Kemp proposes $27.2 Billion for state budget
Gov. Kemp delivering State of the State Jan. 14, 2021
Jonathan O’Brien | Reporter
(Atlanta, Ga) — In his third State of the State address Governor Brian Kemp proposed no budget cuts, fully funded education, and reforms to Georgia's Citizen's Arrest statute.
"One year ago, I had no idea what we would experience in 2020," Kemp said, lamenting the struggles the state faced. "Yes, we still have challenges ahead, a virus to beat, an economy to rebuild and restore. But my fellow Georgians, the State of the State is resilient, and we will endure."
Following severe budget cuts last year, the governor said the state had prepared for the worst. "However, thanks to the passage of the CARES Act, conservative budgeting, and our measured reopening of Georgia's economy, our rainy-day fund remains strong." Because of this, he announced that no state agencies or departments would face cuts, and he would not propose widespread furloughs or layoffs.
House Democratic Leader Rep. James Beverly and fellow Democrats Jan. 14, 2021
Even though Governor Kemp credits the "measured reopening" with helping Georgia's economy, House Minority Leader James Beverly (D-Macon) disagrees, "2020 has led to worsening conditions because we didn't do what we needed to do in the beginning."
His proposition includes fully funding education to the tune of $647 million for FY 2021 and $573 million for FY 2022. "Those funds mean schools will be able to prioritize our students' safety, ensure quality instruction continues, and stand with our educators in the months and years to come," Kemp said.
That plan could include $1,000 bonuses for teachers and school staff and as much as $10 million to reimburse the pandemic-related education expenses of families with students who have special needs.
With $70 million allocated for rural Georgia projects, including high-speed internet and a 'Rural innovation fund.' Senate Minority Leader Gloria Butler (D-Stone Mountain) does not believe the rural internet funding goes far enough; hear what she told WGUR's Jonathan O'Brien:
The governor also announced his support for “significant reforms” to Georgia’s Citizen’s Arrest Statute following the shooting death of Ahmaud Arbery. “I believe that we can take another step toward a better, safer, and more just future for our state,” Mr. Kemp said. Senator Butler said she’s interested, but that “we should just do away with that completely.” The proposal is now in the hands of the Georgia House and Senate.