The 2026 Legislative Session officially kicked off on Monday, January 12. I am honored to continue representing our community under the Gold Dome. From now through early April, the Georgia General Assembly will meet to consider important legislation, including the annual state budget. These first few weeks are off to a great start. 

As I begin my final Session before I hope to represent you in Congress, I want to thank you for the opportunity to serve a community I love — we have more work to do!

Please read below for an update on the latest from the Gold Dome. 

LEGISLATIVE UPDATES

This year marks the second legislative Session of the 158th Georgia General Assembly. Each Session is Constitutionally set at 40 legislative days (committee days and days off do not count toward the 40). With the start of the 2026 Session now behind us, we’ve completed the opening stretch and are fully underway at the State Capitol.

We returned to work in a newly restored House Chamber. The renovation preserved the history and character of the People’s House while bringing much needed updates — a project that was completed remarkably quickly. The work began the day after last year's Session ended and wrapped up in December just before we returned. Whenever you are in Atlanta, please stop by to see the renovations.

The first order of business was adopting the legislative calendar for the year, officially setting Sine Die, the final day of Session, for April 2. The first week also included Governor Brian Kemp’s final State of the State Address. This annual address gives the Governor an opportunity to outline his priorities for the Session and set the framework for budget discussions. Gov. Kemp focused heavily on lowering the cost of living for Georgians while continuing to invest in education, workforce development, public safety, and economic growth. He highlighted the remarkable $9.7 billion returned directly to taxpayers since 2021 and announced plans for another one-time tax rebate, along with a further reduction in the state income tax rate.

As we begin moving legislation this year, my own priorities for the Session are aligned with what I hear from folks at home. That starts with continuing to cut the state income tax and passing meaningful property tax relief, so families can keep more of what they earn and afford to stay in their own homes. I also remain focused on trying to ensure our local governments are addressing homelessness issues in a way that is compassionate but effective. You will see more on this from me very soon. I also remain focused on improving education outcomes with a strong emphasis on parental choice and literacy, and ensuring that we pass a balanced budget that spends taxpayer dollars conservatively and responsibly.

Speaking of the budget, week two marked “budget week." While we did not meet on the House floor, the House and Senate Appropriations Committees held joint hearings throughout the week to review the Governor’s proposed budgets. Each year, the General Assembly is Constitutionally required to pass a balanced budget, and these hearings are one of the first steps in that process.

We consider two budgets each Session: an amended budget for the current fiscal year and a budget for the next fiscal year. Georgia’s fiscal year runs from July 1 to June 30, and the amended budget allows us to adjust spending based on updated revenue estimates. This year’s proposals include major investments in education at every level, full funding of the HOPE Scholarship, and the creation of a new needs-based scholarship program called the DREAM Scholarship to help more students afford college. The budgets prioritize transportation improvements, public safety, rural economic development, behavioral health, and efforts to address homelessness. Critically for our area, it includes $200 million in additional funding for interchange conversions on Highway 316.

As we move forward, House budget subcommittees will begin working through the details before sending the budget to the full Appropriations Committee and, ultimately, the House floor. Early in the Session, most work happens in committees; later, the focus shifts to floor votes as bills move toward Crossover Day (March 6).

I appreciate the opportunity to represent you and will continue to keep you updated as the Session progresses and legislation begins moving through the House. As always, please don’t hesitate to reach out with any thoughts on pending legislation.

BUDGET PRIORITIES

In the Governor's budget recommendations, there are several projects that affect our community. These include:

• $200 million for construction of interchange conversions on Highway 316
• $11.43 million for the new University of Georgia School of Medicine
• $5.6 million for start-up costs for the new UGA School of Nursing
• $37.5 million for construction and equipment of the University of Georgia Science and Ag Hill Modernization project

The budget also includes:

• $1 billion tax rebate for all taxpayers
• $2 billion in extra roadway infrastructure investment
• $5.2 million to establish the State Law Enforcement Officers defined contribution retirement plan
• $611 million to fund $2,000 supplements for all state employees and teachers
• $325 million to fund needs-based Dream Scholarship program
• $50 million for homelessness grant programs
• $13.4 million for contraband detection systems in prisons

These are just a few highlights of the budget in its current form. I will keep you updated on these items and much more as the budget moves through the appropriations process. To view the entire budget proposal from the Governor, click here.

EVENTS AND CAPITOL VISITORS

Each day, we begin Session with a Pastor of the Day. Each Pastor comes from a church throughout our state to deliver an inspirational message to all legislators. During the first week, my friend Rep. Clint Crowe from Butts County hosted Pastor Benny Tate. I've had the chance to meet Pastor Benny a number of times and always enjoy his message. He's one of the most effective communicators I've ever heard.

Over the last several days, our community experienced a significant ice storm. We were very blessed because it could've been much, much worse. I want to thank our linemen and all first responders who prepared and stood ready to assist those in need during the storm. I had the opportunity to visit the Georgia Power facility in Athens on Saturday to thank many of the folks working to keep the power on.

Last weekend before the storm hit, I attended the multi-county GOP meeting in Oglethorpe County. It was great to see friends and supporters from Madison, Taliaferro, Clarke, Oconee, Elbert, and Greene counties. I want to thank all of our volunteers for helping make the event a success.

If there is ever an event in our community where you'd like for me to attend or speak, please reach out and let us know. I also invite you to join us at the Capitol one day this Session to see your legislature at work.

2026 COMMITTEE ASSIGNMENTS

I look forward to representing our community on the following committees this year:

• Appropriations
• Insurance
• Transportation
• Ways & Means

These committees represent some of the most influential in the House, including the committee that handles the state's budget, tackles all tax related measures, and sets the direction for our state's transportation infrastructure. 

WHAT'S NEXT?

Over the next two weeks, we will complete through legislative day 14 of 40. While that means that we'll be over a quarter of the way through Session, the vast majority of major issues are still several weeks away from hitting the House or Senate floor. The final day of the 2026 Session will be April 2.

As always, we stand ready to help with any questions, comments, or concerns that you may have. Please reach out if I can ever be of assistance. Thank you for allowing me the honor to serve as your State Representative!

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OUR OFFICE

401-A Coverdell Legislative Office Building

Atlanta, GA 30334

404.656.5025

Houston.Gaines@house.ga.gov

Committee to Elect Houston Gaines | P.O. Box 1203 | Athens, GA 30603 US

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