ATLANTA, GEORGIA – The Georgia Budget and Policy Institute (GBPI) is proud to announce its 2024 State Policy Priorities, a comprehensive agenda aimed at promoting the well-being and economic security of Georgia’s marginalized communities. As the state gears up for a new legislative session, GBPI continues to advocate for transparent, equitable, and responsible policies that foster a more inclusive and prosperous Georgia.
Fund State Government Transparently, Equitably and Responsibly
GBPI calls for increased transparency and accountability in Georgia’s tax code, emphasizing the importance of public reporting, legislative oversight, and common-sense parameters for major tax credit programs. The institute urges leveraging the state’s $16 billion surplus to implement equitable, long-term, strategic investments, including the establishment of a child care trust fund and modernization of K-12 pupil transportation. Additionally, GBPI is committed to analyzing state budget proposals to ensure fair funding for critical services and programs such as health and education.
Ensure Equitable Education
The institute advocates for strategic investments in high-quality education, resisting policies that discriminate against traditionally marginalized communities. GBPI urges continued progress in higher education, including comprehensive need-based financial aid, equitable funding for Historically Black Colleges and Universities, and defense of diversity, equity, and inclusion in postsecondary institutions.
Enhance Georgians’ Economic Security
GBPI is pushing for the enactment of paid family medical leave, incorporation of paid leave into school funding, expansion of eligibility for the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families program (TANF), and protection of safety net programs from harmful budget cuts. The institute aims to raise pay for Division of Family & Children Services workers, invest state surplus dollars in a child care trust fund, and remove barriers to occupational licensing for adults seeking living-wage jobs.
Modernize the Unemployment Insurance System
The institute is calling for the modernization of the Unemployment Insurance system with a focus on equity, centering workers and their needs. GBPI seeks to reduce and eliminate mandatory cash bail and increase safeguards against unpayable fines and fees to protect Georgians experiencing poverty.
Build Healthy Communities
GBPI is committed to increasing access to affordable healthcare, closing the Medicaid coverage gap, and supporting continuous Medicaid and PeachCare eligibility for children. The institute aims to address behavioral health and developmental disability provider staffing shortages through salary adjustments and reimbursement rate increases.
Empower Immigrant Communities
GBPI supports tuition equity legislation for undocumented students, advocates for the expansion of access to driver’s licenses for all Georgians, regardless of legal status, and promotes multilingual communications to enhance language access for immigrant communities.
READ MORE ABOUT GBPI’s 2024 POLICY PRIORITIES
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MEDIA ALERT: GBPI to Respond to Governor’s State of the State Address Live on Facebook, Previews In-Depth Analysis at Insights Policy Conference
The Georgia Budget and Policy Institute (GBPI) invites members of the media to join a live Facebook response following the Governor’s State of the State Address on January 11 at noon. GBPI’s experts will provide real-time insights into the alignment between the state’s proposed policies and GBPI’s 2024 agenda for equity and prosperity. The live response will take place on GBPI’s Facebook Page.
Event Details:
- Date: January 11
- Time: Noon following the State of the State Address
- Platform: Facebook Live
- Where to Watch: GBPI’s Facebook Page
Following this live event, GBPI will delve into the Governor’s budget proposals and discuss its comprehensive policy priorities at the Insights Policy Conference on January 18th. This conference will provide an in-depth analysis, offering attendees a deeper understanding of GBPI’s stance on critical issues affecting Georgia’s marginalized communities.
Insights Policy Conference Details:
- Date: January 18th
- Where: Loudermilk Conference Center (40 Courtland St NE, Atlanta, GA 30303)
- RSVP: Media representatives interested in attending the Insights Policy Conference should RSVP to lfrazier@gbpi.org.
Join GBPI as we navigate the intricacies of the state’s proposed policies and advocate for lasting solutions that enhance economic opportunity and well-being for all Georgians.
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