The 2026 Legislative Session of the Georgia General Assembly reconvened on Monday, January 12. This is the second of a two-year cycle and any bills or resolutions that do not pass this session will not remain viable.
We immediately began our first day by voting on an adjournment resolution which sets the calendar for the entire 40-day session. Our last day, or what is known as 'Sine Die", will be Tuesday, April 2.
One of the traditions of the first week of session is the Governor's. "State of the State" address, in which he proposes his budget priorities for the coming fiscal year.
Some of the highlights are:
One in particular, that I have been working on is a $2 billion addition toward higher education in Georgia, including $40.7 million in his budget proposals for healthcare education facilities and medical workforce training programs. To date the state has spent more than $26 million for medical residency slots in Georgia, adding 897 positions, equaling 2,523 residency slots as of this fiscal year. The budget proposal will add another $2.1 million to bolster this critical workforce need in our state.
A $1 billion tax rebate for individuals, providing up to $500 for married couples and $250 for individuals, aimed at alleviating the cost of living.
A $325 million investment for the DREAMS Scholarship, Georgia's first need-based financial aid program for students.
A one-time $2,000 pay supplement for all state employees, including educators and public safety officers.
The budget also includes funding for transportation projects and a focus on long-term investments to support the state workforce.
Overall, the budget reflects a strong emphasis on tax relief and support for state employees while also addressing educational needs and infrastructure improvements.
Now that the 2026 legislative session is underway, I will spend much of the next three months at the Georgia State Capitol. Following the observance of the Martin Luther King Jr. holiday, my colleagues and I will return to the Capitol on Tuesday, January 20, to begin work on one of the most important responsibilities of this session-the state budget.
During what is often referred to as “budget week,” we will hear directly from Governor Kemp and state agency leaders as they present their budget requests to the joint House and Senate Appropriations Committees. These committees will continue meeting throughout the week, and I look forward to providing updates as we work through the budget process in the House.
I remain dedicated to serving your interests as your state representative, and I hope that you will contact me with any questions or concerns you may have regarding the legislative session or with any proposals or recommendations for future legislation.
You can also stay in touch by visiting our website at www.house.ga.gov to watch a live stream of the House in action, as well as archived committee meetings, and review legislation that we are considering.
Follow me on facebook for updates throughout the year.
Thank you for allowing me to be your representative.
Sincerely,
Representative Butch Parrish
