Georgia Teachers and State Workers Get $1,000 Bonus
Georgia Governor Brian Kemp is saying “Merry Christmas” to more than 300,000 teachers and state workers today.
He announced today he’ll be providing $1,000 retention bonuses to teachers, school support staff, and state employees as a thank you for their hard work.
“This retention pay supplement will arrive during the holiday season, and it’s part of my administration’s way of showing our appreciation for all that they do,” said Kemp.
Bonus Money is Coming Next Week
The bonus money, which will be delivered in end-of-the-year paychecks next week, will cost the state about $330 million. It will be included in the mid-year budget that Kemp will submit to lawmakers during the first week of the upcoming legislative session.
It was announced earlier this year that the state is sitting on about $16 billion in reserve money following three consecutive years of large revenue surpluses.
“Throughout the pandemic, a summer of unrest, and the unprecedented challenges of the last several years, our state employees have worked hard, taken on additional challenges, remained committed to serving their fellow Georgians, and became more streamlined so we can remain the best state for opportunity,” said Kemp.
Kemp Has Followed Through
Kemp has made good on a promise he made to raise teacher’s pay when he first ran for governor in 2018. Teachers and many state workers have seen their pay increase by as much as $7,000 in recent years. Some state agencies have had to increase pay simply to keep workers. Officials say worker shortages, inflation and competition from private businesses has led to the need to increase pay.
Earlier this month, Kemp announced he would support legislation that would implement an income tax rate cut faster than originally outlined. The rate, which was approved last year, was scheduled to be phased in through 2029, saving Georgians an estimated $300 million a year in taxes. By accelerating the reduction, the rate for Tax Year 2024 will be 5.39%, rather than the 5.49% rate by HB1437.
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