Georgia lawmakers enter final days in budget standoff

ATLANTA, Ga. (Atlanta News First) — Georgia lawmakers are headed into the final days of the legislative session with a public clash over the one bill they are required to pass: the state budget.

The fight spilled into the open on Friday after the Senate advanced its version of the spending plan, and the House quickly voted to reject it.

Rep. Matt Hatchett (R-Dublin) made the motion to disagree.

“I move that this House disagree to SB 974,” Hatchett said.

House members responded with loud chants of “Send it back” that echoed through the chamber.

House Speaker Jon Burns (R-Newington) later said, “I can’t control what comes back from the Senate.”

Senate budget chair Blake Tillery (R-Vidalia) said the Senate plan increases overall spending but redirects money in ways House leaders oppose. He described the proposal as roughly a $38.5 billion budget, about 4% higher than last year.

“There are over 265 pages in the budget. And each line matters,” Tillery said.

The Senate plan includes several high-profile differences that are now headed for negotiation.

For Georgia’s public colleges, Tillery said the Senate changes the funding formula tied to online instruction, an adjustment he estimated at roughly $123 million.

The Senate also adds roughly $20 million for about 1,200 new NOW/COMP waivers, which fund services for Georgians with intellectual or developmental disabilities. Tillery said the money is aimed at the urgent-needs planning list, though he acknowledged provider availability could affect how quickly slots are filled.

On literacy, a House priority this session, the Senate backs roughly $70 million for literacy coaches while also cutting positions it characterizes as bureaucratic.

Gov. Brian Kemp downplayed the dispute, saying budget negotiations typically go down to the wire.

“It’s on the normal track,” Kemp said, noting lawmakers usually pass the budget on the last day of session.

The budget now moves to a conference committee, where House and Senate negotiators will try to reach a final deal before Thursday’s deadline.