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This week marked Governor Deal's sixth State of the State address. In his address, he outlined Georgia's successes and opportunities for improvement and growth in the months ahead.
The Governor highlighted the significant economic progress the state has made since the Great Recession of 2008. Georgia's Reserves, have increased to more than $1.43 billion and continue to grow each year.
Education was a top priority in his proposal of the state's budget, with $300 million additional funds intended for teacher salary increases, and $26.2 million for Pre-K teacher pay raises. I am pleased that we are investing in our future by restoring funding to K-12. I am also glad the General Assembly will be taking a thoughtful look at how best to proceed with issues such as merit pay and performance.
Another positive I see in the Governor's proposed budget is his pay increase plan for state employees. We have faced enormous turnover rates with our employees which impacts all of us. We spend an awful lot of money on the front end to train people only to have them leave for higher paying jobs- having been fully trained and educated at our expense. We need to recruit, compensate, and retain the best of the best to work for our state of Georgia.
It also includes $825 million in new state general and motor fuel funds for the state's transportation network, and funding for public safety, health care, and economic development.
Other noteworthy events this past week includes the introduction of legislation by members the House Democratic Caucus to confiscate certain firearms and ammunition. This is in direct conflict with the Second Amendment of the U.S. Constitution as well as the Georgia Constitution. As your Chairman of the House Public Safety and Homeland Security, I can say this bill will not pass and I would like to thank Speaker David Ralston for taking the same position I have.
Finally, Representative Kevin Tanner (R-Dawsonville) has introduced a more practical version of RFRA, HB 757. I expect this bill to receive a full debate.
These are just a few highlights from Governor Deal's budget proposals. The General Assembly will use the governor's recommendations as a starting point when we review these recommendations in our Joint House and Senate Budget Hearings and Joint Appropriations subcommittee hearings next week.
I look forward to examining the details of the governor's budget plans to ensure that we are spending your tax dollars and mine in the most efficient way possible.
AFY 2016 State Fund Budget Overview
$1.2 billion or 5.3% increase in Total State Fund Appropriations
Other primary uses of additional State Funds:
- $759 for Transportation Projects via HB 170
- $110 million for the Mid Term Adjustment for the Department of Education
- $51 million for Student Finance Initiatives
- $51 for Child Welfare Services
FY 2017 State Fund Budget Overview
$1.9 billion or 8.8% increase in Total State Fund Appropriations
$850 million in bonds for new capital improvement projects ($94 million in debt service)
Other primary uses of additional State Funds:
- $826 million in transportation projects via HB 170
- $300 million for the Quality Basic Education Program which supports local school districts and $141 million for K-12 student enrollment growth
- $224 million for construction, renovation and equipment for local school systems
- $170 million for performance incentives for state employees and $43 million to address recruitment and retention
- $89 million in student finance initiatives
- $59 million for child welfare services
- $44 million for Board of Regents for increases in credit hour enrollment and square footage
- $20 million for Regional Economic Business Assistance grants and rural economic development projects.
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