Lawmakers consider largest budget in state history
This past week was week 2 of the Georgia General Assembly. Traditionally, week two is filled with Appropriations Committee hearings, dealing with the state budget. In addition to budget hearings, the members of the House had floor sessions on four days. U.S. Congressman Lynn Westmoreland visited the House chamber. A former member of the Georgia House of Representatives, Congressman Westmoreland has announced he is retiring from Congress at the end of this term and he is rumored to be a possible candidate in the next gubernatorial race.
The state budget for fiscal year July 1, 2016 to June 30, 2017 currently is under consideration. Media headlines are highlighting the fact that the proposed budget is the largest in state history. This is true. However, I believe it is important to acknowledge that Georgia continues to be one of the fastest growing states in the nation. Between 2000 and 2015, the state of Georgia gained more than two million new residents to make us the eighth most populous state in the nation. It is important to look at all state spending on a per capita basis to get a better understanding of whether spending is increasing due to growth or because of waste or perhaps a new initiative.
In addition to the new fiscal budget, we also are considering the amended year budget, which is an amendment to the full budget passed last year for fiscal year July 1, 2015 to June 30, 2016. The amended budget is adjusted for changes in state government needs since the last legislative session. Because of enrollment growth in K-12 education statewide since last January, the amended year budget has $109,913,685 in new monies to fund these new Georgia students. Although these monies represent an increase in education funding, it is because of growth in student population. Population growth also requires new spending in the areas of Medicaid, PeachCare, and public safety, and these adjustments are reflected in the amended year budget. As the session moves forward, I will provide some comparative data on this year’s budget and previous years’ per capita spending.
I serve on the Higher Education Committee in the House. A Higher Education issue currently receiving headlines in the Atlanta media concerns how schools deal with student misconduct and allegations of student misconduct. Many colleges and universities across the country are dealing with similar policy issues. The Board of Regents of the University System of Georgia has been working on a system-wide policy to address campus misconduct issues. Unfortunately, this policy has not been finalized and the issue has blown up in the legislature. I believe all college students deserve due process and fairness when accused of misconduct and we must have clear policy in place at our state colleges and universities.
Last week I asked for your opinion on the issue of casino gambling in Georgia. I mentioned that I had received eight opinions from constituents before last week. After last week’s articles appeared in at least four area newspapers, I received an additional five comments. Out of the 13 comments, seven folks are against casino gambling coming to Georgia and six are for. If you want to share your opinion on this issue or any others, please contact me. I can be reached at 404-656-0325 or [email protected].
Rep. Dan Gasaway (R-Homer) represents the 28th GA House District. His district includes Stephens and Banks Counties and the southern end of Habersham.
