Gov. Brian Kemp signed the Amended FY2021 Budget on Monday, as the state wrestles with the difficult financial fallout from COVID-19. The budget will cover the rest of the first half of the year through June and includes increases for education and healthcare.
“Today, I am signing a budget that reflects our values as a state. By restoring education funding, making key investments in expanding internet access, prioritizing public health, giving 57,000 state employees a well-deserved bonus, and spurring economic development in every corner of our state, this budget ensures Georgia will continue being the best state to live, work, and raise a family,” said Kemp.
Those 57,000 state employees are those that make below $80,000 and is a one-time $1,000 bonus. The increased education funding adds up to more than $610 million in Quality Basic Education (QBE) funding for K-12 schools. The Georgia tourism industry also got a little boost of $1 million for marketing funds and $300,000 went to supporter hospitals and healthcare workers.
“As other states look to furlough workers, cut essential services, or raise taxes, we acted early in the pandemic to budget conservatively and protect both lives and livelihoods,” added Kemp. “I thank Lt. Governor Duncan, Speaker Ralston, members of the General Assembly, and the House and Senate budget staffs who worked closely with my office to get this budget across the finish line. By working together, we will make sure Georgia’s best days are still ahead.”
Another item included in the budget is $20 million for expanding rural broadband internet access, an issue than was already on the legislature’s radar but the COVID-19 pandemic brought the issue roaring to the fore. Roaming buses with Wifi transmitters was a temporary solution in some places but will not do for the long-term.
Perhaps most impressive, albeit after some pretty drastic measures last year, were that the budget included no additional agency cuts, no more furloughs, no layoffs and no increased taxes.
“With our AAA-bond rating and strong reserve fund, the nation’s #1 state for business continues to budget conservatively, and we can be proud that our budget reflects our shared commitment to keep Georgia healthy and growing. I want to thank Governor Kemp, Lt. Governor Duncan and the members of the Senate for working with Chairman Terry England and the rest of our House members on this budget,” said Speaker David Ralston (R-Blue Ridge).
