Kemp Pushes for $614M Hurricane Relief, Tax Cuts, and Education Funding in Georgia Budget

Race Day Live  (Atlanta, GA) – Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp wants to revise the fiscal year 2025 budget to provide more than $614 million for disaster recovery.

The governor’s scheduled presentation to the Joint Appropriations Committee on mid-year revisions and next year’s budget was canceled due to inclement weather, so he made his recommendations available online. Appropriations subcommittees are expected to convene on Monday.

The majority of the $614 million, $300 million, would be sent to the Georgia Department of Transportation for debris cleanup, road and other repairs. Another $150 million would be allocated to the Federal Emergency Management Agency to cover the state’s part of debris removal, temporary shelters, and direct help. According to Kemp’s presentation, the remainder is directed toward the state’s forestry industry and its insurance pool to assure its continued health.

“My top priority in the budgets before you is one that we all share – relief for those devastated by Hurricane Helene last September,” Kemp said. “Hundreds of thousands of Georgians – from Valdosta to Augusta and far beyond – suffered losses in its wake, and we continue to mourn for the 34 Georgians lost to this terrible storm.”

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The governor maintained his aim to reduce the income tax from 5.39% to 5.19%. Kemp estimated that the change would save taxpayers $7.5 billion over the following ten years.

The package includes an additional $1 billion in new education spending, which will support the already announced school safety awards. Kemp also proposes reducing the size of prekindergarten classes.

If lawmakers approve the state’s new school choice program, it will receive $141 million.

The modified FY25 budget and fiscal year 2026 budgets include $2.2 billion in water and transportation infrastructure investments.

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Kemp’s plan includes an additional $603 in financing for the Department of Corrections.

“This new funding will help recruit and retain staff, reinforce and strengthen prison facilities, improve population management, and meet the rising costs associated with inmate health and mental care,” Mr. Kemp said.

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