Governor Brian P. Kemp presented his AFY25 and FY26 budget proposals, which include "over $614 million in the Amended Fiscal Year budget for hurricane relief" to support transportation infrastructure and the agricultural sector. The plans were introduced after a weather delay, with Rick Dunn handling questions from lawmakers. The budget focuses on recovery efforts and strengthening the state’s infrastructure, according to the Office of the Governor.
Governor Kemp's budget outlines $7.6 billion returned to taxpayers since 2021, with a proposed tax cut to save $7.5 billion over the next ten years. It includes $2.2 billion for infrastructure, focusing on water and transportation, and over $1 billion for education, such as reducing Pre-K class sizes and providing school security grants. "We’re able to make one-time investments in communities that will have a generational impact," Kemp stated, as reported by the Office of the Governor.
Governor Kemp is focusing on healthcare and public safety in his budget. He is investing $150 million to increase physician numbers and support medical research, with $36 million for Medicaid to help with treatments like sickle cell disease. The budget also includes $603 million for the Department of Corrections to improve public safety and combat human trafficking. Additionally, Kemp is working on managing the state’s retirement system and reducing state debt, as stated by the Office of the Governor.
