Week-Long Budget Session
Greeting dear friends! Tuesday, Jan. 22, marked the beginning of what we refer to as, “budget week.”
The only thing that we are constitutionally required to do during our 40-day session is pass a balanced budget. While balancing, a budget seems simple enough, when dealing with billions of dollars, it can be quite challenging. House and Senate Appropriations Committees held a series of joint budget hearings throughout the week, which gave us the chance to closely examine Governor Kemp’s recommendations.
We also heard testimony from various state agencies in need of funding. As our state’s fiscal year begins July 1, we are in the first stages of crafting two budget bills: The full 2020 Fiscal Year budget and the 2019 Amended Fiscal Year budget.
2019 Fiscal Year Spending Changes
The 2019 budget will be amended to reflect a more accurate estimate of state revenue, accounting for any discrepancies between the projected estimate we passed last year, and actual revenue obtained. Highlighted below are a few of the Governor’s recommendations concerning the 2019 amended budget, which will end June 30 of this year:
•$30,000 to implement school security policies, determined at the local level
•$8.4 million in additional funding to focus on mental health in Georgia schools
•$92.1 million for a midterm adjustment for increased enrollment in public K-12 and state charter schools
•$5.8 million to further enhance the trauma system in our state
•$35.7 million in additional funding to the Forestland Protection Act grant
•$14 million in one-time funds for statewide water planning
•$5.6 million for hazardous waste cleanup activities
2020 Full FY Budget
As Georgia’s population continues to grow, so does the need for improved infrastructure. In his State of the State Address, the governor announced that the 2019 fiscal year budget proposal is an estimated $27 billion. The governor listed his funding recommendations, and as expected, education remains a top priority for 2020, receiving approximately 52 percent of the state’s overall budget.
Health care, public safety and transportation round out the top four spends. Below is a highlight of Governor Kemp’s 2020 FY budget proposals:
•$480 million to ensure that certified public-school teachers receive a permanent pay increase of $3,000
•$500,000 in initial funds to establish a gang taskforce
•$1 million in the FY 2020 budget for the Department of Community Health (DCH) to pursue “flexibility” options for Georgia’s Medicaid program.
•$34.8 million in total funds to increase economic development throughout the state and to bring additional businesses and jobs
•$21.3 million so employer contributions are met through the Teachers Retirement System
•$77.8 million in lottery funds for HOPE scholarships to cover projected needs and a three percent award increase
•$32.6 million for the Department of Transportation for additional resurfacing projects and capital projects
What’s Next?
Although budget week has technically come to an end, our work is far from over. House Appropriation subcommittees will further study budget proposals, eventually passing portions of the suggested budget out of their respective committees. Following this process, those individually passed budgets will then go before the full House Appropriations Committee.
Soon after, the budget will receive a full vote on the House floor. If passed by the House, it then moves over to the Senate, where the process begins all over again. During Senate budget hearings, they will either approve or change House recommendations. If both Chambers agree on the budget, it goes to the Governor’s desk for his approval and signature.
I will keep you updated as to what portion of the budget is allocated to our district, however, nothing is final until it is signed into law by Governor Kemp.
As always, I will continue to update you on all that is happening under the Gold Dome through the remainder of our legislative session and beyond. Representing our district is such an honor and I am grateful that you have given me the opportunity to do so.
If you are in Atlanta, please make plans to visit us on Capitol Hill! We have moved into a new office and I have provided the information below. If you need anything at all, do not hesitate to contact me anytime! May God bless each one of you and may he continue to bless the great state of Georgia. ‘
Capitol Office
218-C State Capitol
Atlanta, GA 30334
404.656.5132 – Office