Tillery: Week 6 Under the Gold Dome
We’ve officially reached the halfway point of the 2026 Legislative Session, and I want you to know exactly where things stand. This week, the Senate passed the Amended Fiscal Year 2026 Budget, the first of the two budgets we pass every session. We’ve been working hard on this budget for months, and I appreciate everyone’s help in making much-needed changes to maintain our responsible fiscal stewardship.
The amended budget sets the financial framework for the remainder of this fiscal year, which runs through July 1. We combed through every agency request, every program and every dollar with one question in mind: Is this a responsible use of your money?
Writing this fast because we are in the middle of conferencing on the budget, but here’s what we’ve been doing with the budget: $407 million to construct a new regional forensic mental health hospital, the single most important public safety investment in this budget.
For too long, county jails have been forced to shoulder a responsibility they were never designed to handle. Sheriffs across Georgia have made it clear that our jails are overcrowded, deputies are stretched thin, and facilities meant for incarceration have become de facto mental health institutions. That is neither safe nor sustainable.
This funding creates secure, purposebuilt bed space for individuals whose primary need is psychiatric treatment, not incarceration. Many of these individuals are not hardened criminals, they are people in crisis. When they cycle through jail without receiving proper care, they often return to the same situation, creating repeat strain on law enforcement and continued risk to the public.
By investing $407 million in a dedicated forensic mental health hospital, we are relieving pressure on sheriffs, protecting deputies and corrections officers, reducing overcrowding and ensuring individuals receive stabilization and treatment in the right setting. This champions longterm safety, not just for the next budget year, but for the next generation. Supporting law enforcement means giving them the tools and infrastructure they need to keep our communities safe. This hospital is exactly that.
More than $2 billion dedicated to income tax and property tax relief. The Senate budget includes the Governor’s proposed refunds of $250 for single filers and $500 for joint filers, along with the House’s homeowner tax relief grant of roughly $500 per homeowner. That’s real money going back to taxpayers.
$14.4 million for special needs scholarships. Our special needs students deserve strong support and meaningful educational opportunities.
$1.9 million to renovate the Long County Public Library so it can better serve families in the community.
$4.8 million to establish new rural healthcare clinics, expanding access to care in underserved areas.
$2.1 million for one-time agricul ture projects and programs to strengthen
By Sen. Blake Tillery (R-Vidalia) continued from page
one of Georgia’s most important industries.
This budget stays focused on public safety, tax relief and core services while continuing to invest in rural Georgia and the communities I represent.
Every dollar in this budget comes from hardworking Georgians, and we treat it that way. Thanks to disciplined budgeting, low taxes and pro-growth policies, Georgia maintains a AAA credit rating, strong reserves and the nation’s top business climate. The amended budget now heads to a conference committee, where members of the House and Senate will reach agreement on a final product.
As we move through the second half of session, we will continue to push solutions that lower costs, protect taxpayers and defend our communities. Please don’t hesitate to reach out to my office with any questions or concerns.
Sen. Blake Tillery serves as Chairman of the Senate Committee on Appropriations. He represents the 19th Senate District, which includes Appling, Bacon, Jeff Davis, Long, Montgomery, Tattnall, Telfair, Toombs, Wayne and Wheeler counties, as well as a portion of Coffee County. He may be reached by phone at (404) 656-5038 or by email at Blake.Tillery@senate.ga.gov.
