This week on Lawmakers Huddle, host Donna Lowry recaps the end of Georgia’s 2025 legislative session and explores concerns over the state budget and potential federal funding cuts. The episode also features the swearing-in of Barbara Rivera-Holmes as Georgia’s first female labor commissioner.
In this week’s Lawmakers Huddle, Donna Lowry reflected on the end of Georgia’s 2025 legislative session and its lasting impact. She spoke with longtime Democratic Rep. Mary Margaret Oliver, who shared her concerns about the session’s tone and the uncertainty surrounding the state budget — particularly as federal funding cuts loom.
"I don't feel great about this session," Oliver said. "The budget negotiations, which have been resolved, have not been as favorable as I want them to be for the mental health proposals, for the housing proposals that [were] initiated by the House. We've got some good progress on the budget, but I think all of us are looking at Washington about what will be the real impact on our [2026] budget.
"Many of us are talking about the possibility — probability — of having to have a special session when we know more about the federal cuts," she added. "So there's that overlay of nervousness about what's happening in Washington."
Gov. Brian Kemp weighed in on the possibility of a special session, calling the discussion premature despite growing anxiety over Washington’s decisions.
"In regards to what's going on in the federal government, whether it's DOGE, other things that the Congress is doing on ending COVID funding?" Kemp said. "I mean, look, they have to do those type things. We cannot continue to have the levels of spending in this country, especially things that were related to COVID that, quite honestly, when you look at the way the state of Georgia has performed, I mean, we haven't been, you know, relying on those things for over the last two years."
Meanwhile, House Appropriations Chair Matt Hatchet also acknowledged the initial concern but downplayed the likelihood of reconvening.
The episode also highlights a historic moment as Barbara Rivera-Holmes is sworn in as Georgia’s new labor commissioner, becoming the first woman to hold the post.
"With deep roots in Georgia's business and economic sectors, I am more positioned to lead this department into a new era, one that builds trust, fosters collaboration, strength is service delivery, and empowers all Georgians to thrive in a dynamic economy," Rivera-Holmes said, "and in my leadership, we will implement innovative strategies that streamline services, modernized workforce programs and connect Georgians with life-changing opportunities."
Rivera-Holmes finishes the term of previous Labor Commissioner Bruce Thompson, who died in November.
The Puerto Rican native is the first woman in Georgia to hold the position. She plans to run as a Republican for a full term in 2026.
"So here we go Georgia," she said. "Onward!"
You can find all our state politics coverage on gpb.org.
