How Georgia May Spend The Money Republicans Didn’t Want

Georgia is expected to get $5.9 billion for transportation, health care and other programs from the massive economic stimulus package now on President Obama’s desk.

The $787 billion package includes a $1.7 billion infusion for Medicaid, $1.2 billion for education and $1 billion to build and repair highways and bridges in Georgia, according to Federal Funds Information for States.

Georgia legislators, facing a $2.2 billion deficit, hope the money will help them stave off deeper budget cuts and furloughs. The money for health care, for instance, could prevent a 1.6 percent hospital fee to offset a widening Medicaid deficit.

Lawmakers have already decided to slow the 40-day legislative session in anticipation of the federal dollars. Both chambers agreed last week on a plan to disband in late March and return in June to consider any final budget changes.

State officials said Friday they might need time to determine how the stimulus affects their projections.

DISTRIBUTION

How the funds could be doled out, according to the preliminary review by Federal Funds Information for States:

- $1.7 billion for Georgia’s Medicaid program

- $1.2 billion in education dollars

- $1 billion to build and repair roads and bridges

- $333 million for special education programs

- $90 million for public housing

- $82 million for child care programs

- $33 million for homelessness prevention

- $20 million for the Head Start program