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We started the 2022 Georgia Legislative Session Monday, Jan. 10. The first week we were on the Floor of the House four days with Governor Kemp presenting his budget and the second week I attended budget hearing for three days.

During budget week, commissioners from each department in the state presented their budget for the upcoming year, 2022 – 2023. The calendar year for the state runs from July 1 – June 30. I consider the budget process and the final vote on the budget to be the most important item we take up each year. These are your hard-earned tax dollars.

Included in the Governor’s budget is a refund to taxpayers, dollars to fight crime, dollars to fully fund QBE for our children’s education and an increase for individuals that provide foster care. Other items include the fulfillment of the commitment for teacher pay raises, dollars for technical colleges to add classes in law enforcement and criminal justice and money for a gang unit under the attorney general’s office.

I serve on the Economic Development & Tourism Committee, Transportation Committee, Motor Vehicles Committee, Vice Chair of the Ways & Means Committee and Vice Chair of the Natural Resources Committee. By being Vice Chair of Ways & Means, I also serve as ex-officio member of Appropriations.

I am honored to serve the citizens of District 133 and please contact me at
(404) 656-0254 or Vance.smith@house.ga.gov.