Spending Responsibly on Behalf of All Georgians
Friends,
As you may know, our state has a Constitution similar in some ways to our national Constitution.
Georgia’s Constitution governs our state, and provides certain roles for the different branches of the state’s government, including the General Assembly, the Judicial branch, and the Executive branch.
One of the things that the Constitution requires of the Governor and the General Assembly in Georgia is that we produce a balanced budget on time, every year.
In Washington, late budgets that spend more than the federal government collects in taxes occur on a regular basis. However, here in Georgia we take our Constitutional requirements seriously.
That is why joint Appropriations hearings hosted by the House and the Senate are one of the first things we do every year in Atlanta. Hosted this year by House Chairman Matt Hatchett and Senate Chairman Blake Tillery, these hearings are a marathon. They generally feature presentations from the Governor; the heads of state agencies; experts on our state’s economy, taxes, and financial standing; and auditors that ensure your dollars are spent responsibly.
Every year these hearings begin with the Governor presenting his budget - legislation that lays out key proposals designed to better the lives of Georgians. This year was no different.
The Governor proposed the following budgetary changes:
Education: to include $2,000 pay raises for teachers and other school employees, hire school counselors, train paraprofessionals for full teaching certification, and provide HOPE scholarships at 100% of tuition.
Healthcare: to include funds to implement Georgia’s Medicaid coverage - providing care for less fortunate Georgians while requiring those who are able to work, volunteer, or attend school or training programs.
Public Safety: to include emergency maintenance and repairs at prisons, a new statewide radio network allowing interagency communications, and a loan repayment program for state and local law enforcement officers to ensure we’re hiring and retaining the best and the brightest.
Included in this proposal is an income tax refund, as well as a property tax rebate that puts your money back in your pocket.
It’s important to remember that the Governor’s initial budget proposal is just that - a proposal. The General Assembly will spend time over the next few weeks of our session holding further hearings, and drafting and voting on legislation to implement budget priorities that put Georgia and Georgians first.
While the role of Speaker of the House requires me to work with colleagues from around the state, rest assured that the people of the 159th District remain my number one priority in the House of Representatives.
Remember that should you have questions about my work as your Representative or as Speaker of the House, you can always reach out to me at 404.656.5020, Jon.Burns@house.ga.gov, or on Facebook at www.FB.com/JonBurnsGA. If you wish to sign up for my weekly emailed newsletter, visit https://www.friendsofjonburns.com/home to sign up.