Crossover Day is almost here, which means the pace under the Gold Dome has intensified as we work to move Senate legislation to the House before the March 6 deadline. These final days before crossover are always long, but they are focused on advancing the priorities you’ve sent us to Atlanta to accomplish.
Before diving into policy, I want to welcome our newest Republican colleague, Sen. Steven McNeel. He now represents families from Fort Valley to Forsyth and joins our strong commitment to faith, family and free enterprise. I’m grateful to have another conservative voice working to protect Middle Georgia values under the Gold Dome.
This week, we sent the Amended Fiscal Year 2026 Budget to the Governor’s desk, one of the most important responsibilities we have as legislators. After weeks of detailed review, tough questioning, and negotiations with the House, we produced a budget rooted in conservative principles that will protect your tax dollars.
We’ve governed with discipline, and thus have delivered more than $1 billion in income tax relief and $850 million in homestead property tax relief. That is real, meaningful relief for families who are feeling the strain of rising insurance premiums, higher grocery bills and increased property assessments. Instead of growing government, we are shrinking its burden on you.
The budget also makes a long-overdue investment in public safety and mental health by dedicating more than $400 million to construct the first new state mental health hospital in Georgia since the 1960s. For too long, county jails have shouldered the responsibility of housing individuals struggling with serious mental illness. This facility will help ensure eligible individuals receive proper treatment while relieving pressure on local law enforcement and taxpayers. Supporting our men and women in uniform means giving them the tools to do their jobs effectively.
In addition to providing budgetary relief at the state level, we also brought major tax relief to Georgia families by passing Senate Bills 476 and 477. SB 476 eliminates the state income tax on the first $50,000 earned by individual taxpayers and the first $100,000 earned by married couples filing jointly. That means nearly 64% of Georgia taxpayers would pay zero state income tax. We are accomplishing this by responsibly reviewing and modernizing tax credits issued over the years while preserving Georgia’s competitive, pro-business climate. Supporting job creators is always important, but our first responsibility is to the families who work hard and keep our communities strong.
While SB 476 outlines a long-term plan for years to come, SB 477 ensures we stay on that path by reducing the income tax rate by a full percentage point over the next three years. This pushes us towards permanent tax relief. When big government claims too much of your income, it only makes it harder to put a roof over your head and food on the table. I believe no one knows how to spend your money better than you, whether that’s on groceries, childcare, school supplies or mortgage payments. Our state’s strong financial position allows us to return money to the people who earn it while still investing in core services and maintaining one of the nation’s strongest economies.
In addition to passing a responsible budget, we advanced Senate Bill 392, the “Waste Reduction Act of 2026.” This legislation implements zero-based budgeting practices, requiring state agencies to justify their spending from the ground up at least once every eight years. Too often, the government relies on last year’s spending as a starting point, but the current needs and priorities must be at the forefront. Families and businesses regularly reevaluate their finances; state government should operate with the same level of scrutiny.
In other news, I was honored to help welcome our state’s Future Farmers of America Organization to the State Capitol for FFA Day this week. Members of FFA from across our state attended a legislative breakfast, heard from leaders in agricultural education and policy and toured the Gold Dome. These young men and women represent the very best of Georgia’s future in agriculture and are leaders in their schools and communities.
As we approach Crossover Day, Senate Republicans remain focused on delivering results that strengthen Georgia’s economy, safeguard our communities and protect your hard-earned income. It is an honor to represent you, and I will continue fighting for a safer, more affordable and more prosperous Georgia. Please don’t hesitate to reach out with your thoughts or concerns as we continue through the second half of the 2026 legislative session.
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