GERALD GREENE: State House set to take on budget week

The Georgia House of Representatives convened on Jan. 12, marking the start of the 158th legislative session. Under Georgia’s Constitution, the General Assembly meets for 40 non-consecutive legislative days, with the final day of the session scheduled for April 2.

Later in the week, members of the House and Senate gathered for a joint session to hear Gov. Brian Kemp’s final State of the State address. The governor outlined budget priorities focused on easing cost pressures for families, strengthening education and work force development, and supporting public safety. His proposals include $326 million for need-based scholarships, a one-time $1 billion tax rebate, a $2,000 pay supplement for eligible state employees , and increased retirement contributions for public safety officers. He also highlighted continued efforts to combat human trafficking.

We ended the week by honoring the life and legacy of Martin Luther King Jr. during a celebration of service. I was honored to speak on behalf of the House during the ceremony. It served as a powerful reminder of our shared responsibility to serve our communities.

Following the MLK holiday, the General Assembly returned to work on Tuesday to begin budget week. We will hear directly from the governor and state agencies about their budget requests. I will continue working on behalf of our district and keep you informed as the session moves forward.

As always, I welcome your questions and feedback. Please feel free to contact me at [email protected] or call (404) 656-9210.