Gov. Kemp proposes pay raises in State of the State

ATLANTA (WDEF) — Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp proposed a pay raise to public employees and teachers in his State of the State Address on Thursday.

Kemp said he wants to give a 4% cost of living increase to public employees.

He also wants to give a $2,500 raise to teachers.

Georgia may have another multibillion-dollar surplus, making the pay increases possible.

Gov. Kemp also placed blame on Washington D.C. for high inflation.

“They will see what we’ve achieved together at the state level to make Georgia an even greater place to live, work and raise a family,” Kemp said. “And they’ll see the hardships Washington, D.C. has brought into every home and placed on every kitchen table across our state.”

Additionally, Kemp proposed a $3,000 pay raise to state law enforcement officers. That includes troopers and prison guards.

He also asked lawmakers to repay police officers’ college loans.

“The governor promised a substantial increase in spending on mental health, increasing crisis center beds and paying more to mental health workers and service providers. But Kemp also said he would spend to reduce the state’s debt, proposing $500 million to reduce the unpaid liability in the pension fund that covers most noneducation state employees,” the Associated Press reported.