FY 2026 Budget + Agriculture Relief
With Crossover Day behind us, the race to the finish line has begun for the House to get our priorities passed before Sine Die, the last day of the 2025 Legislative Session, on April 4th.
From protecting girls’ sports, securing our schools, and providing tax relief to hardworking Georgians—we’re looking forward to working alongside the Senate to get these initiatives onto Governor Kemp’s desk for signature.
Proposed Fiscal Year 2026 Budget
This week, we made great progress by passing HB 68, the House version of the Fiscal Year 2026 Budget. This budget reaffirms our commitment to making strategic investments in the areas that will secure the future success of our state for generations to come—all while putting money back in the pockets of taxpayers.
See some of the highlights from our budget proposal below:
Education
$22.7 million for literacy initiatives
$25 million for school safety programs championed by the Georgia House
$19.6 million for mental health support grants to school systems. Each middle and high school across the state will receive $20,000 for mental health services.
$14 million in lottery funds for the Georgia Pre-K Program
$14.7 billion to fully fund the Quality Basic Education Program (QBE)
Healthcare
$10 million in new funding for maternal health programs, particularly in rural communities where access to care is limited
$8.3 million in new funding for graduate medical education programs that ensure we can attract, train, and retain physicians to practice here in Georgia
Public Safety
$1.6 million to increase participation in accountability courts
$13.5 million for the Department of Corrections and $3.1 million for the Department of Juvenile Justice to receive 4% pay increases
$45 million to add more than 700 correctional officers to improve inmate to staff ratios
Infrastructure
$1.1 billion for infrastructure improvements in every corner of our state
Highlights of the House’s proposed FY 2026 Budget
Secretary of Agriculture Meeting
Earlier this week, I was honored to join U.S. Secretary of Agriculture, Brooke Rollins, at the Capitol for a meeting to discuss Georgia's number one industry and President Trump's plans to deliver relief for the American farmers impacted by Hurricane Helene.
Secretary Rollins provided us with assurances from the Trump Administration that federal Hurricane Helene relief will be distributed in the coming weeks, and that President Trump is focused on shielding American farmers from any potential negative impacts of trade negotiations.
We’re looking forward to continue working alongside our federal partners to support and protect our agriculture industry.
Pictured with U.S. Secretary of Agriculture, Brooke Rollins and Georgia Agriculture Commissioner, Tyler Harper
Battle of Brier Creek
On March 3, 1779 during the Revolutionary War, hundreds of Georgia patriots took a brave stand against British forces as they pushed northward. Each year, I have the privilege of gathering to honor and remember the American heroes whose sacrifice for our freedom should never be forgotten.
I’m incredibly proud of the work that has been done to memorialize this historic battlefield. I hope that each of you will have an opportunity to visit Brier Creek and learn about our state’s role in securing the freedom of our nation.
Gathering to honor the heroes who made the ultimate sacrifice at the Battle of Brier Creek
Happy St. Patrick’s Day
I hope everyone stays safe and has fun as St. Patrick’s Day festivities begin this weekend. Please feel free to reach out with any questions you may have about pending legislation as we approach the end of session.
My best,
Speaker Jon Burns