The Senate Appropriations Committee Monday approved its version of House Bill 67, the Amended Fiscal Year 2025 Budget. The legislation, carried by Sen. Blake Tillery, R – Vidalia, will be heard in the Senate later this week. If approved, it goes back to the House for an “agree.” Once the AFY budget is approved, lawmakers will begin work on the FY26 budget.
“The AFY25 Budget includes critical funding for Georgia’s agriculture and timber communities impacted by the storms, along with relief for local communities and debris removal,” said Lt. Gov. Burt Jones. “Additionally, the proposed budget makes necessary investments in our education system, economic development projects, transportation infrastructure and public safety. I look forward to the House’s consideration of the Senate proposal and our work ahead on the Fiscal Year 2026 Budget.”
According to Tillery, the Senate proposal addresses funding issues associated with Hurricane Helene and other storm relief.
“In South and East Georgia, families are still removing trees from yards, patching roofs and trying to return to normalcy,” said Tillery. “This budget pushes critical funds into areas still reeling from damage related to Hurricane Helene. It also tackles growth and infrastructure needed to support Georgia’s incredible growth with an eye toward our aging population with investments in healthcare and residency programs to create more Georgia doctors. Most importantly, the budget looks at prior bonds and repurposes them to storm relief and pays off those with interest rates higher than we earn in our bank accounts.”
Hurricane Helene and other storm relief highlights:
● Recognizes $100,000,000 in funds previously authorized by the House and adds an additional $50,000,000 totaling $200,000,000 in disaster relief assistance to farmers and timber producers impacted by Hurricane Helene.
● Adds $82,000,000 for state and local match (25 percent) of debris removal from local roads and rights of way due to Hurricane Helene.
● Increases funds to engage nonprofit communities through grants for rebuilding and recovery efforts for victims. The House proposed $10,000,000 and the Senate version increases that amount to $25,000,000.
● Adds $100,000 for one-time grant funds for federally qualified health centers included in the Major Disaster Declaration area to assist in financial stabilization and recovery efforts.
● Add $60,000,000 to pay bonds with interest rates higher than what we earn.
