Governor Perdue Signs $21.1 Billion Fiscal Year 2009 Budget

Office of the Governor

Governor Sonny Perdue today signed into law HB 990 which authorizes Georgia’s $21.1 billion Fiscal Year 2009 (FY09) Budget. The FY09 budget year begins July 1, 2008.

“Georgia is a growing, thriving state and this budget provides a sound fiscal plan to sustain that growth over the next year and into the future,” said Governor Sonny Perdue. “The FY09 budget strikes an important balance between wise investments and prudent cost-saving measures.”

The budget includes funding for several of Governor Perdue’s priorities for the coming year, while maintaining the fiscal discipline necessary given the recent slowing of the growth in the state’s revenue collections. On March 10, 2008, Governor Perdue reduced the FY09 revenue estimate by $245 million in light of slowing revenue projections...

...The FY09 budget also funds measures necessary to allow Georgians to maintain a robust healthcare system. $39.6 million will go towards increasing Medicaid reimbursement rates for hospitals, ambulance services and other healthcare providers. 500 more mental retardation and development disability waiver slots will be available through a $6.2 million appropriation. Nursing homes will receive $17.6 million in reimbursements for capital upgrades. An additional $31.3 million is appropriated to upgrade the state’s mental health facilities and community mental health system...

To read the full press release, click here.