ATLANTA (February 10, 2021) | In response to the Senate passing House Bill 80, the Amended Fiscal Year 2021 budget, Senator Jason Anavitarte (R – Dallas) issues the following statement:
“I am pleased that the Senate unanimously passed House Bill 80. Passing a balanced budget that best utilizes Georgia’s resources is one of the biggest jobs we take on under the Gold Dome. In fact, it is our only constitutional duty as legislators. Notably, HB 80 puts funds toward the growth of K-12 education and technical colleges. It adds back roughly 60% of funds to the Quality Basic Education formula, as well as funds to offset the austerity reduction of K-12 education. It also provides funding for rural broadband expansion, which is a fundamental part of education, especially during this pandemic. I am proud that my fellow Georgia legislators see the value in providing the sufficient funds to grow and develop our education system in Georgia.
Also of great importance in HB 80 is the provision of public health funding. In total, HB 80 adds $41 million towards public health, $27 million of that will be put toward epidemiology so we can continue to fight against COVID-19 in Georgia. Additionally, HB 80 adds several positions to the Department of Public Health to reduce the workload of public health employees so they can put all of their efforts toward fighting this pandemic.
Working Georgians are what make this great state run, so I am grateful that HB 80 has provisions to lift up and support them during this next Fiscal Year.”
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For Immediate Release:
Feb. 10, 2021
Kami Briden, Sr. Communications Associate
404.656.0028