

Looking out over the Gold Dome from GCN Headquarters

In the latest issue of Georgia Nonprofit NOW, we discussed some of the highlights from the Georgia General Assembly's 2013 legislative session and provided a more in-depth look at 2013 legislation affecting Georgia's nonprofit sector. Today, we'll take a deeper dive into HB 106, Georgia's 2014 state budget, which went into effect on July 1.

Of Georgia’s $37.2 billion budget, $19.9 billion is funded by the state. Here’s what that looks like for nonprofits and their constituents.

Education

More than half of the state budget is designated for education and, though underfunded based on the state’s achievement goals, allocations have trended up since 2010. As the proportion of low-income students continues to rise — related to Georgia’s broader economic woes — additional fiscal and resource burdens fall to schools; 60% of Georgia’s students qualify for free or reduced price lunches. On the positive side, $12.9 million in Georgia Lottery proceeds will provide 180 days of Pre-K programming.

Healthcare

More than 70% of healthcare funding will go to the Department of Community Health, providing Medicaid and PeachCare to over 1.8 million Georgians. $56 million in new tobacco settlement funds will also be directed to the state’s Medicaid program, along with the hospital provider fee. For information on Medicaid expansion in 2014, see Healthcare Georgia Foundation’s latest economic report.

Georgia’s behavioral health and developmental disabilities funding has seen a $131.8 million budget increase since 2009 and is adjusting its focus into the community and away from institutional facilities.

Human Services

The Department of Human Services' funding is set at $486 million: 44% for child-related services, 23% for low-income support, and 17% for aging services. Overall, that marks a 20% decrease since 2009.

According to the Georgia Budget & Policy Institute, “The budget for child welfare-related services is down nearly 23 percent since the 2009 fiscal year, which has led to layoffs and three consecutive years of requiring those who remain to take time off without pay. Budget cuts also led to the cancellation of some contracts with private companies for in-home services, leaving state workers with increased responsibility” at a time of increased staff turnover due to high caseloads. In a state aging faster than most, adult services case workers are also being stretched tight. Funding just isn’t keeping up with the need.

For an excellent resource that explains the state budget from conception to implementation and provides insights into trends and impacts, explore the Georgia Budget & Policy Institute's Georgia Budget Primer 2014

Looking Forward

To maximally impact our organizations’ constituents — children, elderly, disabled, homeless, etc. — we need to be aware of the state and federal policy and budgetary statuses. Further, these policies can be affected by engaging with lawmakers, fellow nonprofit leaders, and your communities. Working together and advocating for increased revenues and more effective spending will help ensure that the needs of all Georgians are met.

Tommy Pearce is Communications Coordinator at the Georgia Center for Nonprofits.