Georgia House passes midyear budget

By James Salzer

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

The Georgia House made quick work of the amended $18 billion budget for this year, passing it overwhelmingly Thursday with minimal debate.

The measure was approved 136-29 and now heads to the Senate for consideration.

One of the few notes of criticism came from Rep. Bobby Franklin, R-Marietta, who said the measure increased state and federal spending by $1 billion. Most of the increase is in federal funds.

"There is no need for this extra $1 billion," Franklin said. "This really does not seem to be that fiscally conservative."

House Minority Leader Stacey Abrams, D-Atlanta, said the budget would make spending cuts to schools and human services. But larger education spending cuts for this school year were approved by the Legislature in 2010.

The midyear spending plan runs through June 30. Much of the extra state money would go to pay for increases in school enrollment last fall.

The House proposal, which made few changes to what Gov. Nathan Deal recommended last month, also eliminates $15 million in upgrades to the state' s express bus services. Deal had recommended those cuts for the upcoming fiscal year.

In addition, the proposed budget cuts the amount of money going to rural economic development grants and loans this year from $19 million to $10 million. A portion of that money was redirected to help hospitals that serve the poor.