Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp tells business group he wants to spend $1.8 billion more on infrastructure

Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp told a business group on Wednesday that he’ll propose $1.8 billion in additional spending on infrastructure, as well as expand health care training for dentists and physicians, showing how the state’s $11 billion in surplus cash is giving the Republican the power to spend big even as state revenues slow.

Kemp also told the Georgia Chamber of Commerce, meeting at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, that he’ll need more than a year to follow through on an earlier pledge to limit lawsuits, and that he’ll also make it harder for the workers to join a labor union at the big developments Georgia is subsidizing.

“If we want to maintain the incredible position we’re in today for another generation, we need to make smart moves right now to secure that future,” Kemp said, arguing his plans would keep Georgia’s economy humming.