Working late into the night, the Georgia House overwhelmingly approved the state’s $36.1 billion dollar budget on Thursday.
The budget, which if signed by the governor will go into effect on July 1, reflects the state’s healthy cash reserves, offering increased spending in a number of areas.
House Appropriations Chairman Matt Hatchett, a Republican from Dublin, touted new money for public safety, including raises for law enforcement officers.
"This is a good budget for public safety," Hatchett said. "$45.9 million is appropriated for $3,000 increases for law enforcement officers."
Law enforcement officers aren’t the only state employees who will see a pay hike in the coming months, however. All state employees will see a cost of living raise in their paychecks starting in July, with extra money for teacher raises.
The budget also fully funds the state’s public education formula, and provides more money for free and reduced school lunches.
State officials estimate that the increased spending on lunches will provide some 17 million meals to 64,000 students. After a last minute adjustment to expected revenues, lawmakers were also able to funnel some $48 million into the state’s Department of Early Care and Learning, including prekindergarten programs.
Another highlight of the budget is the provision of $866 million for building and capital projects across the state. While large projects are often funded through borrowing, the new budget pays for them up front, saving interest and borrowing costs.
The budget drew praise from both Hatchett’s fellow Republican and from Democrats as well. Representative Karen Lupton of Chamblee applauded budget writers for including substantial new spending for domestic violence and sexual assault centers.
"I want to thank you personally, Chair Hatchett and Senator Tillery, because you have more than doubled the state's usual commitment to these vital services in our state" Lupton said. "I want to personally thank you very much for fighting to keep this money in our budget."
The House passed the budget 175-1, and the Senate later passed it 54-1.
