House Appropriations Committee approves amended FY2025 budget (HB 67) with $4.4 billion in one‑time additions, sends bill to Senate

The Georgia House Appropriations Committee voted to pass House Bill 67, the amended fiscal year 2025 budget, sending the committee substitute to the state Senate after a voice vote. Representative (Chairman) Dubnick moved the committee substitute and Chairman Meeks seconded the motion; members approved it by voice vote.

The bill recognizes a revenue estimate of $40.5 billion and, according to the committee presentation, includes roughly $2.7 billion in surplus funds for a total infusion of about $4.4 billion in additions to the original FY2025 plan. Committee leaders told members the supplemental funds are aimed at one‑time investments in infrastructure, disaster recovery and state operations.

Why it matters: HB 67 directs a substantial one‑time infusion to state priorities identified after Hurricane Helene and to long‑term obligations. The largest standalone allocations highlighted by the presenter include a $333 million package for the Department of Corrections, $811 million for hurricane relief and recovery, and a $500 million deposit intended to strengthen the Employees' Retirement System.

Major allocations and purposes cited by the committee presentation: - Retirement and long‑term obligations: $500,000,000 toward the Employees' Retirement System to bolster long‑term funding and support future cost‑of‑living adjustments for retirees. - Water and wastewater infrastructure (GEFA): $750,000,000 for the Georgia Environmental Finance Authority, including $500,000,000 directed to coastal communities (direct aid/loans) and $250,000,000 in…