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Georgia Lawmakers Approve $37.7 Billion State Budget

Georgia lawmakers during budget approval session

News Summary

On the final day of the legislative session, Georgia lawmakers successfully passed a $37.7 billion state budget. The budget addresses various state needs, including a Child Tax Credit, income tax reduction, hurricane aid, and significant educational funding. New legislation includes bans on cellphone use in schools and restrictions on transgender participation in sports, highlighting the ongoing debates within the session. Governor Kemp expressed gratitude for the collaborative efforts of lawmakers in finalizing the budget, marking a step forward in state governance and financial management.

Georgia Lawmakers Pass $37.7 Billion State Budget on Final Day of Legislative Session

Atlanta, Georgia – On the final day of the legislative session, lawmakers in Georgia crossed the finish line by passing a *significant* state budget, totaling approximately $37.7 billion. This budget is a crucial part of maintaining the state’s financial health, as the General Assembly is mandated by law to approve a budget each year.

After a *marathon negotiation* session, an agreement was struck early Friday morning, thanks in part to Governor Brian Kemp’s upward revision of tax revenue projections by $50 million.

Key Proposals and Program Initiatives

The budget includes a range of noteworthy proposals designed to address various needs across the state:

Child Tax Credit: A newly passed House Bill 136 will offer a $250 state income tax credit for parents with children aged 5 and under. This also expands previous credits for childcare expenses.
Religious Liberty: Under Senate Bill 36, the state and local governments are prohibited from imposing significant burdens on an individual’s religious freedoms. However, this legislation has sparked debates over possible discriminatory outcomes.
Income Taxes: House Bill 111 advances a planned reduction of the state income tax to a flat rate of 5.19%, retroactively effective from January 1. Further, individuals could see rebates ranging from $250 to $500 per person thanks to House Bill 112.
Hurricane Aid: To assist those affected by Hurricane Helene, an allocation of over $850 million is dedicated toward recovery efforts.
Lawsuit Limits: Senate Bill 68 tightens the screws on lawsuits, making them harder to initiate, while Senate Bill 69 restricts funding methods for legal actions.
School Cellphones: House Bill 340 introduces a ban on cellphone use for public school students in grades K-8 during school hours, aiming to enhance focus and academic performance.
Transgender Rights Legislation: Two significant proposals, Senate Bill 1 and Senate Bill 185, restrict transgender girls and women from participating in female sports and prohibit state funding for gender-affirming care for prisoners, respectively.
America First License Plate: Senate Bill 291 suggests the introduction of a new license plate featuring an “America First” slogan.

Educational Funding and Economic Management

This year’s budget also encompasses a maximum allocation of $141 million for a new voucher program aimed at private and home schooling initiatives, potentially generating over 21,000 vouchers, valued at $6,500 each.

Moreover, the budget makes a historic commitment to education, designating $15.3 million specifically for the educational needs of underprivileged students. It also provides additional funding to enhance Georgia’s prison system.

For the third consecutive year, Georgia will forgo borrowing for construction projects, opting instead to utilize $715 million from current revenues. This demonstrates a commitment to financial responsibility.

A notable increase of $10 million has also been added to the state Employees Retirement System to facilitate one-time bonus payments to retirees.

Session Wrap-Up

As the legislative session wrapped up, Governor Kemp expressed appreciation toward lawmakers for their collaborative efforts in shaping the budget. The House officially adjourned at 10:37 p.m. with the Senate concluding their session at 9:11 p.m..

While this budget includes several pivotal initiatives, some controversial bills regarding diversity initiatives and the regulation of puberty blockers lingered in uncertainty for final passage.