(Media release from the Georgia House of Representatives Press Office):
Speaker Jon Burns (R-Newington) announced on Thursday that the Georgia House of Representatives has passed its version of the Fiscal Year 2024 State Budget. The budget provides raises for all state employees and teachers and makes strategic investments in healthcare, education and public safety.
“I want to thank our House, particularly our Appropriations Chairman Matt Hatchett and his committee, for their work on this balanced budget that invests wisely for the needs of a growing, thriving state,” said Speaker Jon Burns. “I also want to thank Governor Kemp for providing a strong budget recommendation from which to build our version of the budget.”
“This budget reflects sound, conservative fiscal policy while demonstrating compassion for Georgians in need,” said Appropriations Chairman Matt Hatchett (R-Dublin). “We have been good stewards of the taxpayer dollars with which we have been entrusted, and I am proud of all the House members and staff who worked on this important piece of legislation.”
The House version of the Fiscal Year 2024 (FY 2024) State Budget provides a $4,000 raise for all state law enforcement officers. Other state employees, including public school teachers, will receive a $2,000 raise. Select high-turnover positions in certain state government agencies receive larger raises to boost recruitment and retention. State retirees would also receive an additional, one-time $500 payment through a $26.7 million line item.
In healthcare, the House version of the FY 2024 State Budget increases the proposed number of additional NOW/COMP waiver slots from 250 to 375. An appropriation of $2.25 million goes to increase staffing resources for the 988 suicide hotline. Adult Medicaid recipients will now be covered for dental care through an additional $1.4 million.
The House version of the FY 2024 State Budget provides an additional $4.7 million to cover the student-portion of the cost for breakfast and lunch for those qualifying for reduced-fee school lunch. An additional $8.7 million is provided for a $1,000 supplement for elementary school custodians.
In public safety, the House version of the FY 2024 budget provides the Georgia Bureau of Investigation $1.5 million to hire additional forensic sciences staff and $2.7 million to establish a cold case office. An additional $2.5 million is provided for sexual assault nurse examiner (SANE) staff and resources. As previously announced, $1.25 million is budgeted to establish a Georgia State Patrol satellite post in the Buckhead area of the City of Atlanta.
The Fiscal Year 2024 State Budget now goes to the State Senate for consideration.
