Budget Progress
As we spent the last week thoroughly reviewing each respective budget, we also had the opportunity to hear from various agency and department heads who are working in conjunction with the General Assembly and the Governor’s office to ensure we pass a fiscally conservative and balanced budget. This task which seems simple enough, can be very tough, especially when dealing with two budgets and billions of dollars. Not to mention, every member serving is under the Gold Dome to ensure needed funding for their capital projects. Therefore, we welcomed the break allowing us more time to make sure we get these budgets right.
In recognition of progress made in recent years, ensuring all Georgians have access to quality services, we are working to ensure that funding to vital programs continue. We are grateful to all involved, especially our House Appropriations Committee who successfully found savings in areas of the amended budget. Below are some quick highlights in areas of importance which funding allocations are expected:
- Mental health services which provide thousands of Georgians with care;
- Medical residencies for health care providers;
- Cooperative extensions that educate and provide information to farmers and K-12 students across the state;
- Agriculture and marine research that drive our state’s ability to take care of its environment and support Georgia industries; and
- Accountability courts which provide a positive alternative to individuals who might otherwise be imprisoned, ultimately driving up costs in our correctional facilities.
As noted in previous updates, the budget is a living document which will change many times before final passage. Our colleagues in the Senate will continue to make changes and recommendations prior to the final version which we will take up during the last days of session. More details on the final budget recommendations will be available in the coming weeks.
We are grateful for the proactive measures taken by leadership to re-prioritize state spending so that we do not suffer the consequences of poor planning in the future. It was not long ago (2010 to be exact) that we were working with a $16 billion dollar budget, roughly $12 billion less than the FY 2021 budget, as a result of the recession. As conservatives, we firmly believe that these actions to actively tackle unnecessary state spending and cut government bureaucracy will be of huge benefit in the future. History has taught us the importance of preparation and planning where our state’s economic health is concerned. Moving forward, we will continue our work in finding positive budget solutions, while actively pursuing measures that are in the best interest for the people of Georgia.
