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2021 Amended Budget
We have completed Legislative Day 9 out of 40. The focus has been on amending the 2021 Fiscal Year Budget, and COVID overshadows our actions.
The original Fiscal Year 2021 budget, passed in June 2020, was set by a revenue estimate of $25.9 billion and included deep reductions across all agencies based on a projected decline in tax revenues due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Since the original FY 2021 budget was passed, the state’s fiscal position has substantially improved due to the repurposing and reopening of businesses and federal relief provided to the state as well as directly to Georgia citizens. The governor’s revenue estimate for the Amended FY 2021 budget (House Bill 80) is $26.56 billion, an increase of $654.3 million, or 2.5%, over the current budget.
On Thursday, January 28, I voted yes on the Amended budget, HB 80, mainly due to the significant overall increase of $33,300,000 from the Governor’s original proposal for the Public Health departments and due to the restoration of 60% of the cuts to Public Education. I will note that over 50% of our budget goes to Education, and that is our priority. After the Governor’s budget proposal, many of you advocated for more funding from the state for Public Health, and thanks to your efforts we will be investing in replacing and modernizing the outdated surveillance system, increasing AIDS Drug Assistance program, and funding three new public health leadership positions. Public Health has long been underfunded, and there is so much more we need to do, but I felt this budget moves us forward in the right direction. Please read the amended budget Highlights here.
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COVID Overshadows Everything
While the COVID-19 virus continues to rage in Georgia, its impact is also felt here in the Capital. While I am glad that safety protocols are generally being followed, the halls are empty in "The People's House", and we miss seeing you at the ropes, our public advocates.
I wanted to share a slice of life here. First, I want to acknowledge the incredible sacrifice that many of you, our front-line health care workers, have made in caring for others, and also fighting this virus yourself. Several of my colleagues have been stricken by COVID, and some are still feeling the effects. At the end of each morning, representatives have the opportunity to come to the well and speak briefly on a topic, during "Morning Orders". I am sharing a video below of my friend, Rep Angelika Kausche, honoring our colleague, Rep Dexter Sharper, who is a paramedic, and a living reminder of the devastating and unpredictable impact of COVID. Rep Kausche sits next to Rep Sharper up in the gallery. We are so spread out, it is hard to know when our colleagues might be struggling.
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Powerful tribute by Rep Angelika for our colleague, Rep Dexter Sharper, a COVID-10 "Long Hauler".
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Rep Sharper is in the corner of the gallery, acknowledging our standing ovation. I am in white, on the right. It was a very emotional, powerful moment. I had not realized that he was on oxygen - he hides it discretely.
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As far as COVID safety protocols, we are tested twice a week through Georgia Tech, with a saliva test, where we spit in a cup. We had a little trouble initially getting into the rhythm of it, but now there is very high compliance. You may have heard that a colleague, Rep David Clark, refused to be tested for many days, and still tried to come to the chamber, and in another dramatic moment, the Speaker had him escorted out by a Public Safety Officer. Rep Clark complained bitterly to the press, and you can see a response below, from my colleague, Rep Jasmine Clark. that there is no equivalency between his selfish actions and removal from the House, and those of the "Original 33" Black legislators expulsed from the State House in 1868.
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When people try to compare their attention seeking behavior to the real pain and oppression of black people during one of our State's darkest moments - you call them out!
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Georgia House Democratic Caucus: A Healthy Georgia United
On January 27, I was proud to stand with my colleagues in the Georgia House Democratic Caucus, as we announced our Healthy Georgia legislative agenda for the 2021 legislative session. The Healthy Georgia legislative agenda intends to heal the wounds in our state that the novel coronavirus pandemic has exploited by reviving our healthcare, supporting our students, passing a budget that is accountable to the needs of Georgians, and securing justice and liberty for all. “Last year was difficult for nearly everyone,” said Leader Beverly. “No matter where you live, where you’ve come from, the color of your skin, who you love, how you pray—last year brought sorrow and tragedy. But Georgians are resilient and determined to move forward into the future stronger and more united than ever before to face new challenges on the horizon. Our Healthy Georgia legislative agenda will provide a good starting point to repair the damage of the past while securing a brighter future for everyone.”
The legislative agenda focuses on four main areas: health, education, accountability, and liberty (which is basically voter protection.)
You can read our platform here. The GHDC will be holding town halls on these topics, and of course I will keep you informed!
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I was glad to stand in support of my new colleague, Rep Meisha Mainor, who is sponsoring HB 131, an anti-stalking bill. Unfortunately, she knows of what she speaks. She had several expert witnesses with her speaking at the press conference.
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Talking with Rep David Wilkerson, about trying to amend HB 86, the Georgia Lottery Mobile Sports Wagering Act, so that proceeds go to Needs Based Scholarships. My new committee is Economic Development, and we will meet today to discuss and possibly vote this bill out of committee.
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Talking with Rep Betsy Holland, newly elected Chair of the Atlanta Delegation, about changes to the delegation rules, with Rep Renitta Shannon in the background.
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Election Bills
I know many of you are ready to fight against voter suppression bills, and looking for direction. On the House side, the House Committee on Election Integrity has been holding organizing meetings and has not yet heard legislation. If you click on the link above, you can read the 12 bills that have been filed, and see the committee members to write. On the Senate side, you may have read GOP senators introduce measures to restrict absentee voting in state. The House and Senate Democratic caucuses are united in fighting against any bills that restrict access to the ballot.
There is so much more I could include, but will stop here. Regarding COVID-19, please take care of yourself, stay healthy, wear your mask - please double mask - I started doing that today!
I wish I could put you all in a priority line to get the vaccine, but I regret I can't. Please continue to share your stories with me about issues with getting the vaccine. Please follow DeKalb County Covid updates HERE, and read Frequently Asked Questions for DeKalb Vaccine here. For more information on how to access vaccinations in DeKalb County, Publix, Kroger, and Ingles pharmacies, please review the DeKalb Vaccine Information here .
And isn't it a relief to have a wonderful President and Vice President and Executive Branch, to guide our national policy!
I am honored to be your state representative, and please let me know if I can be of service.
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Representative Becky Evans
Georgia's 83rd House District, DeKalb County
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