Governor Calls for $2,000 Teacher Pay Raise

Governor Brian Kemp is asking State lawmakers to give Georgia teachers an additional $2,000 pay raise in this year’s budget.

Last year, teachers were given a $3,000 pay raise by the General Assembly, making a total pay raise of $5,000 if the additional $2,000 is approved this session.

Concerns over more budget cuts by the Governor in the fall could put a damper on Kemp’s request.

In his State of the State address last week, Kemp said Georgia must continue to support educators.

“While Republicans and Democrats disagree often, we all know the value of a good education. We know the impact that a teacher can have on a student. We know that learning has the power to lift people out of poverty, and help many realize their full, God-given potential,” he said. “As we move forward as a state, we must re-affirm our commitment to Georgia’s schools; trust parents to make decisions in the best interests of their children; and support our superintendents, teachers, counselors, and specialists as they work to educate and inspire the next generation.”

Kemp said the additional teacher raise will help keep teachers from leaving the profession or going elsewhere where they can make more money.

“In my budget, I have included a $2,000 pay raise for all public school educators. This raise will enhance retention rates, boost recruitment numbers, and improve educational outcomes in schools throughout Georgia. By investing in our educators, we can build a strong house, a place where everyone learns and all Georgians have the opportunity to thrive,” Kemp said.

Kemp also applauded former Governor Deal for fully funding Quality Based Education.

“I want to applaud Governor Deal and First Lady Sandra Deal, who join us in the gallery, for fully-funding Quality Basic Education and investing in early learning for Georgia students. I also want to thank this legislature for working together to champion education during the 2019 session,” Kemp said. “Together, we fully-funded QBE for the second year in a row. We provided over $69 million in school security grants for all 2,314 schools. We increased funding for mental health services in our high schools, and we gave educators a long overdue – and historic – pay raise!”

Full Text of Kemp’s State of the State Address