Atlanta, Georgia (WGXA) — The budget for the state of Georgia year 2025 was adopted by the House of Representatives. A $2,500 wage increase for public school teachers is part of the 36.1 billion dollar budget.
Georgia will now rank highest in the area for teacher salary, according to Representative Matt Hatchett.
“Teacher pay is around $67,000 and this will make the average teacher pay to just under 70,000 dollars a year leading the Southeast”, Hatchett added.
A one-time $3,000 wage boost for law enforcement is part of the 4% pay rise that will be given to other state employees. Hatchett claims that the increase in wages will contribute to employee retention.
“This slow and steady increase in state salary both across the board and in our most critical positions is moving the needle in state employment and retention”, Hatchett said.
Additionally, 100 million dollars is included in the budget for school security, with a $45,000 safety grant going to each public school.
House Speaker Jon Burns claims that everyone in Georgia would profit from the budget, which goes into effect on July 1.
“This is an awesome budget that addresses the needs of every Georgian from all walks of life”, Burns added. The budget now goes to the Senate after passing by a vote of 172 to 1.
