ATLANTA (AP) -- Gov. Nathan Deal is pledging to keep the Georgia State Archives open and accessible to the public, though he hasn't said how he plans to pay for it.

Deal made the promise earlier this week as he signed a proclamation declaring it "Archives Month in Georgia." The governor's spokesman, Brian Robinson, confirmed the commitment Thursday. He says Deal hasn't yet started budget meetings to determine where he'll find the money.

Secretary of State Brian Kemp last week announced plans to lay off state workers and give limited, appointment-only access to the archives in Morrow, where Georgia keeps important records dating to its founding in 1733. The changes are to take effect Nov. 1.

Scholars, amateur historians and genealogists have protested the move, which Kemp says was forced by budget cuts.