2022 Georgia Legislative Session Convenes
The House kicked off the 2022 Georgia legislative session by convening briefly for Legislative Day 1. Rep. Wes Cantrell (R-Woodstock), a House Education Committee member and Baptist minister, served as Chaplain of the Day. When inviting Cantrell to the well to deliver inspiration, House Speaker David Ralston (R-Blue Ridge) noted Cantrell will not run for re-election. House members approved an adjournment resolution to set the first portion of the legislative calendar.
Lt. Gov. Geoff Duncan welcomed legislators back to the Capitol in the Senate. Senate Majority Leader Mike Dugan (R-Carrollton) led the chamber through beginning-of-session housekeeping including approval of the legislative calendar set by the House.
The fortunes of the Georgia football team were top of mind for lawmakers in both chambers as they look forward to the national championship game.
Gov. Kemp’s State of the State Address – Educator Pay Raise Expected
Gov. Brian Kemp will deliver his 2022 State of the State Address Thursday, Jan. 13, at 11 a.m. He also will release his proposed budget for Fiscal Year 2023, which begins the appropriations process. Kemp is expected to propose a pay increase for Georgia educators and other state employees. PAGE has strongly advocated for educator pay increases and will report on any announcement Thursday.
Upcoming Schedule
Due to the national championship game, the legislature stands adjourned until Wednesday, Jan. 12.
The House and Senate have agreed to the following schedule:
Wednesday, Jan. 12: Legislative Day 2
Thursday, Jan. 13: Legislative Day 3/Gov. Kemp’s State of the State Address, 11 a.m.
Friday, Jan 14: Legislative Day 4
Jan. 18-20: Joint Appropriations Hearings
Wednesday, Jan. 19: State School Superintendent Woods/GA Department of Education Presentation to Joint Appropriations, 1:30-2 p.m.
Monday, Jan. 24: Legislative Day 5
Tuesday, Jan. 25: Legislative Day 6
Wednesday, Jan. 26: Legislative Day 7
Legislative Preview Webinar & Podcast
Learn more about what to expect for K-12 education during the upcoming legislative session. PAGE discusses a probable educator pay raise, the state education budget, Teachers Retirement System (TRS) return-to-work legislation, private school vouchers, curriculum controversies, and more in our recent webinar and PAGE Talks podcast.
Information about PAGE’s member-driven legislative priorities are available HERE, and an overview of key education budget items is available HERE.
Legislative Report & PAGE Day on Capitol Hill Signup
Be the first to know about education-related news under the Gold Dome by signing up HERE to receive the PAGE Report from the Capitol daily.
Please make plans to join us at PAGE Day on Capitol Hill, Feb. 22, 2022 by registering HERE.