Georgia lawmakers return as federal health funding uncertainty looms

As uncertainty swirls around key health policy issues in Washington, Georgia lawmakers will return to the Gold Dome on Monday to plan next year’s budget and consider public health proposals that died on the vine last year.

The Georgia General Assembly’s main task will be deciding how to allocate state funds for the remainder of this fiscal year, which ends on June 30, and for fiscal 2027. This summer, Gov. Brian Kemp instructed state agencies to maintain current spending levels as part of “conservative fiscal management.” But that could be complicated by potential cuts to funds for health and other social service programs in Congress.

Here are three public health issues Healthbeat will be watching during this year’s session.