Duncan to take salary cut amid state spending reductions
Lt. Gov. Geoff Duncan said Wednesday he’ll take a 14% salary cut in the coming year as legislators ask state agencies to slash the same amount from their budgets because of the mounting economic cost of the coronavirus pandemic.
The Republican announced his decision as lawmakers prepare to meet to hash out a state spending plan gutted by the fallout of the disease. The legislative session is expected to resume June 11 after it was suspended in March as the outbreak spread.
“As we work through the budget process ahead of us it will be necessary for everyone to make sacrifices, and I will do my part and take a cut as well,” said Duncan in a statement.
Duncan makes roughly $90,000 a year, meaning his salary cut will cost him about $12,600.
Legislative leaders and Gov. Brian Kemp's budget director sent a memo to state agencies last week asking for plans to cut 14% from their budgets in the coming year.
That will mean cutting more than $3.5 billion, a move that could bring furloughs and layoffs among Georgia's 200,000 teachers and state employees.
“These are difficult times accompanied by a lot of uncertainty, but we are all a team and meaningful savings will come as we work together to make the required adjustments,” Duncan said.
About the Author
Greg Bluestein is the Atlanta Journal Constitution's chief political reporter. He is also an author, TV analyst and co-host of the Politically Georgia podcast.
