The House returned to the Gold Dome on March 9 as we entered week nine of the session. The General Assembly has now reached Day 31, leaving only nine days remaining before the final gavel falls. With the end of session approaching, the pace has increased and attention has turned to major decisions that must be completed before adjournment. Most notably, the House focused heavily on passing the Budget for Fiscal Year 2027 and reviewing Senate legislation that crossed over earlier in the session.
Budget for Fiscal Year 2027
My colleagues and I reached an important milestone this week with the bipartisan passage of the budget for Fiscal Year 2027. Passing a balanced budget remains the single constitutional responsibility of the General Assembly. House Bill 974 sets state spending beginning July 1, 2026.
The FY 2027 budget is built on a revenue estimate of $38.5 billion. It places significant emphasis on education, healthcare, transportation, public safety, and workforce development. These priorities affect communities across Georgia, including families and businesses in House District 30.
Education and Early Learning
Education represents the largest portion of the budget. As a result, the House directed significant resources toward early learning and workforce preparation.
Key education funding includes:
- $14.9 billion to fully fund Georgia’s Quality Basic Education program
- Over $60 million for a statewide K-3 literacy initiative
- $31.2 million for literacy coaches in elementary schools
- $2.7 million for vision and hearing screening equipment for PK-3 students
- $41.1 million to update school transportation funding based on bus and mileage data
- $2.6 million for school social worker grants in underserved districts
- $1.3 million for student mental health support grants
These programs strengthen learning environments and help students build the skills needed for future careers.
Higher Education and Workforce Development
The FY 2027 Budget also supports higher education and workforce training. Strong universities and research programs help drive innovation and job growth across Georgia.
Major funding includes:
- $4.8 million to expand Georgia Research Alliance partnerships
- $15.7 million for research laboratory equipment and infrastructure
- $9.5 million to launch the University of Georgia School of Medicine
Together, these initiatives expand training opportunities and strengthen Georgia’s workforce pipeline.
Healthcare and Medicaid
Improving access to healthcare remains a major focus of this year’s budget. Communities across the state continue to face shortages of providers and services.
Healthcare provisions include:
- $45.3 million to increase Medicaid provider reimbursement rates
- $11.8 million for dental services
- $3.9 million for psychiatric residential treatment
- $7.9 million for autism care reimbursement parity
- $6.69 million for senior services such as home-delivered meals and caregiver support
- $27 million to address rising foster care service costs
- $18.2 million to expand graduate medical education programs
- $1 million for treatment of traumatic brain injuries and mental health conditions for veterans
These programs expand care options while supporting Georgia families who depend on them.
Public Safety and Corrections
Public safety also received much attention. Protecting communities and supporting the men and women who serve in law enforcement remains a core responsibility of state government.
Key allocations include:
- $101 million increase for the Department of Corrections
- $34.9 million to hire additional correctional officers
- $20.7 million to support victim service providers such as domestic violence shelters and child advocacy centers
- $12.7 million to create pay parity for assistant district attorneys and public defenders
- $3.1 million to increase salaries for district attorneys and public defenders
These resources strengthen safety systems across Georgia.
Transportation and Infrastructure
Transportation infrastructure remains critical for Georgia’s economy. Funding to maintain roads, bridges, and airports took priority.
Key funding includes:
- $112.8 million for transportation construction projects
- $33.5 million for routine road maintenance
- $13.6 million for Local Maintenance and Improvement Grants
- $10 million in additional airport assistance
These improvements help keep goods moving and support economic activity across the state.
Agriculture Support
The FY 2027 Budget also includes targeted programs that support agriculture. Farming remains a major part of Georgia’s economy and rural identity.
Funding includes:
- $500,000 for a feral hog management pilot program
- $407,500 for a feral hog eradication incentive program
These efforts help reduce damage to farmland and protect crops.
Pharmacy Benefit Managers Under Review
The House also adopted House Resolution 948 to examine pharmacy benefit managers, often called PBMs. These companies manage prescription drug benefits for insurance plans. However, concerns about rising drug prices and pharmacy closures have grown.
The study committee will gather data and hear testimony before the next session. Rural communities often depend on a single locally owned pharmacy. Therefore, fair practices remain essential to keeping those pharmacies open.
Georgia’s Fishing Industry
The House also gave final passage to Senate Bill 420 supporting Georgia’s coastal fishing industry. The measure establishes an annual endorsement fee for reef or migratory fish on recreational fishing licenses.
The bill sets the fee at $10 for Georgia residents and $20 for non-residents. Funds will allow the Department of Natural Resources to conduct its own fish population surveys instead of relying only on federal data.
Better information helps protect fish populations and the long-term health of Georgia’s fishing industry.
Final Thoughts
With only a few days remaining before adjournment on April 2, the pace at the Capitol continues to accelerate. I encourage you to stay informed by following House meetings and committee hearings online at www.legis.ga.gov/schedule/house.
Your feedback remains important as we approach the final days of session. Thank you for the opportunity to serve House District 30 and for staying engaged in the work of state government.