Senator Burns: An update from Under the Gold Dome

With the 2024 Legislative Session well underway, I wanted to update you on key developments since our return to the Gold Dome in January. Specifically, I’d like to shed light on Governor Brian P. Kemp’s budget priorities pertaining to transportation initiatives for the amended Fiscal Year (FY) 2024 and FY 2025. During each Legislative Session, the Joint Committee on Appropriations convenes to review Gov. Kemp’s budget proposals and hear from state agencies advocating for their budgetary needs.

In my ongoing commitment to serve the people of Georgia, I’m dedicated to enhancing transportation for both individuals and our supply chain. I appreciate Gov. Kemp’s pro-posed investment of $1.5 billion in our state’s transportation system, focusing on planned roadwork projects and the establishment of quality freight infrastructure. The continuous funding and improvement of Georgia’s transportation infrastructure are crucial for the economic, social, and developmental success of our region and state. Approximately $6 million has been allocated for transportation initiatives and improvements to the 23rd Senate District in the FY 2024 Amended Budget.

Further, Gov. Kemp proposes allocating $200 million toward the Local Maintenance Improvement Grant (LMIG) in the amended FY ’24 budget. The LMIG, designed to fund local governments with road maintenance and improvement projects, holds significant importance by providing flexibility and faster project turnaround. After the FY 2024 amendment, the total LMIG funding will be approximately $418,593,120.

As the 2024 Legislative Session progresses, I remain steadfast in advocating for increased focus on transportation and its funding. If you ever need assistance, please don’t hesitate to reach out to my office.

Sen. Max Burns serves as Chairman of the Senate Committee on Ethics. He represents the 23rd Senate District, which includes Burke, Emanuel, Glascock, Jefferson, Jenkins, McDuffie, Screven, Taliaferro, and Warren County as well as portions of Columbia and Richmond County. He may be reached at 404.463.1376 or by email at [email protected].