This week marked Governor Deal's sixth State of the State address, which he gave before a joint session of the House and Senate, members of the judiciary, staff, members of the media, and other special guests. In his annual address, Governor Deal outlined Georgia's successes as well as opportunities for improvement and growth in the months ahead.
Governor Deal began his address by highlighting the significant economic progress the state has made since the Great Recession of 2008. Currently, Georgia's Rainy Day Fund, or reserves, has increased to more than $1.43 billion and continues to grow each year.
After announcing his goals in the State of the State address this week, Governor Deal officially released his $23.7 billion state budget proposal to the General Assembly for the upcoming fiscal year.
Education was a top priority in his proposal for the state's budget, with $300 million in additional funding intended for teacher salary increases, and $26.2 million for Pre-K teacher pay raises. Additionally, it included $825 million in new state general and motor fuel funds for Georgia's transportation network, as well as funding for public safety, health care, and economic development.
These are just a few highlights from Governor Deal's budget proposals. We members of the General Assembly will use the governor's recommendations as the starting points of our state budget reviews in both 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 we are spending your tax dollars and mine in the most efficient and responsible 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 million 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 equipment, construction, and renovation 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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