COLUMN: Hodges: Week Seven Under the Gold Dome

By: Sen. Mike Hodges (R-Brunswick)

Crossover Day is almost here, which means the pace under the Gold Dome has intensified as we work to move Senate legislation to the House before the March 6 deadline. These final days before Crossover are always long, but they are focused on advancing the priorities you've sent us to Atlanta to accomplish.

Before diving into policy, I want to welcome our newest Republican colleague, Sen. Steven McNeel of Macon. He now represents families from Fort Valley to Forsyth and joins us with a strong commitment to faith, family and free enterprise. I'm grateful to have another voice working to protect conservative values under the Gold Dome.

This week, we sent the Amended Fiscal Year 2026 Budget to the Governor's desk, one of the most important responsibilities we have as legislators. After weeks of detailed review, tough questioning, and negotiations with the House, we produced a budget that will protect the rainy-day fund and return excess revenue to the taxpayers who earned it.

We've governed with discipline, delivering more than $1 billion in income tax relief and $850 million in homestead property tax relief. That is real, meaningful relief for families who are feeling the strain of rising insurance premiums, higher grocery bills and increased property assessments. Instead of growing government, we are shrinking its burden on you.

The budget also makes a long-overdue investment in public safety and mental health by dedicating more than $400 million to construct the first new state mental health hospital in Georgia since the 1960s. For too long, county jails have shouldered the responsibility of housing individuals struggling with serious mental illness. This facility will help ensure eligible individuals receive proper treatment while relieving pressure on local law enforcement and taxpayers. Supporting our men and women in uniform means giving them the tools to do their jobs effectively.

We are also funding a residency program for Southeast Georgia Health Systems. This investment will bring more doctors and physicians to our area to train and care for our families and neighbors. In addition, I am pleased that we are dedicating funds toward St. Marys Elementary School in Camden County, which was shut down due to a natural emergency.

In addition to passing a responsible budget, we advanced Senate Bill 392, the "Waste Reduction Act of 2026." This legislation implements zero-based budgeting practices, requiring state agencies to justify their expenditures from the ground up at least once every eight years. Too often, the government relies on last year's spending as a starting point. This reform demands accountability and ensures that every dollar reflects today's priorities. Families and businesses regularly reevaluate their finances; state government should operate with the same level of scrutiny.

We also moved forward on important public safety and education measures. Senate Bill 433, "Rio's Law," passed unanimously and strengthens protections for individuals with autism and developmental disabilities. By creating a voluntary special license plate and requiring additional law enforcement training, this bill promotes safer interactions and greater understanding across our communities.

Meanwhile, Senate Bill 513, the "Every Day Counts Act," addresses chronic absenteeism in our schools. Students who miss significant classroom time face long-term academic and economic consequences. This legislation gives schools clearer tools to intervene early, encourage accountability and reinforce the expectation that education is not optional. If we want a strong workforce and vibrant economy tomorrow, we must insist on responsibility and engagement today.

I am proud to announce that my bill, Senate Bill 500, passed the Senate and is on its way to the House. This bill will expand the Behavioral Health Care Workforce Data Base to include data from licensed health care professionals. This data will be key to identifying areas of the state with care gaps and a need for more physicians and doctors, especially in our more rural communities. I will continue working with my colleagues to advance this measure and ensure every Georgian has access to the behavioral health care they deserve.

In other news, I am working with the banking industry and the Georgia State Treasurer on future pieces of impactful legislation with your best interest in mind. I look forward to sharing additional updates soon on the direction of these policies.

As we approach Crossover Day, Senate Republicans remain focused on delivering results that strengthen Georgia's economy, safeguard our communities and protect your hard-earned income. It is an honor to represent you, and I will continue fighting for a safer, more affordable and more prosperous Georgia. Please don't hesitate to reach out with your thoughts or concerns as we continue through the second half of the 2026 Legislative Session.

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Sen. Mike Hodges serves as Chairman of the Senate Committee on Reapportionment and Redistricting. He represents the 3^rdSenate District, which includes Brantley, Camden, Charlton, Glynn and McIntosh counties, as well as a portion of Ware County. He may be reached by phone at (404) 656-7127 or by email at [email protected].

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