Congressman Brian Jack Hosts Roundtable on Speaker Tom Murphy’s Legacy with Speaker of the Georgia House of Representatives Jon Burns

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Regan Hinson

CARROLL COUNTY, GA - Today, Congressman Brian Jack hosted a roundtable discussion at the University of West Georgia's Ingram Library on the legacy of the late Speaker Tom Murphy with the current Speaker of the Georgia House of Representatives, Jon Burns. Together, Congressman Jack and Speaker Burns toured a replica of Speaker Murphy's office exhibited in the Ingram Library, and hosted a wide-ranging discussion on lessons learned from the leadership of Speaker Murphy.

Congressman Brian Jack said, "I am honored to welcome Speaker of the Georgia House of Representatives Jon Burns to the University of West Georgia to discuss the legacy and leadership of the late Speaker Tom Murphy.

As we celebrate our country's 250th anniversary, I am proud to honor the memory of one of the greatest Georgians to ever come from our district: the longest-serving Speaker of the Georgia House of Representatives in our state's history, Tom Murphy.

"Speaker Burns and I toured Speaker Murphy's replica office preserved in the Ingram Library, and we had an insightful discussion with Speaker Murphy's children, former aides, and legislators who previously served in the General Assembly with him.

Thank you to Speaker Burns, the University of West Georgia, and the Murphy family for working with me to organize this historic event!"

Speaker Jon Burns said, "Few individuals have held such long and impactful careers in public service as the late Speaker Tom Murphy. Today's event honoring his legacy alongside his family, colleagues, and friends was an incredible reminder of the profound mark he left on our state. Speaker Murphy dedicated his life to strengthening Georgia and expanding opportunities for future generations, and his unwavering commitment to moving our state forward continues to shape Georgia to this day."

Joining Congressman Jack and Speaker Burns at the roundtable were: the son and daughter of Speaker Murphy, former Judge Michael Murphy and Martha Long, Public Service Commissioner Lauren "Bubba" McDonald, State Representatives Vance Smith and Don Parsons, former Congressman Lynn Westmoreland, former Dean of the Georgia House of Representatives Calvin Smyre, former president pro tempore of the Georgia Senate Wayne Garner, former aide Steve Anthony, and Mo Thrash - whose father was a former aide - and University of West Georgia leadership, including President Mike Johnson, Dean Blynne Olivieri Parker, and Dean Karen Owen.

Speaker Tom Murphy represented Haralson County in the Georgia House of Representatives for 42 years, and served as Speaker of the Georgia House of Representatives for 29 years - the longest tenure of any Speaker in Georgia history. His replica office is preserved at the University of West Georgia's Ingram Library as part of the university's ongoing effort to document his legacy of public service and leadership in the state.

Congressman Jack represents Georgia's 3rd Congressional District, which includes all of Carroll and Haralson Counties. If Congressman Jack may be of service to you and your family, please visit jack.house.gov.

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