Speaking to the Gwinnett Chamber of Commerce Monday, Gov. Brian Kemp said he’s worried about the economy slowing down during his term, and cited it as a reason for his recent directive to state agencies to cut their spending by 4% this year and 6% next year.
He spent much of the address highlighting different legislative achievements, including pushing for $3,000 teacher pay raises and a 2% pay increase for state employees. Those priorities were part of the largest budget in history passed this spring: $27.5 billion. He has also promised teachers $2,000 more in pay raises in the near future. But Kemp said going forward, he wants to reign in other state spending.
“Earlier this month you may have read I directed state agencies to cut wasteful spending and streamline operations through proactive leadership,” he said. “We are budgeting conservatively. We’re saving for a rainy day and we’re keeping taxes low. And this is the right time to be doing that.”
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