ATLANTA — Georgia Governor Brian Kemp unveiled his primary budget priorities for the current legislative session on Thursday, focusing on tax relief, educational funding, and significant infrastructure investments throughout the state.

Kemp’s budget proposal includes a one-time $2,000 payment for teachers, school staff, and state employees. Additionally, he is advocating for a $1 billion tax rebate for Georgia residents, offering $250 for single taxpayers and $500 for married couples who have filed state taxes.

Highlighting a sustained budget surplus, the governor announced plans to reduce Georgia’s state income tax rate to just below five percent under the new proposal.

Education funding is a central element of Kemp’s plan. He proposes allocating $325 million for a new needs-based scholarship program aimed at increasing college accessibility for students in Georgia. This initiative is intended to complement the Georgia MATCH program, which has already contributed to rising enrollment numbers across the state’s university and technical college systems.

Transportation infrastructure is another key focus of the budget. Kemp is seeking $200 million to enhance major roadways, including the stretch of Georgia 316 between Atlanta and Athens. Furthermore, $250 million would be allocated to local road projects across the state, with an additional $100 million earmarked for the repair and improvement of rural bridges.

The governor’s proposal also includes $35 million for natural gas expansion in rural communities as part of a broader investment in Georgia’s energy infrastructure.

Kemp credited recent tort reform legislation with helping stabilize Georgia’s auto insurance market, saying the changes have contributed to lower insurance costs by reducing frivolous lawsuits.

The budget proposal now heads to the Georgia General Assembly, where lawmakers will debate and potentially amend the plan in the weeks ahead.