ATL Standard

Governor Brian P. Kemp of Georgia has shared his budget proposals for the Amended Fiscal Year 2025 and Fiscal Year 2026 with the Joint Appropriations committee members. Due to severe winter weather disrupting the hearing schedule, Kemp was unable to present in person but provided prepared remarks and asked Rick Dunn, Director of the Office of Planning and Budget, to address any questions.

Kemp emphasized that his budget priorities include relief efforts for those affected by Hurricane Helene last September. He stated, "My top priority in the budgets before you is one that we all share – relief for those devastated by Hurricane Helene." The governor is requesting over $614 million in the amended fiscal year budget for hurricane relief, which includes funds for debris cleanup, road repair, financial relief for agricultural industries, insurance risk pool health, and FEMA reimbursement.

The proposed budgets also focus on infrastructure investments totaling nearly $2.2 billion. These investments aim to enhance water and transportation infrastructure across Georgia. Kemp highlighted that half of this investment will go towards advancing freight infrastructure projects through the Department of Transportation.

Education remains a significant focus in Kemp's proposals, with more than $1 billion allocated to support students from Pre-K through higher education. The funding aims to reduce class sizes, meet university enrollment needs, support technical schools, maintain scholarship programs, and enhance school security.

Healthcare workforce expansion is another key area addressed in the budgets. Kemp has committed $150 million between medical schools at Mercer University, Morehouse College, and Augusta University to grow Georgia's physician pipeline.

Public safety measures are included as well; these involve expanding prosecution units against human trafficking and reinforcing corrections systems with an additional $603 million over two budgets.

In closing his remarks shared with committee members, Governor Kemp expressed gratitude for past support while urging continued collaboration: "Over the past six years...we have worked together to overcome unprecedented challenges."