Gov. Nathan Deal gave his eighth and final State of the State address, titled Orchards of Opportunity, Thursday morning, highlighting accomplishments and challenges throughout his tenure, taking a focus on business and looking ahead in 2018.
The GBPI team provided commentary on Twitter throughout his address, offering insight on progress made in recent years and focusing on the biggest areas of need for the state moving forward.
Gov. Deal dove into some economic measures toward the start of his address and centered the discussion around the film industry’s growth in Georgia.
Growth of film industry is great but GA also needs a better way to determine which tax breaks deliver a good deal and which don’t. The senate’s tax exemption study committee was great start. https://t.co/2nhJM1Jsoy
— Wesley Tharpe (@WesleyGBPI) January 11, 2018
“We seek to make Georgia a leader in all industries, however, which is why we have invested so much into our K-12 education system, because we know that the students of today are the workforce of tomorrow,” said Deal. “We have increased education spending by $3.6 billion dollars over the last seven years, which includes my final budget proposal, making the total education expenditure during my time as governor roughly $14 billion. No other administration in Georgia history has planted so many trees of knowledge.”
While progress has been made, the state’s funding formula is still outdated and austerity cuts continue to leave budgets short.
Georgia has made progress on K-12 spending, but austerity cuts still come in at more than $160 million. #gapol https://t.co/D1RZL6hFi8 pic.twitter.com/4LvV1EH1G4
— GBPI (@GaBudget) January 11, 2018
Gov. Deal continued to speak about education, emphasizing the state’s work on saving the HOPE Scholarship and ensuring future generations benefit from this program. HOPE has a solid foundation, but more work remains to meet the shifting needs of Georgia students.
HOPE planted trees of opportunity for college students 25 yrs ago. What are we planting today for future students? Here are 6 ideas
https://t.co/bycjtzM0fG #gapol— Jennifer Lee (@jjesunlee) January 11, 2018
The governor made a point to feature technical colleges in his address.
“Our Technical College system is a resource whose benefits to the entire state will only increase as the number of students increases,” said Deal.
State estimates show a major need for postsecondary education in the future. Georgia currently ranks No. 35 in the U.S. in number of adults with some college education.
By 2020, more than 60% of jobs will require a postsecondary degree or credential. Today only 39% of adults ages 25-64 have an associate’s degree or above. https://t.co/4l4DniLgbR
— GBPI (@GaBudget) January 11, 2018
Making college affordable for all students would help address the growing number of jobs requiring postsecondary education.
This year Georgia’s technical college system experienced a slight decrease in enrollments, continuing the downward trend that started after the sharp decline between 2011 and 2012. Enrollments are now lower than in 2006. https://t.co/Kq6xg38d0N
— GBPI (@GaBudget) January 11, 2018
Boosting technical colleges and training options are good ideas. About half of Georgia’s job openings by 2024 will be in fields that require high school education but typically less than a four year degree. #gapol https://t.co/dsuinEP629 https://t.co/OBi12hwQGK
— Wesley Tharpe (@WesleyGBPI) January 11, 2018
The governor shifted gears to highlight the state’s infrastructure efforts.
“Thanks to the Transportation Funding Act, we are preparing for future generations and the sustained growth we’re seeing throughout the state through our unprecedented 10-year, $11 billion transportation investment plan,” said Deal.
Lawmakers deserve credit for 2015 transportation tax package. Great example of how raising new revenues to invest in shared challenges and common needs can make things better for everyone. #gapol https://t.co/dGSHdPgYIS
— Wesley Tharpe (@WesleyGBPI) January 11, 2018
Deal noted the Commission on Children’s Mental Health is charged with providing recommendations on improving state mental health services for our children. Funding for behavioral health and substance abuse are also major needs for Georgia.
Good to see additional behavioral services added for children. The need remains to reverse recession-era funding cuts for substance abuse prevention for Georgia adults. https://t.co/NyXEShosTk pic.twitter.com/dn71Kh6zA0
— GBPI (@GaBudget) January 11, 2018
The governor did not make any mention of Georgia’s coverage gap, though. About 240,000 Georgians earn too little to get financial help to buy health insurance on HealthCare.gov and also don’t qualify for Medicaid. These working Georgians are stuck in the coverage gap without affordable access to health care.
Georgia remains one of only 18 states that have not closed the coverage gap by expanding Medicaid. For five years now, Georgia has decided to let the federal government keep billions of dollars meant for the state, refusing $12 billion intended to pay for Georgians’ health coverage and stabilize struggling rural hospitals.
Gov. Deal maps out Georgia’s orchards of opportunities but doesn’t mention gamechanging investment the state could make that would yield 9-to-1 ROI & bring $3 billion to Georgia each year: closing the coverage gap by expanding Medicaid https://t.co/WkXm4p12Uq
— GBPI (@GaBudget) January 11, 2018
I can’t believe Georgia’s health care crisis didn’t make the cut in this State of the State. #1 for business, but what about for PEOPLE? https://t.co/7YeHRKbITc
— flapjackj (@flapjackj) January 11, 2018
GBPI’s priorities for 2018 focus on people and helping Georgians realize their full potential.
People remain at the forefront of our 2018 policy priorities. Expanding health care, fully funding schools, building a stronger workforce are vital for Georgians. https://t.co/tdd1yNbuv6
— GBPI (@GaBudget) January 11, 2018
Yes! Let’s provide an orchard of good health and wellness by making it easier for families to see a doctor when they are sick. Georgia let’s not miss this opportunity. #gapol https://t.co/L6vS0Jn2CJ
— Taifa Smith Butler (@TaifaButler) January 11, 2018
You can read GBPI’s full list of policy priorities here.
Follow @GaBudget on Twitter for the latest news and analysis throughout the 2018 legislative session. If you’re not subscribed to our newsletter, you can sign up here.
