GA Officers, Teachers To See Pay Hike Due To Newly Signed Budget

ATLANTA, GA — Law enforcement officers and teachers are among those who will receive a pay raise after Gov. Brian Kemp signed on Tuesday Georgia's latest budget.

Kemp signed the Fiscal Year 2025 budget at the state Capitol, which he said will aid Georgia in meeting challenges in communities.

On education, Kemp said in a speech that $1.4 million will benefit K-12 schools.

"We know just how important teachers are to preparing the next generation for that success, which is why we’ve raised educator pay faster and by more than ever before in state history," Kemp said.

Teachers are set to see a $2,500 increase in their pay, with $7 million going toward literacy initiatives. A yearly grant program, worth $100 million-plus, will be enacted to support safety at schools.

Teachers are not the only group of people receiving raises. Kemp said state law enforcement officers will see a $3,000 salary increase.

More than $1.5 million will be allotted to support a trooper school of 35 graduates, Kemp said.

"Rest assured, we will continue investing in our law enforcement to ensure they have the training and resources necessary to protect hardworking Georgians," Kemp said in his speech.

"That includes investing in our Department of Corrections, where Commissioner (Tyrone) Oliver has made improving security and staffing levels a top priority. We’ve allocated a record amount to help achieve that goal, including over 10 million dollars for safety, security and technology enhancements to intercept contraband."

A gang task force will be established in Columbus thanks to $4.8 million the Georgia Bureau of Investigation will receive, Kemp said. More than $800,000 has been marked to expand Attorney General Chris Carr's Gang Prosecution Unit.

Other allocations in the budget are as follows, per Kemp:

• $1.4 million: Organized Retail Crime and Cyber Prosecution Unit in the attorney general’s office
• $6 million: Rural Workforce Housing Program
• $20 million: a state reinsurance program
• More than $160 million: implementation of provider rate study recommendations and parity for the Georgia Pediatric Program
• $2 million: 105 new primary care residency slots
• $3.3 million: Board of Healthcare Workforce to address physician workforce needs through the support and development of medical education programs
• $900,000: additional loan repayments for dentists who practice in rural areas
• $1.7 million: maternal health pilot program
• $16.5 million: behavioral health crisis centers statewide
• $1 million: child advocacy centers to expand mental health services and forensic interviewing for children who have suffered abuse, neglect, exploitation and trafficking
• $1 million: the expansion of the Veterans Mental Health Services Program
• $1.5 million: to establish the David Ralston Center for Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities at the University of Georgia