Monday, February 2, 2026–10:30 a.m.
-Sen. Chuck Hufstetler (R–Rome)-
We are now well into the 2026 Legislative Session, and the work under the Gold Dome is moving quickly. Even with winter weather trying to slow things down, the Senate stayed on track and focused on delivering results for Georgians.
Over the past several weeks, much of our time has been spent reviewing Governor Brian Kemp’s budget proposals for the Amended Fiscal Year 2026 and the Fiscal Year 2027 budget. Once again, Gov. Kemp has delivered strong, meaningful proposals for all Georgians thanks to years of conservative, responsible budgeting at every legislative level. Some of these proposals include: $2,000 one-time pay supplements to state employees, more than $12 million to continue fully funding our Hope Scholarship and nearly $10 million to expand graduate medical education at the University of Georgia. Our economy grows even faster when we drive down costs for working Georgians, and that’s what we plan to do this legislative session.
It’s more evident today than ever before that the Georgia Senate is focused on policies that strengthen families, grow our economy and keep Georgia a great place to live, work, and raise a family. That means lowering costs, protecting homeowners, supporting educators and ensuring government lives within its means, just like Georgia families do every day.
As the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Finance, and the Senate sponsor of the only two income tax rate cuts in Georgia’s history, I know what it takes to cut costs the right way for Georgians. Now, I am ready to make the same progress toward saving Georgia homeowners even more money. Senate Bill 382 passed out of committee last week, which would require a statewide base-year homestead exemption for all local governments and streamline the process for calling referendums on local sales taxes. For too long, homeowners have faced unrelenting property tax increases as some local governments opted out of existing protections. This bill restores fairness and puts homeowners first by ensuring everyone plays by the same rules. I appreciate the support of my legislative colleagues in passing this bill, and I look forward to continuing to push it toward final passage.
The Senate Finance Committee is also holding detailed discussions on legislation regarding one of the hottest issues in Georgia and around the country, and especially in our state: data centers. While I understand the value these facilities bring to our state and their necessity in powering new technology, we still need to be careful about the incentives we provide and how to oversee these projects. This is why I support Senate Bill 410, which would repeal the data center equipment sales and use tax exemption as a preventive measure to discourage further construction without proper consultation and economic analysis
This week, the Senate took an important step forward for students and teachers with the final passage of Senate Bill 148. This is a Majority Caucus priority that supports educators by expanding flexibility in how learning happens, including hands-on and outdoor education opportunities, while also making common-sense updates to teacher leave policies. The legislation recognizes that teachers are the backbone of our schools and gives them the support and flexibility they need to help students succeed.
That focus is reflected in the priorities we are advancing this session. Affordability remains front and center, from keeping property taxes in check to ensuring energy reliability, supporting workforce development, and maintaining low taxes that help families keep more of what they earn. These issues matter to Georgia families, and they guide our work every day under the Gold Dome.
As always, I appreciate hearing from you and value your input as the legislative session continues. Please don’t hesitate to reach out with any questions, concerns, or ideas. It’s an honor to represent you and to fight for Georgia’s future.
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