Key points:
• Gov. Kemp’s 2026 priorities include billions in new infrastructure investments, highlighted by $1.8 billion to expand I-75 express lanes in Henry County.
• Kemp emphasized affordability through past tax cuts and rebates totaling $9.7 billion,
• He also announced a one-time $50 million Homelessness Response Grant program.
Gov. Brian Kemp on Tuesday outlined a sweeping set of budget and policy priorities for the 2026 legislative session, calling for major investments in transportation, energy infrastructure, education, workforce development and housing while emphasizing affordability as his top focus.
Speaking at the Georgia Chamber of Commerce’s annual Eggs and Issues breakfast at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Kemp said his budget proposal will include billions in new infrastructure spending, highlighted by $1.8 billion to expand express lanes along Interstate 75 south in Henry County, one of the state’s most congested corridors.
The governor said the project would significantly increase rush-hour capacity on a route used by nearly 200,000 vehicles a day.
Kemp also announced $200 million for continued upgrades to Georgia 316 between Gwinnett County and Athens.
“With incredible growth all along this state route, from Gwinnett County to Athens, we know how great the need is to turn this state route into a true and safe expressway,” Kemp said in his remarks. “It shouldn’t take you a full afternoon to get from Athens to Atlanta, or vice versa.”
Kemp also said $250 million for local road projects will come through the Local Maintenance and Improvement Grant program, while an additional $100 million will be allocated for bridge repairs in rural communities.
The governor said his amended budget will include $35 million to establish a natural gas infrastructure improvement fund aimed at supporting economic development in rural areas. Since taking office, Kemp said Georgia will have invested about $6 billion in transportation, water and energy infrastructure.
Kemp touted past tax cuts, rebates, and gas tax suspensions, saying the state has returned more than $9.7 billion to taxpayers. He also credited tort reform passed in recent years with helping stabilize insurance markets, noting recent announcements of auto insurance rate reductions.
On energy, Kemp pointed to a three-year rate freeze approved by the Georgia Public Service Commission for Georgia Power customers, saying it balances affordability with long-term reliability.
The governor also previewed education and workforce initiatives, including a forthcoming Education and Workforce Strategy Act to formalize collaboration among K-12 schools, colleges and universities. He announced new articulation agreements between the University System of Georgia and the Technical College System in teacher preparation, cybersecurity and accounting, along with plans for a statewide Career Navigator app.
Kemp also unveiled a new $50 million Homelessness Response Grant program to support local governments and nonprofits addressing homelessness, particularly in Atlanta, ahead the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Kemp said the Homelessness Response Grant will be a one-time investment of $50 million, coupled with other funds from public, private, and nonprofit partners.
“Through very targeted use of funds, this grant will act as a force multiplier to complement the good work already underway by [Atlanta] Mayor [Andre] Dickens and other champions on this challenging subject. Awards will go to local governments and nonprofit organizations addressing street-level homelessness in Georgia, and it will ensure that every stakeholder has equal skin in the game.”