Media release from the Georgia Senate Press Office:
By: Sen. Chuck Hufstetler (R–Rome)
This week marked the beginning of the 2026 Legislative Session, and we have officially finished five days of legislative business. This year, I am honored to be reappointed as Chairman of the Senate Committee on Finance, where I will support greater tax cuts and keeping Georgia cost-conscious. Georgia has thrived with a conservative approach to spending, and I will continue to support that vision for our state.
On January 15, Governor Brian Kemp addressed the Senate and the House, laying out a bold vision for the 2026 Legislative Session in his State of the State Address. His agenda focuses on lowering the state income tax, supporting Georgia’s workforce and investing in our healthcare industry. Notably, $40.7 million is being invested in the state for healthcare education facilities and workforce training facilities. An additional $2.1 million will open more medical residency slots in the state, offering medical students more opportunities for development and increasing the number of doctors who are training in Georgia. These efforts set the tone for a productive session centered around improving the quality of care for Georgians everywhere.
Senate Republicans understand that affordability isn’t an abstract policy debate. It’s about whether a family can afford groceries, pay their bills and still have something left at the end of the month. That’s why our priorities align with Governor Kemp’s focus on lowering everyday costs, holding the line on utility rates and advancing reforms that are already bringing down insurance premiums. These are real savings Georgians feel at the checkout line and will help families breathe easier, plan ahead and keep more of what they earn.
As we work to uphold the American Dream, my colleagues and I are prioritizing fiscal discipline this legislative session. Georgia’s rainy day fund and strategic reserves stand at over $10 billion, giving us the foundation to cut state income tax rates and fund capital projects with $4.1 billion in cash, rather than adding to the state’s debt.
I also sponsored SB 382, which will make the homestead exemptions for ad valorem taxes mandatory across the state. Many taxpayers have already felt relief since we first passed legislation for these homestead exemptions in 2024, but more Georgians deserve a lower tax burden. With this legislation, local counties and municipalities will have to provide these exemptions, putting more money back into the pockets of hardworking Georgians. This is a common-sense, fiscally responsible step toward greater financial freedom for every household, and I look forward to presenting it to the Senate Committee on Finance, which I chair, soon.
I am a sponsor of SB 410, which will eliminate the tax credit giveaway to data centers. Data centers should pay all of their taxes, electricity, water and other costs like everyone else. The tax credit this year will cost Georgia taxpayers $625 million and is projected to grow even higher next year. This is my second attempt at eliminating this giveaway, but I believe this one will be successful. We can use that revenue to help lower everyone’s taxes.
As many of you know, my legislation has focused on property taxes, income taxes, electricity costs and other kitchen-table issues. I suddenly have more colleagues interested in affordability this year, and I welcome them aboard the affordability train.
It remains an honor to serve under the Gold Dome, and I look forward to another Legislative Session. I will continue to advocate for a safer, more affordable state for all Georgians, and I encourage you to contact my office with any questions, comments or concerns.
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Sen. Chuck Hufstetler serves as Chairman of the Senate Committee on Finance. He represents the 52nd Senate District, which includes portions of Bartow, Floyd and Gordon counties. He may be reached by phone at (404) 656-0034 or by email at Chuck.Hufstetler@senate.ga.gov.
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