Democrat Keisha Lance Bottoms. Appearing at an Atlanta barbershop with a handful of supporters Thursday, Jackson also pledged to cut taxes and the state budget during an event billed as a partial reveal of his affordability agenda. If elected, he said he would eliminate state taxes on the electricity and natural gas delivered to residences. He said he would gradually cut the state income tax in half and also eliminate the state income tax on tips, building on the limited exemption passed into law by the General Assembly this year. He said he would sign onto a federal tax credit program that reimburses taxpayers for donations toward private school scholarships as Gov. Brian Kemp did earlier this year. And he said that sudden spikes in gasoline prices caused by international conflicts, natural disasters or other emergencies would trigger eliminations of the state motor fuel tax for at least 60 days. “Government should not collect a windfall when families are being hit [by an] emergency,” said Jackson, speaking at a lectern at Tommy’s Barbershop in Atlanta. “Earn More. Pay Less,” said a sign affixed to the lectern. Jackson said he knew about economic distress, having been raised by an alcoholic mother who waited tables…
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