ATL Standard

Governor Brian P. Kemp, accompanied by First Lady Marty Kemp and other state officials, has signed the Amended Budget for Fiscal Year 2025 in Atlanta. The budget addresses several key areas, including hurricane relief, tax refunds, and strategic investments.

Governor Kemp expressed gratitude to legislative partners such as Lt. Governor Burt Jones, Speaker Jon Burns, and Appropriations Chairmen Blake Tillery and Matt Hatchett for their support in passing the budget. He also acknowledged the efforts of OPB Director Rick Dunn and his team.

"This budget gives relief to Georgians devastated by Hurricane Helene," stated Governor Kemp. "It makes our schools and communities safer through strategic investments and returns hard-earned money to taxpayers."

Lt. Governor Burt Jones highlighted the budget's adjustments for education, economic development projects, transportation infrastructure, and public safety. "Over $250 million is included for Georgia’s agriculture and timber communities impacted by Hurricane Helene," he said.

Speaker Jon Burns emphasized Georgia's commitment to strategic investments that benefit all citizens while returning money to taxpayers. "The House looks forward to working alongside Governor Kemp on fiscally responsible investments," he noted.

The amended budget includes significant allocations: over $867 million for Hurricane Helene relief; $140 million for education and workforce development; more than $434 million for public safety; $3.5 million to combat human trafficking; $50 million for school security; $501.7 million for coastal water infrastructure; over $266 million for local water infrastructure; $265 million for road infrastructure; and $4.7 million to combat wildfires.