Governor Brian Kemp (R-GA), joined by Lieutenant Governor Burt Jones (R-GA), Speaker Jon Burns (R-159), House and Senate Appropriations Chairmen Blake Tillery (R-19) and Matt Hatchett (R-155), and members of the Georgia General Assembly, signed HB 973, the Amended Budget for Fiscal Year (FY) 2026.
In his remarks, Gov. Kemp stressed that this budget will provide meaningful relief to Georgians while making long-term investments. He then clarified that while this budget may seem quite large, it will not add long-term liabilities for the state to eventually pay back.
“We’re able to make wise use of these funds today and make generational investments in our state because of our conservative approach to budgeting,” Gov. Kemp stated. “And because of the belief that guides us in crafting and negotiating these budgets: this isn’t the government’s money. It belongs to the people of Georgia!”
HB 973
HB 973 includes $2 billion in income and property tax relief for hardworking Georgians, as well as other key investments in education, workforce, public safety, and infrastructure.
For education, $325 million has been endowed for the DREAMS Scholarship program - the first needs-based scholarship in Georgia's history.
$6 million for the Career Navigator tool to connect workers with quality job opportunities and funding for new and enhanced programs at USG and TCSG institutions will also be provided.
For public safety, an additional $150 million has been provided to the Department of Corrections to address critical bed space needs, and over $9.7 million for additional Corrections Officers.
$15 million will be available for a new K-9 training facility at the Georgia Department of Public Safety Headquarters, and $50 million will be available to assist communities in addressing homelessness across Georgia.
For infrastructure, over $1.6 billion will be available for the extension and bi-directional expansion of the I-75 express lanes in Henry County, and $185 million will be provided for interchange conversions on University Parkway.
Today, alongside @GaFirstLady, @LtGovJonesGA, Speaker @JonBurnsGA, and Chairmen Hatchett and Tillery, I was proud to sign the amended budget, making historic investments in our state while returning roughly $2 billion to hardworking Georgians in tax relief!
Together, we'll… pic.twitter.com/HlVV2RO7NW
— Governor Brian P. Kemp (@GovKemp) March 3, 2026
