Georgia lawmaker proposes pay raise for Georgia General Assembly members

One Georgia senator wants a pay raise for lawmakers in Georgia.

Riverdale Democrat Valencia Seay, who was elected in 2003, prefiled Senate Bill 13 on January 9th. The bill seeks to increase lawmaker for Georgia representatives and senators from the current rate, just over $17,000 annually, to $29,908 annually.

The bill would also codify the Speaker of the House salary at $135,000, Speaker Pro Tem of the House at $35,908, and the President Pro Tem of the Senate at $35,908, while setting the Lieutenant Governor’s salary at $135,000.  A constitutional amendment has been proposed alongside the legislation.

Lawmakers are already entitled to retirement benefits after four terms – or eight years – and they can opt in to the state health benefits plan while they are serving as well. Elected officials also receive a $119 per diem day reimbursement for days worked as lawmakers outside of the 40-day legislative session in the beginning of the year.

In late 2017, a report by a committee suggested a pay raise for lawmakers, but no

Valencia Seay, Photo: Georgia State Senate

legislation was filed to increase the rate of pay in 2018 – an election year for statewide and legislative seats. The committee, put together by state law makers, recommended a 72% increase in salaries for legislators, which is $29,908 – the amount proposed by Seay.

In early 2017, lawmakers voted to raise the Governor’s salary from $$139,229 to $175,000. It took effect with the swearing in of Governor Brian Kemp.

Georgia lawmakers convened for the three-month legislative session on Monday and

Constitutional officers were sworn in a day-long ceremonial practice at different locations around metro Atlanta.

You can read the bill here.