Gold Dome Update 
Highlights from the House 
Budget Week
Tuesday, January 22, marked the beginning of what we refer to as, “budget week.” The only thing that we are constitutionally required to do during our 40-day session is pass a balanced budget. While balancing, a budget seems simple enough, when dealing with billions of dollars, it can be quite challenging.

House and Senate Appropriations Committees held a series of joint budget hearings throughout the week, which gave us the chance to closely examine Governor Kemp's recommendations. We also heard testimony from various state agencies in need of funding. As our state’s fiscal year begins July 1, we are in the first stages of crafting two budget bills: The full 2020 Fiscal Year budget and the 2019 Amended Fiscal Year budget. 

2019 Fiscal Year- Spending Changes

The 2019 budget will be amended to reflect a more accurate estimate of state revenue and accounts for any discrepancies between the projected estimate that was passed last year, and actual revenue obtained. Governor Kemp began the week by presenting his recommendations to the House and Senate Appropriations Committees. Highlighted below are a few spending increases Governor Kemp is proposing for the 2019 amended budget, which will end June 30 of this year: 

  • $30,000 to implement school security policies, determined at the local level
  • $8.4 million in additional funding focused on mental health in Georgia schools
  • $92.1 million for a midterm adjustment for increased enrollment in public K-12 and state charter schools
  • $5.8 million for the Georgia Trauma Network Commission
  • $35.7 million additional funding to the Forestland Protection Act grant
  • $14 million in one-time funds for statewide water planning
  • $5.6 million for hazardous waste cleanup activities

 
2020 Full Fiscal Year Budget

As Georgia continues to grow, so does the need for improved infrastructure. In his State of the State Address last week, Governor Kemp announced that the 2020 fiscal year budget proposal is an estimated $27.5 billion. The governor listed his funding recommendations, and as expected, education remains a top priority for 2020, receiving approximately 52% of the state’s overall budget. Healthcare, public safety and transportation round out the top four spends as they collectively make up remaining recommended allocations. Below is a highlight of Governor Kemp's 2020 FY budget proposals:

  • $480 million to ensure that certified public school teachers receive a permanent pay increase of $3,000
  • $500,000 in initial funds to establish a gang task-force
  • $1 million the Department of Community Health (DCH) to pursue “flexibility” options for Georgia’s Medicaid program
  • $34.8 million in total funds to the Department of Economic Development to increase economic development throughout the state and to bring additional businesses and jobs
  • $21.3 million so employer contributions are met through the Teachers Retirement System
  • $77.8 million in lottery funds for HOPE scholarships to cover projected needs and a 3 percent award increase
  • $32.6 million for the Department of Transportation resurfacing and capital projects



What’s Next?
Although budget week has technically come to an end, our work is far from over. House Appropriation subcommittees will further study budget proposals, eventually passing portions of the suggested budget out of their respective committees. Following this process, those individually passed budgets will then go before the full House Appropriations Committee. Soon after, the budget will receive a full vote on the House floor. When passed by the House, it then moves over to the Senate, where the process begins all over again. During Senate budget hearings, they will either approve or change House recommendations. If both Chambers agree on the budget, it goes to the Governor’s desk for his approval and signature. We will keep you updated on anything specific to our region. 
In closing, please continue to look for future updates concerning our government at work. Please feel free to reach out to us anytime with questions and concerns. Your voice is important when ensuring our delegation votes reflect the majority within our district. Thank you for allowing me the honor and privilege to serve our home in this capacity. I look forward to the coming days where we will continue to work hard on your behalf ensuring simple, smart and effective government.

Respectfully,
Shaw Blackmon
Representative of Georgia's 146th House District

Contact:
478-918-7477
It was a pleasure to welcome Realtors from our region of the state
during their annual day on Capitol Hill.
 
Representative Shaw Blackmon
District 146
Email: Shaw.Blackmon@house.ga.gov
Phone: 404-656-0177
Address: 501-E Coverdell Legislative Office Building
Atlanta, Georgia 30334


Rep. Shaw Blackmon represents District 146. He currently serves as a member of Economic Development & Tourism,Governmental Affairs, Insurance, Juvenile Justice, Rules, Small Business Development, Special Rules, and Ways & Means Committees. He serves as Chair of the Transportation Committee on Appropriations and also as House Appointee to the Joint Defense Commission.