In a move that has drawn attention and approval across Georgia, Gov. Brian Kemp announced he will be presenting state workers, including teachers and school staff, with a $1,000 holiday bonus. This initiative will cost a cool $330 million, with $202 million specifically set aside for school employees. Kemp's gesture is meant to act as a year-end retention bonus and is slated to be included in the governor's mid-year budget during the legislative session beginning Jan. 8, according to The Atlanta Journal-Constitution.
As per the governor's office, the bonus is expected to benefit around 112,000 state employees and 196,000 educators and school staff. This includes those in frequently overlooked roles such as bus drivers, cafeteria workers, and custodians. However, some school districts like Gwinnett County and Atlanta Public Schools have already issued similar $1,000 retention bonuses in December. The Atlanta Public Schools initially said the bonus they provided would replace the governor’s raise, but later clarified their intention to pass along any additional state funds provided, according to The Atlanta Journal-Constitution.
Funding for these bonuses comes from the state's reserve and will be distributed through the state’s school funding formula, known as QBE — Quality Basic Education. However, not all district employees may receive the full $1,000, depending on how each district's finances are impacted by state-issued raises, as discussed in a recent budget meeting by APS Chief Financial Officer Lisa Bracken.
Moreover, Kemp is not just doling out these bonuses. He has also announced a substantial injection of more than $100 million into annual school safety funding. Every public school in Georgia is set to receive $45,000 for safety improvements starting next fiscal year. In tandem, the governor aims to advance a cut to the state's income tax rate, a move that could save taxpayers approximately $1.1 billion in the following year. Kemp's financial strategy underscores his commitment to not only reward Georgia's workforce but also to ensure the safety and security of the state’s educational institutions, as per Atlanta News First.
