Georgia

Georgia’s proposed FY25 budget continues to support P-12 and higher education strategically. The FY25 budget allocates $3.4 billion to the Board of Regents for the University System of Georgia (USG), with $3 billion spread to the 26 university schools, $486 million to the Technical College System of Georgia (TCSG), and $13.2 billion to P-12. The primary funding priorities were cost-of-living adjustments for educators, increased contributions to health/retirement benefits, and increased funding for technical and workforce education programs ( Young, 2024 ). The USG teaching budget of $3.4 billion represents a considerable increase from the $3.1 billion allocation of 2024. USG employees will receive most of these funds, which will help support a 4% cost-of-living (cola) raise for staff. This funding also supports additional HOPE scholarships and grants ( Young, 2024 ). The Technical College System of Georgia will receive $489 million to support adult education and workforce development and a cost-of-living adjustment for specific staff member programs. The cost-of-living raise is $2,000 cost-of-living for eligible employees. K-12 public schools $13.2 billion budget represents a significant ($1.4 billion) increase from the previous year. Funding includes a $242 million increase in the State Health Benefit Plan (SHBP) for certificated employees; $53 million to fund the SHBP for non-certified school employees; $368 million to raise for certified employees; $100 million for Pre-K teacher pay, class size, and classroom growth. The FY 2025 Georgia state budget priorities for P-12 are designed to support various sectors ( Young, 2024 ).