Senate approves $38.5 billion FY2027 budget, funding literacy coaches and behavioral-health waivers

The Georgia Senate approved the FY2027 amended budget after a detailed presentation by the Appropriations Committee chair. The package totals about $38.5 billion in state appropriations and directs investments across education, health care and public safety.

Appropriations Chair (Senator from the 19th) described the plan as an effort to “invest in the futures of our people and our state,” citing $70 million for a statewide literacy coaching program (one K–3 literacy coach in every eligible school), $20 million to fund roughly 1,200 new Medicaid developmental waivers (to reduce the planning list), a $100 million contribution to strengthen state retirees’ COLA and targeted increases to Medicaid dental and long-term-care formulas. “The FY27 budget is roughly 38.5 billion,” the chair said during the floor presentation.

The Senate’s proposal also funds infrastructure and university research projects, expands behavioral health management positions to implement new waivers, and adjusts university funding formulas for online vs. in-person instruction. The budget drew questions from senators on program design, provider capacity for new waiver slots and details about higher-education funding formula changes.

After procedural steps and adoption of the committee substitute, the Senate passed the bill; a recorded roll-call showed the measure carried with the necessary constitutional majority. Sponsors noted the bill reflects policy priorities including literacy, caregiver and retirement support, and public-safety staffing adjustments.

What’s next: With Senate passage, the bill moves to reconciled action with the House as required by the legislative process. Appropriations staff and agencies will begin implementation and ramp up procurement and program administration over the coming fiscal year.