GEORGIA – Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp on Friday signed a new budget proposal that would provide $32.4 billion in state funding and a total of $55.9 billion including federal and other spending.
The governor increased spending in the current fiscal year by $2.4 billion from the original state budget of $30.1 billion set earlier this year.
A large part of the expenditure goes into education.
All state employees, including public school teachers, technical college employees, librarians, and public university employees, will receive a $2,000 raise, while K-12 school canteen workers, bus drivers, and nurses will receive a 5% raise.
Georgia is also reintroducing full HOPE Scholarship tuition for all high school seniors who earn a B average starting next fall, and HOPE Scholars who earn a B average will be paid 90% of tuition.
Kemp said that restoring full HOPE Scholarship eligibility would save the average student $444 a year.
In addition, the budget also increases HOPE scholarship payments to private Georgia college students.
The state also pays full tuition for Zell Miller Scholars who achieve higher grades and a standardized minimum test score.
The bill also includes an incentive for the police.
Law enforcement officers, including state troopers, will also get a $6,000 pay rise under the new proposal.
The changes are expected to come into effect on July 1st.
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