$5.5 billion in new Georgia spending will pay for employee bonuses, state Capitol overhaul

Georgia will boost spending by nearly $5.5 billion in the remaining three months of its current budget, providing money to boost roadbuilding, build a new legislative office building and overhaul the state Capitol and pay for $1,000 bonuses already sent to state employees and teachers.

Republican Gov Brian Kemp said the huge boost in spending proves “you can make investments that have an impact when you budget wisely,” just before signing the House Bill 915 at a Thursday ceremony at the Capitol in Atlanta.

Total spending of state revenue will rise to nearly $38 billion, over the $32.5 billion that that lawmakers approved last year. Total spending, including federal aid, college tuition, fines and fees, would rise to $68 billion in the budget running through June 30.