Peach Tree Times

State Representative Tangie Herring of Macon has introduced House Bill 333, a legislative proposal aimed at providing inflation relief for Georgia's elementary and secondary educators. The bill mandates annual updates to the state's minimum salary schedule for teachers to reflect inflationary changes.

Rep. Herring highlighted the issue by stating, "The cost of living has risen so dramatically that, even with pay increases, the buying power of a teacher’s base salary is now thousands of dollars less than it was 17 years ago." She emphasized her personal connection to the profession as a former teacher and her commitment to supporting educators: "If we want them to support our kids, we must support them."

Data from the National Education Association places Georgia 20th in average teacher salaries nationwide. Rep. Herring commented on this ranking: “We cannot accept being middle of the pack.” She argued that teachers should enjoy living in a state known both for business and as an excellent place to work.

HB 333 is currently under review by the House Education Committee. Rep. Herring will continue advocating for its passage during the current legislative session.