[January 29, 2023] | The General Assembly spent the second week of session for the purpose of Joint Appropriations Budget Hearings to hear Gov. Brian Kemp's $32.5 billion budget proposal. Every year these hearings begin with the Governor presenting his budget and legislative ideas that lay out key proposals designed to better the lives of Georgians. This year was no different. The Governor proposed the following budgetary changes:
? Education: to include $2,000 pay raises for teachers and other school employees, hire school counselors, train paraprofessionals for full teaching certification, and provide HOPE scholarships at 100% of tuition.
? Healthcare: to include funds for Kemps improved Georgia's Medicaid coverage program- that requires those who are able, to work, volunteer, or attend school or training programs.
? Public Safety: to include emergency maintenance and repairs at prisons, a new statewide radio network allowing interagency communications, and a education loan repayment program for state and local law enforcement officers to ensure we're hiring and retaining the best and the brightest.
? Included in this proposal is an income tax refund, as well as a property tax rebate that puts your money back in your pocket.
It's important to remember that the Governor's initial budget proposal is just that - a proposal. The General Assembly will spend time over the next few weeks of our session holding further hearings, and drafting and voting on legislation to implement budget priorities that put Georgia and Georgians first. We also heard directly from state agency leaders regarding their budgetary requests, as well as the state economist, who provided a comprehensive overview of Georgia's economic forecast for this year.
On Wednesday, January 25th, we heard the Governor's annual State of the State address, we have a joint meeting with the Senate, Supreme Court and every State elected official and department head that can fit in the House chamber.
Some of the issues Governor Kemp brought up for us to consider this session included: Student & School Safety, Mental Health funding and care, Tax Breaks & Incentives, Economic Development in rural Ga., Electrification of Transportation, Establishing Rural Workforce Housing Fund, Establishing Georgia Pathways to Coverage Program, Gang issues and stopping human trafficking.
Our standing committees are now full steam and meeting all the time looking at House members ideas for legislation. Some start at 8am and some end at 5pm or later. You have to be flexible to be able to get where you need to be and have a good administrative assistant to keep you on time.
I encourage you to visit me at my Capitol office, talk to me in the grocery store, or call me if you have any questions or concerns regarding the State budget bills or any other measures considered under the Gold Dome. My Capitol office number is 404-656-7153. My email is rick.jasperse@house.ga.gov. As always, thank you for allowing me to serve as your State Representative.
Enjoyed using my Son in Law Elizabeth Jasperse Wright's Husband Justin Wright at the Capitol for Cities Day. He is on the city council in Centerville.