Gov. Kemp Requests $100 Million in State Funds to Combat COVID-19

Wednesday afternoon, Governor Brian Kemp sent a letter to Speaker of the House David Ralston and Lieutenant Governor Geoff Duncan, requesting $100 million be drawn from the Revenue Shortfall Reserve (RSR) to combat the spread of COVID-19.

Governor Kemp also notified Representative Terry England (R – Auburn), Chairman of the House Appropriations Committee; and Senator Jack Hill (R – Reidsville), Chairman of the Senate Appropriations Committee, via a separate letter of this request.

“Ensuring that Georgia has the resources at hand to enable us to respond quickly and thoroughly to prevent its [COVID-19] spread within our borders is paramount to keeping our citizens safe, maintaining the health of our health network, and mitigating impact to our economy,” said Governor Kemp. “…I do not make the recommendation to draw from this account lightly… However, the spread of the coronavirus represents an immediate and unforeseen threat to the state.

“…Our primary responsibility as state leaders must always be to ensure the safety and well-being of our citizens. To that end, I appreciate your consideration in appropriating these much-needed funds to ensure that Georgia stands at the ready to protect the health of our people.”

Images of both letters can be found below.

Governor Kemp also issued the following statement:

“I am deeply grateful to House and Senate leadership for working to appropriate this critically needed funding. Lieutenant Governor Duncan and Speaker Ralston will remain valuable partners in this effort as we work together to prepare for the impact of COVID-19 across Georgia.”