While last week was action packed and fast paced, this week moved a little slower. This week was solely devoted to budget hearings as state agencies presented their proposals to the General Assembly. In addition to their proposals, Governor Kemp highlighted a few of the allocations in state funding that he hopes to move forward. 

Georgia leads the nation in our Criminal Justice Reform which has helped non-violent first time offenders get back on their feet and keep them out of a pattern of crime. The proposed budget allocates funding to expand the Prisoner Reentry Initiative which has shown clear, positive results for men and women to get their lives back on track. There is also an allocation to open another domestic violence shelter and six additional sexual assault centers. This initiative will help victims get out of their current detrimental living situation and hopefully will give them the encouragement and strength to move forward in their lives. 

On Wednesday, Gov. Kemp addressed the increasing concerns about access to quality healthcare in Georgia. He appropriated an additional $1 million in the FY 2020 budget for the Department of Community Health (DCH) to pursue “flexibility” options for Georgia’s Medicaid program. With this additional funding to explore new possibilities, the DCH would be able to seek solutions in our Medicaid program to increase choices, improve quality and access for affordable healthcare for more than 400,000 Georgians who are without coverage.

Other Highlights-

• $92.1 million for a midterm adjustment for increased enrollment in public K-12 and state charter schools required by the Quality Basic Education (QBE) funding program;

• $5.8 million for the Georgia Trauma Network Commission to further enhance the trauma system in our state;

• $35.7 million in 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 (DNR Hazardous Waste Trust Fund);

• $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, including a $42 million transfer from HOPE Grants for technical college students;

• $32.6 million for the Department of Transportation for additional resurfacing projects and capital projects.