Georgia – Governor Brian P. Kemp gathered with First Lady Marty Kemp, Lt. Governor Burt Jones, legislative leaders and constitutional officers on the steps of the state Capitol earlier this week to put pen to paper on Georgia’s Fiscal Year 2026 budget. The ceremony signaled the end of months of joint effort by the Governor’s Office, the General Assembly, and the state’s financial stewards. Kemp commended the bipartisan effort, pointing out that this fair spending strategy meets Georgia’s changing demands without increasing government or contributing to long-term obligations.
Kemp emphasized in his speech that almost every area of state government has been impacted by the new budget. “It represents an impact across so many different areas of our state – including investments in education, public safety, healthcare, infrastructure, and much more,” he said, highlighting the administration’s commitment to meet the demands of a growing population while maintaining fiscal discipline.
The governor expressed gratitude to Lt. Governor Jones, Speaker Jon Burns, Appropriations Chairs Matt Hatchett and Blake Tillery for steering the process in both chambers; OPB Director Rick Dunn and his crew for their behind-the-scenes efforts.
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The biggest portion of the fresh funding will go to K-12 schools. Apart from $49.7 million set aside to strengthen student mental health services, the budget provides an additional $300 million to handle operating costs and growing enrollment. Early literacy programs will get a $13 million increase; $20 million is allocated to replace 227 old school vehicles. With $267 million going to the University and Technical College Systems, higher education benefits as well as capacity is increased and training is matched with industry needs. At last, almost $141 million will go to the Promise Scholarship Program, which will help Georgia families maintain higher education within reach.
Medicaid and PeachCare for Kids will be backed by an extra $257 million to fit increasing caseloads. While social services eligible personnel will have salary increases of more than $5 million, state hospitals will undertake major capital repairs financed by $10 million. Maternal health projects get a $4.5 million boost, hence supporting the state’s emphasis on family well-being.
This budget cycle places public safety at top priority. The Department of Corrections will get $200 million to increase staff and corrections officer pay, grow its personnel and meet operational requirements enhancing facility security. Digital forensics and crime scene leadership roles will be strengthened with an additional $1 million; new personnel and technology totaling $1.7 million fund crime lab improvements.
While human trafficking response teams in Savannah, Macon, and Augusta experience a total rise of more than $1 million, including funds to support the statewide 24/7 hotline promoted by the First Lady, anti-gang initiatives are funded for case management and prosecution.
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With $290 million set aside for transportation projects and $715 million for capital enhancements across schools and public institutions, infrastructure investments remain constant. Importantly, these expenditures are funded in cash for a second consecutive year—maintaining Georgia’s debt service-to-revenue ratio at its lowest point in history and saving taxpayers an estimated $150 million yearly over the next two decades.
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Lt. Governor Jones praised the Assembly’s financially conservative attitude in his concluding comments, stressing that primary value remains to return money to taxpayers. Speaker Burns mirrored that feeling and commended the calculated investments that would protect Georgia’s future even as they returned money to diligent families’ pockets. The leaders jointly celebrated a budget meant to maintain Georgia “the best place to live, work and raise a family” for years to come.
Details and additional statements are available here.
