Sen. Frank Ginn: A Closer Look at Georgia’s Fiscal Future

Your Georgia Desk

A Closer Look at Georgia’s Fiscal Future

The General Assembly took a break from the regular legislative schedule during the week of January 19 – 23 to attend budget briefings and review the funding requests presented by state agencies. While the Governor’s budget recommendations are certainly a guiding framework, it is up to the House and Senate to finalize the general FY 2016 and the amended FY 2015 appropriations bills—right down to the very last line item. While the amended FY 2015 bill will likely see legislative action in the next week or two, the general FY 2016 budget will take much longer to review.

Georgia’s Constitutional requirement of operating on a balanced budget is the reason why we have maintained our AAA bond rating and are widely considered as one of the top states for business. Past years of responsible budgeting, even during tough financial times, has allowed our state’s economic landscape to rebound faster than many other states. The proposed budget increase—from $20.8 billion in FY 2015 to $21.7 billion in FY 2016—is proof that Georgia is continuing to grow and invest in the future of our state.

Georgia’s education programs continue to see the benefits of an improving economy. Governor Deal’s FY 2016 budget recommendations include $239 billion to fund enrollment growth and training for over 1.72 million K – 12 students and 121,000 teachers and administrators. An additional $280 million has been included to increase instructional days and properly compensate our best educators.

The HOPE scholarship program allows Georgia college students to receive a quality, affordable education in their home state, but the program has seen a sharp decrease in funding in recent years. I am pleased that Governor Deal has recommended, for the second year straight, a 3 percent increase in the award amount for HOPE scholarships and grants. This will be funded through $16.7 million in additional lottery funds. Nearly $19.7 million in bonds has been recommended for new capital projects, as well as renovations and new equipment, throughout the Technical College System of Georgia (TCSG).

Improving Georgia’s transportation infrastructure remains a top priority for both the Governor and the General Assembly. Approximately $17.5 million in additional motor fuel funds have been allotted for road and bridge projects, based on anticipated collections. The Senate Transportation Committee, on which I serve as a member, will be paying close attention to this area of the FY 2016 appropriations bill. The Committee will very likely consider several significant transportation infrastructure funding bills this session, and it’s important we know exactly where the numbers stand before reviewing these bills.

Every year, the Georgia General Assembly must also revise the current fiscal year budget to account for unexpected expenses or revenue shortfalls. The Governor has recommended that the Amended FY 2015 Budget include an additional $134 million to cover school enrollment growth, $4.8 million for Georgia Regents University to conduct clinical trials for the use of cannabidiol oil to treat children with severe seizure disorders, and $15.4 million for the improvement and expansion of child welfare services. Additionally, $20 million is slated for strategic economic development project grants and loans for local communities.

Next week, I will share information about several bills moving through the committee process. Please stay in touch with me and share your thoughts as we work through the legislative session. As always, I am honored to represent you in the 47th Senate District.