(The Center Square) — Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp signed an amended $37.5 billion fiscal 2024 budget on Thursday, saying the spending plan increases taxpayer spending on infrastructure, public safety and workforce development, among other priorities.
The amended budget, passed as part of House Bill 915, represents roughly $5 billion in additional spending from the more than $32.4 billion lawmakers approved last year as part of the fiscal 2024 budget. The amended budget includes roughly $18.5 billion in federal tax money, bringing the “total public funds” allocated in the amended spending plan to more than $61.8 billion.
In a statement, Kemp, a Republican, said the budget “demonstrates you can make smart investments when you budget wisely, trust the market rather than try to dictate it, and empower your citizens more than you empower the government.”
“With historic investments in education, public safety, economic development and healthcare, the FY 2024 amended budget reflects our shared priorities and continued dedication to making Georgia the best state in the country to live, work, and raise a family,” House Speaker Jon Burns, R-Newington, said in an announcement. “It is a budget that is a result of the smart, conservative fiscal policies from the General Assembly and the Governor, and one that families and taxpayers across the state can be proud of. I look forward to building on the success of this budget toward an even brighter future for all Georgians.”
The budget includes an additional $1.5 billion for transportation funding, fulfilling a promise Kemp made earlier this year.
The revised budget includes roughly $5.6 billion for the Department of Transportation, up from about $4 billion originally allocated. The spending plan includes more than $3.8 billion in state funds for the transportation department and roughly $1.6 billion in federal tax money.
Officials said the spending plan also includes $593 million for Department of Corrections facility repairs and an additional $50 million for rural workforce housing. In addition to finalizing the amended fiscal 2024 budget, lawmakers must pass a fiscal 2025 budget.
