(The Center Square) – Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp wants to amend the fiscal year 2025 budget to include more than $614 million in hurricane relief.
The governor’s planned presentation on mid-year adjustments and next year’s budget to the Joint Appropriations Committee was canceled because of bad weather, so the governor released his recommendations online. Appropriations subcommittees are scheduled to begin meetings on Monday.
The bulk of the $614 million, $300 million, would go to the Georgia Department of Transportation for debris cleanup and road and other repairs. Another $150 million would reimburse the Federal Emergency Management Agency for the state’s share of debris removal, temporary shelters and direct aid. The rest goes toward the state’s timber industry and its insurance pool to ensure its health, according to Kemp’s presentation.
“My top priority in the budgets before you is one that we all share – relief for those devastated by Hurricane Helene last September,” Kemp said. “Hundreds of thousands of Georgians – from Valdosta to Augusta and far beyond – suffered losses in its wake, and we continue to mourn for the 34 Georgians lost to this terrible storm.”
The governor reiterated his plan for a reduction in the income tax from 5.39% to 5.19%. The cut would save taxpayers $7.5 billion over the next 10 years, Kemp said.
The plan includes an additional $1 billion in new funding for education that provides for the previously announced school safety grants. Kemp is also proposing a reduction in class size for prekindergarten.
The state’s new school choice program would receive $141 million if approved by lawmakers.
The amended FY25 budget and fiscal year 2026 budget also include $2.2 billion in water and transportation infrastructure projects.
The Department of Corrections would receive an additional $603 in funding under Kemp’s plan.
“This new funding will help recruit and retain staff, reinforce and strengthen prison facilities, improve population management, and meet the rising costs associated with inmate health and mental care,” Kemp said.
