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Georgia's 2026 legislative session officially underway
Georgia lawmakers gathered Monday at the Georgia State Capitol to begin the 2026 legislative session, welcoming a handful of new members to the House and Senate as the session officially got underway. Lawmakers said affordability and restoring funding for critical services will be among the top issues this year, particularly the budget shortfall affecting child welfare services within the Division of Family and Children Services.
ATLANTA - Georgia lawmakers returned to the Gold Dome on Monday for the start of the 2026 legislative session, with many describing the atmosphere as "the first day of school." But beneath the excitement and handshakes, a heavy list of priorities awaits, topped by economic concerns and a crisis within the state's foster care system.
Lawmakers on affordability
What they're saying:
"The first day of session is kind of like the first day of school—everyone's excited and chipper," said Rep. Stacey Evans (D-Atlanta). "But it's time to get down to the work of the people, particularly around affordability, utilities, housing, and healthcare."
The theme of the session appears to be the high cost of living. Lawmakers from both sides of the aisle acknowledged that Georgians are struggling to keep up with a cooling but still challenging economy. Sen. Larry Walker III (R-Perry) called these "pocketbook issues."
Republicans and Democrats are expected to spar over how to handle these costs. At the top of the GOP agenda is property tax reform and a proposal to incrementally eliminate the state income tax by 2032. Meanwhile, Democrats like Sen. Jaha Howard (D-Smyrna) say the state must work to regain public confidence.
"At the end of the day, we all know everything costs too much," Howard said. "Trust in our institutions, especially our government, is low. So everything has to have a laser focus on affordability and building trust."
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Georgia state legislators begin 2026 session
Georgia lawmakers returned to the State Capitol on Monday for the 2026 legislative session. Affordability, high school cell phone bans and data centers are expected to be central topics.
Foster care ‘crisis’
Dig deeper:
One of the most urgent issues facing the General Assembly is a projected $85 million budget shortfall for the Division of Family & Children Services (DFCS). Lawmakers expressed alarm that the deficit has already forced a pause in services for some of the state's most vulnerable residents.
"We have 11,000 kids whose services have ceased," said Rep. Lydia Glaize (D-Fairburn). "We've got to get DHS out of the red and get services restored to children who already have two strikes against them."
Call for civility
What they're saying:
As the state enters a major election year, religious leaders also gathered at the Capitol to urge legislators to work together. Rev. Damon Williams of Providence Missionary Baptist Church called for a shift in tone.
"We're asking our legislators and our leaders today, let's bring the temperature down," Williams said. "Let's lead with ethics, morality, and calm."
Georgia legislative session
What's next:
The 40-day legislative session is expected to move quickly as lawmakers look to wrap up business before the campaign season officially begins.