By State Representative Arlene Beckles (D-Norcross)
(408 words)
This past week, the Georgia House of Representatives approved significant changes to the state’s 2025 budget, with substantial investments in hurricane recovery, education, healthcare and infrastructure. The amended budget, totaling $40.5 billion, includes $4.4 billion in new spending to address critical needs across the state.
Hurricane Helene Recovery
Following the impact of Hurricane Helene, the state has allocated substantial funds for recovery efforts:
- $145 million for emergency response;
- $250 million in relief assistance for farmers and timber producers;
- $35.6 million in grants to rural and critical access hospitals;
- $200 million for road and infrastructure repairs;
- Additional support for emergency responders and affected communities.
Education Improvements
Parents and students will see several educational enhancements:
- Funding for 3,431 additional students in public schools;
- $50 million in school security grants ($21,635 per school);
- Coverage of AP exam costs for eligible students;
- Improved pay for Pre-K teachers and assistant teachers;
- Expanded support for charter schools and special needs scholarships.
Healthcare Initiatives
The budget includes significant healthcare investments:
- Support for medical education, including $25 million each to Mercer and Morehouse Schools of Medicine;
- Scholarships for medical students at PCOM South Georgia;
- New mental health resources, including child psychiatry positions;
- Public health campaigns on colorectal cancer awareness and vaping risks;
- Study on social media’s impact on children’s mental health.
Infrastructure and Transportation
Major transportation and infrastructure projects include:
- $530 million for freight infrastructure, including widening of I-16 and I-95;
- $250 million for local road improvements with no required local matching funds;
- $100 million for road resurfacing;
- $501.7 million for water resource development in coastal regions;
- $250 million in low-interest loans for local water and wastewater infrastructure.
Housing and Economic Development
The budget addresses housing and economic growth through:
- $28 million for rural workforce housing grants and loans;
- $20 million for rural site development;
- $37.4 million for Atlanta Farmers Market renovations;
- Expansion of the Georgia Hemp program.
Public Safety Improvements
Law enforcement and corrections will see significant upgrades:
- $214 million for prison safety and technology improvements;
- New body cameras and safety equipment for corrections officers;
- Increased funding for healthcare services in correctional facilities;
- Better pay for community supervision officers;
- New safety equipment for public safety officers.
Once signed into law, the amended budget takes effect immediately and will fund these initiatives through the remainder of fiscal year 2025. Please work with your respective departments as you normally do, and let me know if there is anything you want me to bring to the Gwinnett Delegation.
Representative Arlene Beckles represents the citizens of District 96, which includes a portion of Gwinnett County. She was first elected to the House of Representatives in 2024 and currently serves on the Special Rules, State Properties and Technology and Infrastructure Innovation committees.
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