News from Under the Gold Dome

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Legislative Week in Review

Last week was “Budget Week” at the Capitol. The Senate and House Appropriations Committees met jointly to hear from the state agencies and to review the Governor’s proposed Budgets.

We will first consider the Amended FY2022 Budget. This is called the “Little Budget” and will make adjustments to the FY2022 budget as needed. The FY2023 or “Big Budget” will then be considered.

As both budgets move their way through the Senate and House Chambers, changes will be made and then finally reconciled through a conference committee made up of Senate and House members. Once the conference report is agreed upon, each bill will go to the Governor for his signature.

I wanted to highlight just few of the proposed funding measures we are considering:

Healthcare

To strengthen Georgia’s health care workforce, the Governor’s proposed budget calls for $1 million for the University System of Georgia to expand nursing programs to support up to 500 students a year for five years, and funds for the Technical College System of Georgia to add up to 700 nursing students.

The plan also would invest $2.5 million for 136 residency slots and allocate $1 million to Mercer University to address rural physician shortages.

The FY 2023 budget includes an additional $85 million for physicians through improved Medicaid provider rates.

Extend maternal Medicaid coverage from six months to 12 months for women on the program after they give birth.

Teacher Pay Raises

A recommended a $2,000 raise for Georgia teachers

State Employee Raise

Proposed a $5,000 pay raise for state employees

The Week Ahead

We will reconvene on Monday for day five of the 2022 legislative session. It will be a busy week of committee hearings and welcoming constituents to the Capitol.

Stay Connected

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