Speaker Burns Appoints Chair Katie Dempsey to Joint Study Committee on Evaluating Escalating Costs in Georgia’s Foster Care System

State Representative Katie Dempsey (R-Rome), chair of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Human Resources, was recently appointed by House Speaker Jon Burns (R-Newington) to serve on the Joint Study Committee on Evaluating Escalating Costs in Georgia’s Foster Care System.

“During the 2026 legislative session, the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Human Resources heard extensive testimony regarding the challenges facing Georgia’s foster care system, and I was proud of the work we accomplished to address concerns in several key areas,” said Chair Dempsey. “While meaningful progress has been made, there is still important work ahead, particularly when it comes to addressing the rising costs associated with foster care services. I am confident that this joint study committee will help identify solutions that strengthen support for vulnerable children and the foster families who care for them, and I am grateful to Speaker Burns for the opportunity to serve in this capacity.”

Created by Senate Resolution 622, the Joint Study Committee on Evaluating Escalating Costs in Georgia’s Foster Care System will examine the existing framework of the delivery of out of home care services, wrap-around services and all related costs to determine future availability of resources and leverage efficiencies to achieve the best possible outcomes for foster children.

Speaker Burns also appointed the following study committee members: State Representatives Joseph Gullett (R-Dallas), Beth Camp (R-Concord), Brent Cox (R-Dawsonville), Mary Margaret Oliver (D-Decatur) and Esther Panitch (D-Sandy Springs).

More information about 2026 study committees may be found here.

Meeting notices, agendas and additional details for 2026 study committee meetings will be posted here.