Gov. Sonny Perdue proposed to add $20 million in funding in the current budget and more than $50 million into the 2011 fiscal year budget during his annual State of the State address at a joint session of the Georgia General Assembly on Wednesday.
After recognizing officials and tearfully thanking Georgia’s first lady, Perdue got down to the important issue – the budget.
“You’re probably wondering why there isn’t a budget lying on your desk this morning. It’s there but it’s very thin,” Perdue jokingly said to legislators.
Without outlining the budget to come Friday, Perdue echoed key words “conservation” and “sacrifice” in his address.
“That means drilling down in every area of government to redefine our responsibilities,” the governor said.
Gov. Perdue mentioned funding only towards mental heath care, and said his main legislative concern is teacher performance pay.
State Labor Commissioner Michael Thurmond will reply to the address with the Democrats response at 2 p.m. today.