Peach Tree Times

On May 13, 2024, Governor Brian P. Kemp signed into law Senate Bill 105 (SB 105), a measure aimed at revising the minimum and maximum allowable benefit multiplier for current and future retirees in the Public-School Employees Retirement System (PSERS). This significant development underscores Georgia's commitment to ensuring the financial security and well-being of its dedicated classified public-school employees.

Senator Larry Walker III (R–Perry), the sponsor of SB105, expressed his gratitude for the passage of this critical legislation. He stated, “I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to Governor Brian Kemp, Lt. Governor Burt Jones and my Senate colleagues for their unwavering support of SB 105. This measure represents a crucial step forward in addressing the retirement needs of our valued Public-School Employees.”

SB 105 is designed to support classified employees at Georgia’s public schools by enhancing their retirement benefits. With its enactment, participants in PSERS will see an increase in the multiplier for each year of creditable service, thus increasing their monthly retirement benefit and ensuring greater financial security during their retirement years.

“Georgia school bus drivers, cafeteria workers, custodians, and maintenance workers have too often been overlooked while we have prioritized teacher pay raises and elevating the teaching profession,” Sen. Walker III remarked. “I am proud to have played a part in advancing this legislation, which will provide much-needed support and recognition to the unsung heroes of our K-12 school systems.”

Lisa Morgan, President of the Georgia Association of Educators (GAE) said, “It has been a pleasure to work with Sen. Walker for the last two years on legislation for the betterment of public education.” She added that without Chairman Walker’s bill SB 105 and his leadership, retirement benefits for these employees would have remained permanently capped in state law.

With SB 105 now law, Georgia reaffirms its commitment to prioritizing the well-being and financial security of its public-school workforce. This legislative milestone represents a significant victory for Georgia’s Public-School Employees, ensuring that their contributions are valued and respected.

Sen. Larry Walker serves as Secretary of the Senate Majority Caucus and Chairman of the Senate Committee on Insurance and Labor. He represents Senate District 20 which includes all of Bleckley, Dodge, Dooly, Laurens, Pulaski, Treutlen, and Wilcox Counties and a large portion of Houston County.