In a concerted effort to enhance Hurricane Helene relief efforts, Georgia’s state Senate has proposed additional spending measures, introducing a grant program aimed at aiding individuals affected by the storm.
The Senate cast a 55-1 vote on Wednesday to pass House Bill 67, which intends to modify Georgia’s current state budget due by June 30. Legislators from both the Senate and House are now tasked with reconciling their respective positions before presenting the final bill to Governor Brian Kemp for approval or rejection.
Initially, the House increased the budget by $150 million, allocating $75 million each for low-interest loans to farmers and for cleaning up fallen timber on private properties, surpassing the original proposal by Governor Kemp. However, the Senate’s plan seeks to elevate the funding to $100 million for each of these initiatives, effectively adding $50 million to the House’s figures.
According to estimates, Helene inflicted damages exceeding $5 billion on Georgia’s agricultural and forestry sectors.
Additionally, the Senate aims to establish a $25 million fund designated for charities to dispense grants to those severely affected by the storm—an increase from the House’s plan for $10 million intended for rural communities.
As Senate Appropriations Committee Chairman Blake Tillery noted, “We have people who aren’t farmers. They aren’t timber owners. They’re not small governments themselves, but they’re still hurting too.” Highlighting that numerous homes in his district are still covered with temporary tarps, Tillery pointed to unresolved insurance claims and a lack of available contractors as ongoing issues.
Moreover, the Senate has proposed adding an extra $50 million to address the state and local financial share of debris removal after President Joe Biden, as well as former President Donald Trump, rejected appeals for the federal government to cover 100% of these costs for six months—resulting in a decrease in federal support to 75% after 120 days.
If consensus is reached among lawmakers, Georgia is projected to allocate more than $850 million towards assisting local governments and individuals following Helene’s devastating path through eastern Georgia.
Considerations on tax breaks for farmers and timber growers may further elevate relief costs beyond $1 billion.
The new budget incorporates $1 billion for a third series of income tax rebates pledged by Governor Kemp and legislative figures. The scheme proposes refunds reaching up to $250 for single filers, $375 for single heads of households with dependents, and up to $500 for married couples filing jointly.
Governor Kemp has suggested augmenting overall spending by $4.4 billion in state funds for the current fiscal year, with $1.7 billion derived from increased revenue and the remaining $2.7 billion sourced from the state’s $16 billion surplus and reserves. Georgia’s expenditures would rise to $40.6 billion in state funds, up from the $36.1 billion sanctioned last spring, alongside substantial spending from federal aid and other channels.
Legislative bodies must make adjustments to align with Governor Kemp’s proposed expenditures, requiring reductions in certain areas to reallocate funds towards prioritized sectors. For instance, Kemp advocated for four new modular prisons, while the House backed two and the Senate suggested three, adjusting budgets accordingly. Furthermore, although Kemp proposed $100 million to settle existing debts, the House excluded this spending, whereas the Senate recommends allocating $60 million.
