The Georgia House of Representatives Appropriations Conference Committee convened on April 4, 2025, to finalize the budget for the 2026 fiscal year. The meeting, led by Chairman Jim Hatch, focused on reaching a compromise on the state budget, which had previously seen significant differences between the House and Senate proposals.

Chairman Hatch expressed gratitude for the collaborative efforts of committee members and the governor's office, highlighting a $50 million contribution from Governor Kemp that facilitated the budget negotiations. He acknowledged the hard work of the budget research staff and subcommittee chairs, emphasizing the importance of the budget in serving the needs of Georgians across the state.

The discussions revealed that the budget prioritizes essential services while minimizing discretionary spending. Key areas of focus included funding for literacy programs, mental health initiatives, and school security. The committee also addressed longstanding issues related to pharmacy spending and the need for additional resources in foster care and corrections.

Committee members noted the challenges of balancing the budget amid rising expenses and decreasing federal support, a situation exacerbated by the economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite these challenges, the committee members expressed optimism about the budget's ability to meet the needs of the community, particularly in areas affected by recent hardships.

As the meeting concluded, members prepared to sign the conference report, marking a significant step toward finalizing the budget for the upcoming fiscal year. The collaborative spirit and commitment to serving the people of Georgia were evident throughout the discussions, setting a positive tone for the state's financial planning moving forward.