By: Sen. Larry Walker (R – Perry)
Last week, we began the monumental task of working to pass an amended FY ‘21 budget and a balanced budget for the 2022 fiscal term; a task that while routinely requires careful and meticulous deliberation, has taken on even more significance in the wake of COVID-19. The painstaking work we have ahead of ourselves, in terms of subcommittee meetings and prioritizing resources, will undoubtedly offer its challenges but we are eager to fulfil our constitutional duty in an as expeditious yet thoughtful approach as possible, in order to get it done before a possible a COVID-19 outbreak here at the Capitol shuts us down. During the first week of the legislative session, my colleagues and I took an oath to represent the people of this great state and to advocate for the needs of our constituents, in all that we do, and funding state government in a fiscally responsible manner is a duty that we take very seriously. I feel blessed to be able to serve as a voice for District 20 and to demonstrate my commitment to that responsibility in the days and weeks before us.
In a continuation of the work from last week, the Senate has resumed our conversations surrounding the budget to ensure Georgia continues to address pressing needs in these challenging times. For a more updated timeline, House Bill 80, the Amended Fiscal Year 2021 (AFY2021) Budget has been passed out of the House and is currently in review in the Senate. Once the Senate Appropriations Subcommittees have finished convening for their specified discussions, we expect the Senate to pass out the bill, as well. I am optimistic in Georgia’s economic future and I believe the successes we have experienced since the beginning of the pandemic offer positive indicators of the direction of our state. Referencing many of Gov. Brian Kemp’s recent statements, as well as the historical data and forecasts presented to us by economic experts, Georgia has strengthened in a number of facets and I believe that will remain true for the upcoming fiscal year.
Overall, Georgia’s net tax revenues went up by 7.7% in the last month, accounting for a total net tax collection of $2.4 billion, compared to the previous year. Additionally, employment numbers have placed us in a competitive position for a post-pandemic business world, statistics indicating a 16,000 job creation during the first half of the 2021 Fiscal Year, a 5.6% unemployment decrease in the month of December and within that month, a 44,700 job creation. I am delighted to hear that of those new job creations, a significant portion relates to Georgia’s food processing, manufacturing and distribution industries, lending to the state’s growing development in agriculture. Our state has proven its resilience throughout the pandemic, each obstacle presented before us allowing for the opportunity to showcase the strong-willed determination, leadership and creativity of those who live here. I, along with others, have recognized the sacrifices you have made and I want to commend you for helping Georgia adapt to these circumstances.
As a means of working to represent the needs of all Georgians, the Senate also began the process of convening regularly for standing Senate Committees, with myself having the opportunity to Chair the Senate Agriculture and Consumer Affairs Committee for the first time. Aside from the procedural motions of reconfiguring committees for a new General Assembly cycle, we were privileged to listen to remarks from Dr. Nick Place, Dean of the University of Georgia’s College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, and Gary Black, the Georgia Commissioner of Agriculture, who offered great insight into growing initiatives focused on industrial hemp farming. While Georgia’s agricultural industry has taken a significant hit during the pandemic, the economic impact of our businesses persist. The incredible vibrancy of the ag-sector, coupled with a rising trend towards Georgia Grown products and further outreach, has allowed us to continue to weather storms, both figuratively and literally. I look forward to working with such a diverse group of members – new and old, representing both rural and urban farms – as we try to find ways we can support, grow and make our agribusiness even more successful.
While we continue our time here at the Gold Dome, the COVID-19 pandemic weighs heavy in our minds and we are still working to find solutions to many of the issues affecting the various regions of our state. Perhaps one of the most prominent challenges currently is related to vaccine distribution and Georgia’s difficulties keeping up with demand. As of yet, Georgia has been receiving 120,000 doses weekly, which has allowed us to begin administering the vaccines (Moderna and Pfizer) to healthcare workers, first responders, and those 65 and over and their caregivers. In fact for the latter, we have been able to give vaccines to 418,584 within that age range. Since then, the federal government has announced a 16% increase in allocations, bringing the total number of vaccines received weekly to 145,900 and Gov. Kemp has signed an executive order expanding the eligibility for medically trained professionals allowed to administer the vaccine. I would like you to know that we hear your concerns and are working to find solutions. For more information on the vaccine and a list of possible vaccination sites, I encourage you to visit the Department of Public Health’s website: https://dph.georgia.gov/covid-vaccine.
Next week, the Senate will reconvene on Monday for four more legislative days and in that time, we are expected to take up HB 80, the AFY2021 Budget. Our work here is beginning to pick up steam and I am thankful for the opportunity to work alongside my colleagues to try and best serve Georgia. If you have any questions or concerns about legislation, the budget or District 20, please don’t hesitate to reach out. I am honored to be here and I pray for continued success for our great state.
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Sen. Larry Walker serves as the Majority Caucus Vice Chairman and Chairman of the Senate Agriculture and Consumer Affairs Committee. He represents the 20th Senate District, which includes Bleckley, Houston, Laurens and Pulaski counties. He may be reached by phone at 404.656.0095 or by email at larry.walker@senate.ga.gov.