ATLANTA, Ga. — Last year, lawmakers approved a $3,000 raise for educators in the state and on Thursday Gov. Brian Kemp proposed a $2,000 pay raise for teachers next year, according to AJC.

It is believed that with this pay raise retention rates and recruitment numbers will improve for teachers in the state.

Kemp’s proposed budget is a direct reflection of the state’s current priorities. Excluded from the spending cuts were k-12 schools, most college programs, Medicaid and the agency that builds and maintains roads and bridges; these areas account for more than 75% state spending, says AJC.

This spending includes $346 million for k-12 school projects and $167 million for college construction. Some officials aren’t as thrilled about the governor’s plan, Senator Gloria Butler worries that the plan would cut funding from every state agency and harm Georgia’s progress.

Kemp’s proposal hearings will begin next week.