Week 9 Session Update: The Fiscal Year 2026 Budget
Last week, my colleagues and I ret urned to the State Capitol for Legi s lat ive Day 29, marking the start of our ninth week of session. With Crossover Day behind us, we turned our focus to reviewing and voting on Senate-passed legislation. However, one of the most important measures we advanced was the House’s version of the Fiscal Year 2026 budget. This budget outlines state funding priorities for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2025. Passing a balanced budget is our constitutional duty, and this year’s plan includes key investments in education, public safety, and rural development to support Georgia’s future. Prioritizing Education in the Fiscal Year 2026 Budget With a projected revenue of $37.7 billion — an increase of 4.4% over the original FY 2025 budget — the House has placed a strong focus on improving education. A major investment is the statewide literacy initiative, ensuring Georgia students build strong reading skills early on. The House budget includes: $22.7 million for the Georgia Council on Literacy’s recommendations, including $10 million in new funding.
$18.5 million for 116 Regional Education Service Agency (RESA) literacy coaches to support teachers with structured literacy programs.
$2 million for a free, universal reading screener for all school systems.
$14.7 billion in state funds for K-12 education, fully funding the Quality Basic Education (QBE) program.
$7.5 million for the School Supplies for Educators program, giving teachers $100 each to purchase classroom materials.
$45 million to fund the Georgia Promise scholarship. Last year, the General Assembly passed SB 233, the Georgia Promise Scholarship Act, which provides $6,500 scholarships to eligible families to pursue the educational options that best fit the needs of their children and students. The Georgia House is committed to the success of this program that provides educational choice to Georgia families, and the funding in our proposed budget reflects two times the estimated participation rate for the Promise Scholarship. Although some are claiming that the House is backtracking on its pledge to support this program, this amount is enough to provide two times the number of scholarships we estimate we will fund this year. In nearly every state that funds a school choice scholarship similar to our program here in Georgia, less than 1% of eligible students used the scholarship in its first year. In the unlikely case that more applications are received than we anticipate, the scholarships will be funded in their entirety in the AFY 2026 budget, just like any other formula-based program our state operates.
Additionally, we’ve allocated $5.9 million in sparsity grants to help smaller schools meet staffing and operational needs. Investments in career and technical education include $1.25 million for high-demand equipment grants and $14 million in lottery funds for Georgia’s Pre-K program, supporting smaller class sizes and adding 93 new classrooms. Enhancing School Safety and Student Well-Being Ensuring safe learning environments is a top priority in the Fiscal Year 2026 budget. The House has proposed a $25 million investment in the School and Student Safety (S3) Database, which will help law enforcement and schools track and assess threats. This initiative aligns with House Bill 268, which strengthens security protocols across Georgia schools.
In addition to safety measures, the budget addresses student mental health by allocating: $19.6 million for mental health support grants for middle and high schools.
$28 million in ad ditional funding for economically disadvantaged students.
$20,000 per school for mental health services, tele-mental health contracts, or additional inschool counselors.
Investing in our students’ mental well-being is just as important as physical security, ensuring they have the resources to succeed both in and out of the classroom. Supporting Georgia’s Public Safety and Justice System The House budget includes key funding increases for our correctional system and public safety sector, aiming to enhance security and rehabilitation programs. Highlights include: $1.6 million for the Council of Accountability Court Judges, expanding programs that help individuals receive mental health and addiction treatment as an alternative to incarceration.
$13.5 million for a
4% pay raise for correctional officers.
$45 million to hire over 700 new correctional officers, improving inmateto- staff ratios.
$15 million for criti cal prison maintenance and repairs.
$2.8 million for 100 transition center beds at the Smith Transitional Center in Evans County, providing inmates with job training and reentry support.
Additionally, $56.8 million is allocated to expand healthcare services for inmates, including adding 42 mental health professionals to improve care. Investing in Georgia’s Communities The House is also taking steps to address homelessness and healthcare disparities. The Fiscal Year 2026 budget includes: $6 million for home lessness initiatives, with an additional $4 million to leverage federal housing funds.
$5 million to expand labor and delivery services in rural hospitals.
$1.2 million for car diac care grants to hospitals, improving maternal health outcomes.
$700,000 for up grades to birthing facilities, ensuring access to highquality maternity care.
For rural Georgia, these investments mean stronger communities and better healthcare access, especially for expecting mothers and low-income families.
What’s Next for the Budget?
Now that the House has passed our version of the Fiscal Year 2026 budget, the Senate will review and may propose changes. If differences arise, a conference committee will work to reach a final agreement before the budget heads to the governor’s desk.
As we move into the final days of session, I encourage you to stay informed and reach out with any questions. Your input is invaluable as we shape policies that impact our district and all of Georgia. For more updates, visit Leesa-Hagan.com and check out my previous post on education funding reforms. Other Legislative Action
In addition to passing the budget, the House voted on several bills including: Senate Bill 81 strengthens consumer protections in auto sales, requiring manufacturers to disclose new vehicle functions and protect customer data. This legislation addresses concerns regarding dealership fairness and consumer rights, particularly in the age of digital vehicle transactions. It ensures that independent dealerships remain competitive by preventing monopolistic practices from large manufacturers. SB 81 also sets strict data privacy guidelines, restricting manufacturers from misusing customer information. Additionally, it mandates fair compensation for dealers assisting customers with over-theair (OTA) vehicle recalls. With these measures, the bill promotes transparency, security, and fairness for both consumers and auto dealers across Georgia.
Senate Bill 144 clarifies pesticide labeling regulations in Georgia, ensuring alignment with federal health and safety standards. This legislation provides that pesticides registered with the Department of Agriculture and displaying an EPA-approved label will be considered sufficient warnings of health risks. However, it also includes provisions to hold manufacturers accountable if they have knowingly withheld or misrepresented health risks to gain EPA approval. By aligning state regulations with federal guidelines, SB 144 provides consistency in pesticide labeling while ensuring consumer safety. This bill also helps farmers and businesses by reducing legal confusion and preventing unnecessary litigation over properly labeled products.
Visitors to the Capitol
Mike Hagan and Jared Kirby spent some time in Atlanta for HCA Day at the Capitol.
Jacob Thompson of Toombs County spent some time talking about the 2026 elections.
Mr. Michael Johnson and a group of fifth graders from Sally D. Meadows Elementary in Vidalia.
Staying Connected
With fewer than 10 legislative days left, we are in the home stretch of this session. The final day, known as Sine Die, is set for April 4th. I welcome your input on the issues that matter most to you. If you have any questions or concerns, please reach out to my office, schedule a visit to the Capitol, or visit my website at LeesaHagan. com.
As always, thank you for allowing me to serve as your representative.
By Leesa Hagan R-Vidalia (District 156, Georgia House of Representatives)
