A new report shows that Georgia’s reserves have fallen by almost half in two years.
Gov.-elect Keisha Lance Bottoms campaigned on Medicaid expansion, property tax relief and other Democratic spending priorities. Georgia’s dwindling budget reserves could give it less fiscal flexibility than its predecessor enjoyed. (Arvin Temkar for the AJC)
But Gov.-elect Keisha Lance Bottoms and Democratic lawmakers will face a significantly different fiscal environment than their Republican predecessors enjoyed, according to a new state report.
Georgia’s budget reserves fell from about $16.5 billion two years ago to $8.7 billion when the 2026 fiscal year ends in June. This represents a decrease of almost 50%.
The report shows that lawmakers spent a whopping $5.9 billion in excess funds last year alone on income tax cuts and other spending.
Governor Brian Kemp speaks to the press at the Capitol in Atlanta on Monday, October 26, 2026. Governor Kemp answered questions regarding the news that Audi will invest $4 billion in its first U.S. manufacturing plant in Georgia. (Abbaye Cutrer for the AJC)
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Georgia state representatives are meeting in the House during a special legislative session this summer. (Hyosub Shin/AJC)
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David Wickert writes about state budget, finance and voting issues. Previously, he covered local government and politics in Gwinnett and Fulton counties. Before moving to Atlanta, he worked at newspapers in Illinois, Tennessee, Virginia and Washington.
