Georgia Senate advances nearly $39B budget, boosts disability waivers, retiree funding

ATLANTA, Ga. (Atlanta News First) — Georgia Senate budget writers advanced a nearly $39 billion state spending plan Wednesday, adding money for disability services and state retirees while cutting other priorities to stay within the governor’s spending cap.

The Senate Appropriations Committee voted unanimously to approve changes to the fiscal 2027 budget, which funds state government starting July 1. The budget now heads to the full Senate for a vote before returning to the Georgia House, which can accept the Senate’s changes, reject them or negotiate a compromise.

The Senate proposal includes about 1,200 new New Options Waiver and Comprehensive Supports Waiver Program slots for Georgians with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Advocates said the waiting list still tops 8,000 people statewide.

The Medicaid-funded waivers can cover in-home support, transportation and job coaching. Parents at the Capitol said those services can determine whether their children can work and live more independently.

Patricia Nobbie said a waiver helped her daughter, Mia, hold a job at St. Mary’s Hospital.

“Everybody in Athens knows her. I mean, everybody,” Nobbie said.

Rita Haggerty said her daughter, Hannah, has been on the waiver waiting list for 14 years. Haggerty said Hannah may not be considered the most urgent case under the state’s criteria, even as her family plans for the future.

“And you know, I’m not getting any younger,” Haggerty said.

Senate Budget Chair Blake Tillery (R-Vidalia) said lawmakers have limited time to reach agreement with the House.

“They had a bite at the apple. We’ve had a bite at the apple,” Tillery said.

The Senate also added about $100 million for the state Employees’ Retirement System, aimed at supporting more consistent cost-of-living increases for retired state employees.

To make room for the additions, senators cut elsewhere. The Senate pulled about $125 million from the higher education funding formula tied to online classes, arguing that online instruction should be funded at a lower rate than in-person classes. Senators also scrapped the House plan to hire more staff to verify food stamp eligibility, saying a private company offered to do the work for free.

The changes set up another fight with House Democrats, who criticized cuts they said would harm families. State Rep. Imani Barnes (D-Tucker) said the Senate removed about $2 million tied to SUN Bucks, a summer food program Barnes said could unlock about $143 million in federal benefits.

“We’re feeding children that need it over the summer, and we line item that. It makes no sense to me,” Barnes said.

Wednesday marked Day 37 of the 40-day legislative session. Passing a budget is the only action lawmakers are constitutionally required to complete before adjournment, and final negotiations often continue until the last days.