FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Monday, February 24, 2025

ATLANTA |Today, Lt. Governor Burt Jones issued a statement in support of the Senate substitute to House Bill 67, the Amended Fiscal Year 2025 Budget. The legislation is being carried by Senator Blake Tillery (R – Vidalia) and will be heard in the Senate later this week. 

“I want to thank Chairman Tillery, the subcommittee Chairs, and all members of the Senate Appropriations Committee for their hard work on the amended budget,” said Lt. Governor Burt Jones. “The AFY25 Budget includes critical funding for Georgia’s agriculture and timber communities impacted by the storms, along with relief for local communities and debris removal. Additionally, the proposed budget makes necessary investments in our education system, economic development projects, transportation infrastructure and public safety. I look forward to the House’s consideration of the Senate proposal and our work ahead on the Fiscal Year 2026 Budget.”

“In South and East Georgia, families are still removing trees from yards, patching roofs and trying to return to normalcy,” said Senator Blake Tillery. “This budget pushes critical funds into areas still reeling from damage related to Hurricane Helene. It also tackles growth and infrastructure needed to support Georgia’s incredible growth with an eye toward our aging population with investments in healthcare and residency programs to create more Georgia doctors. Most importantly, the budget looks at prior bonds and repurposes them to storm relief and pays off those with interest rates higher than we earn in our bank accounts.” 

Hurricane Helene and other storm relief highlights:

Recognize $100,000,000 in funds previously authorized by the House and add an additional $50,000,000 totaling $200,000,000 in disaster relief assistance to farmers and timber producers impacted by Hurricane Helene.

Add $82,000,000 for state and local match (25%) of debris removal from local roads and rights of way due to Hurricane Helene.

Increase funds to engage nonprofit community through grants for rebuilding and recovery efforts for victims from the House proposed $10,000,000 to $25,000,000. 

Add $100,000 for one-time grant funds for federally qualified health centers included in the Major Disaster Declaration area to assist in financial stabilization and recovery efforts.

Add $60,000,000 to pay bonds with interest rates higher than what we earn.

For more information on the AFY25 Budget, please follow this link: 

https://www.legis.ga.gov/senate/budget-and-evaluation-office

Contact

Policy and Communications Director Ines Owens

[email protected]