Speaker Jan Jones (R-Milton) today appointed former House Majority Whip Matt Hatchett (R-Dublin) as Chairman of the House Appropriations Committee effective immediately. Today’s announcement empowers Chairman Hatchett to begin working with staff to prepare for the upcoming budget cycle as outgoing Appropriations Chairman Terry England did not seek re-election for the 2023-2024 legislative session. 

“Over his dozen years of service in the House, Chairman Hatchett has earned the trust and respect of our colleagues and brings considerable expertise to this new leadership position,” said Speaker Jones. “The House takes very seriously our stewardship role in working with both the Governor and the State Senate to produce a conservative budget that invests wisely for Georgia’s future. I know Chairman Hatchett will ably lead the members of the Appropriations Committee in their important work.”

Chairman Hatchett has served in numerous leadership roles during his tenure, including as a Governor’s Floor Leader, Majority Caucus Chairman and, most recently, Majority Caucus Whip. He has extensive experience as a member of the Appropriations Committee where he currently serves on the General Government Subcommittee. He previously served on both the Health and Public Safety Subcommittees of Appropriations.

A graduate of Presbyterian College, he received a Bachelor of Science in Applied Mathematics with an Economic Emphasis. Chairman Hatchett currently serves as Director of Mission Enhancement for the School of Medicine at Mercer University.