HIGHLIGHTS: 2022 State of the State
Summary
In his 2022 State of the State address, Governor Brian Kemp pushed proposals to deliver on campaign promises and energize voters ahead of the upcoming election. TEACHER PAY RAISE Three years after raising teacher pay by $3,000, Kemp announced his […]
In his 2022 State of the State address, Governor Brian Kemp pushed proposals to deliver on campaign promises and energize voters ahead of the upcoming election.
TEACHER PAY RAISE
Three years after raising teacher pay by $3,000, Kemp announced his 2023 budget proposal would include the final $2,000 installment to achieve the full $5,000 raise he promised the state’s educators in his 2018 campaign.
“Hardworking Georgians in our schools – the school staff, administrators, bus drivers, cafeteria workers, and teachers – all do a terrific job keeping our kids safe and investing in their futures…This 2,000-dollar raise will impact K-12 teachers, assistant teachers, and pre-k teachers – who I think we can all agree have gone above and beyond for their students throughout the pandemic.”
Gov. Brian Kemp, January 13, 2022.
His amended FY 2022 budget will include a one-time $2,000 pay supplement for “full-time, state-funded instructional staff, school support staff, and school administration.” Bus drivers, nurses, nutrition workers, and part-time staff will get a one-time $1,000 supplement.
PARENTS & EDUCATION
Vowing to “protect our students from divisive ideologies –– like critical race theory,” the governor said he would support a so-called “parental bill of rights.”
He said that is just one piece of legislation designed to “put students and parents first.”
On Thursday, State Rep. Brad Thomas (R-Holly Springs) introduced House Bill 888 that would prohibit the teaching of critical race theory and the 1619 Project in Georgia schools.
CRIMINAL JUSTICE
“Justice delayed is justice denied, and we will provide every resource necessary to ensure courts and prosecutors have the information they need.”
Gov. Brian Kemp January 13, 2022.
The governor’s proposals include increasing funding for law enforcement agencies and incentives to encourage people to seek those jobs.
Some of those measures:
- $3 million for an additional trooper class of 75 cadets for the next year
- $7 million to upgrade GBI Crime Lab facilities, state headquarters, and increase staff in lab and medical examiner’s office
- TCSG will add law enforcement and criminal justice degrees to “high-demand career initiatives,” which will make it tuition-free
- $5,000 raise for state law enforcement & other state employees
He also praised the efforts of the current GBI Gang Taskforce and touted the establishment of a new “anti-gang unit” in Attorney General Chris Carr’s office.
“My office will also be supporting enabling legislation that gives the Attorney General the authority to partner with the GBI and local law enforcement officials in investigating and prosecuting these dangerous criminals.”
Gov. Brian Kemp January 13, 2022.
You can WATCH his annual address here, and you can find a copy of his address HERE.
Additionally, the Office of Planning and Budget has posted Governor Kemp’s Amended Fiscal Year 2022 and Fiscal Year 2023 budget proposals HERE.