Lt. Governor Burt Jones Issues Statement in Support of FY27 Budget Priorities

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Wednesday, March 25, 2026

ATLANTA |Today, Lt. Governor Burt Jones issued a statement in support of the Fiscal Year 2027 Budget passing the Senate Appropriations Committee with bi-partisan, unanimous support.

"I want to thank Chairman Blake Tillery, the subcommittee Chairs, and all members of the Senate Appropriations Committee for their hard work," said Lt. Governor Burt Jones. "This budget includes critical investments in education by fully funding a literacy coach for every school, support for Georgia's retired state employees, appropriations for 1,217 NOW/COMP waivers, and additional support for Georgia's veterans. I look forward to the Senate taking action on this budget and our work with the House to ensure that we pass a conservative, fiscally sound budget."

Fiscal Year 2027 Highlights:

The Senate version of the budget supports statewide literacy efforts by funding a literacy coach in every school for K-3 with an appropriation of $70M.

The Senate proposes a contribution of $100M to the Employees' Retirement System of Georgia.

Furthering the Lt. Governor's commitment to the safety of Jewish community centers and schools, the Senate version of the budget includes a $3M appropriation for non-profit security grant programs.

The Senate's proposed budget fully funds 1,217 additional New Options Waiver (NOW) and Comprehensive Supports Waiver Program (COMP) slots for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

The Senate fully funded $16.1M to create parity between in-home and in-office reimbursement rates for autism services.

Furthering the Lt. Governor's commitment to veterans, the Senate appropriated $5M to eliminate veterans' homelessness.

The Senate supports the House appropriation of $2.5M to the BOOST program, which provides after school care for children across the state.

For more information on the FY27 Budget, please follow this link:

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