Kemp: Georgia budget spending meant to keep economy growing

US Gov. Brian Kemp of Georgia, attends a panel at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland Tuesday, Jan. 17, 2023. The annual meeting of the World Economic Forum is taking place in Davos from Jan. 16 until Jan. 20, 2023. (AP Photo/Markus Schreiber)

Gov. Brian Kemp told Georgia lawmakers Tuesday that his plans to give raises to teachers, pay more tuition for many college students and invest in new housing are all designed to keep the state’s workforce growing and meet the needs of employers.

“The most valuable in-demand resource in our state right now is our people,” the Republican governor said. “We need to keep them, and the pipeline of skilled workers, wide open to keep up with that demand.”

Kemp spoke to lawmakers remotely from Davos, Switzerland, where he’s attending the World Economic Forum. Kemp defended his attendance at a meeting that some conservatives lampoon as a haven of global elitists.