Brian Kemp

The Reform That Worked — and the Governor Who Killed It

Georgia already solved its prison crisis once. Governor Deal’s reforms cut the prison population 6%, saved $264 million, and didn’t increase crime. Then Governor Kemp reversed course, adding $700 million in spending while every outcome worsened. The math is on legislators’ desks. Will they choose what works?

$700 Million More—And Nothing to Show for It

$700 Million spent, only body bags to show

Georgia added $700 million to its corrections budget between FY 2022 and FY 2026—the fastest spending growth in agency history. Prison homicides rose from 8 annually to 100 in 2024. Staffing remains 50-76% vacant. The DOJ found healthcare unconstitutional. The money bought nothing.