GERALD GREENE: Work at Capitol impacts southwest Georgia positively

We had a full week at the Capitol last week, with four days of debate and voting on the House floor, and a fifth day to catch up on important committee business. The House of Representatives worked on several important pieces of legislation that will have a positive impact on you and your neighbors, which I’ll update.

Passage of the FY2022 Amended Budget: On Friday we passed one of the two most important pieces of legislation we consider each session, the FY 2022 Amended Budget for the state of Georgia. I was honored to serve as the chair of the Committee of the Whole, while my friend, Appropriations Chairman Terry England, presented House Bill 910. The bill provides more than $900 million in one-time capital expenses including:

1. $32.3 million to replace 789 vehicles, vans, and buses for state agencies;

2. $193 million for school systems to replace 1,747 school buses and fund safety features;

3. $86.9 million for equipment and technology replacements for state agencies and their offices;

4. $106.6 million for maintenance, repairs, infrastructure, and design for state facilities;

5. $481.3 million for property transformation projects, that include Georgia Department of Correction upgrades in our prison facilities around the state.

The recommendations made by Gov. Brian Kemp also improve upon the human capital infrastructure of Georgia government by investing in employees. HB 910 appropriates:

1. More than $900 million to provide salary increases for state employees and educators;

2. $456.6 million to provide a $5,000 salary adjustment to all full-time, benefit-eligible state employees;

3. $2,000 salary supplement for teachers and $1,000 for other school employees, including nurses, bus drivers, school nutrition workers, and custodians.

I was proud to vote in favor of the FY 2022 Amended Budget that will positively affect all Georgians.

In addition to addressing budgetary legislation last week, we held important committee hearings on issues including redistricting, parental rights and creating new tools to send gang members to jail. Friday was day 15 of our 40-day session, so we still have much work to complete between now and our April 4 adjournment.

Georgia Farm Bureau Day and Eggs & Issues: Earlier last week, we welcomed the Georgia Farm Bureau to the Capitol, with attendees from Screven and Effingham counties making the trip. Not only do I enjoy seeing folks from House District 151, but other agricultural producers from around our state as well. Back at home on Saturday, I joined Congressman Rick Allen and Sen. Max Burns for the Eggs & Issues gathering in Sylvania.

We discussed current legislation and provided a timeline for the rest of the legislative session.

As you learn about issues that concern you or have questions about the work I am doing on your behalf in Atlanta, please do not hesitate to call me at (404) 656-9210 or email me at [email protected].

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