Georgia economist warns of recession as Kemp says his budget will spur growth

Georgia’s state economist is warning lawmakers that a recession could drive down state tax collections in coming months, while Gov. Brian Kemp is again portraying his budget as a way to spur further economic growth.

Speaking to lawmakers by video from Davos, Switzerland, where he is attending the World Economic Forum, the Republican governor on Tuesday told a joint House-Senate meeting of budget writers that Georgia should use its accumulated surplus to pay down debt while cutting taxes and boosting employee pay. He also touted his proposal to invest in transportation projects.

“Our fiscally conservative approach has served us well,” Kemp said. “And as a result, we have the opportunity to make an unprecedented investment in our state while at the same time enacting the largest tax cut in state history.”