Sen. John Albers Introduces Zero-Based Budgeting Act to Protect Taxpayer Dollars

ATLANTA (January 14, 2026) - Today, Sen. John Albers (R-Roswell) introduced Senate Bill 392, the Waste Reduction Act of 2026, also known as the Zero-Based Budgeting Act, legislation designed to bring the same common-sense budgeting practices used by Georgia families into state government.

In homes across Georgia, families do not build their household budgets by simply repeating last year's spending. Instead, they sit down, look at what they earn, and make thoughtful decisions about what they truly need and where they can cut back. Senate Bill 392 applies that same kitchen-table approach to the state budget.

Under zero-based budgeting, every dollar of government spending must be justified from the ground up during each budget cycle. Rather than assuming prior-year spending automatically continues, agencies must clearly demonstrate why programs are needed and how taxpayer dollars will be used. The goal is simple: ensure every dollar in the state budget serves a clear, necessary, and accountable purpose.

"Every Georgia family knows what it means to tighten their belt when costs rise," said Sen. Albers. "They don't get to spend money they don't have, and they don't keep paying for things that no longer make sense. Georgia has earned a reputation as one of the most fiscally responsible states in the nation, but that kind of stewardship requires constant commitment. If families are forced to account for every dollar at the kitchen table, taxpayers deserve a government that does the same."

Sen. Albers added, "Fiscal responsibility isn't something you do once and forget about. It's something you recommit to year after year. Our history of sound budgeting will only endure if we continue to ask hard questions, eliminate waste, and prioritize what truly matters."

You can find more information about SB 392 here.

# # # #

Sen. John Albers serves as Chairman of the Senate Committee on Public Safety. He represents the 56^th Senate District, which includes portions of Cherokee, Cobb and Fulton counties. He may be reached by phone at (404) 463-8055 or by email at [email protected].

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