EDITORIAL: Reps. Viola Davis, Sandra Scott and Kim Schofield: Calling for Accountability on Tax Decisions, Funding Protections and $344 Million in Budget Restrictions

By State Representatives Viola Davis (D-Stone Mountain), Sandra Scott (D-Rex) and Kim Schofield (D-Atlanta)

(604 words)

We are calling for the restoration of essential service funding and stronger protections for public dollars following decisions involving House Bill 463 and House Bill 1192.

Georgia families deserve to understand how laws and votes affect their daily lives. One bill reduced state revenue. Another would have protected how designated health and human services money was used, but the governor rejected it. These decisions deserve full public accounting.

Lawmakers passed HB 463 to reduce income taxes and expand deductions. Governor Brian Kemp signed it on May 11. According to Georgia Recorder's May 12 reporting, state budget director Richard Dunn attributed a $1.3 billion revenue shortfall to the tax package.

The governor then reduced or withheld spending that lawmakers had approved. The Georgia Budget and Policy Institute (GBPI) calculated $344.2 million in budget disregards and line-item vetoes across the Fiscal Year 2027 budget. These restrictions affected approved investments in healthcare, education, human services and other areas. The total also includes retirement system funding; so, it does not reflect healthcare or disability services reductions alone.

Tax cuts have a cost when they leave less money for public needs. The governor chose which approved investments to withhold. Families deserve to know why essential services were among those choices.

We voted against the final HB 463 agreement in the House due to the legislation causing a potential deficit in the budget, which, in the end, it did.

The governor's official budget instructions identify $11,592,520 approved for 900 additional New Options Waiver and Comprehensive Supports Waiver Program slots for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. However, the governor later directed the department to fund only 100 additional slots, withholding $9,274,016. That meant 800 fewer slots in the approved expansion, not the removal of waivers from 800 existing recipients.

For someone waiting for help, a blocked expansion can mean another year without needed support. Parents may miss work. Aging caregivers may struggle without relief. Families with limited income cannot simply buy the services they need. GPBI also identified restrictions affecting provider payment increases, senior caregiver support, child welfare services and school transportation.

HB 1192 offered a different approach: stronger rules for public money. It would have required designated Department of Community Health and Department of Human Services funds to remain in separate accounts and be spent only for their slated purposes.

The bill passed both chambers without opposing votes cast. Gov. Kemp vetoed it on May 12, stating that it interjects the General Assembly into the operational oversight of executive branch agencies.

On June 18, during the special session, State Representative Stacey Evans (D-Atlanta) asked lawmakers to override the veto and pass the bill despite the governor's rejection.

On June 22, the opposing side asked the House to stop considering that effort and table Rep. Evans' override. The opposing side request passed 94-77. We voted against stopping the attempt to override the governor's veto and to table the issue.

We voted to keep the effort moving. The House stopped consideration before deciding whether to pass the bill over the governor's objection. We refuse to mislead the public. Protecting how money is used and restoring withheld funding are separate tasks. Georgia needs both.

We are calling for restoration of the full waiver expansion, critical caregiver and provider support funding, renewed funding safeguards, public oversight hearings and a sustainable revenue plan.

Legislation can provide help or create hardship. Our votes attempted to minimize the harm and supported continued consideration of funding and protections. We will continue seeking restoration of essential services.

Families deserve honest explanations and dependable care. The devil is in the details- and the details show why every vote matters.

*Editor's note: The representatives have provided a photo, which is included below.

Representative Viola Davis represents the citizens of District 87, which includes a portion of DeKalb County. She was first elected to the House of Representatives in 2018 and currently serves on the Defense & Veterans Affairs, Health, Insurance, Natural Resources & Environment and Urban Affairs committees

Representative Sandra Scott represents the citizens of District 76, which includes a portion of Clayton County. She was first elected to the House of Representatives in 2010 and currently serves on the Banks & Banking, Defense & Veterans Affairs, Human Relations & Aging, Insurance and Reapportionment and Redistricting committees.

Representative Kim Schofield represents the citizens of District 63, which includes a portion of Fulton County. She was first elected to the House of Representatives in 2017 and currently serves as Secretary of the Urban Affairs Committee. She also serves on the Creative Arts & Entertainment, Health, Industry and Labor and Small Business Development committees.

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