As we conclude the second week of the 2024 Legislative Session, I take pride in the General Assembly’s diligent examination of our state’s budgetary needs during numerous joint meetings of the Senate and House Committees on Appropriations. It is our sole constitutional obligation for each session to ensure the formulation of a fair and balanced budget.
The budgetary process will continue through the upcoming weeks as we convene into subcommittees to dive deeper into the budgetary requests of our state agencies.
Last Tuesday, we began by reviewing Governor Brian P. Kemp’s budget proposal for Fiscal Year 2025 and the amended Fiscal Year 2025 budget.
I commend the Governor for allocating $6 million to the OneGeorgia Authority for the Rural Workforce Housing Program. This funding will establish a foundational base and offer continued grant opportunities for the development of workforce housing in rural communities. It will have a significant impact on rural Georgians by creating more modern and affordable single-family housing options in communities across the state.
It is our sole constitutional obligation for each session to ensure the formulation of a fair and balanced budget.
Additionally, I appreciate the prioritization of funds dedicated to public safety. Having sponsored a bill addressing gang violence last year, I fully endorse the allocation of $800,000 to expand the Gang Prosecution Unit, as supporting the public safety sector remains a legislative priority in my office.
These budgetary proposals also include pay raises for educators, state staff and also allocates funds to promote the retention of our state public safety officers.
It is imperative that we strive to build and retain our state workforce, and I applaud the Georgia General Assembly for their efforts to maintain a sound workforce in all aspects of our state.
The Senate reconvened on Monday, Jan. 22, for a third week of legislative work.
As always, please feel free to contact my office with any questions regarding legislative matters throughout the remainder of the session.
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Sen. Bo Hatchett serves as a Governor’s Administration Floor Leader. He represents the 50th Senate District which includes Banks, Franklin, Habersham, Rabun, Stephens, and Towns County and portions of Hall, Jackson, and White counties. He can be reached by phone at 404-651-7745 or by email at [email protected].
