Kemp calls for one-time bonus
for educators and state employees of $2,000
Gov. Brian Kemp shared with legislators and state elected officials this morning his agenda and parts of budget, which the legislature will be considering next week.
As far as public education is concerned, he called for a one-time supplement of $2,000 for educators in state-funded positions. It is not clear whether any of our Educational Support Professionals will receive a supplement. Those who are eligible should receive this bonus before July 1. Remember GAE members, charter schools and school districts with waivers can take that money and spend it on anything they want to.
Reflecting on his record on education, Kemp said: "I want to take a moment to also congratulate and thank the members of this body - both past and present - who joined my administration in achieving something that not many people thought possible when I was sworn in as governor seven years ago. In fact, when I pledged in 2018 to raise teacher pay by 5,000 dollars, I remember a former opponent of mine that claimed I was making "false promises" to educators across our state. Well, in a way, the media and the doubters were right. We didn’t raise teacher pay by $5,000 we raised it by $9,500! Let’s take a moment to thank all the hardworking Georgians who lead our classrooms, pour into our students, and help make our state a better place."
Today, Kemp promised more money for school districts for school safety initiatives.
Kemp also told those assembled that his budget will "fully fund" the 41-year-old Quality Basic Education (QBE) funding formula.
Kemp also threw his support behind a needs-based HOPE-type scholarship he calls the DREAMS Scholarship.
Kemp's 2026-2027 budget calls $264 million for school construction and renovation and $12 million to reduce pre-K class sizes.
Kemp also outlined his proposal to pass a one-time, 1-billion-dollar tax rebate this year that will return or save the average filer $250 and a married couple up to $500. He also announced a plan to lower the state income tax to 4.99%. In 2022, the personal income tax rate was 5.75%.
Kemp said Wednesday that he will invest $2 billion in road, highway, and bridge projects and $50 million on homelessness.
Earlier this week, House Speaker Jon Burns said literacy programs will continue to be his top education priority.
