Governor Asks For $100 Million To Respond to Coronavirus; Speaker Supports

In a sign that there’s more cooperation on the budget than has been readily apparent to date, Governor Kemp today has requested an additional $100 Million be added to the State’s amended budget to respond to the growing Covid-19 pandemic. Speaker Ralston has quickly sent word that he supports the request.

The supplemental or amended budget is expected to be approved by legislators this week, and is the annual mid-year adjustment made every year to adjust for current year revenues and spending. By including the request in the amended/supplemental budget, funds would be immediately available to state agencies upon the Governor’s signature.

From the AJC’s James Salzar’s reporting:

Kemp said the money would go to assist the Georgia Emergency Management Agency and the Department of Public Health in their response efforts.

“I am requesting this funding out of an abundance of caution to ensure that we have all of the necessary medical personnel, equipment, and supplies to keep Georgians healthy and safe in the weeks ahead,” Kemp said.  “I look toward to working with lawmakers to secure this appropriation, and I deeply appreciate their support in this time of need for communities across Georgia.” 

The additional funds would come from Georgia’s “rainy day” reserve funds, currently between $2.5 and $3 Billion – approximately one month’s state total spending.

Speaker Ralston’s spokesperson, Kaleb McMichen, immediately sent the following statement, indicating support for the request:

Speaker Ralston fully supports Governor Kemp’s request for the additional $100 million to address any Coronavirus-related needs.  Speaker Ralston is committed to ensuring adequate resources are available, and he is confident in the federal, state and local personnel who are working tirelessly to manage this situation. 

That’s significant for at least two reasons. It means the $100 Million will likely be available for the Governor’s signature shortly. It also signals that budget negotiations – at least for the supplemental budget – have turned to a point of collaboration. That’s perhaps a further sign that capitol leaders and their teams are working together to finalize priorities so that lawmakers and interested Georgians can disperse from gathering at the Capitol sooner rather than later.