Gov. Nathan Deal’s proposed budget of nearly $1.05 billion for the state’s lottery-funded programs adds money for needed enhancements to the Pre-Kindergarten program and financial aid for technical college students but falls short of meeting many families’ needs. The nearly $358 million allotted for Pre-K provides money to raise teachers’ salaries, and the $689 million directed to the HOPE financial aid programs includes an expansion of the Strategic Industries Workforce Development grant. Yet challenges to the quality and availability of the Pre-K program remain and covering college costs is a struggle for many students.
GBPI Initial Analysis: Executive Budget Makes Important Investments in SNAP and Need-Based Aid for Higher Education, Major Issues Remain Ahead of Critical Budget Session
Staci Fox
January 15, 2026
Today, Gov. Kemp released his executive budget proposals for the Amended Fiscal Year (AFY) 2026
