UNDER THE GOLD DOME

WEEKS 2 AND 3

Budget Week

During the second week of the legislative session, the Appropriations Committee met for Budget Week hearings. We began the evaluation process of the Amended 2023 FY and the 2024 FY budgets. We heard from all the heads of the state agencies and read Governor Kemp's budget document outlining his priorities for Georgia's $32 billion budget. Among the governor's priorities are educating Georgia's children, improving healthcare access and affordability, and keeping Georgian's safe. You can read the entire budget document here. Over the next few weeks, the Appropriations subcommittees will delve into this budget and determine the best way to put your tax dollars to work to improve the lives of all Georgia's citizens.

Committee Assignments

Committee assignments were handed out to House members during week 2, and we have begun meeting and establishing our committee rules. I have been assigned to the following committees:

Vice Chairman of Special Rules

Education -- Chairman of Curriculum Subcommittee

Defense and Veterans Affairs

I'm honored to have been appointed to committee leadership positions, and I'm excited to have been appointed to committees that are of such importance to the Houston County community. 

State of the State

On Wednesday, the House Chamber was packed full as the legislature convened for Governor Kemp’s State of the State address. This annual gathering provides a unique opportunity for our governor to present his assessment on the current condition of our state government, as well as present his legislative priorities for the year ahead, which include investing in our classrooms, workforce, public safety, and health care. Georgia is on a strong footing, and it is truly the best place to live, work, and raise a family. You can watch a video recording of the governor’s address here.

 Special Events

In addition to hearing the State of the State address this week, my colleagues and I welcomed two very special groups in the House Chamber. On Monday, the Consul General of the Republic of Korea Yoonjoo Park joined us to honor of Korean American Day at the State Capitol. The consul general provided special remarks to highlight the strong bond of friendship between his nation and the state of Georgia, and we will continue to foster this relationship as we invest in future-oriented industries. According to Consul General Park, more than 100 Korean companies, including Kia, SK Battery America and now Hyundai, are operating in our great state. These companies have produced more than 15,000 jobs in the last five years and have
spurred a cumulative investment of approximately $21 billion in Georgia.

Additionally, the House recognized Georgia National Guard Day at the Capitol on Thursday. Several Georgia National Guard leaders joined us in the House Chamber during their visit to the Gold Dome, and Brigadier General John Gentry commended the House
for its continued support over the years. The guard’s motto is “always ready, always there,” and Georgia’s 15,000 guardsmen continually fulfill their mission to always be ready to serve our citizens, especially over these last several years. From serving at our local food banks to protecting our cities during civil unrest, our state defense force steps in when our communities need it the most, and I commend the guard for their service to our state. 

As we move through the legislative session, I encourage you to reach out to me with your thoughts and opinions about legislation, including the state budget. Your feedback is crucial to developing good, sound policies for our state, and I look forward to discussing my legislative goals for this session with you. I can be reached at bethany.ballard@house.ga.gov.

We are excited that the Page Program is back! If your child (age 12 and up) would like to be a House Page, please click the link below. Each House member is only allotted 5 pages per session, so please make sure to apply early.

Thank you for allowing me to serve as your state representative for the 2023-2024 legislative term.