State of the State: Kemp emphasizes education, public safety, tax cuts in 2024 address

In his sixth State of the State address, Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp delivered a resounding message to residents: Georgia is moving in the right direction and is gearing up for more growth in 2024.

Kemp outlined plans for the 2025 state budget in his address Thursday in the chambers of the state House in Atlanta, prioritizing investments in education, healthcare and public safety.

With local, statewide and national elections on the horizon, he also highlighted Georgia’s successes over the course of his term, attributing much of the prosperity to tax cuts and fiscally conservative policies.

“In an election year, I don’t expect us all to agree on every issue,” Kemp said. “But in the middle of all that, I ask that we also remember Georgia is different for a reason. That our success is not an accident, but the result of resilient people who elected their leaders to keep state government efficient, responsive and accountable.”

He also slammed lawmakers in Washington, D.C., who he blames for rising costs of living and high inflation rates.

“As we look across America, there is no doubt we are at a crossroads,” he said. “From crushing inflation and dysfunction in Washington, to the crisis at our southern border and unrest overseas, these are indeed trying times. But I believe we have an opportunity here in Georgia, an opportunity to highlight a different path.”

More: Teachers among more than 100K Georgia employees getting $1,000 year-end bonus, Kemp says

Kemp looks to lower taxes and pushes school choice

In his budget proposal, the governor announced plans to introduce legislation to lower Georgia’s state income tax to a maximum of 5.39%, saving taxpayers an estimated $3 billion over the next decade. The current tax rates are on a graduated scale, ranging from 1% to 5.75%.

He also proposed an additional $1.4 billion in allocations for K-12 education programs across the state, and emphasized that school choice was the best way to improve educational outcomes for students.

“As a small business owner for almost 40 years now, I believe – like many of you – that competition and the free market drive innovation and, at the end of the day, result in a better product for the consumer,” he said. “When it comes to education, the same principles hold true.”

The proposal also includes $382 million to increase salaries for state employees, including teachers, raising the base pay for educators by $2,500, meaning the median teacher salary would increase by 4%.

Public safety a top priority, support for 'Cop City'

As in previous years, Kemp emphasized the need to invest in public safety programs, outlining a variety of proposed solutions, including $3,000 pay raises for State Patrol officers and $104 million for school safety enhancements. He also voiced his support for the Atlanta Public Safety Training Center, colloquially called Cop City.

“As long as I’m your governor, there will be no gray area or political double talk,” Kemp said. “We support our law enforcement officers. We support our firefighters and first responders. And the Atlanta Public Safety Training Center should be built – period.”

Mental health also continued to be a top priority, with the governor proposing a $205 million increase in funding for the Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities to expand the number of crisis beds and other mental health interventions. The total amount allocated to behavioral health is estimated at $1.6 billion – a record-breaking amount in the state.

Kemp ended his speech with a nod to the lawmakers as they embark on the 2024 legislative session.

“In Georgia, we believe the American Dream will always provide our people greater prosperity than the government ever could,” he said. “The state of our state is strong, growing, and full of opportunity. Let’s use this session to keep it that way.”

Democrats push to expand Medicaid, early childhood education

In a press conference following the address, Democrats criticized the governor’s budget proposal for refusing to allocate funds to social programs.

“We’re starting this year with a $16 billion surplus,” said state Sen. Nabilah Islam Parkes (D-Lawrenceville). “This is hard-earned tax dollars that should be reinvested in improving the life of every Georgian. Yet here we are, one of only 10 states whose government is refusing to expand Medicaid. This isn’t just a policy oversight. It is a moral failing.”

House Minority Caucus Whip Sam Park (D-Lawrenceville) said that Medicaid expansion would be the Democrats’ main priority this session, as well as housing and early childhood education programs.

“If we want to put people first, the money should follow,” Park said.

This article originally appeared on Savannah Morning News: State of the State: Gov. Kemp to prioritize education, public safety, tax cuts