ATLANTA — When Gov. Brian Kemp gathered bipartisan lawmakers a few days ago to celebrate the signing of the state budget, it seemed a prime setting to push for his top priorities in the waning days of the legislative session.
He was surrounded by the state’s most powerful legislators as a bank of television cameras captured his every word. And he had plenty to discuss, with much left on his agenda.
But instead of turning the event into a call to action, Kemp sidestepped aggressive pleas for specific legislation, even when asked about his proposal to boost HOPE scholarship funding that has divided Republican leaders.
