Georgia House sticks by 2 scholarship tiers in $32.4B budget

Georgia House Appropriations Committee Chairman Matt Hatchett, R-Dublin, discusses plans for the upcoming state budget on Wednesday, March 8, 2023 at the Georgia Capitol in Atlanta. The committee voted to pass a budget that includes an extra pay boost for state law enforcement officers. (AP Photo/Jeff Amy)

The Georgia House is agreeing to a budget for next year that includes pay raises while underlining spending priorities in public safety and mental health.

The House voted 167-1 for House Bill 19 on Thursday, sending the 2024 spending plan to the Senate for more debate. After the Senate has its say, lawmakers will have to reach agreement before the General Assembly concludes its annual session later this month.

“We know there are some priorities that need additional funding, specifically in behavioral health,” House Appropriations Committee Chairman Matt Hatchett, a Dublin Republican, told House members. “We will continue working with our partners in the Senate and with the governor to keep this momentum going and build upon the items funded in this budget.”