Governor Brian P. Kemp signed the state budget for Fiscal Year 2027 on May 12, joined by First Lady Marty Kemp and Office of Planning and Budget Director Rick Dunn. This marks the last budget Kemp will sign as Georgia’s 83rd governor.
The signing of House Bill 974 is significant because it continues the administration’s approach to strategic investments in key areas while maintaining fiscal discipline. “House Bill 974 delivers on the promise I made when I first ran for governor and the same promise we’ve kept for every budget since. It makes strategic investments to keep our state the best place to live, work, and raise a family – while also holding the line on government spending,” Kemp said during his remarks.
Kemp emphasized that priorities in this budget include education, behavioral health, community health, public safety, agriculture, and forestry industries. He highlighted ongoing commitments such as fully funding K-12 classrooms and supporting growth in scholarship programs: “Yet again, we’re fully funding our K-12 classrooms, funding growth in the HOPE Scholarship and Grant programs…and funding other key priorities that will grow our state’s healthcare workforce.” The governor also noted support for mental health crisis systems through initiatives like the 9-8-8 hotline.
With tax cuts recently signed into law resulting in an expected revenue reduction of nearly $1 billion for FY27, Kemp said adjustments were necessary: “That’s money that has to be accounted for in a balanced budget…Georgia will not follow in the steps of Washington D.C., where too many politicians refuse to make tough decisions necessary to keep spending in check.” He announced directives for state agencies to withhold more than $300 million in proposed new spending but clarified no current program cuts would occur: “We’re talking about new spending; we aren’t making any cuts to or rolling back any parts of current programs.”
Kemp reflected on Georgia’s approach compared with other states facing shortfalls: “Other states are dealing with budget shortfalls and thinking about raising taxes on their citizens. Here in Georgia, we’re giving money back to taxpayers…because we maintain fiscal discipline.” He acknowledged possible reliance on reserve funds if needed but warned against using one-time resources for long-term obligations.
According to the official website, Georgia’s executive branch operates from Atlanta at a mansion built in 1967 that serves as both residence and office space. The executive authority extends across all counties within Georgia’s government sector as part of its administrative structure.
Kemp concluded by thanking legislative partners and OPB staff: “I want to thank Director Dunn and his team at the Office of Planning and Budget…without them, we would not have been able to give so much relief to people of our state.”
