Georgia governor signs budget boosting spending, looking to surplus billions to cut taxes in future

Gov. Brian Kemp speaks before signing HB 30 during a ceremony on Wednesday, January 31, 2024 at the Capitol. (Matthew Pearson/WABE)

Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp is both increasing spending and cutting taxes as state tax revenues decline, saying he is looking to the state’s billions in surplus to allow him to remain on that course.

The Republican governor on Tuesday signed a $36.1 billion budget for the year beginning July 1 that will boost pay for public school teachers and state employees, while spending more on education, health care and mental health.

Including federal money and other funds such as college tuition, the state will spend $66.8 billion overall.