Senate approves $18.2 billion budget
The Georgia Senate on Wednesday approved an $18.2 billion spending plan that puts more money into going after tax dodgers and borrows from Medicaid to fund health benefits for state employees, retirees and teachers.
The Senate voted 47-4 for the budget for fiscal 2012, which begins July 1. The House earlier passed its own budget proposal. The two chambers will now negotiate a compromise plan that must be adopted before the General Assembly session ends in mid-April.
Besides funding everything from schools to prisons, the spending plan would put more than $600 million into construction projects. That is down from recent years, when then- Gov. Sonny Perdue sought to use big construction projects to spur employment.
"We are trying to focus on the most immediate needs of the state," said Senate Appropriations Chairman Jack Hill, R-Reidsville.
Sen. Steve Henson, D-Tucker, opposed the budget. He argued that it cut $300 million in funding for the University System of Georgia and slashed K-12 spending as well. He said the state spending cuts will mean higher college tuition for students.
"As a legislative body, we need to look toward our future," Henson said. "These kind of cuts to higher education and K-12 schools cannot continue if we are to be [economically] competitive."
About the Author
James Salzer has covered state government and politics in Georgia since 1990. He previously covered politics and government in Texas and Florida. He specializes in government finance, budgets, taxes, campaign finance, ethics and legislative history
