Kemp to begin second Georgia term with new pay raise pledge

Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp speaks at Ola High School on July 29, 2022, in McDonough, Ga. Kemp is scheduled to be sworn in for a second term as governor Thursday, Jan. 12, promising across-the-board pay raises for state employees and public school teachers while questions linger about his long-term legacy even as he rides high politically. (AP Photo/Megan Varner, File)

Georgia’s Brian Kemp is scheduled to be sworn in for a second term as governor Thursday, promising across-the-board pay raises for state employees and public school teachers while questions linger about his long-term legacy even as he rides high politically.

The Republican plans to use his inaugural address to propose further pay raises, according to draft remarks viewed by The Associated Press, although the exact amount won’t be unveiled until he speaks Thursday.

The 59-year-old Kemp begins his second term atop Georgia’s political world. He rode his stewardship of the economy to a big win over Democrat Stacey Abrams, even though Abrams again outspent Kemp.