Governor Brian P. Kemp signed House Bill 973, the Amended Budget for Fiscal Year 2026, during a ceremony in Atlanta attended by First Lady Marty Kemp, Lt. Governor Burt Jones, Speaker Jon Burns, legislative leaders, and other state officials.
In his remarks at the signing event, Governor Kemp emphasized the importance of providing tax relief to Georgia residents and highlighted the collaborative effort behind the budget process. “Good afternoon, and thank you for joining us to help provide more tax relief to hardworking Georgians today, among other great measures included in this budget,” said Kemp. He expressed gratitude to legislative leaders and staff who contributed to developing the amended budget.
Kemp noted that much of the funding in the amended budget consists of one-time expenditures that do not create long-term liabilities for future generations. He stated that Georgia now has its lowest debt-to-revenue ratio since it began issuing bonds in the 1970s and maintains enough reserves to fund government operations for nearly three months without additional revenue.
The governor credited a conservative approach to budgeting as key to making what he described as “generational investments” while maintaining fiscal responsibility. “This isn’t the government’s money… it belongs to the people of Georgia!” he said.
Lt. Governor Burt Jones praised Kemp’s leadership and outlined some priorities funded by the new budget: “Because of his leadership, along with the work of Chairman Blake Tillery, the subcommittee Chairs, and all members of the Senate Appropriations Committee, this budget includes critical investments in middle-class families, mental health services, healthcare workforce development, transportation and Georgia’s Veterans community. This budget furthers our commitment to putting more than $2 billion in tax dollars back in Georgians’ pockets and investing in our education system, namely by increasing resources and pay for our school personnel. Our support for our law enforcement heroes remains unwavering and support for mental health services historic. I want to thank everyone for their work to ensure that Georgia remains the best place to live, work and raise a family.”
Speaker Jon Burns added: “This budget is more than just numbers on a page. It is a direct reflection of this General Assembly’s commitment to each of our neighbors in every corner of our great state. From returning nearly $2 billion directly back to hardworking taxpayers and homeowners and providing $2,000 pay supplements to state employees, to investing in healthcare, education, public safety and infrastructure—every Georgian can be proud of the investments we’re making today to create a better, brighter future for our state.”
Key provisions within HB 973 include $2 billion allocated toward income and property tax relief; $325 million endowing Georgia’s first needs-based DREAMS Scholarship program; $409 million designated for constructing a new regional hospital focused on expanding mental health capacity; over $1.6 billion earmarked for improvements on Interstate 75 express lanes; significant funds dedicated toward rural bridge replacement; grants supporting rural site development; natural gas infrastructure expansion; resources directed at addressing homelessness including among veterans; increased funding for corrections officers; investment into K-9 training facilities; as well as enhancements across higher education institutions.
The Georgia State Executive operates from Atlanta at locations such as the Governor’s Mansion—a Greek Revival-style residence built on an 18-acre site—and leads governance efforts through its executive branch responsibilities within state administration (source). The office also supports international economic initiatives through representation abroad since 1973 (source). The government provides regulatory oversight alongside public services intended to improve life across Georgia (source).
