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.
Overview of Georgia’s Budget for Amended Fiscal Year 2026 and the Full 2027 Fiscal Year
Daniel Kanso, PhD
January 23, 2026
Introduction Between Gov. Brian P. Kemp’s first full fiscal year (FY) budget as governor and
