The fourth week of Session we discussed the amended or “baby” budget.

This is done every year to align last year’s forecasted “big” budget to the revenue we actually collected. Happily, revenues are 1.2 percent higher than expected, so we have an additional $307 million out of a total Budget of $24.9 billion.

Keep in mind, 27 state governments had to cut their budgets last year. Georgia’s income grew so much (without increasing taxes) that the House voted to cut our income tax year. (Unfortunately, this bill did not pass the Senate). And please keep in mind, Georgia is now the lowest (best) state in the nation in collections per capita.

The vast majority of the new increases will be in education. $102 million will be added to keep up with the increase of children. Believe it or not, one in four Georgians are young people who are either being educated or are about to be educated. We’re also adding $15 million to buses and another $1 million to other areas. The medical wing of Augusta University will get a $10 million increase, HOPE will get a $8 million boost, and the Technical College System will receive $2 million. Dual enrollment – a program where high school kids earn college credit – is growing by $11 million to keep up with the rapid rise of this incredibly successful program. Georgia is one of the most generous states in the nation in granting free post-high school education.

Transportation enjoys the next biggest increase, adding $7 million to roads and bridges. Georgia is now spending more money on roads than any state in the nation. Another $25 million in state money will be added to $13 million in federal funds to lengthen 11 small airport runways. This is a huge win for both Newton and Morgan Counties, as both counties that I represent are receiving this money. Longer runways mean bigger corporate jets which means more jobs. This was proven by former-Covington Mayor Sam Ramsey when he insisted on lengthening the Covington airport a decade ago. That longer runway was instrumental in attracting multibillion dollar Shire, Three Rings Studio (soon to be the largest movie-making studio on the planet), and another multibillion dollar project that is soon to be announced.

$18 million will be spent to shore up the Forestland Protection Act which benefits Morgan County in particular. Another $10 million will go to the Emergency Fund and another $16 million will be spent on state workers compensation and liability premiums. Georgia has the 2nd lowest state worker cost per capita in the nation.

Around $32 million will be added to Healthcare and another $19 million to Human Services. Another $5 million will go to Public Safety, mostly to Troopers.

Legislatively, it has been a very difficult year. The House Adoption Bill – a badly needed fix that brings Georgia up to our neighboring state’s standards – is still not completed. Normally, I can honestly say that your General Assembly – the House and the Senate and the Republicans and the Democrats – work well together. I cannot say that about this struggle. As Speaker of the House David Ralston noted, “this is about Georgia’s most needy and vulnerable children. I don’t know why it’s so hard.”

I’ve previously told you about the work done by my Military Affairs committee that I’m honored to chair. The committee’s work was featured on television this week. Myself and Representative Mike Glanton (D) Jonesboro reported on our ongoing progress as we seek to support our armed services. On another military note, I’m pleased that our own Congressman Jody Hice was appointed to the House Armed Services Committee. Myself and Congressman Hice have already scheduled several meetings to work to protect our warriors and their families.

I certainly need your prayers as I serve the people of Newton and Morgan counties. You may contact me at davebelton112@gmail.com or 706-372-4114.