"With the $1,000 supplement for state employees," Gov. Brian Kemp said, "We are doing our part as state leaders to say thank you for all that you have done."

Kemp made the announcement Wednesday at a budget press conference at the Capitol.

"Our state employees have worked incredibly hard despite a global pandemic," Kemp said. "They have been going above and beyond the call of duty to deliver essential services to our most vulnerable, keeping our businesses open and deliver financial assistance to those who, quite honestly, many days were losing hope."  

At the press briefing, House Speaker David Ralston said initially Kemp wanted to give teachers $1,000, which was announced at the State of the State address last month. But Georgia leaders wanted to extend the amount to state employees as well. 

Ralston said $59.6 million has been allocated in the amended FY 2021 budget to give this one-time bonus to state employees who earn less than $80,000 a year.

At least 57,000 state employees will benefit from this boost.

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