Raising the salaries of teachers and civil servants was easily approved by the Georgian Parliament.

ATLANTA - The GeorgiaHouse of Representatives passed a $36.1 billion 2025 state budget with record pay raises for teachers and state employees thanks to a huge surplus.

"This is a terrific budget that meets the needs of every Georgia resident from all walks of life," said House Speaker John Burns of Reynoville following the 172-1 vote.

The budget, which takes effect July 1, would increase state spending by $3.6 billion, or 11 percent, over the original fiscal year 2024 budget passed by the General Assembly last spring.

It includes a 4% pay raise for most state employees, as well as a one-time $3,000 increase for law enforcement and corrections officers. Employees of state organizations with high turnover rates will also receive additional targeted pay increases above 4%.

"Staff leaving government is a problem," said House Budget Committee Chairman Matt Hatchett of Dublin. "Gradual wage increases ...

The budget also includes a $2,500 pay raise for public school teachers. A separate bill passed by the House last month would give pay raises to supreme court justices, court of appeals judges and state supreme court justices.

With a $16 billion surplus, the House approved significant increases in education and health spending, either agreeing with Governor Brian Kemp's recommendations or supplementing his proposed January spending plan.

The budget includes $249.6 million to offset growth in public school enrollment, $204 million to buy more school buses and $104 million for grants to improve safety on public school campuses. Each public school in Georgia will receive a $45,000 safety grant.

The budget also includes $146 million to fully fund increased reimbursement to providers for Medicaid patients.

"We lose providers all the time because of inadequate reimbursement," Hatchett said.

The budget for fiscal year 25 now heads to the Georgia Senate.