Gov. Brian Kemp (R)has signed the Amended Budget for Fiscal Year 2025, which will implement a multitude of reforms. The first major change to come with this budget is a statewide tax refund of $1 billion.
Kemp elaborated on X how this refund is meant to assist Georgians dealing with “sky-high” prices. He stated, “We’re also proud of our partners in the State House for unanimously supporting this year’s special income tax refund, helping hardworking families fight through sky-high prices.”
He also went on to say that these funds are better suited in the hands of Georgians instead of bureaucrats in Washington D.C. “Georgians know how to spend their money better than the government does, and they deserve to keep more of it in their pocket," said Gov. Kemp.
The second major change to this year’s budget is an increased allotment of hurricane relief. The budget is set to provide $250 million towards Georgia’s agriculture and timber communities impacted by the destructive Hurricane Helene. A total of $867 million is set to be provided for relief relating to entities like hospitals and non-governmental organizations.
The third major change to this year’s budget is an increase in one-time investments for public safety, education, and infrastructure. This includes $140 million allocated towards the public system so it can expand its workforce statewide. The Department of Corrections is set to receive $434 million to fortify its facilities and hire more corrections officers. A major development for infrastructure is the $265 million set aside for the local maintenance and improvement grant program.
Kemp commented on X that this budget serves as an example for how to properly fund Georgia’s priorities and give back to the people.
He stated, “While other states are raising taxes to cover their out-of-control budgets, we’re funding our priorities while cutting taxes AND returning billions back to Georgia taxpayers!”
Lt. Gov. Burt Jones (R) chimed in on X declaring this year’s amended budget to be a shining example for how to construct a conservative and efficient budget. He stated, “Georgia is a shining example of how to budget efficiently and effectively, while putting Georgian’s hard earned dollars back in their pockets. I look forward to our continued work to appropriate taxpayer dollars in a fiscally, conservative manner.”
