Tuesday morning, Governor Brian Kemp signed the Fiscal Year 2024-2025 budget during a ceremony inside the Georgia State Capitol. The budget spends $36.1 billion in state money and $66.8 billion overall in the year beginning July 1.
K-12 certified teachers will receive a $2,500 pay increase, with $382.1 million allocated in the budget. Law enforcement and child welfare workers will receive a $3,000 raise. Prekindergarten teachers also are getting a $2,500 raise. Plus, state employees, including public university employees making less than $70,000, will receive a 4% pay increase. The average state employee makes $50,400.
During his state of the state address in January, Kemp said the state can adopt an ‘all-of-the-above approach to education’. No matter if it’s public, private, homeschooling, charter or otherwise.
“It will also provide Georgia students a quality education, care for the health and well being of our families and ensure the safety of our neighborhoods,” Kemp said. “And because we budgeted conservatively and refuse to spend beyond our means, we’re able to invest in these core areas, while cutting taxes at the same time.”
The budget calls for $1.5 billion for state transportation projects and $250 million for local water and sewer projects. It also earmarks nearly $600 million for the Department of Corrections. Lastly, $100 million is set aside for rural economic development projects.
Currently, Georgia’s unemployment rate is 3.1%, which is six-tenths lower than the national unemployment rate.
“This yearly budget is the biggest demonstration of our priorities and the biggest tool we have to serve the people of this great state,” Kemp said. “And this budget in particular will help us further promote economic prosperity and communities all across the state.”
This budget will also be highlighted by the investments into mental health facilities. For example, this year’s budget has earmarked $16.5 million for the behavioral health crisis center statewide. Plus, $1 million for child advocacy centers to expand mental health services and forensic interviewing. That program is for children who have suffered abuse and neglect, exploitation and trafficking. There is also $1 million to expand the veterans mental health services program. Lastly, there is $1.5 million set aside to establish the David Ralston Center for Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities at the University of Georgia, in memory of the late House Speaker.
In the end, Governor Kemp was able to invest in the services that mattered most while looking out for rural Georgians and conservatives alike.
“We also must remember that we have returned over $5 billion to the Georgia taxpayer, all while speeding up cuts to the state income tax,” Kemp said. “When others, including Washington, DC politicians, want to spend like there’s no tomorrow. Here in Georgia, we will continue to balance the budget and put our money where it will have the greatest impact. While working together to ensure that we are good stewards of the people’s money. Because we know that that is your money, not the government’s.”