Ginn: Week Two Under the Gold Dome

As the 2026 Legislative Session moves into its second week, the General Assembly is turning its full attention to its most important responsibility: passing a balanced, thoughtful budget that spends taxpayer dollars wisely.

Budget hearings began on Tuesday, January 20, when the Senate and House Appropriations Committees met jointly to hear budget requests from various departments and agencies. These hearings continued through Thursday, but the work doesn't stop there. In the coming weeks, I'll be serving on Appropriations Subcommittees on Agriculture and Natural Resources and Transportation. We will further discuss these recommendations and make our own suggestions. Passing a balanced budget is not only our constitutional duty as legislators, but it's also imperative in creating a responsible government that serves its people.

One of the most impactful budget proposals this legislative session is Governor Brian Kemp's plan to rebate more than $1 billion in income taxes, giving single filers $250 and joint filers up to $500 in additional savings. Affordability is one of our top priorities this legislative session, and providing tax relief through rebates and income tax cuts is an important first step toward strengthening our economy. These tangible policy decisions are just a further reminder that Senate Republicans' overarching ideology of fiscal conservatism is to thank for positioning our economy as one of the best in the nation, despite reckless federal economic policy during the Biden Administration.

Gov. Kemp's proposed budget also outlines numerous higher education investments, including those for the University System of Georgia and, more specifically, the University of Georgia. The faculty, staff and students of UGA make up a significant portion of our district (Go DAWGS!), and as an alumnus myself, I will always support investments in our state's flagship university. Investments in our education system are often the first step to building an educated workforce and a stronger economy.

The Governor is recommending $9.5 million in formula funding for essential startup costs for the UGA School of Medicine, as well as $5.6 million for the design of a UGA School of Nursing facility. The proposal also includes over $34 million to support the ongoing modernization of Science and Ag Hill. The project promotes continued growth in STEM education and research, two fields that are growing in our workforce. Gov. Kemp has also allocated more than $31 million to food and farm operations. This is a critical industry in Northeast Georgia, and I'll be working throughout the legislative session to secure this funding.

As the legislative session begins, I would like to invite students ages 12 to 18 to serve as Senate Pages. This highly informative program allows students to participate in the legislative process at our State Capitol for one day during the legislative session. Interested students may apply for the program by contacting my administrative assistant or me at my office via email. ([email protected].)

Please don't hesitate to contact my office regarding any legislative matter as we begin another productive legislative session. I hope you and your family enjoy a successful 2026!

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Sen. Frank Ginn represents the 47^th Senate District which includes Madison County and portions of Barrow, Clarke, and Jackson County. He can be reached at (404) 656-4700 or by email at [email protected].

For all media inquiries, please reach out to [email protected].