Your Georgia House of Representatives reconvened on Monday, February 3rd for the fourth week of the 2025 legislative session. Monday was Legislative Day 10; we are now more than a quarter of the way through our 40-day session. This week, our efforts were focused on fulfilling our constitutional duty to pass a balanced budget. To that end, the House Rules Committee convened for the first time this year and set the first Rules calendar of the session. The Amended Fiscal Year (AFY) 2025 budget, House Bill 67. It outlines the state’s spending through June 30, 2025.

The House’s version of the AFY 2025 budget is based on the Governor’s revised estimate of $40.5 billion. It including $2.7 billion in surplus funds for a total infusion of $4.4 billion, which is an increase of 12.2% over the original Fiscal Year (FY) 2025 budget. This increase in revenue is the result of Georgia strong economy and leadership’s careful spending. The House version of the budget emphasizes strengthening Georgia’s economy while prioritizing early education, healthcare, higher education and public safety. One of the most critical areas addressed in the House’s version of the amended budget is the urgent need to provide relief for Georgians impacted by Hurricane Helene. Because of the widespread devastation caused by the storm, it is essential that we continue to direct needed resources for recovery efforts to those who were affected. Our state’s economy is strong and these funds will be used to help Georgians all across the State.

We have all seen the severe damage across our great state, the House worked tirelessly to help communities recover and rebuild from Hurricane Helene. As such, the state allocated immediate funding to hard-hit areas of South and Central Georgia, and the House’s version of the amended budget targets populations and areas that are still in need of help. In line with Governor Brian Kemp’s recommendations, the House’s version also recommends $145 million be added to the Governor’s Emergency Fund in order to continue funding our state’s emergency response efforts to the storms. The House’s version of this budget redirects $98 million lost from the financial impact of the motor fuel tax suspension following Hurricane Helene. These funds will go into the Capital Construction program to ensure that the Georgia Department of Transportation can continue to meet Georgia’s transportation needs. In addition, the House’s version of the AFY 2025 budget recommends $200 million be allocated to routine maintenance for response efforts related to Hurricane Helene, Hurricane Debby and flooding that took place in November 2024. The House’s version of the AFY 2025 budget also includes $100 million in previously authorized funds through the Georgia State Financing and Investment Commission for relief efforts, along with an additional $150 million to support disaster relief for farmers and timber producers affected by Hurricane Helene.

The House’s version of the amended budget directs $50 million for the Department of Administrative Services’ property risk pool to repair state property damaged in Helene’s wake. The devastation caused by Hurricane Helene was vast, with countless homes, businesses and infrastructure left in ruins. Many Georgia families are still struggling to rebuild their lives and property after the storm’s destruction, making this funding essential for supporting recovery efforts and restoring state assets. In support of fire and environmental safety efforts, HB 67 would also direct $15.7 million to the Georgia Forestry Commission to fund the use of firefighting helicopters and environmental cab tractors.

Following the storms, rural Georgians are facing barriers to accessing quality healthcare and challenges in receiving timely medical care. To resolve this concern, the House’s version of the AFY 2025 budget provides $35.6 million in one-time stabilization grants to support Georgia’s rural hospitals in their recovery efforts. Moreover, the House’s version of the amended budget includes funds for a salary enhancement for federal eligibility caseworkers, recognizing their hard work and dedication to assisting natural disaster victims. These caseworkers play a vital role in helping Georgians navigate the complex process of securing disaster relief. In the original FY 2025 budget, passed last session, other caseworkers received similar salary increases, underscoring Georgia’s commitment to providing continued support to those who serve our communities in times of crisis. Additionally, the House’s version of the AFY 2025 budget includes $10 million in grant funds specifically allocated for relief from Hurricane Helene, further reinforcing the state’s commitment to aiding in the recovery of those impacted by the storm.

As we move forward in rebuilding our communities, it is crucial that we also ensure our economy is equipped with the necessary tools to maintain Georgia’s status as the number one state to do business. In line with our commitment to supporting rural communities, HB 67 would allocate $28 million to rural workforce housing through grants and loans. This funding aims to boost rural workforce development by increasing housing availability in these areas. Additionally, the House’s version of the amended budget recommends $20 million in grants for rural site development, which would support local economic growth and help communities create development-ready sites.

We and our colleagues remain committed to school security, and the House’s version of the AFY 2025 budget includes $50 million for school security grants, which would provide $21,635 per school for one-time security expenses. When combined with the $109 million in base funding, school systems would receive a total of $68,759 per school in FY 2025. Additionally, $3 million is allocated to the Georgia Emergency Management Agency (GEMA) to establish funds for a school risk assessment system, with the objective of safeguarding all of Georgia’s students. Under HB 67, the House proposes $7.42 million in new lottery funds for the Department of Early Care and Learning to implement recommendations from the House Early Childhood Education Working Group. These recommendations include raising pay for Pre-K lead teachers and assistant teachers to align lead teacher salaries to the State Board of Education schedule and strengthening the Pre-K workforce. Additionally, the House’s version of the amended budget would allocate $160,000 in one-time funding to the Governor’s Office of Student Achievement to establish a Regional Crisis Recovery Network in partnership with the Southern Regional Education Board. This network would train counselors and deploy them to provide psychological first aid to students following traumatic events, such as natural disasters or school shootings.

In addition to prioritizing access to healthcare in Georgia’s rural communities, the amended budget is also focused on improving healthcare access across the entire state, ensuring that all Georgia communities have the care they need. One way the House is prioritizing this goal is by recommending one-time funding for Mercer School of Medicine, aimed at expanding learning opportunities and training physicians to practice in rural, underserved communities where healthcare needs are most critical. Additionally, the House proposes similar funding for Morehouse School of Medicine, which would support faculty recruitment and retention, modernize the medical curriculum and expand the pathway and career academy program. Additionally, the budget recommends $2 million be allocated to the HOPE Grant program, which would support increased usage and expanded eligibility, as well as an additional $6 million for HOPE Scholarships, bringing the total appropriation to $852 million, which would benefit more than 300,000 students across the state.

The House’s version of the amended budget also focuses on providing funding increases for several state departments, including the Georgia Department of Human Services which, would receive additional funds to address the growth in foster care and the rising costs associated with that care. Additionally, the House recommends $1.7 million to fund a special victim’s unit within the department, which would be focused on rescuing foster youth from sexual exploitation. The House’s version of the budget also allocates $1 million to the Georgia Department of Veterans Services to open a sub-acute unit for veterans with severe mental illness and brain injuries, along with $1.5 million to cover rising healthcare costs at veterans nursing homes.

The House is also dedicated to addressing the critical needs within Georgia’s corrections system, including correctional officers, staff and inmates, which is a top priority this legislative session. therefore, the House’s budget recommends an infusion of $333.6 million for the Georgia Department of Corrections, including funds earmarked for safety, security and technology upgrades, with $35 million allocated specifically for security technology to combat contraband. Additionally, the House recommends directing $50.6 million for inmate healthcare services and funds for the creation of a state-owned electronic healthcare records system. Also, funds are allocated for new body cameras and tasers to enhance the safety of both officers and inmates, and $7.2 million would be set aside for the Over Watch Logistics Unit to provide continuous surveillance and response coordination.

HB 67 now heads to the Senate for consideration. It will now undergo a similar review process in their chamber. Once the Senate has reviewed the House’s version, they may propose changes, and if that happens, the Senate’s version of the amended budget will return to the House for further review. If the two chambers cannot reach an agreement, a conference committee will be appointed to resolve any differences between the two versions. It is essential that our colleagues in both chambers work together to advance this bill, ensuring we move quickly to bring this much-needed funding to the people who need it most. Once both chambers can reach an agreement, the final version of the amended budget will be sent to the governor for signature. This same process will be followed for the Fiscal Year (FY) 2026 budget. We have already begun the process of meeting with the those who have needs that can be considered in next year’s budget.

Beyond the amended budget, we took time to address other legislative initiatives, such as school safety. In response to the tragic shooting at Apalachee High School in Barrow County on September 4, 2024, the Speaker of the House unveiled a new school safety plan earlier this week. The plan, in House Bill 268, includes the establishment of a statewide School and Student Safety Database designed to consolidate student data in order to identify potential security risks. It would also require each school district to establish risk management teams, consisting of administrators, mental health professionals and law enforcement. To further enhance safety, the plan would mandate the use of an anonymous reporting app, allowing students and staff to report concerns confidentially. The plan would also allocate funds in one-time school safety grants to support these initiatives and provide additional funding for the development of the new database. To address mental health, the plan would create mental health coordinator positions in schools and require instruction in violence prevention and suicide awareness. The plan also encourages responsible gun ownership through voluntary tax incentives for safe storage equipment. We will update you as this legislation makes its way through the legislative process.

Aside from our legislative work, the House took time to recognize and commend individuals and groups who have contributed to the prosperity, safety and well-being of Georgia’s communities. On Tuesday, we honored firefighters from across the state during the 53rd Firefighters Recognition Day at the State Capitol, including members from our own City of Thomasville Fire Department and the Cities of Gainesville, South Fulton, and St. Mary’s Fire Departments. On Thursday, we celebrated Georgia National Guard Day by presenting a resolution honoring the dedication and sacrifice of the National Guard’s members. We also recognized the 50th anniversary of Morehouse School of Medicine, presenting a resolution for the school’s outstanding contributions to the entire state. Additionally, we had visitor from South Georgia at the Capital this week. Many of South Georgia’s rural hospitals, including Colquitt Regional Medical Center were on hand to discuss the many needs they face in the Healthcare arena. We spent time with folks from Second Harvest and reviewed the services they provide throughout South Georgia. We also had time to speak with Tom Everett from the Thomasville YMCA. Finally, Thursday was Okefenokee Day and many concerned citizens were on hand to share their thoughts. They even had two “baby” alligators to show and share with the public. Thanks to all that came to spend time with us this week.

We continued our legislative work on Monday, February 10th as we begin our fifth week of session. With Crossover Day quickly approaching, we’re gearing up for a busy period ahead, where bills and resolutions must pass out of their respective chambers. As always, we encourage you to reach out with any questions or concerns about the work being done at the Capitol. Feel free to schedule a call or visit to discuss the issues that are most important to you and your family. We can be reached as follows: Rep. Chas Cannon: office is 501-C Coverdell Legislative Office or by email at chas.cannon@house.ga.gov or by phone at: (404) 656-0177. Rep. Darlene Taylor may be reached at her office in the Capital Building 245-B or via email at darlene.taylor@house.ga.gov or by phone at (404) 463-2246. We look forward to hearing from you.

As always, thank you for allowing us to serve as your representatives.